Honda Accord 1996 User Manual

1996 Accord Coupe Online Reference Owner's Manual

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

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

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

Instruments and Controls.................................................................................................................31

Instrume

Comfort and Convenience Features ...............................................................................................69

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

Before Driving...................................................................................................................................99

What gasoline to use, how to break

Driving ..............................................................................................................................................109

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

Maintenance.....................................................................................................................................129

The Maintenance Schedule shows you when you need to take you

Appearance Care..............................................................................................................................183

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

Taking Care of the Unexpected......................................................................................................191

This section covers several problems motorists sometimes experience, an

Technical Information.....................................................................................................................215

ID numbers, dimensions, capacities, and technical information.

Warranty and Customer Relations (U.S. and Canada)................................................................227

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

Authorized Manuals (U.S. only)......................................................................................................233

How to order manuals and other technical literature.

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

Gas Station Information

Information you need when you pull up to the fuel pump.

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

-in your new vehicle, and how to load luggage and other cargo.

r vehicle to the dealer.

d how to handle them.

Contents

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.

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...... 7

Wearing the Lap Belt.................... 9

Advice for Pregnant Women...... 10

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

Supplemental Restraint System..... 12

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

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

Importan

t Facts About

12

Airbags...................................... 13

How the Driver's Airbag

Works........................................ 14

How the Passenger's Airbag

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

How the SRS Indicator Light

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

System Service.............................

m Service Precautions....... 17

Syste

16

Additional Safety Information........ 18

Seat-back Position........................ 18

Head Restraint Position.............. 18

Door Locks................................... 19

Storing Cargo Safely................... 19

Driving with Pets......................... 19

Child Safety...................................... 20

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

Importan

t Safety Reminders...... 21

20

General Guidelines

for Restraining Children

Under 18 kg (40 Ibs)............... 22

Restraining

an Infant Who Weighs

Less Than 9 kg (20 Ibs).......... 22

Restraining

a Child Who Weighs Between

9 and 18 kg (20 and 40 Ibs)..... 23

Restraining a Child Who Weighs

Over 18 kg (40 Ibs).................. 24

Securing a Child Seat with a

Lap/Shoulder Belt................... 24

Using Child Restraints

with Tethers.............................

g a Child Seat..................... 26

Storin

25

Alcohol and Drugs........................... 27

Carbon Monoxide Hazard.............. 28

Safety Labels....................................

r and Passenger Safety

Drive

29

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 passen-

gers wear seat belts. The other
alerts you to a possible problem with

your supplemental restraint system

(see page 16).

The seats, head restraints, and door

locks also play a role in occupant
safety. For example, reclining the
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 7).
Infants and small children are
properly secured in child safety
seats (see page 20).
Both doors are closed and locked

(see page 19).
Seat-backs are upright and head
restraints are properly adjusted

(see pages 18 and 54).

There are no loose items that

could be thrown around and hurt
someone during a crash or sudden
stop (see page 19).

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 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. They

can even save your life. That is why

many states and all Canadian pro-

vinces 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 20).

A pregnant woman needs to wear a
seat belt to protect herself and her
unborn child (see page 10).

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 34).

The following pages cover more

about the seat belt components and
how they work.

Driver and Passenger Safety

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.

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 24). 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 seat belts 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.

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 18). The front seat
passenger should move the seat as
far back as possible.

CONTINUED

Driver and Passenger Safety

The Seat Belt System and How It Works

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.

Driver and Passenger Safety

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.

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.

The Seat Belt System and How It Works

5. If the shoulder belt crosses your
neck while you are sitting in one of

the outside positions of the rear
seat, you need to adjust your
seating position. 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.

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.

CONTINUED

Driver and Passenger Safety

The Seat Belt System and How It Works

Advice for Pregnant Women

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.

Driver and Passenger Safety

To unlatch the belt, push the red

PRESS button on the buckle.

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.

The Seat Belt System and How It Works

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 188.

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.

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.

Driver and Passenger Safety

SRS Components

Your supplemental restraint system
includes:

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

Sensors that can detect a severe
frontal collision.

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 instru-

ment panel to alert you to a possi-

ble 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 belts 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.

Supplemental Restraint System

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.

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.

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.

Driver and Passenger Safety

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

Driver and Passenger Safety

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.

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.

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.

CONTINUED

Driver and Passenger Safety

Supplemental Restraint System

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.

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.

Driver and Passenger Safety

SRS

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

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.

How the SRS Indicator
Light Works

starts.

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.

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.

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.

Driver and Passenger Safety

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.

Driver and Passenger Safety

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 54.

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 58.

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 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.

For information on loading cargo,
see page 108.

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 ha

s can be secured to the rear seat

nes
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.

Driver and Passenger Safety

rn

ess. This har-

Child Safety

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

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.

Driver and Passenger Safety

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.

Child Safety

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.

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.

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.

For their safety, do not leave
children alone in your car without
adult supervision.

Driver and Passenger Safety

Child Safety

General Guidelines for
Restraining Children Under

18 kg (40

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.

lbs)

Driver and Passenger Safety

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 24.

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 lbs)

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.

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 24).

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.

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

Toddler seats are designed for

children who weigh between 9 and

18

kg

lbs)

(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 24).

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.

Driver and Passenger Safety

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.

Driver and Passenger Safety

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.

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.

Using Child Restraints with
Tethers

111 mm (4.4 in) 306 mm (12.0 in)

310 mm (12.2 in)

Your Honda has three attachment

points for tether-style child seat.

They are located on the rear shelf.

Use the dimensions in the above
illustration to locate the attachment
point you want to use. Cut a 22 mm

(7/8 inch) diameter hole in the rear

shelf.

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

CONTINUED

Driver and Passenger Safety

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.

Driver and Passenger Safety

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.

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 pre­scription and non-prescription medi­cines 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.

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.

Driver and Passenger Safety

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.

Driver and Passenger Safety

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

2. Select the

3. Turn the fan on high speed.

4. Set the temperature control to a
comfortable setting.

button.

mode.

These labels are in the locations

shown. They warn you of potential

hazards that could cause serious

injury. Read these labels carefully
and don't remove them.

If a label comes off or becomes hard
to read, contact your Honda dealer
for a replacement.

BATTERY

Safety Labels

RADIATOR CAP

Driver and Passenger Safety

Instruments and Controls

This section gives information about

the controls and displays that
contribute to the daily operation of

your Honda. All the essential

controls are within easy reach.

Control Locations............................ 32

Indicator Lights................................ 33

Gauges.............................................. 37

Speedometer................................ 37

Tachometer.................................. 37

Odometer...................................... 37

Trip Meter.................................... 37

Temperature Gauge....................

l Gauge...................................

Fue

Maintenanc

Indicator.................................... 38

Controls Near the Steering

Wheel........................................ 39

Headlights.................................... 40

Daytime Running Lights............. 40

Instrument Panel Brightness..... 41

Turn Signals................................. 41

Windshield Wipers...................... 42

Windshield Washers................... 43

Hazard Warning...........................

r Window Defogger.............. 44

Rea

Steering Wheel Adjustment.......

Steerin

Cruise Control.............................. 46

Keys and Locks................................ 49

Keys............................................... 49

Ignition Switch............................. 49

Door Locks................................... 51

e Required

g Wheel Controls................ 46

38
38

43

44

Power Door Locks....................... 51

Trunk............................................ 52

Glove Box.....................................

t Adjustments.............................

Sea

t Seat Adjustments.............. 54

Fron
Driver's Seat Power Height

Adjustment............................... 55

Driver's Seat Power

Adjustment...............................

Driver's

Rear Seat Access.........................

Hea

Folding Rear Seat............................ 59

Power Windows............................... 60

Moonroof.......................................... 61

Mirrors.............................................. 62

Adjusting the Power Mirrors..... 62

Parking Brake..................................

Digita

Beverage Holder.............................. 65

Vanity Mirror................................... 66

Cigarette Lighter............................. 66

Ashtrays............................................ 66

Interior Lights.................................. 67

Ceiling Light................................. 67

Courtesy Lights........................... 68

Lumbar Support............ 57

d Restraints........................... 58

l Clock..................................... 64

Instruments and Controls

53
54

55
57

63

Control Locations

DOOR LOCK

SWITCH

(P.51)

POWER WINDOW

SWITCHES

(P.60)

FUEL FILL
DOOR RELEASE
(P.102)

Instruments and Controls

MIRROR
CONTROLS
(P.62)

TRUNK RELEASE
HANDLE
(P.52)

DIGITAL CLOCK
(P.64)

HOOD RELEASE
HANDLE
(P.103)

HEATING/COOLING
CONTROL
(P.70)

AUDIO SYSTEM
(P.77, 83)

Indicator Lights

The instrument panel has many

indicators to give you important

information about your car.

Lamp Check

Many of the indicator lights come on
when you turn the ignition switch

ON (II), allowing you to see that they
are working. If an indicator does not
light during this test, it cannot alert
you if that system develops a prob­lem. Have the dealer check your car
for burned-out bulbs or other

problems.

* The U.S. instrument panel is

shown. Differences for the Canadian
model are noted in the text.

SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM INDICATOR

PARKING BRAKE AND
BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR*

CHARGING SYSTEM INDICATOR

LOW OIL
PRESSURE
INDICATOR

DOOR AND BRAKE
LAMP MONITOR

MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP

HIGH BEAM INDICATOR

SEAT BELT REMINDER
LIGHT

CRUISE CONTROL
INDICATOR

LOW FUEL
INDICATOR

ANTI-LOCK BRAKE
SYSTEM INDICATOR*

Instruments and Controls

Indicator Lights

Seat Belt Reminder Light

This indicator lights when you turn

the ignition ON (II). It is a reminder
to you and your passengers to
protect yourselves by fastening the
seat belts. A beeper also sounds if

you have not fastened your seat belt.

If you do not fasten your seat belt,
the beeper will stop after a few
seconds but the fight stays on until

you do. Both the light and the beeper

stay off if you fasten your seat belt
before turning on the ignition.

Instruments and Controls

Low Oil Pressure
Indicator

The engine can be severely damaged

if this light flashes or stays on when
the engine is running. For complete
information, see page 204.

Charging System
Indicator

If this light comes on when the
engine is running, the battery is not
being charged. For complete
information, see page 205.

U.S. Canada

BRAKE

Parking Brake
and Brake
Syste

m

Indicato

r

This light has two functions:

1. It lights as a reminder that you
have set the parking brake.
Driving with the parking brake set
can damage the brakes and tires,
and cause the Anti-lock brake
system to turn off (see page 120).

2. It can indicate the brake fluid level
is low if it remains lit after you
release the parking brake or
comes on while driving. This is
normally due to worn brake pads.
Have your dealer check the
braking system for worn pads or
fluid leaks.

Indicator Lights

U.S.

ABS

Canada

Anti-lock Brake System
(ABS) Indicator

Only on cars equipped with ABS (see

page 120)

This light normally comes on when

you turn the ignition ON (II) and
goes off after the engine starts. If it
comes on at any other time, there is
a problem in the ABS. If this happens,
take the car to your dealer to have it
checked. With the light on, your car
still has normal braking ability but no
anti-lock.

SRS

Supplemental Restraint
System Indicator

See page 16.

Malfunction Indicator
Lamp

See page 206.

Door and Brake Lamp Monitor

The appropriate light comes on in
this display if the trunk or either
door is not closed tightly. If a brake
light does not work, the BRAKE

LAMP indicator comes on when you
push the brake pedal with the
ignition switch ON (II).
A burned out brake light is a hazard
when drivers behind you cannot tell
you are braking. Have your brake
lights repaired right away.
All the lights in the monitor display
come on for a few seconds when you
turn the ignition switch ON (II).

Instruments and Controls

Indicator Lights

Turn Signal and
Hazard Warning
Indicators

The left or right turn signal light

blinks when you signal a lane change
or turn. If the light does not blink or
blinks rapidly, it usually means one
of the turn signal bulbs is burned out

(see page 172). Replace the bulb as
soon as possible, since other drivers
cannot see that you are signalling.

When you turn on the Hazard
Warning switch, both turn signal

lights blink. All turn signals on the
outside of the car should flash.

Instruments and Controls

DRL

"Daytime Running
Lights" Indicator

Canadian models only

This indicator lights when you turn

the ignition to ON (II) with the
headlight switch off and the parking
brake set. It should go off if you turn
on the headlights or release the
parking brake. If it comes on at any

other time, it means there is a
problem with the DRL. There may
also be a problem with the high
beam headlights.

High Beam Indicator

This light comes on with the high
beam headlights. See page 40 for
information on the headlight
controls.

CRUISE

CONTROL

Cruise Control Indicator

This lights when you set the cruise
control. See page 46 for information
on operating the cruise control.

Low Fuel Indicator

This light comes on as a reminder
that you must refuel soon.

Gauges

TEMPERATURE
GAUGE

TACHOMETER

MAINTENANCE
REQUIRED INDICATOR

ODOMETER

Speedometer

U.S. Models

This shows your speed in miles per

hour (mph). The smaller inner
numbers are the speed in kilometers
per hour (km/h).

Canadian Models

This shows your speed in kilometers

per hour (km/h). The smaller inner
numbers are the speed in miles per
hour (mph).

SPEEDOMETER

TRIP METER

TRIP METER
RESET BUTTON

FUEL GAUGE

Tachometer

The tachometer shows the engine

speed in revolutions per minute

(rpm). To protect the engine from
damage, never drive with the
tachometer needle in the red zone.

Odometer

The odometer shows the total dis-

tance your car has been driven. It
measures miles in U.S. models and
kilometers in Canadian models.
It is illegal under federal law (in the
U.S.) and provincial regulations (in
Canada) to disconnect, reset, or alter
the odometer with the intent to
change the number of miles or

kilometers indicated.

Trip Meter

This meter shows the number of

miles (U.S.) or kilometers (Canada)
driven since you last reset it. To
reset it, push the trip meter reset
button.

Instruments and Controls

Gauges

Temperature Gauge

This shows the temperature of the
engine's coolant. During normal

operation, the pointer should rise

from the bottom white mark to about

the middle of the gauge. In severe
driving conditions, such as very hot

weather or a long period of uphill

driving, the pointer may rise to the

upper white mark. If it reaches the

red "H" (Hot) mark, pull safely to

the side of the road. Turn to page

202 for instructions and precautions

on checking the engine's cooling
system.

Fuel Gauge

This shows how much fuel you have.

It is most accurate when the car is on

level ground. It may show slightly
more or less than the actual amount
when you are driving on curvy or
hilly roads.

Instruments and Controls

The gauge stays at the same fuel
level reading after you turn off the
ignition. When you add fuel, the
gauge slowly changes to the new

reading after you turn the ignition

back ON (II).

Maintenance Required Indicator

This indicator reminds you that it is

nearing 12,000 km (7,500 miles)
since the last scheduled maintenance.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules

for Normal and Severe driving

conditions on page 132.

INDICATOR

SLOT

When the distance driven since the
last scheduled maintenance nears

12,000 km (7,500 miles), the
indicator will turn yellow. If you
exceed 12,000 km (7,500 miles), the
indicator will turn red.
Your dealer will reset the indicator
when he performs the scheduled
maintenance. If someone else
performs the maintenance, reset the
indicator by inserting your key in the
slot below the indicator.

Controls Near the Steering Wheel

The two levers on the steering

column contain controls for driving
features you use most often. The left
lever controls the turn signals,
headlights, and high beams. The
right lever controls the windshield
wipers.

The rear window defogger switch is

on the dashboard to the right of the
steering column.

The controls under the left air vent

are for the moonroof, cruise control
and instrument panel brightness.

The lever on the underside of the

steering column allows you to tilt the
steering wheel

INSTRUMENT PANEL
BRIGHTNESS

MOONROOF

CRUISE
CONTROL

HEADLIGHTS/
TURN SIGNALS

TILT ADJUSTMENT HORN

REAR WINDOW
DEFOGGER

WINDSHIELD
WIPERS/WASHERS

HAZARD WARNING

Instruments and Controls

Controls Near the Steering Wheel

Headlights

The rotating switch on the left lever

controls the lights. Turning this

switch to the first position
turns on the parking lights, taillights,
instrument panel lights, side-marker
lights, and rear license plate lights.
Turning the switch to the second
position turns on the
headlights.

Instruments and Controls

If you leave the lights on with the
ignition switch in ACCESSORY (I)
or LOCK (0), you will hear a
reminder chime when you open the
driver's door.

To change between low beams and
high beams, pull back on the turn
signal lever until you hear a click,
then let go. The blue high beam
indicator will light (see page 36).

To flash the high beams, pull back

and hold the turn signal lever.
Release the lever and the high
beams will go off.

The high beams will stay on for as

long as you hold the lever, no matter
what position the headlight switch is
in.

Daytime Running Lights

(Canadian Models)

With the headlight switch off, the
high beam headlights come on with
reduced brightness when you turn
the ignition switch to ON (II) and
release the parking brake. They
remain on until you turn the ignition

off, even if you set the parking brake.

The headlights revert to normal

operation when you turn them on
with the switch.

Controls Near the Steering Wheel

Instrument Panel Brightness

The knob on the dashboard to the
left of the instrument panel controls
the brightness of the instrument
panel lights. Push the knob to get it
to pop out. Turn the knob to adjust
the brightness.

Turn Signals

TURN SIGNAL LEVER

Signal a turn or lane change with this
lever. Push down on the lever to
signal a left turn, and up to signal a
right turn. If you push it up or down

all the way, the turn signal continues
to blink even when you release the
lever. It shuts off automatically as
you complete the turn.

To signal a lane change, push lightly
on the turn signal lever in the proper
direction and hold it. The lever will
return to the center position as soon
as you release it.

Instruments and Controls

Controls Near the Steering Wheel

Windshield Wipers

The right lever controls the wind-

shield wipers and washers. The
rotary switch at the end of the lever
has three positions:

INT: intermittent

: low speed
: high speed

Instruments and Controls

In intermittent, the wipers operate
every few seconds. In low speed and
high speed, the wipers run continu­ously.

To operate the wipers in mist mode,
push the control lever down. The
wipers run at high speed until you
release the lever. This gives you a
quick way to clear the windshield.

Controls Near the Steering Wheel

On LX and EX models in the U.S., and

EX-R model in Canada

In intermittent, the wipers operate
every few seconds. You can adjust
this delay by turning the INT TIME
ring on the lever. This allows you to
vary how often the windshield
wipers sweep when driving in light
rain or snow. In low speed and high

speed, the wipers run continuously.

Windshield Washers

To clean the windshield, pull back on

the wiper control lever. The washers

spray until you release the lever. The

wipers run at low speed while you're

pulling the lever, then complete one
more sweep of the windshield after

you release it.

Hazard Warning

Push the red button to the left of the
clock to turn on the hazard warning
lights (four-way flashers). This
causes all four outside turn signals

and both indicators in the instrument
panel to flash. Use the hazard
warning lights if you need to park in
a dangerous area near heavy traffic,
or if your car is disabled.

Instruments and Controls

Controls Near the Steering Wheel

Rear Window Defogger

The rear window defogger will clear

fog, frost, and thin ice from the

window. Push the defogger button to

turn it on and off. The light in the
button lights to show the defogger is
on. If you dp not turn it off, the
defogger will shut itself off after
about 25 minutes. It also shuts off

when you turn off the ignition. You

have to turn it on again when you
restart the car.

Instruments and Controls

Make sure the rear window is clear
and you have good visibility before
starting to drive.

The defogger wires on the inside of

the rear window can be accidentally
damaged. When cleaning the glass,
always wipe side to side.

Steering Wheel Adjustment

You can adjust the steering wheel

height to suit your preference. Do

this before you begin driving.

Adjusting the steering wheel
position while driving may
cause you to lose control of the
car and be seriously injured in a
crash.

Adjust the steering wheel only
when the car is stopped.

1. Adjust the seat so you are a
comfortable distance from the
pedals.

2. The lever to tilt the steering wheel
is under the steering column to
the left Push this lever all the way
down.

Controls Near the Steering Wheel

3. Move the steering wheel up or
down to the desired position.
Position the wheel so you can see
all the instrument panel gauges
and warning lights. Push the lever
up to lock the steering wheel in
that position.

4. Make sure you have securely
locked the steering wheel in place
by trying to move it up and down.

Instruments and Controls

Steering Wheel Controls

Cruise Control

Cruise control allows you to maintain
a set speed above 25 mph (40 km/h)
without keeping your foot on the

accelerator pedal. It is for cruising on

straight, open highways. It is not
recommended for conditions such as
city driving, winding roads, slippery
roads, heavy rain, or bad weather.
You should have full control of the

car under those conditions.

Instruments and Controls

Improper use of the cruise
control can lead to a crash.

Use the cruise control only
when traveling on open
highways in good weather.

NOTICE

The cruise control, as it operates,
moves the accelerator pedal. You
can damage your car's accelerator
mechanism by resting your foot

under the pedal and blocking the

movement.

Using the Cruise Control

CRUISE CONTROL MASTER SWITCH

1. Push in the Cruise Control Master
Switch to the left of the steering
column. The indicator in the
switch will light.

2. Accelerate to the desired cruising
speed above 25 mph (40 km/h).

Steering Wheel Controls

RESUME/
accel

SET/decel

3. Press and hold the SET/decel
button on the steering wheel until

the CRUISE CONTROL light next
to the speedometer comes on.

This shows the system is now

activated.

The set speed may vary slightly,

particularly on hills.

Changing the Set Speed

You can increase the set cruising

speed in either of two ways:

Press and hold the RESUME/
accel button. The car will acceler­ate slowly. When you reach the
desired cruising speed, release the
button.

Push on the accelerator pedal. Ac­celerate to the desired cruising
speed and press the SET/decel
button.

You can decrease the set cruising

speed in either of two ways:

Press and hold the SET/decel
button. The car will decelerate.
Release the button when you
reach the desired speed.

Tap the brake or clutch pedal
lightly with your foot. The
CRUISE CONTROL light on the
instrument panel will go out.
When the car slows to the desired
speed, press the SET/decel button.
The car will then maintain the
desired speed.

CONTINUED

Instruments and Controls

Steering Wheel Controls

Even with the cruise control turned

on, you can still use the accelerator

pedal to speed up for passing. After

completing the pass, take your foot
off the accelerator pedal. The car

will return to the set cruising speed.

Resting your foot on the brake or
clutch pedal will cause the cruise
control to cancel.

Instruments and Controls

Cancelling the Cruise Control

Any of these actions cause the cruise

control to cancel.

Tap the brake or clutch pedal.

Press the SET/decel and RE­SUME/accel buttons at the same
time.

Press the Cruise Control Master
Switch.

When you tap the brake or clutch

pedal, or press the SET and RE­SUME buttons at the same time, the
CRUISE CONTROL light on the
instrument panel will go out and the
car will begin to slow down. You can
use the accelerator pedal in the
normal way.

If you use the brake or clutch pedal
to cancel cruise control, the system
retains the previously-set cruising

speed. To return to that speed, ac­celerate to above 25 mph (40 km/h)
and press the RESUME/accel button
until the CRUISE CONTROL light
comes on. The car will accelerate to
the same cruising speed as before.

If you cancel cruise control by
pressing the SET and RESUME
buttons at the same time, the
previously-set cruising speed is

erased. To use the cruise control,
accelerate to the desired cruising
speed and press the SET/decel
button.

Pressing the Cruise Control Master
Switch turns the system completely
off and erases the previous cruising
speed from memory. To use the
system again, refer to

Cruise

Control

Using the

Keys and Locks

Keys

KEY
NUMBER
PLATE

VALET
KEY

MASTER
KEY

Your car comes with two kinds of

keys: a master key and a valet key.

The master key fits all the locks on

your car:

Ignition

Doors
Trunk
Trunk release handle

Rear seat trunk access

Glove box

The valet key only works the ignition

and the door locks. You can keep the
trunk, trunk release handle, rear seat
trunk access and glove box locked
when you leave your car and valet
key at a parking facility.

You should have received a key

number plate with your set of keys.

You will need this key number if you

ever have to replace a lost key. Store
this plate in a safe place.

When replacing keys, use only

Honda-approved key blanks.

Ignition Switch

The ignition switch is on the right

side of the steering column. It has
four positions: LOCK (0), ACCES­SORY (I), ON (II), and START (III).

CONTINUED

Instruments and Controls

Keys and Locks

LOCK (0) — You can insert or

remove the key only in this position.
When you turn the key from LOCK
to ACCESSORY, you may have to
turn the steering wheel to release
the anti-theft lock. To switch from
ACCESSORY to LOCK, you must

push the key in slightly as you turn it.

If your car has an automatic trans­mission, it must also be in Park. The

anti-theft lock will lock the steering

column when you remove the key.

Instruments and Controls

Removing the key from the
ignition switch while driving
locks the steering. This can

cause you to lose control.

Remove the key from the
ignition switch only when

parked.

ACCESSORY (I) — In this position,

you can operate the audio system
and cigarette lighter.

ON (II) — This is the normal key
position when driving. All features
and accessories on the car are usable.
Several of the lights on the instru-

ment panel come on as a test when
you turn the ignition switch from
ACCESSORY to ON (see page 33).

START (III) — Use this position

only to start the engine. The switch

returns to ON when you let go of the
key.

You will hear a reminder beeper if
you open the driver's door with the
key in the LOCK or ACCESSORY
position. Remove the key to turn it

off.

Keys and Locks

Door Locks

LOCK TAB

Each door has a lock tab next to the
inside door handle. Push the tab in to
lock the door and pull it out to unlock.

To lock the passenger's door when

getting out of the car, push the lock
tab in and close the door. To lock the
driver's door, pull the door handle
and push the lock tab in. Release the
handle then close the door.

The doors can also be locked and

unlocked from the outside with the
key.

Power Door Locks

MASTER DOOR LOCK SWITCH

LX and EX models in the U.S. and EX-R

model in Canada

Each door has a master door lock

switch. Either switch locks and
unlocks both doors. Push the switch
down to lock and up to unlock.

CONTINUED

Instruments and Controls

Keys and Locks

To lock the passenger's door when
getting out of the car, push the lock
tab in and close the door. To lock the
driver's door, pull the outside door
handle and push the lock tab in or
push the master switch down.
Release the handle, then close the
door.

Both doors can be locked from the

outside by using the key in either

door.
To unlock only the driver's door
from the outside, turn the key and
release it. If you turn the key and
hold it, both doors will unlock. Both

doors will unlock when you unlock
the passenger's door with the key.

Instruments and Controls

Trunk

TRUNK RELEASE HANDLE

You can open the trunk in two ways:

Pull the trunk release handle to

the left of the driver's seat

Use the master key to open the
trunk lock. The valet key does not
work in this lock.

MASTER KEY

To close the trunk, press down on
the trunk lid.

See page 108 for cargo loading and
weight limit information. Keep the
trunk lid closed at all times while
driving to avoid damaging the lid and
getting exhaust gas in the interior.
See Carbon Monoxide Hazard on
page 28.

Glove Box

Keys and Locks

An open glove box can cause
serious injury to your passenger
in a crash, even if the
passenger is wearing the seat
belt.

Always keep the glove box
closed while driving.

MASTER KEY

To protect items in the trunk when
you need to give the key to someone

else:

1. Lock the trunk release handle
with the master key.

2. Give the person the valet key.

GLOVE BOX

Open the glove box by pulling the
bottom of the handle. Close it with a
firm push. Lock or unlock the glove
box with the master key.

The glove box light comes on only
when the instrument panel lights are

on.

Instruments and Controls

Seat Adjustments

Front Seat Adjustments

Reclining the seat-back can
decrease the protection you get
from your seat belt in a crash.

You can slide under the seat

belt and be seriously injured.
Adjust the seat-back to an

upright position and sit well
back in the seat.

Adjust the seat before you start

driving.

To adjust the seat forward and

backward, pull up on the lever under
the seat cushion's front edge. Move
the seat to the desired position and
release the lever. Try to move the
seat to make sure it is locked in
position.

Instruments and Controls

To change the angle of the seat-back,

pull up on the lever on the outside of
the seat bottom. Move the seat-back
to the desired position and release
the lever. Let the seat-back latch in
the new position.

Seat Adjustments

Driver's Seat Power Height

Adjustment

On EX model in the U.S., and EX-R

model in Canada

The height of your driver's seat is
power adjustable. Pull up on the

switch to raise the seat Push it down

to lower the seat.

Driver's Seat Power Adjustments

Optional on EX model in the U.S.

The long horizontal switch adjusts
the seat bottom in several directions.
The short vertical switch adjusts the

seat-back angle.
Push the horizontal switch forward
or backward to adjust the distance to

the steering wheel and pedals.

Pull up or push down on the front of
the switch to move the seat bottom's
front edge up or down. Pull up or
push down on the rear of the switch
to move the rear of the seat bottom
up or down.

CONTINUED

Instruments and Controls

Seat Adjustments

Reclining the seat-back can
decrease the protection you get

from your seat belt in a crash.
You can slide under the seat

belt and be seriously injured.
Adjust the seat-back to an

upright position and sit well
back in the seat.

Pull the center of the horizontal
switch up to raise the seat. Push it
down to lower the seat.

Instruments and Controls

Adjust the seat-back angle by

pushing the rear switch in the

direction you want to move.

Seat Adjustments

Driver's Lumbar Support

On EX model in the U.S., and EX-R

model in Canada

Vary the lumbar support by moving
the lever on the right side of the
seat-back. Pivot the lever forward
until it stops, then let it return. Doing
this several times adjusts the lumbar
support through its full range.

Rear Seat Access

To get into the back seat on the

driver's side, pull up on the seat-back

adjustment lever.

On the EX model with the optional

power seat

Pull up on the release lever on the
side of the seat-back.

To get into the back seat on the
passenger's side, pull up on the
release lever on the side of the seat­back, and pull the seat-back forward.
The seat-back and seat bottom will
both move forward to allow easier
entry to the back seat. After you
return the seat-back to the upright
position, push the whole seat
backwards until it latches. Make

sure the seat is fully latched before

sitting in it.

Instruments and Controls

Seat Adjustments

Head Restraints

The front head restraints help
protect you and your passenger from
whiplash and other injuries. They are
most effective when you adjust them

so the top of the restraint is even

with the top of your ears.

Instruments and Controls

RELEASE BUTTON

The front head restraints adjust for
height. You need both hands to

adjust the restraint. Do not attempt
to adjust it while driving. To raise it,
pull upward. To lower the restraint,

push the release button and push the

restraint down.

To remove a head restraint for

cleaning or repair, pull it up as far as
it will go. Push the release button
and pull the restraint out of the seat­back.

Driving your car without head

restraints can lead to serious
injury to you and your
passenger in a crash.

Make sure the head restraints
are in place and adjusted

properly before driving.

Folding Rear Seat

MASTER KEY

The back of the rear seat folds down,

giving you direct access to the trunk.

The seat-back can be released from

inside the car or inside the trunk.

To fold down the seat-back from

inside the car, insert the master key
in the lock on the rear shelf. Turn
the key clockwise, pull down the top
of the seat-back, then release the

key.

Pull

To release the seat-back from inside

the trunk, pull the release under the
rear shelf.

To lock the seat-back upright, push it

firmly against the rear shelf. Make
sure it is latched in place by pulling
on the top of the seat.

Make sure both rear shoulder belts
are positioned in front of the rear

seat-back whenever the seat-back is

in its upright position.
Make sure all items in the trunk, or

items extending through the opening
into the back seat, are tied down.
Loose items can fly forward and
cause injury if you have to brake
hard. See Loading Cargo on page

108.

Never drive with the seat-back
folded down and the trunk lid open.
See Carbon Monoxide Hazard on
page 28.

Instruments and Controls

Power Windows

On LX and EX models in the U.S., and

EX-R model in Canada

Your car's windows are electrically­powered. Turn the ignition switch to
ON (II) to raise or lower any window.

Each door has a switch that controls
its window. To open the window,
push the switch down and hold it.
Release the switch when you want
the window to stop. Close the
window by pushing the switch up
and holding it.

Instruments and Controls

MAIN SWITCH

DRIVER'S WINDOW SWITCH

The driver's door has a master

power window control panel. To

open the passenger's window, push

down on the switch and hold it down
until the window reaches the desired
position. To close the window, push
up on the window switch. Release
the switch when the window gets to
the position you want.

The master control panel also con­tains these extra features:

AUTO — To open the driver's

window fully, push the window
switch firmly down and release it.

The window automatically goes all

the way down. To stop the window
from going all the way down, push
the window switch up briefly.

To open the driver's window only

partially, push the window switch
down lightly and hold it. The window

will stop as soon as you release the

switch.

The AUTO function only works to
lower the driver's window. To raise

the window, you must push the
window switch up and hold it until
the window reaches the desired
position.

Power Windows, Moonroof

The MAIN switch controls power to

the passenger's window. With this

switch off, the passenger's window
cannot be raised or lowered. The
MAIN switch does not affect the
driver's window. Keep the MAIN
switch off when you have children in
the car so they do not injure
themselves by operating the
windows unintentionally.

The power window system has a key-

off delay function. The windows will
still operate for up to ten minutes
after you turn off the ignition.
Opening either front door cancels
the delay function. You must turn
the ignition ON (II) again before you
can raise or lower the windows.

Closing a power window on a
child's hands or fingers can
cause serious injury.

Make sure your children are
away from the windows before
closing them.

Moonroof

MOONROOF SWITCH

On EX model in the U.S., and EX-R

model in Canada

Use the switch on the dashboard to

open and close the moonroof. The
ignition must be ON (II). Push and
hold the switch to open the
moonroof. Release the switch when
the moonroof reaches the desired
position. To close the moonroof,
press and hold the switch.

CONTINUED

Instruments and Controls

Moonroof, Mirrors

The moonroof has a key-off delay.

You can still open and close the
moonroof for up to ten minutes after
you turn off the ignition. The key-off

delay cancels as soon as you open
either front door. You must then
turn the ignition ON (II) for the
moonroof to operate.

Closing the moonroof on
someone's hands or fingers can
cause serious injury.

Make sure passengers are
clear of the moonroof before
closing it.

NOTICE

If you try to open the moonroof in
below-freezing temperatures, or when
it is covered with snow or ice, you can
damage the moonroof panel or motor.

Instruments and Controls

Mirrors

TAB

Keep the inside and outside mirrors
clean and adjusted for best visibility.
Be sure to adjust the mirrors before
you start driving.

The inside mirror has day and night

positions. The night position reduces
glare from headlights behind you.
Flip the tab on the bottom edge of
the mirror to select the day or night
position.

Adjusting the Power Mirrors

SELECTOR SWITCH

On some models

Adjust the outside mirrors with the

adjustment switch on the driver's
door armrest:

1. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).

2. Move the selector switch to L
(driver's side) or R (passenger's
side).

Mirrors, Parking Brake

ADJUSTMENT SWITCH

3. Push the appropriate edge of the
adjustment switch to move the
mirror right, left, up or down.

4. When you finish, move the

selector switch to the center (off)
position. This turns off the
adjustment switch so you can't
move a mirror out of position by
accidentally bumping the switch.

Parking Brake

PARKING BRAKE LEVER

To apply the parking brake, pull the
lever up fully. To release it, pull up

slightly, push the button, and lower
the lever. The parking brake light on
the instrument panel should go out
when the parking brake is fully
released (see page 34). If you try to
drive the car without releasing the
parking brake, the ABS cannot work
properly.

NOTICE

Driving the car with the parking brake
applied can damage the rear brakes
and axles.

Instruments and Controls

Digital Clock

The digital clock displays the time

with the ignition switch ON (II). To
see the time with the ignition off,
press and hold the wide button
under the clock.

Instruments and Controls

M

H

RESET

To set the clock:

1. Turn the ignition switch ON (II) to
display the time.

2. Swing down the front cover of the
wide button under the clock

display. You will see H, M, and
RESET buttons.

3. Press and hold the H button until
the hour advances to the desired

time.

4. Press and hold the M button until
the numbers advance to the
desired time.

You can use the RESET button to
quickly set the time to the nearest
hour. If the displayed time is before
the half hour, pressing the RESET
button sets the clock back to the
previous hour. If the displayed time
is after the half hour, pressing the
RESET button sets the clock for­ward to the beginning of the next
hour.

For example:

1:06 would RESET to 1:00.
1:52 would RESET to 2:00.

Beverage Holder

Beverage Holder

Push

On some models

To open the beverage holder, push

on the top. It is spring-loaded and will
swing open. To close it, push it down
until it latches.

The inner liner can be removed if
you want to hold a larger cup.

Be careful when you are using the
beverage holder. A spilled liquid that
is very hot can scald you or your
passenger. Spilled liquids can also
damage the upholstery, carpeting,
and electrical components in the
interior.

Use the beverage holder only when
the car is parked. If you place cups in
the holder while driving, the liquid
may spill when you go over bumps or
around corners.

Instruments and Controls

Vanity Mirror, Cigarette Lighter, Ashtrays

Vanity Mirror

Some models have lighted vanity
mirrors.

The light beside the mirror comes
on only when the light switch is
turned on.

Instruments and Controls

Cigarette Lighter

CIGARETTE LIGHTER

The ignition switch must be in
ACCESSORY (I) or ON (II) for the
cigarette lighter to work. To heat up
the lighter, push it in. It will pop out
when it is ready for use. Do not hold
the lighter in while it is heating up,
you could cause it to overheat.

Ashtrays

ASHTRAY

Open the front ashtray by swinging
the lid down. To remove it for
emptying, open the lid then pull the
ashtray straight outward.

Ashtrays, Interior Lights

ASHTRAY

The rear ashtray is at the rear end of
the center console. Open the ashtray
by swinging the upper edge of the lid
down. To remove the ashtray for
emptying, open it then lift up and out.

NOTICE

Use the ashtray only for cigarettes,
cigars and other smoking materials. To

prevent a possible fire and damage to

your car, don't put paper or other

things that can burn in the ashtray.

Ceiling Light

OFF

ON

DOOR ACTIVATED

The ceiling light has a three-position

switch. In the OFF position, the light
does not come on. In the center
position, the ceiling light comes on
when you open either door. In the

ON position, the ceiling light stays
on continuously.

CONTINUED

Instruments and Controls

Interior Lights

Courtesy Lights

IGNITION SWITCH LIGHT

DOOR LIGHT

On LX and EX models in the U.S., and

EX-R model in Canada

Turn on the spotlight by pushing the
button next to each light. Push the
button again to turn it off. You can
use the spotlights at all times.

Instruments and Controls

On some models

The ignition switch light comes on
when you open the driver's door and

stays on several seconds after you
close the door.

The door light comes on when you

open the door and goes off when you
close the door.

The heating and air conditioning*

systems in your Honda provide a
comfortable driving environment in
all weather conditions.

* Air conditioning is optional on

Canadian LX model.

The audio system that is standard

equipment on some models has
many features. This section de­scribes those features and how to
use them. (If you selected an
optional audio system, refer to the
operating instructions that came
with it.)

Comfort and Convenience Features

Heating and Cooling........................

t Each Control Does............ 70

Wha

How to Use the System............... 72

Ventilation................................ 73

To Cool with A/C....................

o Heat..................................... 75

T
To Heat and Dehumidify

with Air Conditioning.......... 75

To Defog and Defrost............. 75

To Turn Everything Off............. 76

Audio System (Canadian LX).......... 77

AM/FM/Cassette Stereo

Audio System........................... 77

Operating the Radio.................... 78

Adjusting the Sound.................... 80

Operating the Cassette Player... 81

Tape Search Functions............... 82

Audio System (Except

Canadian LX)........................... 83

AM/FM/Cassette Stereo

Audio System........................... 83

Operating the Radio.................... 84

Adjusting the Sound.................... 87

Radio Frequencies....................... 88

Radio Reception........................... 88

Operating the Cassette Player...

70

74

90

g for the Cassette Player... 92

Carin

Operating the Optional CD........ 93

Protecting Conpact Discs........... 95

CD Error Indications................... 96

Theft Protection........................... 97

Comfort and Convenience Features

Heating and Cooling

Proper use of the Heating and
Cooling system can make the

interior dry and comfortable, and
keep the windows clear for best
visibility.

If your vehicle does not have air

conditioning, it can be installed at

any time. Your dealer will install a

Genuine Honda air conditioning

system that meets Honda's high

quality standards and is designed to

exactly fit your vehicle. Please

contact your dealer for more

information.

What Each Control Does

Fan Control Dial

Turning this dial clockwise increases

the fan's speed, which increases air

flow.

Temperature Control Dial

Turning this dial clockwise increases

the temperature of the air flow.

Comfort and Convenience Features

FRESH AIR/RECIRCULATION
BUTTON

FAN CONTROL
DIAL

TEMPERATURE
CONTROL DIAL

Air Conditioning (A/C) Button

This button turns the air condi-

tioning ON and OFF. The indicator
above the button lights when the

A/C is on.

AIR CONDITIONING
BUTTON

MODE BUTTONS

Fresh Air/Recirculation Button

This button controls the source of
the air going into the system. When

you select the side, air is
brought in from outside the vehicle

(Fresh Air mode). When you select

the side, air from the vehicle's
interior is sent through the system
again (Recirculation mode). The
indicator light shows which mode is
selected.

Mode Buttons

These buttons let you select which
vents the air flows from.

Air flows from the center

and corner vents in the dashboard.

Air flow is divided between
the vents in the dashboard and the
floor vents.

Air flows from the floor

vents.

Air flow is divided between
the floor vents and the defroster

vents at the base of the windshield.

Air flows from the defroster
vents at the base of the windshield.

Heating and Cooling

Comfort and Convenience Features

Heating and Cooling

Vent Controls

CENTER VENT

You can adjust the direction of the

air coming from the dashboard vents

by moving the tab in the center of

each vent up-and-down and side-to­side.

Comfort and Convenience Features

SIDE VENT

The vents in the corners of the

dashboard can be opened and closed

with the dials next to them.

How to Use the System

This section covers how to set up the

system controls for ventilation,

heating, cooling, dehumidifying, and

defrosting.

The engine must be running for the

heater and air conditioning to
generate hot and cold air. The heater
uses engine coolant to warm the air.

If the engine is cold, it will be several
minutes before you feel warm air
coming from the system.
The air conditioning does not rely on

engine temperature.

Heating and Cooling

It is best to leave the system in

mode under almost all

conditions. Keeping the system in

mode, particularly with the

A/C off, can cause the windows to

fog up. Switch to mode when
you are driving through smoky or
dusty conditions, then switch back to

mode when the condition

clears.

The outside air intakes for the

heating and cooling system are at
the base of the windshield. Keep
these clear of leaves and other
debris.

FRESH AIR/RECIRCULATION
BUTTON

FAN CONTROL
DIAL

Ventilation

TEMPERATURE
CONTROL DIAL

The flow-through ventilation system

draws in outside air, circulates it
through the interior, then exhausts it
through vents near the rear window.

AIR CONDITIONING
BUTTON

MODE BUTTONS

1. Turn the temperature control dial

all the way to the left.
Make sure the A/C is off.

2. Select and

3. Set the fan to the desired speed.

CONTINUED

Comfort and Convenience Features

Heating and Cooling

To Cool with A/C

1. Turn on the A/C by pressing the
button. The light above the button

should come on.

2. Make sure the temperature
control dial is all the way to the left.

3. Select and

4. Set the fan to the desired speed.

If the interior is very warm from
being parked in the sun, you can cool
it down more rapidly by setting up
the controls this way:

1. Start the engine.

2. Turn on the A/C by pressing the
button. Make sure the tempera­ture control dial is all the way to
the left

3. Set the fan to maximum speed.

4. Open the windows partially. Select

and

Comfort and Convenience Features

FRESH AIR/RECIRCULATION
BUTTON

FAN CONTROL
DIAL

TEMPERATURE
CONTROL DIAL

When the interior has cooled down

to a more comfortable temperature,
close the windows and set the
controls as described for normal
cooling.

AIR CONDITIONING
BUTTON

MODE BUTTONS

Air conditioning places an extra load

on the engine. Watch the engine
coolant temperature gauge (see page

38) when driving in stop-and-go

traffic or climbing a long, steep hill.

If it moves near the red zone, turn
off the A/C until the gauge reads

normally.

Heating and Cooling

To Heat

To warm the interior.

1. Start the engine.

2. Select

and

3. Set the fan to the desired speed.

4. Adjust the warmth of the air with
the temperature control dial

To Heat and Dehumidify with Air

Conditioning

Air conditioning, as it cools, removes

moisture from the air. When used in
combination with the heater, it
makes the interior warm and dry.

1. Switch the fan on.

2. Turn on the air conditioning.

3. Select and

4. Adjust the temperature control
dial so the mixture of heated and
cooled air feels comfortable.

This setting is suitable for all driving

conditions whenever the outside

temperature is above 32°F (0°C).

To Defog and Defrost

To remove fog from the inside of the

windows:

1. Switch the fan on.

2. Turn on the air conditioning.

3. Select and

4. Adjust the temperature control
dial so the air flow from the
defroster vents feels warm.

5. Turn on the rear window defogger

to help clear the rear window.

CONTINUED

Comfort and Convenience Features

Heating and Cooling

To remove exterior frost or ice from
the windshield and side windows

after the car has been sitting out in

cold weather:

1. Start the engine.

2. Select

and

3. Switch the tan and temperature
controls to maximum.

To rapidly remove exterior frost or

ice from the windshield (on very cold
days), first select Once the
windshield is clear, select to

avoid fogging the windows.

Comfort and Convenience Features

These settings direct all the air flow

to the defroster vents at the base of
the windshield and the side window

defroster vents. The air flow will get

warmer and clear the windows faster

as the engine warms up. You can
close the side vents with the dial

beside each vent. This will send

more warm air to the windshield
defroster vents.

For safety, make sure you have a
clear view through all the windows

before driving away.

To Turn Everything Off

To shut off the system temporarily,

turn the fan speed and temperature
control dial all the way to the left.

You should shut the system com­pletely off only for the first few
minutes of driving in cold weather,
until the engine coolant warms up
enough to operate the heater. Keep
the fan on at all other times so stale
air does not build up in the interior.

Audio System

AM/FM/Cassette Stereo Audio

System

For Canadian LX model only

Your Honda's audio system provides
clear reception on both AM and FM
bands, while the preset buttons allow
you to easily select your favorite

stations.

The cassette player features auto­reverse for continuous play.

SW-VOL/BAL KNOB

AM/FM BUTTON

TUNE/SEEK BAR

PRESET BUTTONS

Comfort and Convenience Features

Audio System

Operating the Radio

The ignition switch must be in

ACCESSORY (I) or ON (II) to
operate the audio system. Turn the
system on by pushing the SW-VOL/
BALknob.

Adjust the volume by turning the

SW-VOL/BAL knob.

The band and frequency that the

radio was last tuned to is displayed.

To change bands, press the AM/FM

button. On the FM band, ST will be

displayed if the station is broadcast­ing fa stereo. Stereo reproduction on

AM is not available.

Comfort and Convenience Features

SW-VOL/BAL KNOB

STEREO INDICATOR

AM/FM BUTTON

TUNE/SEEK BAR

PRESET BUTTONS

Audio System

You can use any of three methods to

find radio stations on the selected
band: TUNE, SEEK, or the Preset
buttons.

TUNE — Use the TUNE/SEEK bar

to tune the radio to a desired
frequency. Press the upper part

( ) to tune to a higher frequency,
or the lower part ( ) to tune to a
lower frequency. The frequency
numbers will start to change rapidly.
Release the bar when the display
reaches the desired frequency. To
change the frequency in small
increments, press and release the

TUNE/SEEK bar quickly.

SEEK — The SEEK function
searches the band for a station with
a strong signal. To activate it, press
the TUNE/SEEK bar until you hear
a beep, then release it. Depending on
which part of the bar you pressed,
the system scans upward or down­ward from the current frequency. It
stops when it finds a station with a
strong signal.

Preset — You can store the
frequencies of your favorite radio
stations in the six preset buttons.
Each button will store one frequency
on the AM band, and two on the FM
band.

To store a frequency:

1. Select the desired band, AM or
FM. FM1 and FM2 let you store
two frequencies with each Preset
button.

2. Use the TUNE or SEEK bar to
tune the radio to the desired
station.

3. Pick the Preset button you want
for that station. Press the button
and hold it until you hear a beep.

4. Repeat steps 1 to 3 to store a total
of six stations on AM and twelve
on

FM.

Once a station's frequency is stored,
simply press and release the proper
preset button to tune to it.

The preset frequencies will be lost if
your vehicle's battery goes dead or is

disconnected.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Audio System

Adjusting the Sound

Balance/Fader — These two

controls adjust the strength of the
sound coming from each speaker.

The Balance control adjusts the side-

to-side strength, while the Fader
control adjusts the front-to-back

strength.

Adjust the Fader to your liking by
turning the outside ring. Adjust the
Balance by pulling out the SW-VOL/

BAL knob and turning it

Treble/Bass — Use these controls

to adjust the tone to your liking.
Adjust the Bass by turning the knob.
Adjust the Treble by pulling out the
knob and turning it.

Comfort and Convenience Features

BALANCE CONTROL

FADER
CONTROL

TREBLE/BASS
CONTROL

Radio Frequencies and Reception

For information, See page 88.

Audio System

Operating the Cassette Player

Turn the audio system ON. Make

sure the tape opening on the cassette
is facing to the right, then insert the
cassette most of the way into the slot.
The system will pull it in the rest of
the way, and begin to play.

The tape direction indicator will light
to show you which side of the
cassette is playing. The indicates
the side you inserted facing upward
is now playing. If you want to play
the other side, press the Fast

Forward/Rewind buttons at the

same time.

EJECT
BUTTON

TAPE DIRECTION
INDICATOR

When the system reaches the end of

the tape, it will automatically reverse
direction and play the other side. If
you want to remove the cassette
from the drive, press the EJECT
button.

FAST FORWARD
BUTTON

CASSETTE
SLOT

Comfort and Convenience Features

REWIND
BUTTON

Audio System

Tape Search Functions

FF/REW — Fast Forward and

Rewind move the tape rapidly. Press
the REW button to rewind the the
tape, or the FF button to fast
forward. To take the system out of
rewind, press the FF button briefly.
To take the system out of fast
forward, press REW briefly. If the

system reaches the end of the tape
while in fast forward or rewind, it

automatically stops that function,

reverses direction, and begins to play.

Caring for Cassettes

Damaged cassettes can jam inside
the drive or cause other problems.

See page 92 for information on
cassette care and protection.

Comfort and Convenience Features

FAST FORWARD
BUTTON

REWIND
BUTTON

Audio System

AM/FM/Cassette Stereo Audio
System

For LX and EX models in the U.S. and
EX-R model in Canada

Your Honda's audio system provides
clear reception on both AM and FM
bands, while the preset buttons allow
you to easily select your favorite

stations.

The cassette system features Dolby

B* nosie reduction, automatic
sensing of chromium-dioxide (CrO2)

tape, and autoreverse for continuous
play.

U.S. EX and Canadian EX-R

The Anti-theft feature disables the
system if it is disconnected from the
car's battery. To get the system
working again, you must enter a
code number.

* Dolby noise reduction manufactured under

license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corpo­ration. "DOLBY" and the double-D symbol

are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories

Licensing Corporation.

(U.S.: LX)

(U.S.: EX,
Canada: EX-R)

Comfort and Convenience Features

Audio System

Operating the Radio

The ignition switch must be in AC-

CESSORY (I) or ON (II). Turn the
system on and adjust the volume by
turning the ON/OFF/VOL knob.

The band and frequency that the

radio was last tuned to is displayed.

To change bands, press the AM/FM

button. On the FM band, ST will be
displayed if the station is broadcast­ing in stereo. Stereo reproduction on
AM is not available.

You can use any of three methods to
find radio stations on the selected
band: TUNE, SEEK, or the Preset
buttons.

Comfort and Convenience Features

TUNE — Use the TUNE/SEEK

switch to tune the radio to a desired
frequency. Push the switch up to
tune to a higher frequency, and push
the switch down to tune to a lower
frequency. The frequency numbers

will start to change rapidly. Release

the switch when the display reaches
the desired frequency. To change
the frequency in small increments,
push and release the TUNE/SEEK
switch quickly.

SEEK — The SEEK function
searches the band for a station with
a strong signal. To activate it, push
the TUNE/SEEK switch until you
hear a beep, then release it.
Depending on which way you pushed
the switch, the system scans upward
or downward from the current
frequency. It stops when it finds a
station with a strong signal.

Preset — You can store the
frequencies of your favorite radio
stations in the six preset buttons.
Each button will store one frequency
on the AM band, and two on the FM
band.

Audio System

To store a frequency:

1. Select the desired band, AM or

FM. FM1 and FM2 let you store
two frequencies with each Preset
button.

2. Use the TUNE or SEEK bar to
tune the radio to the desired

station.

3. Pick the Preset button you want
for that station. Press the button
and hold it until you hear a beep.

4. Repeat steps 1 to 3 to store a total

of six stations on AM and twelve
on

FM.

Once a station's frequency is stored,
simply press and release the proper

preset button to tune to it
The preset frequencies will be lost if

your vehicle's battery goes dead or is
disconnected.

(U.S.: LX)

TUNE/SEEK
SWITCH

(U.S.: EX,
Canada: EX-R)

TUNE/SEEK
SWITCH

ON/OFF/VOL KNOB

AM/FM

BUTTON

ON/OFF/VOL KNOB

AM/FM
BUTTON

PRESET
BUTTONS

PRESET
BUTTONS

Comfort and Convenience Features

CONTINUED

Audio System

Radio Frequencies

Your Honda's radio can receive the
complete AM and FM bands.
Those bands cover these frequen­cies:

AM band:
530 to 1,710 kilohertz
FM band:

87.7 to 107.9 megahertz

Radio stations on the AM band are
assigned frequencies at least ten
kilohertz apart (530,540,550).
Stations on the FM band are
assigned frequencies at least 0.2
megahertz apart (87.9,88.1,88.3).

Stations must use these exact

frequencies. It is fairly common for

stations to round-off the frequency in

their advertising, so your radio could

display a frequency of 100.9 even
though the announcer may identify
the station as "FM101."

Comfort and Convenience Features

Radio Reception

How well your Honda's radio
receives stations is dependent on
many factors, such as the distance
from the station's transmitter,
nearby large objects, and atmos­pheric conditions.

A radio station's signal gets weaker

as you get farther away from its
transmitter. If you are listening to an
AM station, you will notice the sound
volume becoming weaker, and the

station drifting in and out. If you are

listening to an FM staion, you will

see the stereo indicator flickering off
and on as the signal weakens.
Eventually, the stereo indicator will

go off and the sound will fade

completely as you get out of range of
the station's signal

Driving very near the transmitter of
a station that is broadcasting on a
frequency close to the frequency of
the station you are listening to can
also affect your radio's reception.
You may temporarily hear both

stations, or hear only the station you

are close to.

Audio System

Electrical interference from passing
vehicles and stationary sources can
cause temporary reception problems.

Radio signals, especially on the FM
band, are deflected by large objects
such as buildings and hills. Your
radio then receives both the direct
signal from the station's transmitter,
and the deflected signal. This causes
the sound to distort or flutter. This is
a main cause of poor radio reception
in city driving.

Radio reception can be affected by
atmospheric conditions such as

thunderstorms, high humidity, and

even sunspots. You may be able to

receive a distant radio station one

day and not receive it the next day

because of a change in conditions.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Audio System

Operating the Cassette Player

Turn the audio system ON. Make

sure the tape opening on the cassette

is facing to the right, then insert the

cassette most of the way into the slot.
The system will pull it in the rest of

the way, and begin to play.

The tape direction indicator will light

to show you which side of the

cassette is playing. The indicates

the side you inserted facing upward

is now playing. If you want to play

the other side, press the PROG

button.
Dolby B noise reduction turns on

when you insert a cassette. If the

cassette was not recorded using
Dolby noise reduction, turn it off by
pressing the

button.

Comfort and Convenience Features

When the system reaches the end of
the tape, it will automatically reverse
direction and play the other side. If
you want to remove the cassette
from the drive, press the EJECT
button.

The system will automatically eject
the cassette whenever you turn off
the system or the ignition switch.

Tape Search Functions

With a cassette playing, you can use
the FF, REW, TMS, or REPEAT
function to find a desired program.

FF/REW — Fast Forward and
Rewind move the tape rapidly.
Push the FF/REW/TMS switch
down to rewind the tape. Push the
switch up to fast forward. Press the
PLAY button to take the system out
of rewind or fast forward. If the
system reaches the end of the tape

while in fast forward or rewind, it

automatically stops that function,

reverses direction, and begins to play.

TMS — The Tape Music Search

Function allows you to find the
beginning of a song or passage. You
activate TMS with the FF/REW/

TMS switch. To find the beginning

of the song or passage currently
playing, push the switch down and
hold it until you hear a beep. You will
see REW flashing in the display as
the tape rewinds. To find the
beginning of the next song, push the
switch up and hold it until you hear a
beep. You will see FF flashing in the
display as the tape fast forwards.

When the system finds the begin-

ning of a song or passage, it goes

back to PLAY mode.

Audio System

REPEAT — The Repeat function

continuously replays the current
song or passage. Press the REPEAT
button to activate it; you will see RPT
displayed as a reminder. When the
system reaches the end of the song
or passage currently playing, it will
automatically go into rewind.
When it senses the beginning of the
same song or passage, the system
returns to PLAY mode. It will
continue to repeat this same
program until you deactivate
REPEAT by pressing the button
again.

The TMS and REPEAT functions
use silent periods on the tape to find
the end of a song or passage. These
features may not work to your
satisfaction if there is almost no gap
between selections, a high noise
level between selections, or a silent
period in the middle of a selection.

(U.S.: LX)

(U.S.: EX,
Canada: EX-R)

FF/REW/TMS
SWITCH

FF/REW/TMS

SWITCH

CASSETTE SLOT

EJECT
BUTTON

CASSETTE SLOT

EJECT
BUTTON

PROG
BUTTON

PROG
BUTTON

Comfort and Convenience Features

TAPE DIRECTION INDICATOR

PLAY
BUTTON

TAPE DIRECTION INDICATOR

PLAY
BUTTON

DOLBY
BUTTON

DOLBY
BUTTON

REPEAT
BUTTON

REPEAT
BUTTON

Audio System

Caring for the Cassette Player

The cassette drive picks up dirt and

oxides whenever you play a tape.
This builds up over time and causes

the sound quality to degrade. To

prevent this, you should clean the

cassette drive after every 30 hours of

use. Your dealer has a cleaning kit

available for this purpose.

If you do not clean the cassette drive

regularly, it may eventually become

impossible to remove the deposits
with a normal cleaning kit.
The cassette player automatically

ejects cassettes that do not play

normally. If it ejects a cassette

before it begins to play, it is probably

defective and should not be inserted

again. You may have a cassette

suddenly stop playing, reverse

directions once or twice and then

eject. This is normally an indication

the tape is wound unevenly. It should

play normally after being manually

rewound.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Use 100-minute or shorter cassettes.
Cassettes longer than 100 minutes
use thinner tape that may break or

jam the drive.

Look at a cassette before you insert
it. If the tape is loose, tighten it by
turning one of the hubs with a pencil
or your finger.

If the label is peeling off, do not put
it in the player. It may cause the
cassette to jam in the drive mecha­nism when you try to eject it.

Do not leave cassettes sitting where
they are exposed to high heat or
humidity, such as on top of the
dashboard or in the player. If a
cassette is exposed to extreme heat
or cold, let it reach a moderate
temperature before putting it in the
player.

CLEAN INDICATOR

(Except for Canadian LX model)

After 30 hours of tape use, you will

see CLEAN flashing for 5 seconds in

the display when you insert a tape

into the tape slot. If you are already
regularly cleaning the tape drive at
least every 30 hours, reset the
indicator by pressing the Preset 6
button while the system is in the
tape operation mode. Hold the
button until you hear a beep and the
CLEAN indicator goes out

Audio System

Operating the Optional CD
Changer

A Compact Disc changer is available

through your dealer. It holds up to
six discs, providing several hours of
continuous entertainment You
operate the CD changer with the
same controls used for the radio and
cassette player.

Your dealer also has an accessory in-

dash single CD player available that
is operated by the radio controls. To
operate this unit, use the instructions

(except for those relating to multiple

discs) in this section.
Using the instructions that came

with the changer, load the desired
CDs in the magazine, and load the
magazine in the changer.

(U.S.: LX)

(U.S.: EX,

Canada: EX-R)

ON/OFF/VOL KNOB

TUNE/SEEK
SWITCH

ON/OFF/VOL
KNOB

TUNE/SEEK

SWITCH

To operate the CD changer, the
ignition must be in ACCESSORY (I)

or ON (II) and the audio system
must be on. If you are listening to a
cassette, eject it.

Press the CD button until "CD"
appears in the display. The system

CD BUTTON

A. SELECT
INDICATOR

CD BUTTON

RPT INDICATOR

REPEAT

BUTTON

RPT
INDICATOR

A. SELECT/
REPEAT BUTTON

will start to play the first track of the
first disc in the magazine.
When that disc ends, the next disc in
the magazine is loaded and played.
After the last disc finishes, the

system returns to disc 1.

CONTINUED

Comfort and Convenience Features

Audio System

To select a different disc than the

one that is playing, press the
appropriate preset button (1-6).

The system will load that disc and

begin playing it from the first track.

You can use the TUNE/SEEK

switch to select tracks within a disc.
If you press and release the TUNE/
SEEK switch, the system will move
to the beginning of a track. Push the
switch up to move to the beginning
of the next track, and push the
switch down to move to the begin­ning of the current track.

If you push and hold the TUNE/
SEEK switch, the system will
continue to move across tracks.
Release the switch when you think it

has reached the desired place on the

disc.

Comfort and Convenience Features

REPEAT — When you activate the

Repeat feature by pressing the

Repeat button, the system continu-

ously replays the current track. You

will see RPT in the display as a

reminder. Press the Repeat button

again to turn it off.

On U.S. EX and Canadian EX-R models

RANDOM PLAY — This feature,

when activated, plays the tracks on a

CD in random order, rather than in

the order they are recorded on the

CD. To activate Random Play, press

the A. SELECT/REPEAT button

until you see A SELECT in the

display. The system will then select

and play tracks randomly on the

current disc. When all tracks on that

disc have been played, the next disc

is loaded and played randomly. This

continues until you deactivate

Random Play by pressing A

SELECT/REPEAT again.

If the system is in Repeat mode, you

must turn it off by pressing A.

SELECT/REPEAT before you can
select Random Play. Then press the

button again until you see A.

SELECT displayed.

To take the system out of CD mode,
press the AM or FM button, or insert

a cassette in the player. When you
return to CD mode, play will contin­ue at the same disc and track.

If you turn the system off while a CD
is playing, either with the ON-OFF/
VOL knob or the ignition switch,
play will continue at the same disc
and track when you turn it back on.

Protecting Compact Discs

Handle a CD by its edges; never
touch either surface. Contamination
from fingerprints, liquids, felttip
pens, and labels can cause the CD to
not play properly, or possibly jam in
the drive.

When a CD is not being played, store
it in its case to protect it from dust
and other contamination. To prevent
warpage, keep CDs out of direct

sunlight and extreme heat.

To clean a disc, use a clean soft cloth.
Wipe across the disc from the
center to the outside edge.

Audio System

A new CD may be rough on the

inner and outer edges. The small
plastic pieces causing this roughness
can flake off and fall on the re­cording surface of the disc, causing
skipping or other problems. Remove

these pieces by rubbing the inner

and outer edges with the side of a

pencil or pen.

Never try to insert foreign objects in

the CD player or the magazine.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Audio System

CD Error Indications

If you see an error indication in the

display while in CD mode, find the
cause in the chart to the right. If you
cannot clear the error indication,
take the car to your Honda dealer.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Audio System

Theft Protection

On U.S. EX and Canadian EX-R models

Your car's audio system will disable

itself if it is disconnected from

electrical power for any reason. To

make it work again, the user must

enter a specific five-digit code in the

Preset buttons. Because there are

hundreds of number combinations

possible from five digits, making the

system work without knowing the

exact code is nearly impossible.
You should have received a card that

lists your audio system's code

number and serial number. It is best

to store this card in a safe place at

home. In addition, you should write

the audio system's serial number in

this Owner's Manual. If you should

happen to lose the card, you must

obtain the code number from your

Honda dealer. To do this, you will

need the system's serial number.

If your car's battery is disconnected
or goes dead, the audio system will
disable itself. If this happens, you

will see "Code" in the frequency

display the next time you turn on the
system. Use the Preset buttons to
enter the five-digit code. If it is
entered correctly, the radio will start
playing.

If you make a mistake entering the
code, do not start over or try to
correct your mistake. Complete the
five-digit sequence, then enter the
correct code. You have three tries to
enter the correct code. If you are
unsuccessful in three attempts, you
must then leave the system on for
one hour before trying again.

You will have to store your favorite

stations in the Preset buttons after

the system begins working. Your

original settings were lost when

power was disconnected.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Before Driving

Before you begin driving your Honda,
you should know what gasoline to
use, and how to check the levels of
important fluids. You also need to
know how to properly stow luggage

or packages. This section will help
you. If you plan to add any accesso­ries to your car, please read the
information in this section first.

Break-in Period.............................. 100

Gasoline.......................................... 100

Oxygenated Fuels...................... 100

Driving in Foreign Countries... 101

Service Station Procedures.......... 102

Filling the Fuel Tank................. 102

Opening the Hood..................... 103

Fuel Economy................................ 106

Vehicle Condition...................... 106

Driving Habits............................ 106

Accessories..................................... 107

Loading Cargo................................ 108

Before Driving

Break-in Period, Gasoline

Break-in Period

Help assure your car's future
reliability and performance by paying
extra attention to how you drive
during the first 1,000 km (600 miles).
During this period:

Avoid full-throttle starts and rapid

acceleration.
If you need to add oil, use the

engine oil recommended in this
owner's manual.

Avoid hard braking. New brakes

need to be broken-in by moderate
use for the first 300 km (200
miles).

You should follow these same re­commendations with an overhauled
or exchanged engine, or when the
brakes are relined.

Before Driving

Gasoline

Your Honda operates most effec­tively on unleaded gasoline with a
pump octane number of 86 or higher.
Use of a lower octane gasoline can
cause a persistent, heavy metallic
rapping noise in the engine that can
lead to mechanical damage.

We recommend gasolines containing
detergent additives that help prevent
fuel system and engine deposits.

Using gasoline containing lead will

damage your car's emission controls.

This contributes to air pollution and

can void certain parts of your

warranty.

Oxygenated Fuels

Some conventional gasolines are
being blended with alcohol or an
ether compound. These gasolines
are collectively referred to as
oxygenated fuels. To meet clean air
standards, some areas of the United
States and Canada use oxygenated
fuels to help reduce emissions.

If you use an oxygenated fuel, be
sure it is unleaded and meets the
minimum octane rating requirement.

Before using an oxygenated fuel, try
to confirm the fuel's contents. Some
states/provinces require this
information to be posted on the
pump.

Gasoline

The following are the EPA-approved
percentages of oxygenates:

ETHANOL (ethyl or grain alcohol)
You may use gasoline containing up
to 10% ethanol by volume. Gasoline

containing ethanol may be marketed

under the name "Gasohol."

MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl

Ether)
You may use gasoline containing up
to 15% MTBE by volume.

METHANOL (methyl or wood
alcohol)
You may use gasoline containing up
to 5% methanol by volume as long as
it also contains cosolvents and
corrosion inhibitors to protect the
fuel system. Gasoline containing
more than 5% methanol by volume
may cause starting and/or perform­ance problems. It may also damage
metal, rubber and plastic parts of
your fuel system.

If you notice any undesirable
operating symptoms, try another
service station or switch to another
brand of gasoline.

Fuel system damage or performance
problems resulting from the use of
an oxygenated fuel containing more
than the percentages of oxygenates
given above are not covered under
warranty.

Driving in Foreign Countries

If you are planning to take your
Honda outside the U. S. or Canada,
contact the tourist bureaus in the
areas you will be traveling in to find
out about the availability of unleaded
gasoline with the proper octane
rating.

If unleaded gasoline is not available,
be aware that using leaded gasoline
in your Honda will affect

performance and fuel mileage, and

damage its emissions controls. It will
no longer comply with U. S. and
Canadian emissions regulations, and
will be illegal to operate in North

America. To bring your car back into

compliance will require the
replacement of several components,
such as the oxygen sensor and the
catalytic converter. These
replacements are not covered under

warranty.

Before Driving

Service Station Procedures

Filling the Fuel Tank

1. The fuel fill is on the driver's side
of the car. Park with that side
closest to the service station
pumps.

2. Open the fuel fill door by pulling
on the handle to the left of the
driver's seat.

Before Driving

Gasoline is highly flammable

and explosive. You can be

burned or seriously injured

when handling fuel.

Stop the engine and keep
heat, sparks, and flame away.
Handle fuel only outdoors.
Wipe up spills immediately.

FUEL FILL CAP

3. Remove the fuel fill cap slowly.
You may hear a hissing sound as
pressure inside the tank escapes.
Place the fuel fill cap on the inside
of the door as shown.

4. Stop filling the tank after the fuel
pump automatically clicks off. Do
not try to "top off" the tank, leave
some room for the fuel to expand
with temperature changes.

5. Screw the fuel fill cap back on,
tighten it until it clicks more than
twice.

6. Push the fuel fill door until it
latches.

Opening the Hood

Service Station Procedures

HOOD RELEASE HANDLE

1. Shift to Park or Neutral and set
the parking brake. Pull the hood
release handle, located under the
left lower corner of the dashboard.
The hood will pop up slightly.

LATCH

2. Standing in front of the car, put
your fingers under the front edge

of the hood to the right of center.
Slide your hand to the left until
you feel the hood latch handle.
Push this handle up until it
releases the hood. Lift the hood.

SUPPORT ROD

3. Pull the support rod out of its clip
and insert the end into the hole on
the front of the hood around the
center.

To close the hood, lift it up slightly to

remove the support rod from the
hole. Put the support rod back into
its holding clip. Lower the hood to
about a foot above the fender, then
let it drop.

CONTINUED

Before Driving