Honda Accord 1997 User Manual

1997 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

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

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

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

Before Driving..................................................................................................................................119

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

Driving ..............................................................................................................................................129

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

Maintenance.....................................................................................................................................153

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

Appearance Care..............................................................................................................................207

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

Taking Care of the Unexpected......................................................................................................215

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

Technical Information.....................................................................................................................239

ID numbers, dimensions, capacities, and technical information.

Warranty and Customer Relations (U.S. and Canada)................................................................251

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

Authorized Manuals (U.S. only)......................................................................................................257

How to order manuals and other technical literature.

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

Gas Station Information

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

Contents

Introduction

Congratulations ! Your selection of a 1997 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 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.

As you read this manual, you will find information that is preceded by

NOTICE

a information is intended to help you

avoid damage to your Honda, other

property, or the environment.

symbol. This

A Few Words About Safety

Your safety, and the safety of others, is very important. And operating this vehicle safely is an important responsibility.

To help you make informed

decisions about safety, we have provided operating procedures and other information on labels and in this manual.

This information alerts you to

potential hazards that could hurt you or others.

Of course, it is not practical or possible to warn you about all the hazards associated with operating or maintaining your vehicle. You must use your own good judgement.

You will find this important safety information in a variety of forms, including:

Safety Labels — on the vehicle. Safety Messages — preceded by a safety alert symbol and one of

three signal words: DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION.

These signal words mean:

You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you do not follow instructions.

You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you do not follow instructions.

You CAN be HURT if you do not follow instructions.

Safety Headings — such as Important Safety Reminders or Important Safety Precautions.

Safety Section — such as Driver and Passenger Safety. Instructions — how to use this vehicle correctly and safely.

This entire book is filled with important safety information — please read it carefully.

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........... 12

Important Facts About

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............................. 16

System Service Precautions....... 17

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?....... 20

Important Safety Reminders...... 21

General Guidelines

for Restraining Children

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

Restraining

an Infant Who Weighs

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

Restraining

a Child Who Weighs Between

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

Restraining a Child Who Weighs

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

Securing a Child Seat with a

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

Using Child Restraints

with Tethers............................. 25

Storing a Child Seat..................... 26

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

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

Safety Labels.................................... 29

Driver and Passenger Safety

Your Occupant Protection System

Your Honda is equipped with seat belts and other features that work together to protect you and your passengers during a crash.

Seat belts are the most important part of your occupant protection

system. When worn properly, seat

belts can reduce the chance of

serious injury or death in a crash. For added protection during a severe

frontal collision, your Accord has a

Supplemental Restraint System

(SRS) with airbags for the driver and

a front seat passenger.

Driver and Passenger Safety

Two indicator lights are also part of your safety system. One reminds you

to make sure you and your passengers wear seat belts. The other

alerts you to a possible problem with your supplemental restraint system (see page 16

e seats, head restraints and door

locks also play a role in occupant

safety. For example, reclining the

seat-back can decrease the effec-

tiveness of your seat belt. Head

restraints can help protect your neck

and head, especially during rear-end

impacts. Door locks help keep your

doors from being accidentally

opened during a crash.

To get the maximum protection from

your occupant protection system, check the following before you drive away:

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 62).

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 serious injury or death 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

SHOULDER PORTION

LATCH PLATE

BUCKLE

UPPER SEAT BELT ANCHOR

To retractor

LAP PORTION

This style of seat belt has a single

belt that goes over your shoulder, across your chest, and across your hips.

Each lap/shoulder belt has an

emergency locking retractor. In normal driving, the retractor lets you move freely in your seat while it keeps some tension on the belt. During a collision or sudden stop, the retractor automatically locks the belt to help restrain your body.

The lap/shoulder belt retractor in

each passenger seating position has an additional locking mechanism 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 manually-

adjusted belt that fits across the hips. It is similar to safety belts used in airplanes.

Wearing Seat Belts Properly

You can increase the effectiveness of your seat belts if you take a little

time to read the following pages and make sure you know how to wear seat belts properly.

Not wearing a seat belt 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 a lap/shoulder seat belt, remembering to keep the lap portion as low as possible (see page

8).

Eac h 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 211.

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.

t wearing a seat belt

No increases the chance of serious injury or death in a crash, even if you have airbags.

Be sure you and your passenger 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 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 possible problem with the system.

Emergency backup power in case

your car's electrical system is

disconnected in a crash.

What Happens In a Crash

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

During a crash, your seat 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

and weight 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 may still 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 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 is 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 to a potential problem with your supplemental restraint system.

Have the system checked if:

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

The light does not come on when you turn the ignition ON (II).

The light stays on after the engine starts.

The light comes on or flashes while you are driving.

System Service

Your supplemental restraint system

is virtually maintenance-free. The only scheduled maintenance is an inspection of the system by the dealer when the car is ten years old. For your convenience, the car's production date is on a label on the driver's doorjamb.

If either of the following happens, you must have an authorized Honda dealer service the system. There are no parts you can safely service.

If your airbags ever inflate, the airbags and control unit must be replaced. Do not try to remove or discard the airbags yourself. This must be done by a Honda dealer.

Supplemental Restraint System

If the SRS indicator light alerts you to a problem, have the supplemental restraint system inspected as soon as possible. If you ignore this indication, the airbags might not inflate when you need them.

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 occu-

pant 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 58.

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 62.

Additional Safety Information

Door Locks

It is not safe to leave your car doors

unlocked. A passenger, especially a

child, could open a door and acci-

dentally fall out. Also, there is a

greater chance of being thrown out

of the car during a crash when the doors are not locked.

Storing Cargo Safely

Before you drive, make sure you

first securely store or tie down any

items that could be thrown around the car and hurt someone, or interfere with your ability to operate the controls.

Do not put any items on top of the rear shelf. They can block your view and they could be thrown about the car in a crash.

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 128.

Driving with Pets

Loose pets can be a hazard while you are driving. An unrestrained pet can interfere with your ability to drive the car. In a crash or sudden stop, loose pets or cages can be thrown around inside the car and hurt you or your passengers. It is also for their

safety that pets should be properly

restrained in your car.

The recommended way to restrain a

medium-sized or larger dog is with a special traveling harness. This harness can be secured to the rear seat with a seat belt. Travel harnesses are available at pet stores.

A small dog, cat, or other small animal will be safest in a pet carrier with rigid sides. Choose a style that allows you to secure it to the car's

seat by routing a seat belt through

the carrier's handle.

For further information, contact your veterinarian or local animal protection society.

Driver and Passenger Safety

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

Neve 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.

Safety

r hold a baby or child on your

Reminders

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 40

lbs

(18 kg)

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.

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, be sure to follow the instructions for securing a child seat with a lap/shoulder belt 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 20 lbs

(9 kg)

An infant up to about 20 Ibs (9 kg) must be restrained in an infant seat or a convertible seat designed for a baby. Because infants must ride in a reclining position, be sure the infant seat always faces the REAR of the car as shown.

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, be sure to follow the instructions for securing a

child seat with a lap/shoulder belt on

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 20 and 40 Ibs (9 and 18 kg)

Toddler seats are designed for

children who weigh between 20 and

40 Ibs (9 and 18 kg).

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, be sure to follow the instructions for

securing a child seat with a lap/ shoulder belt on 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 40 Ibs (18 kg)

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 lap/shoulder 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. When you are placing a child seat in one of these 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 7/8 inch

(22 mm) diameter hole in the rear shelf.

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

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

f you are not sure how to install the

hardware, have it installed by your

authorized Honda dealer.

If you need an anchor plate and

mounting hardware, contact your

Honda dealer.

CONTINUED

Driver and Passenger Safety

Child Safety

Canadian Models

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 transpor-

tation. 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. High levels of carbon monoxide can

Driver and Passenger Safety

Carbon monoxide gas is toxic. Breathing it can cause unconsciousness and even kill you.

Avoid any enclosed areas or

activities that expose you to carbon monoxide.

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 shown below.

If you must sit in your parked car, even in an unconfined area, with the engine running, adjust the heating and cooling system as follows:

1. Push the button.

2. Select the mode.

3. Turn the fan on high speed.

4. Set the temperature control to a comfortable setting.

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.................... 38

Fuel Gauge................................... 38

Maintenance Required

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........................... 43

Rear Window Defogger.............. 44

Steering Wheel Adjustment....... 44

Steering Wheel Controls ................ 46

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

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

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

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

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

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

Remote Transmitter.................... 52

Trunk............................................ 56

Glove Box..................................... 57

Seat Adjustments............................. 58

Front Seat Adjustments.............. 58

Driver's Seat Power Height

Adjustment............................... 59

Driver's Seat Power

Adjustments............................. 59

Driver's Lumbar Support............ 61

Rear Seat Access......................... 61

Head Restraints........................... 62

Folding Rear Seat............................ 63

Power Windows............................... 64

Moonroof.......................................... 65

Mirrors.............................................. 66

Adjusting the Power Mirrors..... 66

Parking Brake.................................. 67

Digital Clock..................................... 68

Beverage Holder.............................. 69

Vanity Mirror................................... 70

Cigarette Lighter............................. 70

Ashtrays............................................ 70

Interior Lights.................................. 71

Ceiling Light................................. 71

Courtesy Lights........................... 72

Instruments and Controls

Control Locations

DOOR LOCK SWITCH

(P.51)

POWER WINDOW SWITCHES

(P.64)

FUEL FILL DOOR RELEASE

(P.122)

Instruments and Controls

MIRROR CONTROLS

(P.66)

TRUNK RELEASE HANDLE (P.56)

DIGITAL CLOCK (P.68)

HOOD RELEASE HANDLE (P.123)

HEATING/COOLING CONTROL (P.74)

AUDIO SYSTEM (P.81, 87, 99)

Indicator Lights

The instrument panel has many

indicators to give you important information about your car.

Lamp Check

These indicator lights come on when you turn the ignition switch ON (II),

allowing you to see that they are

working:

SRS Indicator Malfunction Indicator Lamp Charging System Indicator Low Oil Pressure Indicator

Anti-lock Brake System Indicator

Seat Belt Reminder Light D4 Lamp Door and Brake Lamp Monitor

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.

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

LOW FUEL INDICATOR

HIGH BEAM INDICATOR

SEAT BELT REMINDER LIGHT

CRUISE CONTROL INDICATOR

ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR

* The U.S. instrument panel is shown. Differences for the Canadian model

are noted in the text.

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 light 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 228.

Charging System Indicator

If this light comes on when the engine is running, the battery is not being charged. For complete information, see page 229.

U.S.

BRAKE

Canada

Parking Brake and Brake System Indicator

This light has two functions:

1. It lights as a reminder that you have not released the parking brake. Driving with the parking brake applied can damage the brakes and tires, and cause the

Anti-lock brake system to turn off

(see page 143).

2. If it remains lit after you release the parking brake, or comes on while driving, it can indicate that the brake fluid level is low. 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

Only on cars equipped with ABS (see

page 141)

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.

Anti-lock Brake System

(ABS) Indicator

SRS

This indicator lights when you turn

the ignition ON (II). If it comes on at any other time, it indicates a problem in the supplemental restraint system. For complete information, see page

16.

See page 230.

Supplemental Restraint System Indicator

Malfunction Indicator Lamp

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 197). 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.

On Canadian models, this indicator comes on with reduced brightness

when the Daytime Running Lights

(DRL) are on (see page 40).

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 ODOMETER

MAINTENANCE REQUIRED INDICATOR

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

FUEL GAUGE

RESET BUTTON

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 distance 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 (Hot) mark, pull safely to the side of the road. Turn to page 226 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 7,500 miles (12,000 km) since the last scheduled maintenance. Refer to the Maintenance Schedules for Normal and Severe Driving Conditions on pages 158 — 159.

When the distance driven since the last scheduled maintenance nears 7,500 miles (12,000 km), the indicator will turn yellow. If you exceed 7,500 miles (12,000 km), the indicator will turn red.

INDICATOR

SLOT

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 beside the indicator.

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 washers and wipers.

Controls Near the Steering Wheel

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 tilt adjustment lever on the

underside of the steering column

allows you to tilt the steering wheel.

MOONROOF

CRUISE CONTROL

HEADLIGHTS/ TURN SIGNALS

TILT ADJUSTMENT

HORN BUTTONS

Instruments and Controls

Controls Near the Steering Wheel

Headlights

The rotating switch on the left lever

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

Turning the switch to the

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 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 the

turn signal lever back lightly, then release it. The high beams will come on and go

The high beams will stay on for as

long as you hold the lever back, 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.

off.

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. Push the knob back in to lock your adjustments.

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 continu-

ously.

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 all models except Canadian LX

model

In intermittent, the wipers operate

every few seconds. You can vary

how often the wipers sweep the windshield by turning the INT TIME

ring next to the rotary switch. 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 do 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 and antenna 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 and can operate them safely.

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 should be used 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.

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 on the instrument panel 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

You can cancel the cruise control in

any of these ways:

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 remembers 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 CON-

TROL 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 Using the

Cruise Control.

Keys and Locks

Keys

KEY NUMBER PLATE

VALET KEY

MASTER KEY

Your vehicle comes with two kinds

of keys: a master key and a valet key. The master key fits all the locks on your vehicle:

Ignition

Doors Trunk Trunk release handle

Rear seat trunk access

Glove box

The valet key works only in the ignition and the door locks. You can keep the trunk, trunk release handle, rear seat trunk access and the glove box locked when you leave your vehicle and the 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 get a lost key replaced. Keep the plate stored in a safe place. When replacing keys, use only Honda-approved key blanks.

Remote Transmitter

On Special Edition model in the U.S.

Your car also comes with two remote transmitters; see page 52 for an explanation of the operation.

Ignition Switch

The ignition switch is on the right

side of the steering column. It has four positions:

LOCK (0)

ACCESSORY (I)

ON (II) 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 trans-

mission, 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 the 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 (II) when you let go of

the key. You will hear a reminder beeper if

you leave the key in the ignition

switch in the LOCK (0) or ACCESSORY (I) position and open

the driver's door. Remove the key to

turn off the beeper.

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

On all models except Canadian LX

model

Each door has a master door lock

switch. Either switch locks and

unlocks both doors. Push the switch

down to lock both doors and up to

unlock them.

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, insert the key in the driver's door lock, 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

Remote Transmitter

LED

UNLOCK BUTTON

LOCK BUTTON

PANIC BUTTON

On Special Edition model in the U.S.

You can lock and unlock your vehicle with the remote transmitter. When you push the LOCK button, both doors lock.

When you push the UNLOCK button once, only the driver's door unlocks. The passenger's door unlocks when you push the button a second time.

The ceiling light (if the ceiling light

switch is in the center position) will

come on when you press the

UNLOCK button. If you do not open

either door, the light will go out in

about 30 seconds and the doors will

automatically relock. If you relock

the doors with the remote

transmitter before 30 seconds have

elapsed, the light will go off

immediately. You cannot lock or unlock the doors

with the remote transmitter if either

door is not fully closed or the key is

in the ignition switch. If either door

is not closed, the horn sounds three

times to alert you.

Keys and Locks

Audible Signal Operation

The system will signal you when the

doors lock and unlock by flashing the parking lights, side marker lights and taillights: once when the doors lock; and twice when they unlock.

You can program the remote

transmitter so the horn will also sound. The horn will sound once when you lock the doors, and twice when you unlock them.

To turn audible signal on, press and

hold the LOCK and UNLOCK buttons at the same time. You should see the LED on the remote transmitter come on for one second.

Release both buttons after the LED

goes out.

To turn the audible signal off, repeat

the above procedure. You should see the LED blink twice.

The audible signal feature will be off

after you install a new battery in the remote transmitter. Use the above procedure to turn it on again.

Panic Mode

Panic mode allows you to remotely activate your vehicle's security system to attract attention. When activated, the alarm will sound and the exterior lights will flash for about two minutes. To activate panic mode, push and hold the PANIC button for about one second.

To cancel panic mode before two

minutes, press any button on the remote transmitter. You can also turn the ignition switch to ON (II).

Panic mode will not activate if the key is in the ignition switch.

CONTINUED

Instruments and Controls

Keys and Locks

Replacing the Battery

When the remote transmitter's battery begins to get weak, it may take several pushes on the button to lock or unlock the doors, and the

LED will not light. Replace the

battery as soon as possible.

Battery type: CR2025

Instruments and Controls

Open

To replace the battery, remove the

round cover on the back of the transmitter by turning it counterclockwise with a coin.

BATTERY

ROUND COVER

CUSHION RING

Remove the old battery and note the polarity. Make sure the polarity of the new battery is the same (+ side facing up), then insert it in the transmitter.

Reinstall the cushion ring. Align the

mark on the cover with the mark on the transmitter,

then set the cover in place and turn it

clockwise.

Keys and Locks

After the battery is changed, the transmitter must be synchronized with the main unit. With the doors closed, press either the LOCK or UNLOCK button six times.

Transmitter Care

Avoid severe shock to the transmitter, such as dropping or throwing it. Also, protect it from extreme hot or cold temperatures.

Clean the transmitter case with a soft cloth. Do not use strong cleaners or solvents that could harm the case. Immersing the transmitter in any liquid will harm the transmitter and cause it to not function properly.

If you lose a transmitter, you will need to have the replacement programmed to your car's system by your Honda dealer. Any other transmitters you have will also need to be reprogrammed.

As required by the FCC:

This device complies with Part 15 of the

FCC rules. Operation is subject to the

following two conditions: (1) This device

may not cause harmful interference, and

(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired

operation.

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

Instruments and Controls

Keys and Locks

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.

Instruments and Controls

MASTER KEY

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

See page 128 for cargo loading and weight limit information. Keep the trunk lid closed at all times while driving to avoid damaging the lid, and to prevent exhaust gas from getting into the interior. See Carbon Monoxide Hazard on page 28.

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

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.

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.

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.

Adjust the seat before you start

driving.

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 seat-back angle is adjusted manually. You can adjust the power seat with the ignition switch in any position. Adjust the seat before you start

driving. 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

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 U.S. 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

RELEASE BUTTON

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

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 sideways 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 seat-

back.

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.

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

128.

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 all models except Canadian LX

model

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

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.

DRIVER'S WINDOW SWITCH

The driver's armrest 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.

Power Windows, Moonroof

The master control panel also con-

tains 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.

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 window 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 door cancels the delay function. You must turn the ignition ON (II) again before you can raise or lower the windows.

Moonroof

MOONROOF SWITCH

On EX and Special Edition models 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 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 all models except Canadian LX

model

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 indicator

may come on, and the ABS may not 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

H M

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 RESET sets the clock back to the previous hour. If the displayed time is after the half hour, pressing RESET 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.

Push

Beverage Holder

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.

To open the beverage holder, push

on the top. The beverage holder lid 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.

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

To use a vanity mirror on the back of

the sun visor, pull down the cover. 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 the ashtray 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

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

On Special Edition model in the U.S.

The ceiling light (with the switch in

the center position) also comes on

when you unlock the door with the

remote transmitter (see page 52).

Instruments and Controls

On all models except Canadian LX

model

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.

Courtesy Lights

IGNITION SWITCH LIGHT

DOOR LIGHT

On all models except Canadian LX

model

The courtesy light in each door comes on when the door is opened,

and goes out when the door is closed. Your car also has a courtesy light in

the ignition switch. This light comes on when you open the driver's door. It remains on for several seconds after the door is closed.

Comfort and Convenience Features

The heating and air conditioning

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

The standard audio system 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.)

On Special Edition model in the U.S.

The security system helps to dis-

courage vandalism and theft of your Honda.

Heating and Cooling........................ 74

What Each Control Does............ 74

How to Use the System............... 76

Ventilation................................ 77

To Cool with A/C.................... 78

To Heat..................................... 79

To Heat and Dehumidify

with Air Conditioning.......... 79

To Defog and Defrost............. 79

To Turn Everything Off ............. 80

Audio System (Canadian LX)......... 81

AM/FM/Cassette Stereo

Audio System........................... 81

Operating the Radio.................... 82

Adjusting the Sound.................... 84

Operating the Cassette Player... 85

Tape Search Functions............... 86

Audio System (U.S.: LX, EX,

Canada: EX-R).......................... 87

AM/FM/Cassette Stereo

Audio System........................... 87

Operating the Radio.................... 88

Adjusting the Sound.................... 91

Audio System Lighting............... 91

Operating the Cassette Player... 92

Tape Search Functions............... 92

Operating the Optional CD

Changer.................................... 95

CD Changer Error Indications... 98

Audio System

(U.S.: Special Edition)............. 99

AM/FM/CD Audio System....... 99

Operating the Radio.................. 100

Adjusting the Sound.................. 103

Radio Frequencies..................... 104

Radio Reception......................... 104

Operating the CD Player.......... 106

Operating the CD Changer...... 108

Protecting Compact Discs........ 109

CD Player Error Indications..... 110

CD Changer Error

Indications.............................. 111

Operating the Cassette

Player...................................... 112

Tape Search Functions............. 113

Caring for the Cassette

Player...................................... 115

Theft Protection........................ 116

Security System............................. 117

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.

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.

Air Conditioning

(A/C)

Button

Thi s button turns the air condi-

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

A/C is on.

Comfort and Convenience Features

FRESH AIR/RECIRCULATION BUTTON

FAN CONTROL DIAL

TEMPERATURE CONTROL DIAL

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 (Recirculaton mode). The indicator light shows which mode is selected.

AIR CONDITIONING BUTTON

MODE BUTTONS

Mode Buttons

Use the MODE buttons to select the 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

To Cool with AIC

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

FRESH AIR/RECIRCULATION AIR CONDITIONING 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.

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 fan 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 system 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/ BAL knob.

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 in 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 down-

ward 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, is

disconnected or the radio fuse is

removed.

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 104.

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 tape, 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 115 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* noise reduction, automatic

sensing of chromium-dioxide (CrO2) tape, and autoreverse for continuous play.

U.S. EX and Canadian EX-R

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

code number (see page 116).

* 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) to operate the audio system. 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 or 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 function to tune the radio to a 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, is disconnected or the radio fuse is removed.

(U.S.: LX)

TUNE/SEEK SWITCH

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

TUNE/SEEK

SWITCH

ON/OFF/VOL KNOB

AM/FM

BUTTONS

ON/OFF/VOL KNOB

AM/FM BUTTONS

PRESET BUTTONS

Comfort and Convenience Features

CONTINUED

Audio System

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

AUTO SELECT — If you are

traveling far from home and can no longer receive the stations you preset, you can use the Auto Select

feature to find stations in the local

area. To activate Auto Select, press the A. SELECT button. A. SELECT will

appear in the display, and the system

will go into scan mode for several

seconds. It automatically scans both

bands, looking for stations with

strong signals. It stores the frequen-

cies of six AM stations and twelve

FM stations in the preset buttons. You can then use the preset buttons

to select those stations.

If you are in a remote area, Auto

Select may not find six strong AM

stations or twelve strong FM stations.

If this happens, you will see a "0"

displayed when you press any preset

button that does not have a station

stored.

Comfort and Convenience Features

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

With Auto Select on, you cannot

manually store any frequencies in the preset buttons. If you do not like the stations found by Auto Select, you can use the TUNE and SEEK functions to find other stations.

AUTO SELECT LIGHT

AUTO SELECT BUTTON

Auto Select does not erase the frequencies that you preset previously. When you return home, turn

off Auto Select by pressing the

A. SELECT button. The preset

buttons will then select the frequencies you originally set.

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.

To use these controls, push on the

knob to get them to pop out. Adjust the Fader to your liking by turning the outside ring. Adjust the Balance

by turning the knob. Push the

controls back in when you are done. Treble/Bass — Use these controls

to adjust the tone to your liking.

Push on the controls to get them to

pop out. Adjust the Bass by turning the outer ring. Adjust the Treble by turning the knob. Push the controls back in when you are finished so you cannot change the settings by accidentally bumping them.

FADER BALANCE BASS TREBLE CONTROL CONTROL CONTROL CONTROL

Audio System Lighting

You can use the Balance control knob to turn off the illumination of the audio system. Push the Balance/ Fader controls so they pop out, then pull the Balance control knob out slightly farther.

Check the Balance control knob if the audio system does not illuminate with the instrument panel lights.

Radio Frequencies and Reception

For information, See page 104.

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 tape was not recorded with Dolby B 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. To

rewind the tape, push the FF/REW/ TMS switch down, then release it. You will see REW in the display. To fast forward the tape, push the

switch up, then release it. You will

see FF displayed. 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 beginning 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.

(U.S.: LX)

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

FF/REW/TMS SWITCH

CASSETTE SLOT

EJECT

BUTTON

CASSETTE SLOT

EJECT BUTTON

PROG BUTTON

Comfort and Convenience Features

TAPE DIRECTION INDICATOR

PLAY BUTTON

TAPE DIRECTION INDICATOR

PLAY

BUTTON

DOLBY BUTTON

REPEAT BUTTON

CONTINUED

Audio System

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.

Caring for Cassettes

Damaged cassettes can jam inside the drive or cause other problems. See page 115 for information on cassette care and protection.

Comfort and Convenience Features

(U.S.: LX)

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

FF/REW/TMS

SWITCH

FF/REW/TMS SWITCH

CASSETTE SLOT

EJECT BUTTON

CASSETTE SLOT TAPE DIRECTION INDICATOR

EJECT BUTTON

PROG BUTTON

TAPE DIRECTION INDICATOR

PLAY BUTTON

DOLBY

BUTTON

DOLBY BUTTON

REPEAT BUTTON

Audio System

Operating the Optional CD

Changer

A Compact Disc changer is available

from 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-

clash 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

CD BUTTON

A. SELECT INDICATOR

Comfort and Convenience Features

RPT INDICATOR

REPEAT BUTTON

RPT

INDICATOR

A. SELECT/ REPEAT BUTTON

CONTINUED

Audio System

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 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. To select a different disc, press the

appropriate preset button (1 — 6). If you select an empty slot in the

magazine, the changer will, after

finding that slot empty, try to load

the CD in the next slot. This

continues until it finds a CD to load

and play.

Comfort and Convenience Features

You can use the TUNE/SEEK

switch to select tracks within a disc. If you push 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, you will hear a beep and the system will continue to move across tracks. Release the switch when you think it has reached the desired place on the disc.

REPEAT — When you activate the

Repeat feature by pressing the REPEAT button, the system continuously 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 and hold 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.

Audio System

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 contin-

ue 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

For information on how to handle

and protect compact discs, see page

109.

(U.S.: LX)

(U.S.: EX,

Canada: EX-R)

ON/OFF/VOL KNOB

TUNE/SEEK SWITCH

ON/OFF/VOL KNOB

TUNE/SEEK SWITCH

CD BUTTON

A. SELECT INDICATOR

Comfort and Convenience Features

RPT INDICATOR

REPEAT BUTTON

RPT INDICATOR

A. SELECT/

REPEAT BUTTON

Audio System

CD Changer Error Indications

If you see an error indication in the display while operating the CD changer, 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

AM/FM/CD Audio System

For Special Edition model in the U.S.

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 Anti-theft feature will disable the system if it is disconnected from the car's battery. To get the system working again, you must enter a code number (see page 116).

AM/FM 1-2 BUTTON

PWR/VOL KNOB

PRESET BUTTONS

Comfort and Convenience Features

TUNE BAR

SEEK BAR

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 PWR/ VOL knob. Adjust the volume by turning the same knob.

The band and frequency that the radio was last tuned to is displayed. To change bands, press the AM/FM

1-2 button. On the FM band, ST will

be displayed if the station is broad-

casting in stereo. Stereo reproduction on AM is not available.

Comfort and Convenience Features

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 bar to tune

the radio to a desired frequency. Press the side of the bar to tune to a higher frequency, and the

side 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 bar quickly.

SEEK — The SEEK function searches the band for a station with a strong signal. To activate it, press the SEEK bar on either the or

side, then release it. Depending on which side you press, 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 fre- quencies 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.

Honda Accord 1997 User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual