Honda Accord Wagon 1997 Owner's Manual
1997 Accord Wagon 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 Safet
Driver and Passenger Safety .............................................................................................................. 3
Proper use and care of your vehicle's seat belts, and Supplemental Restraint System.
Instruments and Controls................................................................................................................. 27
Instrument panel indicator and gauge, and how to use dashboard and steering column controls.
Comfort and Convenience Features .............................................................................................. 61
How to operate the climate control system, the audio system, and other convenience features.
Before Driving.................................................................................................................................. 85
What gasoline to use, how to break -in your new vehicle, and how to load luggage and other cargo.
Driving .............................................................................................................................................. 97
The proper way to start the engine, shift the transmission, and park, plus towing a trailer.
Maintenance..................................................................................................................................... 117
The Maintenance Schedule shows you when you need to take you r vehicle to the dealer.
Appearance Care.............................................................................................................................. 161
Tips on cleaning and protecting your vehicle. Things to look for if your vehicle ever needs body repairs.
Taking Care of the Unexpected...................................................................................................... 169
This section covers several problems motorists sometimes experience, an d how to handle them.
Technical Information..................................................................................................................... 189
ID numbers, dimensions, capacities, and technical information.
Warranty and Customer Relations (U.S. only)............................................................................. 201
A summary of the warranties covering your new Acura, and how to contact us.
Authorized Manuals (U.S. only)...................................................................................................... 207
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.
y.................................................................................................................
Contents
ii
Introduction
Congratulations! Your selection of a 1997 Accord Wagon 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
NOTICE
by a
symbol. This
information is intended to help
you avoid damage to your Honda,
other property, or the
environment.
Preface
Safety Messages
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.
Preface
You will find 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
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 ............ 5
Lap/Shoulder Belt ........ 6
Lap Belt ................ 6
Wearing Seat Belts Properly 7
Wearing a Lap/
Shoulder Belt .......... 7
Wearing the Lap Belt ...... 9
Advice for Pregnant Women 10
Seat Belt Maintenance .... 10
Supplemental Restraint
System ................. 11
SRS Components ........ 11
What Happens in a Crash . 11
Important Facts About
Airbags .............. 12
How the Driver's
Airbag Works .......... 13
How the Passenger's
Airbag Works .......... 14
How
the SRS
Indicator Light Works ... 15
System Service ......... 15
System Service Precautions 15
Additional Safety Information 16
Seat-Back Position ....... 16
Head Restraint Position ... 16
Door Locks ............ 17
Storing Cargo Safely ..... 17
Driving With Pets ....... 17
Child Safety .............. 18
Where Should Children Sit? 18
Important Safety
Reminders ............ 19
General Guidelines for
Restraining Children
Under 40 Ib (18 kg) ..... 19
Restraining an Infant
Who Weighs Less Than
20 Ib (9 kg) ........... 20
Restraining a Child Who
Weighs Between 20 and
40 Ib (9 and 18 kg) ...... 20
Restraining a Child Who
Weighs Over 40 Ib
(18 kg) ............... 21
Securing a Child Seat
With a Lap/Shoulder Belt 22
Using Child Restraints
With Tethers ........... 22
Storing a Child Seat ...... 23
Alcohol and Drugs ......... 23
Carbon Monoxide Hazard ... 24
Safety Labels ............. 25
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
Honda has a Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS) with
airbags for the driver and front
seat passenger.
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 15).
The seats, head restraints, and
door locks also play a role in
occupant safety. For example,
reclining the seat-back can
decrease the effectiveness of your
seat belt. Head restraints can help
protect your neck and head,
especially during rear-end
impacts. Door locks help keep
your doors from being
accidentally opened during
a crash.
To get the maximum protection
from your occupant protection
system, check the following
before you drive away:
Everyone in the car is wearing
a seat belt properly (see page 7).
Infants and small children are
properly secured in child safety
seats (see page 18).
All doors and the tailgate are
closed and locked (see page 17).
Seat-backs are upright and head
restraints are properly adjusted
(see pages 16 and 50).
There are no loose items that
could be thrown around and
hurt someone during a crash or
sudden stop (see page 17).
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.
Driver and Passenger Safety
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
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 18).
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.
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.
continued
Driver and Passenger Safety
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 30).
The following pages cover more
about the seat belt components
and how they work.
Lap/Shoulder Belt
This style of seat belt has a single
belt that goes over your shoulder,
across your chest, and across
your hips.
Each lap/shoulder belt has an
emergency locking retractor. In
normal driving, the retractor lets
you move freely in your seat
while it keeps some tension on the
belt. During a collision or sudden
stop, the retractor automatically
locks the belt to help restrain
your body.
UPPER SEAT
BELT ANCHOR
SHOULDER
PORTION
LATCH PLATE
BUCKLE
To retractor.
LAP
PORTION
The lap/shoulder belt retractor in
each passenger seating position
has an additional locking
mechanism that is intended to
secure a child seat (see page 22).
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.
Lap Belt
The lap belt has one manually
adjusted belt that fits across the
hips. It is similar to safety belts
used in airplanes.
BUCKLE
LATCH
PLATE
Driver and Passenger Safety
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 16). The front
seat passenger should move the
seat as far back as possible.
1. Pull the latch plate across
your body, and insert it into
the buckle. Tug on the belt to
make sure the latch is
securely locked.
2. Check that the belt is not
twisted.
3. Position the lap portion of the
belt as low as possible across
your hips, not across your
stomach. This lets your strong
pelvic bones take the force of
a crash.
continued
Driver and Passenger Safety
4. Pull up on the shoulder part of
the belt to remove any slack.
Make sure the belt goes over
your collarbone and across
your chest.
5. If the belt crosses your neck,
you need to adjust the belt
anchor height or your
seating position.
Front seats: Adjust the belt
anchor by squeezing the two
buttons and sliding the anchor
downward (it has four positions).
Rear seats: Move toward the
center of the seat until the belt
fits over your collarbone.
To unlatch the seat belt, push the
red PRESS button on the buckle.
Guide the belt across your body to
the door pillar. After you exit the
vehicle, make sure the seat belt is
out of the way and will not get
closed in the door.
Driver and Passenger Safety
Wearing the Lap Belt
1. Pull the latch plate across your
hips, and insert it into the
buckle marked CENTER.
If the belt is too short, hold
the latch plate at a right angle,
and pull to extend the belt.
Insert the latch plate into
the buckle.
2. Position the belt as low as
possible across your hips and
pelvic bones, not across your
stomach. Pull the loose end of
the belt to adjust for a snug
but comfortable fit.
To unlatch the belt, push the red
PRESS button on the buckle.
Driver and Passenger Safety
Advice for Pregnant Women
Protecting the mother is the best
way to protect her unborn child.
Therefore, a pregnant woman
should wear a properly-positioned
seat belt whenever she drives or
rides in a car.
If possible, use a lap/shoulder seat
belt, remembering to keep the lap
portion as low as possible (see
page 7).
Each time you have a check-up,
ask your doctor if it's okay for
you to drive and how you should
position a lap/shoulder seat belt.
Seat Belt Maintenance
For safety, you should check
the condition of your seat
belts regularly.
Pull out each belt fully and look
for frays, cuts, burns, and wear.
Check that the latches work
smoothly and the lap/shoulder
belts retract easily. Any belt not in
good condition or not working
properly should be replaced.
If a seat belt is worn during a
crash, have your dealer replace
the belt and inspect the anchors
for damage.
For information on how to clean
your seat belts, see page 164.
Driver and Passenger Safety
Supplemental Restraint System
Your Honda is equipped with a
Supplemental Restraint System
(SRS) to help protect the head
and chest of the driver and front
seat passenger during a severe
frontal collision.
This system does not replace your
seat belts. It supplements, or adds
to, the protection offered by seat
belts and other occupant
protection features.
Not wearing a seat belt
increases the chance of
serious injury or death in a
crash, even if you have airbags.
Be sure you and your
passengers always wear seat
belts and wear them properly.
SRS Components
Your supplemental restraint
system includes:
One airbag in the steering
wheel for the driver and
another in the dashboard for
the passenger.
Sensors that can detect a severe
frontal collision.
A sophisticated electronic
system that continually
monitors the sensors, control
unit, airbag activators, and all
related wiring when the
ignition is ON (II).
An indicator light on the
instrument panel to alert you to a
possible problem with the system.
Emergency backup power in
case your car's electrical
system is disconnected in
a crash.
What Happens in a Crash
If you ever have a severe frontal
collision, the sensors will detect
rapid deceleration and signal
the control unit to instantly inflate
the airbags.
During a crash, your seat 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
continued
Driver and Passenger Safety
inflators or realize what has
happened.
After the crash, you may see what
looks like smoke. This is actually
powder from the airbag's surface.
People with respiratory problems
may experience some temporary
discomfort from the chemicals
used by the airbag's activators.
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
How the Driver's
Airbag Works
If you ever have a severe frontal
collision, your airbag will
instantly inflate to help protect
your head and chest.
To do its job, the airbag inflates
with considerable force. So, while
it can reduce serious injuries and
even save your life, the airbag
might cause some facial abrasions
or other injuries. To reduce the
possibility of injury, you should
always sit back as far from the
steering wheel as 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.
The driver's airbag is stored in the
center of the steering wheel. For
your safety, do not attach any
items to the steering wheel.
They could interfere with the
proper operation of the airbag. Or,
if the airbag inflates, they could
be propelled inside the car and
hurt someone.
Driver and Passenger Safety
How the Passenger's
Airbag Works
If you ever have a severe frontal
collision, the passenger's airbag
will inflate at the same time as the
driver's airbag.
This airbag is quite large and
inflates with considerable force.
It can seriously hurt a front seat
passenger who is not in the proper
position and wearing the seat
belt properly.
Front seat passengers should move
the seat as far back as practical
and sit well back in the seat.
We strongly recommend that you
do not put an infant seat in the
front passenger's seat. If the
airbag inflates, it can hit the infant
seat with great force. The infant
seat can be dislodged or struck
with enough force to cause very
serious injury to the infant.
If a toddler seat is used in the
front passenger's seat, the vehicle
seat should be moved as far back
as possible. If the passenger's bag
inflates, it could seriously hurt a
toddler who is not in the proper
position or properly restrained.
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
S R S
How the SRS
Indicator Light Works
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:
The light does not come on
when you turn the ignition
ON (II).
The light stays on after the
engine starts.
The light comes on or flashes
while you are driving.
If you see any of these
indications, the airbag may not
work when needed in an accident.
Take the car to your dealer
promptly for diagnosis and service.
System Service
Your supplemental restraint
system is virtually maintenancefree. 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.
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.
continued
Driver and Passenger Safety
Additional Safety Information
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.
The seat belts and airbags are
obviously important parts of your
occupant protection system.
In addition, you should know that
sitting upright, adjusting the head
restraints properly, locking the
doors, and stowing things properly
can also increase your safety and
possibly even save your life.
Seat-Back Position
The seat-backs should be in an
upright position for you and your
passengers to get the most
protection from the seat belts.
If you recline a seat-back, you
reduce the protective capability of
your seat belt. The farther a
seat-back is reclined, the greater
the risk that you will slide under
the belt in a severe crash and be
very seriously injured.
For information on how to adjust
the seat-back, see page 49.
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 50.
Driver and Passenger Safety
Door Locks
It is not safe to leave your car
doors unlocked. A passenger,
especially a child, could open a
door and accidentally fall out.
Also, there is a greater chance of
being thrown out of the car
during a crash when the doors are
not locked.
Storing Cargo Safely
Before you drive, make sure you
first securely store or tie down
any items that could be thrown
around the car and hurt someone,
or interfere with your ability to
operate the controls.
Do not put any items on top of the
tonneau cover. 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 more information on loading
cargo, see page 93.
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
Children depend on adults to
protect them. To help make sure
we do, every state and Canadian
province has laws requiring
infants and young children to be
properly restrained whenever they
ride in a car.
An infant or child who is not
properly restrained can be
killed or seriously injured in a
crash.
Be sure any child too small
for seat belts is properly
secured in a child restraint.
Where Should Children Sit?
According to accident statistics,
children of all sizes and ages are
safer when they are properly
restrained in the rear seat rather
than the front seat.
We recommend that, whenever
possible, you secure your child's
infant or toddler seat in the center
position of the rear seat with the
lap belt.
We strongly recommend that you
do not put an infant seat in the
front passenger's seat. If the
airbag inflates, it can hit the infant
seat with great force. The infant
seat can be dislodged or struck
with enough force to cause very
serious injury to the infant.
If a toddler seat is used in the
front passenger's seat, the vehicle
seat should be moved as far back
as possible. If the passenger's bag
inflates, it could seriously hurt a
toddler who is not in the proper
position or properly restrained.
We also recommend that any
child who is too large to use an
infant or toddler seat ride in one
of the outside positions of the
rear seat. The child should then
wear a lap/shoulder belt properly
for protection.
If a child is not large enough to
wear the lap/shoulder belt properly,
you should use a booster seat.
Driver and Passenger Safety
Important Safety Reminders
Never hold a baby or child on
your lap when riding in a car. If
you are wearing your seat belt, the
violent forces created during a
crash will tear the child from your
arms. The child could be seriously
hurt or killed.
If you are holding a child and not
wearing a seat belt in a crash, you
could crush the child against the
car's interior.
Never put your seat belt over
yourself and a child. During a
crash, the belt could press deep
into the child, causing serious
internal injuries.
Two children should never use the
same seat belt. If they do, they
could be very seriously injured in
a crash.
If you are driving with small
children in the car, you should use
the childproof door locks to
prevent them from opening the
rear doors (see page 46).
For their safety, do not leave
children alone in your car without
adult supervision.
General Guidelines for
Restraining Children Under
40 Ib (18kg)
Use an approved child seat. The
seat must meet Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard 213
(FMVSS-213). Look for the
manufacturer's statement of
compliance on the box and seat.
Use a seat of the right size. Make
sure the seat fits your child. Check
the seat manufacturer's
instructions and labels for height
and weight limits.
Secure the child seat to the car.
All approved child seats are
designed to be secured to the car
seat by the lap belt or the lap belt
portion of a lap/shoulder belt. A
child whose seat is not properly
secured to the car can be
endangered in a crash.
To properly route a seat belt
through a child seat, follow the
seat-maker's instructions. If you
use a lap/shoulder belt, be sure to
follow the instructions for
securing a child seat with a
lap/shoulder belt on page 22.
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.
Driver and Passenger Safety
Restraining an Infant
Who Weighs Less Than
20 Ib (9 kg)
An infant up to about 20 Ib (9 kg)
must be restrained in an infant
seat or a convertible seat designed
for a baby. Because infants must
ride in a reclining position, be
sure the infant seat always faces
the REAR of the car as shown.
We recommend that, whenever
possible, you put the infant seat in
the center position of the rear seat
and secure it to the car with the
lap belt.
If you decide to put an infant seat
in any other seating position, be
sure to follow the instructions for
securing a child seat with a
lap/shoulder belt on page 22.
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 Ib (9 and 18 kg)
Toddler seats are designed for
children who weigh between 20
and 40 Ib (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.
Driver and Passenger Safety
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 22.
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 bag inflates,
it could seriously hurt a toddler
who is not in the proper position
or properly restrained.
Restraining a Child Who
Weighs Over 40 Ib (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.
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.
Driver and Passenger Safety
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 seat 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.
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
Your Honda has three attachment
points for tether-style child seats.
Two are on the floor behind each
rear seat. A third attachment point
is at the headliner at the tailgate
opening. To access, remove the
plug cap.
TETHER
ATTACHMENT
POINTS
Driver and Passenger Safety
Alcohol and Drugs
If you are not sure how to install
the bracket, have it installed by
your authorized Honda dealer.
If you need an anchor plate and
mounting hardware, contact your
Honda dealer.
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.
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
judgement and reaction time get
worse with every drink - even the
first one.
The only safe thing you can do is
never drink and drive. This can be
done if you plan ahead. If you
know you are going to be
drinking, make plans to ride with
a friend who will not be drinking.
What if you find that you've been
drinking and cannot get a ride
from a friend? Find alternative
transportation. Call a taxi. Take
a bus. Many communities have
transportation services devoted
to shuttling people who have
been drinking.
If you have no choice but to drive,
stop drinking and give yourself
lots of time to sober up. Time is
the only thing that can make
you sober. Things like coffee or
a cold shower don't speed up
the process.
If you see friends trying to get
behind the wheel after drinking,
stop them. Drive them yourself or
arrange other transportation. If
you think you are interfering,
remember that your interference
will keep them from sharing the
road with you.
Driver and Passenger Safety
Carbon Monoxide Hazard
Your vehicle's exhaust contains
carbon monoxide gas. You
should have no problem with
carbon monoxide entering the
vehicle in normal driving if you
maintain your vehicle properly.
Have the exhaust system
inspected for leaks whenever:
The vehicle is raised for an oil
change.
You notice a change in the
sound of the exhaust.
The vehicle was in an accident
that may have damaged the
underside.
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.
High levels of carbon monoxide
can collect rapidly in enclosed
areas, such as a garage. Do not
run the engine with the garage
door closed. Even with the door
open, run the engine only long
enough to move the vehicle out of
the garage.
With the tailgate open, air flow
can pull exhaust gas into your
vehicle's interior and create a
hazardous condition. If you
must drive with the tailgate open,
open all the windows and set
the heating and cooling system
as follows:
1. Select Fresh Air
(Recirculation off).
2. Select the mode.
3. Turn the fan on high speed.
4. Set the temperature control to
a comfortable setting.
If you must sit in your parked
vehicle, even in an unconfined
area, with the engine running,
adjust the heating and cooling
system as shown above.
Driver and Passenger Safety
Safety Labels
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
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 ......... 28
Indicator Lights ........... 29
Gauges .................. 33
Speedometer ........... 33
Tachometer ............ 33
Odometer .............. 33
Trip Meter ............. 33
Fuel Gauge ............. 34
Temperature Gauge ...... 34
Maintenance Required
Indicator .............. 34
Controls Near the
Steering Wheel ........... 35
Headlights ............. 36
Instrument Panel
Brightness ............ 37
Turn Signals ............ 37
Windshield Wipers ...... 37
Rear Window
Wiper/Washer ......... 38
Windshield Washers ..... 38
Hazard Warning ......... 39
Rear Window Defogger ... 39
Steering Wheel Adjustment 40
Steering Wheel Controls .... 41
Cruise Control .......... 41
Keys and Locks ........... 43
Keys .................. 43
Ignition Switch ......... 44
Power Door Locks ....... 45
Door Locks ............ 45
Childproof Door Locks ... 46
Remote Transmitter ...... 46
Tailgate ............... 48
Glove Box ............. 48
Seat Adjustments ......... 49
Front Seat Adjustments ... 49
Driver's Seat Power
Height Adjustment ...... 50
Driver's Lumbar Support . 50
Head Restraints ......... 50
Folding Rear Seat ....... 51
Rear Seat Armrest ....... 51
Power Windows ........... 52
Moonroof ................ 53
Mirrors .................. 54
Adjusting the Power Mirrors 54
Parking Brake ............ 55
Digital Clock ............. 55
Beverage Holder .......... 56
Coin Box ................ 57
Console Compartment ...... 57
Cigarette Lighter .......... 57
Ashtrays ................. 58
Interior Light ............. 58
Courtesy Lights ........... 59
Instruments and Controls
Control Locations
HOOD RELEASE HANDLE
DOOR
LOCK
MIRROR
CONTROLS
POWER
WINDOW
SWITCHES
FUEL FILL
DOOR
RELEASE
DIGITAL CLOCK
HORN
AUDIO SYSTEM
HEATING/COOLING
CONTROL
Instruments and Controls
Indicator Lights
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM INDICATOR
PARKING BRAKE AND BRAKE
SYSTEM INDICATOR
CHARGING SYSTEM INDICATOR
LOW OIL
PRESSURE
INDICATOR
HIGH BEAM INDICATOR
SEAT BELT REMINDER
LIGHT
CRUISE CONTROL
INDICATOR
The instrument panel has many
indicators to give you important
information about your car.
Lamp Check
Many of the indicator lights
come on when you turn the
ignition switch ON (II), allowing
you to see that they are working.
If an indicator does not light
during this test, it cannot alert
you if that system develops a
problem. Have the dealer check
your car for burned-out bulbs or
other problems.
DOOR AND BRAKE
LAMP MONITOR
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP
LOW FUEL
INDICATOR
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE
SYSTEM INDICATOR
Instruments and Controls
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.
Charging
System Indicator
If this light comes on when the
engine is running, the battery is
not being charged. For complete
information, see page 180.
Low Oil
Pressure Indicator
The engine can be severely
damaged if this light comes on
when the engine is running.
For complete information, see
page 179.
BRAKE
Brake System
Indicator Light
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 on cars equipped with ABS.
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.
Parking Brake and
Instruments and Controls
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