Honda Civic 1995 User Manual

1995 Civic 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.

Contents

Owner's Identification

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.................................................................................................................25

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

Comfort and Convenience Features .............................................................................................. 55

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

Before Driving.................................................................................................................................. 73

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

Driving .............................................................................................................................................. 83

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

Maintenance..................................................................................................................................... 95

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

Appearance Care..............................................................................................................................137

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

Taking Care of the Unexpected......................................................................................................143

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

Technical Information.....................................................................................................................163

ID numbers, dimensions, capacities, and technical information.

Warranty and Customer Relations (U.S. and Canada)................................................................173

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

Authorized Manuals (U.S. only)......................................................................................................179

How to order manuals and other technical literature.

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

Gas Station Information

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

Introduction

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Congratulations! Your selection of a 1995 Honda Civic was a wise investment. It will give you years of
driving pleasure.

To enhance the enjoyment of your new car, take time to study this manual. In it, you will learn about your car's
many conveniences and useful features. Following the service interval and maintenance recommendations will
help keep your driving trouble-free while preserving your investment.

Keep this owner's manual in your car so you can refer to it at any time. Please make sure the manual stays

with the car if you sell it. The next owner will find it just as helpful.
Several other booklets in the glove box explain the warranties that protect your Honda. We suggest you read

them carefully so you understand the coverages and the responsibilities of ownership.
When your car needs scheduled maintenance, keep in mind that your Honda dealer's service staff is specially

trained in the service and maintenance of 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.

Preface

Safety Messages

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

A safety message alerts you to potential hazards that could hurt you or
others. Each safety message is preceded by a safety alert symbol
and one of three words, DANGER, WARNING or CAUTION. These mean:

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

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

follow instructions.

You CAN be HURT if you don't

follow instructions.

Each safety message tells you what the hazard is, what can happen and
what you can do to avoid or reduce injury.

Preface

You will also see another
important symbol:

NOTICE

Your Civic or other
property can be damaged
if you don't follow
instructions.

The purpose of these
messages is to help
prevent damage to your
Civic, other property, or
the environment.

Driver and Passenger Safety

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This section gives you important
information about occupant
protection. It shows how to use
seat belts properly. It explains
the Supplemental Restraint
System that is standard in Civics.

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 ....... 8

Advice for Pregnant Women 9

Seat Belt Maintenance .... 10

Supplemental Restraint

System ................... 10

What Happens in a Crash .. 11
Important Facts

About Airbags .......... 11

How the Driver's

Airbag Works .......... 12

How the Passenger's

Airbag Works ........... 13

How the

SRS

Indicator Light Works .... 14

System Service ........... 14

System Service Precautions 14

Additional Safety Information 15

Seat-Back Position ........ 15

Door Locks .............. 15

Storing Cargo Safely ...... 15

Driving With Pets ......... 16

Child Safety ................ 17

Where Should Children Sit? 17
Important Safety

Reminders .............. 18

General Guidelines for

Restraining Children

Under 40 Ib (18 kg) ...... 18

Restraining an Infant

Who Weighs Less Than

20 1b (9 kg) ............ 19

Restraining a Child Who

Weighs Between 20 and

40 Ib (9 and 18 kg) ....... 19

Restraining a Child Who

Weighs Over 40 Ib

(18 kg) ................. 20

Using a Seat Belt

Locking Clip ............ 20

Using Child Restraints

With Tethers ............ 21

Storing a Child Seat ....... 22

Carbon Monoxide Hazard .... 23

Safety Labels ............... 24

Driver and Passenger Safety

Your Occupant Protection System

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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
Civic has a Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS) with a
driver's airbag and a passenger's
airbag.

Two indicator lights are also part
of your safety system. One
reminds you to make sure you
and your passengers wear your

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

supplemental restraint system
(see page 14).

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 or small children are
properly secured in a child
safety seat (see page 17).
Both doors are closed and
locked (see page 15).
Seat-backs are upright (see
page 15).

There are no loose items that
could be thrown around and
hurt someone during a crash
or sudden stop (see page 15).

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

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Why Wear Seat Belts

Wearing seat belts and wearing
them properly is fundamental to
your safety and the safety of
your passengers.

During a crash or emergency
stop, seat belts can help keep
you from being thrown against
the inside of the car, against
other occupants, or out of the
car.

Of course, seat belts cannot
completely protect you in every
crash. But, in most cases, seat
belts reduce your chance of
serious injury. They can even
save your life. That is why many
states and all Canadian
provinces require you to wear

seat belts.

Not wearing a seat belt
increases the chance of being
killed or seriously hurt in a
crash.

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

Important Safety Reminders

Seat belts are designed for adults
and larger children. All infants
and small children must be
properly restrained in child
safety seats (see page 18).

A pregnant woman needs to
wear a seat belt to protect
herself and her unborn child
(see page 9).

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

Driver and Passenger Safety

The Seat Belt System and How It Works

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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 28).

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.

SHOULDER
PORTION

LATCH
PLATE

BUCKLE

UPPER
SEAT BELT
ANCHOR

To
Retractor

LAP
PORTION

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

The Seat Belt System and How It Works

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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 43). 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 to see 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.

Driver and Passenger Safety

The Seat Belt System and How It Works

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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 shoulder belt crosses
your neck while you are
sitting in one of the outside
rear seating positions, you
need to adjust your seating

Driver and Passenger Safety

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. If
the belt doesn't retract easily,
pull it out and check for twists or
kinks.

Wearing the Lap Belt

1. Pull the latch plate across
your hips, and insert it into
the buckle marked CENTER.

If the belt is too short, hold

the latch plate at a right

angle, and pull to extend the
belt. Insert the latch plate
into the buckle.

The Seat Belt System and How It Works

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2. Position the belt so it fits 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.

Advice for Pregnant Women

Protecting the mother is the best
way to protect her unborn child.
Therefore, a pregnant woman
should wear a properly

positioned seat belt whenever

she drives or rides in a car.

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

Driver and Passenger Safety

The Seat Belt System and How It Works, Supplemental Restraint System

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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 to see that the latches

work smoothly and the

lap/shoulder belts retract easily.

Any belt not in good condition or

not working properly should be
replaced.

If a seat belt is worn during a
crash, have your dealer replace
the belt and check the anchors
for damage.

For information on how to clean
your seat belts, see page 140.

Supplemental Restraint System

Your Civic is equipped with a
Supplemental Restraint System

Driver and Passenger Safety

(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 the 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.

Supplemental Restraint System

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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.

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 car at 25 mph. 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.

Driver and Passenger Safety

Supplemental Restraint System

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Just from viewing the vehicle

damage after a crash, it is very

difficult to accurately determine

if the airbags should or should

not have inflated. In some cases

where the airbag did not inflate,

extensive visible damage

indicated that the car absorbed

much of the crash energy, and

the airbags were not needed. In

other cases, a severe jolt, such

as an impact to the

undercarriage, may not cause

extensive body damage but

cause the airbags to inflate.

Driver and Passenger Safety

How the Driver's
Airbag Works

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

To do its job, the airbag inflates
with considerable force. So,
while it can reduce serious
injuries and even save your life,

the airbag might cause some
facial abrasions or other injuries.
To reduce the possibility of
injury, you should always sit

back as far from the steering
wheel as is practical while still
maintaining full vehicle control.

Supplemental Restraint System

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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 inflating and

deflation takes a fraction of a
second. You may not even be

aware that the airbag has been

fully inflated.

The airbag is stored in the center
of the steering wheel. For safety,
do not attach any items to the
steering wheel. They could
interfere with the proper opera­tion of the airbag. Or, if the
airbag inflates, the items could
be propelled inside the car and
hurt someone.

How the Passenger's

Airbag Works

If you have a severe frontal

collision, the passenger's airbag
will inflate at the same time as
the driver's airbag.

The 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 bag inflates, it could
seriously hurt a toddler who is
not in the proper position or
properly restrained.

Driver and Passenger Safety

Supplemental Restraint System

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The passenger's airbag is stored
near the top of the dashboard,
under a lid marked SRS. Do not
place any objects on top of this

lid. If the airbag inflates, those
objects can be propelled inside
the car and possibly hurt
someone.

S R S

The purpose of the SRS light
on your instrument panel is
to alert you to a potential
problem with your supplemental
restraint system.

Have the system checked if:

How the SRS Indi­cator Light Works

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

Driver and Passenger Safety

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 maintenance­free. There are no parts you can
safely service.

You must have the system

serviced by an authorized Honda
dealer:

If your airbags ever inflate. The

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

If the SRS indicator light alerts
you of a problem. Have the

supplemental restraint system
checked as soon as possible.
Otherwise, your airbags might

not inflate when you need
them.

When the car is 10 years old.

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

System Service Precautions

Do not modify your steering

wheel or any other part of the

supplemental restraint system.
Modifications could make the
system ineffective.

Do not tamper with the system
components or wiring. This
could cause the 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

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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.

Additional Safety Information

The seat belts and airbags are
obviously important parts of
your occupant protection
system.

In addition, you should know
that sitting upright, 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 43.

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.

Driver and Passenger Safety

Additional Safety Information

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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 81.

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

Driver and Passenger Safety

their safety that pets should be
properly restrained in your car.

The recommended way to

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

A small dog, cat, or other small

animal will be safest in a pet
carrier with rigid sides. Choose a
style that allows you to secure it

to the car's seat by routing a seat

belt through the carrier's handle.
For further information, contact

your veterinarian or local animal

protection society.

Child Safety

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Children depend on adults to
protect them. To help make sure

we do, every state and Canadian

province has laws requiring

infants and young children to be

properly restrained whenever

they ride in a car.

An infant or child who is not
properly restrained can be
killed or seriously injured in a
crash.

Be sure any child too small for
seat belts is properly secured
in a child restraint.

Where Should Children Sit?

According to accident statistics,

children of all sizes and ages are

safer when they are properly

restrained in the rear seat rather

than the front seat.
We recommend that, whenever

possible, you secure your child's
infant or toddler seat in the
center position of the rear seat
with the lap belt.

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 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

Driver and Passenger Safety

Child Safety

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wear the lap/shoulder belt

properly for protection.

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,

Driver and Passenger Safety

they could be very seriously
injured in a crash.

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) or Canadian Motor
Vehicle Safety Standards. Look
for the manufacturer's statement
of compliance on the box and
seat.

Use a seat of the right size. Make
sure the seat fits your child.
Check the seat's instructions and
labels for height and weight
limits.

Secure the child seat to the car. All
approved child seats are

designed to be secured in the car
seat by the lap belt or the lap
belt portion of a lap/shoulder
belt. A child whose seat is not
properly secured to the car can
be endangered in a crash.

To properly route a seat belt
through a child seat, follow the
seat-maker's instructions. If you
use a lap/shoulder belt, be sure
you install a locking clip on the
belt (see page 20).

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.

Child Safety

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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 of that size must ride in a
reclining position, be sure the
infant seat always faces the
REAR of the car as shown.

We recommend that, whenever

possible, you put the infant seat

in the center position of the rear

seat and secure it to the car with

the lap belt.

If you decide to put an infant

seat in any other seating

position, you must use a locking

clip on the car's lap/shoulder

belt (see page 20).
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

Toddler seats are designed for
children who weigh between 20
and 40 Ib (9 and

The preferred place to put a
toddler seat is in the center
position of the rear seat. Use the

Driver and Passenger Safety

and 18

kg)

18

kg).

Child Safety

Main Menu

Table of Contents

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▼

car's lap belt to secure the seat
to the car.

If you decide to put a toddler
seat in any other seating
position, you must use a locking
clip on the car's lap/shoulder
belt (see page 20).

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
airbag 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

Driver and Passenger Safety

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.

Using a Seat Belt
Locking Clip

Always use a seat belt locking
clip when you secure a child seat
to your car with a lap/shoulder

belt. This helps prevent the seat
from shifting position or

overturning.

Child Safety

Main Menu

Table of Contents

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▼

A locking clip is usually included

with the child seat. If you need a
clip, contact the seat's
manufacturer or a store that sells
child restraints.

To install a locking clip, do this:

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

2. Insert the latch plate into the
buckle. Pull on the shoulder
part of the belt to make sure
there is no slack in the lap

portion.

3. Tightly grasp the belt near
the latch plate. Pinch both
parts of the belt together so
they won't slip through the
latch plate. Unbuckle the seat
belt.

4. Install the locking clip as
shown. Position the clip as
close as possible to the
latch plate.

5. Insert the latch plate into the

buckle. Push and pull on the
child seat to verify that it is
held firmly in place. If it is
not, repeat these steps until

the restraint is secure.

Using Child Restraints

With Tethers

4.2 in.
(106.0 mm)

10.4 in.
(264.0 mm)

Your Honda has three
attachment points for
tether-style child seats. Use the
dimensions in the above
illustration to locate the
attachment point you want to
use.

Driver and Passenger Safety

4.2 in.
(106.0 mm)

3.3 in.
(85.0 mm)

Child Safety

Main Menu

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Cut a 1/2 inch (12.7 mm)
diameter hole in the rear shelf,
then install the tether hardware
that came with the child seat.
Tighten the bolt to: 16 Ib-ft (2.2
kg-m,

22 N.m).

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, you can
obtain them by writing to:

American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Consumer Affairs

1919 Torrance Blvd.

Torrance, CA 90501-2746

Driver and Passenger Safety

Canadian Cars

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.

TOOTHED
WASHER

The supplied anchor plate is

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

Storing a Child Seat

When you are not using an infant

seat or other child restraint,

either remove it or make sure it

is properly secured so it cannot

be thrown around the car during

a crash.

Carbon Monoxide Hazard

Main Menu

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▼

Your car's exhaust contains

carbon monoxide gas. You

should have no problem with
carbon monoxide entering the
car in normal driving if you
maintain your car properly.
Have the exhaust system
inspected for leaks whenever:

The car is raised for an oil
change.

You notice a change in the
sound of the exhaust.

The car was in an accident
that may have damaged the
underside.

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

Avoid any enclosed areas or
activities that expose you to
carbon monoxide.

High levels of carbon monoxide

can collect rapidly in enclosed

areas, such as a garage. Do not
run the engine with the garage
door closed. Even with the door
open, run the engine only long
enough to move the car out of

the garage.

With the trunk lid open, air flow
can pull exhaust gas into the
trunk. This can get 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

2. Select the

button.

mode.

3. Turn the fan on high speed.

4. Set the temperature control
to a comfortable setting.

Driver and Passenger Safety

Safety Labels

Main Menu

Table of Contents

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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

Main Menu

▲

▼

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 ........... 26

Indicator Lights ............. 27

Gauges .................... 30

Speedometer ............. 30

Tachometer .............. 30

Odometer ............... 31

Trip Meter ............... 31

Fuel Gauge ............... 31

Temperature Gauge ....... 31

Controls Near the

Steering Wheel ............ 32

Headlights ............... 33

Daytime Running Lights ... 33
Instrument Panel

Brightness .............. 34

Turn Signals ............. 34

Windshield Wipers ....... 34

Windshield Washers ...... 35

Hazard Warning .......... 35

Rear Window Defogger .... 36

Steering Wheel Adjustment 36

Steering Wheel Controls ..... 37

Cruise Control ........... 37

Keys and Locks ............. 40

Keys .................... 40

Ignition Switch ........... 40

Door Locks .............. 41

Power Door Locks ........ 42

Trunk ................... 42

Seat Adjustments ........... 43

Front Seat Adjustments ... 43

Folding Rear Seat ......... 45

Power Windows ............ 46

Moonroof .................. 47

Mirrors .................... 48

Parking Brake .............. 49

Glove Box .................. 50

Digital Clock................ 50

Beverage Holder ............ 51

Cigarette Lighter ........... 52

Ashtrays ................... 52

Interior Light ............... 53

Instruments and Controls

Control Locations

Main Menu

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DOOR LOCK

SWITCH

POWER
WINDOW
SWITCH

TRUNK RELEASE
HANDLE

FUEL
FILL DOOR
RELEASE

U.S. EX, Canada Si Shown

MIRROR

CONTROLS

HORN

DIGITAL CLOCK

HEATING
COOLING
CONTROL

AUDIO SYSTEM

Instruments and Controls

Indicator Lights

Main Menu

Table of Contents

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The instrument panel has many
indicators to give you important
information about your car.

Lamp Check

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

* The U.S. EX with ABS option
instrument panel is shown.
Differences for the Canadian
model are noted in the text.

HIGH BEAM INDICATOR

CHARGING SYSTEM
INDICATOR

LOW OIL
PRESSURE

INDICATOR

SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM INDICATOR

U.S. EX Automatic Transmission Shown

PARKING BRAKE AND
BRAKE SYSTEM LIGHT*

ANTI-LOCK BRAKE
SYSTEM INDICATOR

CRUISE CONTROL
INDICATOR

MALFUNCTION
INDICATOR

LAMP

SEAT BELT REMINDER LIGHT

TRUNK-OPEN
INDICATOR

Instruments and Controls

Indicator Lights

Main Menu

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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

The battery is not being
charged if this light comes on
when the engine is running.

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

154.

U.S.

BRAKE

Canada

Parking Brake
and Brake
System
Indicator Light

This light has two functions:

1. It lights as a reminder that
you have set the parking
brake. Driving with the
parking brake set can
damage the brakes and tires.
It will also cause the anti-lock
brake system to turn off on
cars with the ABS option.
(See page 92).

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

braking system for worn pads

or fluid leaks.

Supplemental

S R S

Restraint System
Indicator

The SRS light normally comes on
for a few seconds when you turn
the ignition ON (II). If it doesn't,
or if it stays on after the engine
starts, something is wrong with
the Supplemental Restraint
System. It may also flash on and
off to indicate a problem.

Instruments and Controls

Indicator Lights

Main Menu

Table of Contents

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If you see any of these
indications, the airbags may not

work when needed in an

accident. Take the car to your
dealer promptly for diagnosis

and service.

Anti-Lock Brake

B S

System (ABS)

A

Indicator

On U.S. EX with ABS option
(see page 92)

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, stop the car in a safe
place, and turn off the engine.
Reset the system by restarting
the engine. Watch the ABS light.
If it does not go off, or comes
back on again while driving, 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.

U.S.: Malfunction

Indicator Lamp
Canada: Check

Engine Light

This light comes on for a few
seconds when you turn the
ignition switch ON (II). If it
comes on at any other time, it
indicates one of the engine's
emissions control systems may
have a problem. Turn to
page 155 for information about
what to do.

Trunk-Open
Indicator

This light comes on if the trunk
lid is not closed tightly.

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 131). Replace it as soon as
possible, since other drivers
cannot see that you are
signaling.

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

Indicator Lights, Gauges

Main Menu

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High Beam Indicator

This light comes on with the
high beam headlights. See page 33
for information on the headlight
controls.

Canada

D R L

Daytime Running
Lights (DRL) Indicator

On Canadian models, this indicator
comes on with reduced brightness
when the Daytime Running Lights
(DRL) are on (see page 33).

CRUISE

CONTROL

Cruise Control
Indicator

Only on cars equipped with cruise
control system

This lights when you set the
cruise control. See page 37 for
information on operating the

cruise control.

TACHOMETER

ODOMETER

SPEEDOMETER

Automatic Transmission Shown

Speedometer

U.S. Models

This shows your speed in miles
per hour. The smaller inner
numbers are the speed in
kilometers per hour.

Canadian Models

This shows your speed in
kilometers per hour. The smaller

TRIP METER

inner numbers are the speed in

miles per hour.

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.

FUEL GAUGE

TRIP METER

RESET BUTTON

TEMPERATURE
GAUGE

Instruments and Controls

Gauges

Main Menu

Table of Contents

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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.

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.

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).

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 152 for instructions
and precautions on checking the
engine's cooling system.

Instruments and Controls

Controls Near the Steering Wheel

Main Menu

Table of Contents

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INSTRUMENT PANEL
BRIGHTNESS

MOONROOF

MIRROR
CONTROLS

CRUISE
CONTROL

HEADLIGHTS/
TURN SIGNALS

HAZARD WARNING LIGHTS

TILT ADJUSTMENT

REAR WINDOW
DEFOGGER

WINDSHIELD
WIPERS/
WASHERS

HORN

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

The rear window defogger
switch is on the dashboard to
the right of the steering column.

The controls under the left air
vent are for the moonroof,
mirrors, cruise control, and
instrument panel brightness.

The lever on the underside of the
steering column allows you to tilt
the steering wheel.

Instruments and Controls

Controls Near the Steering Wheel

Main Menu

Table of Contents

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Headlights

The rotating switch on the left
lever controls the lights. Turning
this switch to the first position
" " turns on the parking lights,
tail lights, instrument panel
lights, side-marker lights, and
rear license plate lights. Turning
the switch to the second
position " " turns on the
headlights.

To change between low beams
and high beams, pull the turn
signal lever toward you until you
hear a click, then let go. The high
beam indicator will light (see
page 30).

To flash the high beams, pull

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

The high beams will stay on for
as long as you hold the lever, no
matter what position the
headlight switch is in.

Daytime Running Lights

Canadian Models

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

The headlights revert to normal
operation when you turn them
on with the switch.

Instruments and Controls

Controls Near the Steering Wheel

Main Menu

Table of Contents

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▼

Instrument Panel Brightness

The dial on the dashboard to the

left of the instrument panel
controls the brightness of the
instrument panel lights. Turn the
dial to adjust the brightness.

Turn Signals

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.

TURN SIGNAL LEVER

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.

Windshield Wipers

The right lever controls the
windshield wipers and washers.
The rotary switch at the end of
the lever has three positions:
INT - intermittent
LO - low speed
HI - high speed

Instruments and Controls

Controls Near the Steering Wheel

Main Menu

Table of Contents

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▼

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

To operate the wipers in mist
mode, push the control lever
down. The wipers run at high

speed until you release the lever.
This gives you a quick way to
clear the windshield.

Windshield Washers

U.S. Models

To clean the windshield, pull the
wiper control lever toward you.
The washers spray until you

release the lever.

Canadian Models

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 under 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

Main Menu

Table of Contents

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▼

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.

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

The defogger wires on the inside
of the rear window can be
accidentally damaged. When
cleaning the glass, always wipe
side to side.

Steering Wheel Adjustment

You can adjust the steering
wheel height to suit your
preference. Do this before you
begin driving.

Adjusting the steering wheel

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

Adjust the steering wheel 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.

3. Move the steering wheel up

or down to the desired

Instruments and Controls

Steering Wheel Controls

Main Menu

Table of Contents

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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.

Cruise Control

Available only on EX in the U.S.,

and Si model in Canada

Cruise control allows you to
maintain a set speed above
25 mph (40 km/h) without
keeping your foot on the
accelerator pedal. It is for
cruising on straight, open
highways. It is not recommended
for conditions such as city
driving, winding roads, slippery

roads, heavy rain, or bad

weather. You should have full

control of the car under those
conditions.

Improper use of the cruise

control can lead to a crash.

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

NOTICE

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

mechanism by resting your foot

under the pedal and blocking the
movement.

Using the Cruise Control

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).

Instruments and Controls

Steering Wheel Controls

Main Menu

Table of Contents

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▼

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.

RESUME/

accel

SET/
decel

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.

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

Steering Wheel Controls

Main Menu

Table of Contents

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

If you use the brake or clutch
pedal to cancel cruise control,
the system retains the previously
set cruising speed. To return to
that speed, accelerate to above
25 mph (40 km/h), and press the
RESUME/accel button until the
CRUISE CONTROL light comes
on. The car will accelerate to the
same cruising speed as before.

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

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

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

Control.

Instruments and Controls

Keys and Locks

Main Menu

Table of Contents

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▼

Keys

Your car comes with two kinds of
keys: a master key and a valet
key. The master key fits all locks
on your car:

Ignition

Doors
Trunk
Trunk release handle

Rear seat trunk access

KEY

NUMBER

PLATE

VALET KEY

Instruments and Controls

MASTER KEY

The valet key works only in the
ignition and the door locks. You
can keep the glove box locked
when you leave your car and

valet key at a parking facility.

You should have received a key
number plate with your set of
keys. You will need this number if

you have to get a lost key

replaced. Keep the plate stored in
a safe place. When replacing keys,
use only Honda-approved key
blanks.

Ignition Switch

The ignition switch is on the
right side of the steering column.
It has four positions:

LOCK (0)
ACCESSORY (I)
ON (II)
START (HI)

LOCK (0) — You can insert or
remove the key only in this

Keys and Locks

Main Menu

Table of Contents

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position. When you turn the
key from LOCK to ACCESSORY,

you may have to turn the

steering wheel to release the
anti-theft lock. To switch from

ACCESSORY to LOCK, you must

push the key in slightly as you

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

lock will lock the steering
column when you remove the
key.

Removing the key from the
ignition switch while driving
locks the steering. This can
cause you to lose control.

Remove the key from the
ignition switch only when
parked.

ACCESSORY (I) — In this
position, you can operate the
audio system and cigarette
lighter.

ON (II) — This is the normal
key position when driving. All
features and accessories on the
car are usable. Several of the
lights on the instrument panel
come on as a test when you
turn the ignition switch from
ACCESSORY to ON (see
page 27).

START (III) — Use this position
only to start the engine. The
switch returns to ON when you
let go of the key.

You will hear a reminder beeper
if you open either front door
with the key in the LOCK or
ACCESSORY position. Remove
the key to turn it off.

Door Locks

Each door has a lock tab next to
the inside door handle. Push the
tab forward to lock the door, and
pull it backward to unlock.

To lock the passenger's door
when getting out of the car, push
the lock tab forward, and close
the door. To lock the driver's
door, pull the outside door

Instruments and Controls

Keys and Locks

Main Menu

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handle, and push the lock tab
forward. Release the handle;
then close the door.

Power Door Locks

Available on U.S. EX model

This allows control of both door
locks from the driver's door.
Push the master door lock
switch down to lock both doors

and up to unlock them.

Instruments and Controls

Both doors lock when you push

the lock tab on the driver's door.

Only the driver's door unlocks
when you use the key or lock
tab. To unlock the passenger's

door, use the master door lock
switch or the lock tab on each

door.

The doors can also be locked
and unlocked from the outside
with the key.

Trunk

You can open the trunk in two
ways:

Pull the trunk release handle
to the left of the driver's seat.

TRUNK RELEASE HANDLE

Keys and Locks, Seat Adjustments

Main Menu

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

See page 81 for cargo loading
and weight-limit information.
Keep the trunk lid closed at all
times while driving to avoid
damaging the lid and getting
exhaust gas in the interior. See
Carbon Monoxide Hazard on
page 23.

To protect items in the trunk

when you need to give the key to

someone else, lock the trunk

release handle with the master

key, and give the other person

the valet key.

MASTER KEY

Seat Adjustments

Adjust the seat before you start

driving.

Front Seat Adjustments

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

Seat Adjustments

Main Menu

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To change the angle of the seat­back, 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.

Instruments and Controls

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.

Rear Seat Access

On

the U.S. EX and Canada Si

(Passenger side only)

To get in or out of the rear seat,

pull up on the lever at the side of

the front passenger's seat. The

seat-back will fold down, and the

front passenger's seat will move

forward.

The seat will lock in place when

it is pushed back.

Folding Rear Seat

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Folding Rear Seat

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, and pull
down the top of the seat-back;
then release the key.

To release the seat-back from

inside the trunk, pull the release
loop under the rear shelf. Push
the seat-back down; then let go
of the loop.

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 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 81.

Never drive with the seat-back
folded down and the trunk lid

open. See Carbon Monoxide

Hazard on page 23.

Instruments and Controls

Power Windows

Main Menu

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On U.S. EX model

Your car's windows are
electrically powered. Turn the
ignition switch to ON (II) to raise
or lower a 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.

The driver's armrest has a
master power window control
panel. To open the passenger's
window, push down on the
appropriate 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

Instruments and Controls

the window gets to the position
you want.

MAIN SWITCH

DRIVER'S WINDOW
SWITCH

The master control panel also
contains these extra features:

AUTO — To open the driver's
window fully, push the window
switch firmly down and release
it. The window automatically
goes all the way down. To stop

the window from going all the
way down, push the window

switch up briefly.
To open the driver's window

only partially, push the window
switch down lightly and hold it.
The window will stop as soon as
you release the switch.

The AUTO function only works
to lower the driver's window. To
raise the window, you must push
the window switch up and hold it
until the window reaches the
desired position.

The MAIN switch controls power
to the passengers' windows.
With this switch off, the
passengers' windows cannot be
raised or lowered. The MAIN
switch does not affect the
driver's window. Keep the MAIN
switch off when you have

Power Windows, Moonroof

Main Menu

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children in the car so they do not
injure themselves by operating
the window unintentionally.

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

Make sure children are away

from the windows before

closing them.

Moonroof

On EX in the U.S. and Si model in
Canada

Use the switches on the dash­board under the left vent to
operate the moonroof. The
ignition must be ON (II).

To lift the rear of the moonroof
for ventilation, push the

button. To slide the moonroof

back, push the switch.
Hold it until the moonroof
reaches the desired position, and
then release the switch.

To close the moonroof, press
and hold the switch.

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

Main Menu

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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.

Instruments and Controls

Manual Door Mirrors

Only on DX models

The outside mirrors can be
adjusted by moving the knob on
the inside of the door.

Adjusting the Power Mirrors

On the

EX in

the

U.S.

and Si in

Canada

Adjust the outside mirrors with

the adjustment switch on the left
side of the dashboard:

1. Turn the ignition switch
ON

(II).

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

SELECTOR
SWITCH

3. Push the appropriate edge of
the adjustment switch to

Mirrors, Parking Brake

Main Menu

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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

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 28).

NOTICE

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

Instruments and Controls

Glove Box, Digital Clock

Main Menu

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Glove Box

Open the glove box by pulling
the handle. Close it with a firm
push.

GLOVE BOX

Instruments and Controls

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.

Digital Clock

EX models in the U.S. and Si

models in Canada

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.

Digital Clock, Beverage Holder

Main Menu

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Use the buttons 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.

H

RESET

M

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

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 backward

to 1:00.

1:52 would RESET forward

to 2:00.

Beverage Holder

To open the beverage holder,
push on the top. The beverage
holder lid is spring-loaded and
will pop open. To close it, push it
down until it latches.

Use the beverage holder only

when the car is parked. If you

place cups in the holder while
driving, the liquid may spill when

Instruments and Controls

Beverage Holder, Cigarett e Lighter, Ashtrays

Main Menu

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you go over bumps or around
corners.

Be careful when you are using the
beverage holder. Spilled liquids
can damage the upholstery,
carpeting, and electrical
components in the interior. If the
liquid is very hot, it can scald you
or your passengers.

Instruments and Controls

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

Open the front ashtray by pulling
on the bottom edge. Push it in to

close it.
To remove the ashtray for

emptying, push down on the
metal plate inside, then pull the

ashtray out completely.

The rear ashtray is at the rear
end of the center console. Open
the ashtray by swinging the

Ashtrays, Interior Light

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upper edge of the lid down. To
remove the ashtray for emptying,

open it, and then lift up and out.

NOTICE

Use the ashtray only for cigarettes,
cigars and other smoking mate-

rials. To prevent a possible fire
and damage to your car, don't put
paper or other things that can
burn in the ashtrays.

Interior Light

The interior light has a three-

position switch. In the OFF

(forward) position, the light does
not come on. In the center
position, the interior light comes
on when you open either front
door. In the ON (rearward)
position, the interior light stays
on continuously.

DOOR ACTIVATED

Instruments and Controls

Comfort and Convenience Features

Main Menu

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The heating/ventilation system
in your car, when combined with
the optional air conditioner,
provides a comfortable driving
environment in all weather
conditions.

U.S. EX and Canada Si models

The standard audio system is
very versatile. To get the most
benefit from this system, read its
description in this manual.

The anti-theft feature on your
radio disables the system. To get
the system working again you
must enter a code number as
described in this manual.

For other models

Refer to the operating
instructions that came with the
optional audio system you
selected.

Heating and Cooling ......... 56

What Each Control Does .. 58

How to Use the System .... 58

Controlling Air

Flow Direction ........ 59

Ventilation ............ 59

To Cool With A/C ....... 59

To Heat ............... 60

To Heat and Dehumidify

With Air Conditioning . 60

To Defog and Defrost ... 60

To Turn Everything Off .... 61

Audio System ............... 62

Operating the Radio ...... 62

Presetting Radio Stations .. 63

Adjusting the Sound ...... 64

Radio Frequencies ........ 65

Operating the

Cassette Player ......... 65

Caring for the

Cassette Player ......... 66

Operating the

CD Player/Changer ...... 67

Comfort and Convenience Features

Heating and Cooling

Main Menu

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This system has full heating,
ventilation, and air conditioning

(optional) capabilities. You can
adjust the system controls to mix
these in various combinations.
The air flows into the interior at
three possible levels that you
can select.

A Genuine Honda air
conditioning system is available
from your dealer. It meets
Honda's high quality standards
and is designed to fit your car. If

you purchased your car without
air conditioning, it can be

installed at a later time. Please
contact your dealer for more
information.

The direction of air flow from the
vents in the center and each side

Move the tab in the center of
each vent up and down and side
to side.

CENTER VENT

SIDE VENT

The side and upper vents can be
opened and closed with the dials
next to them.

UPPER VENT

OPEN

CLOSE

Comfort and Convenience Features

The heating and cooling system

Main Menu

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draws air through the exterior
vents at the bottom of the
windshield. Keep these vents
clear of leaves and other debris.

Heating and Cooling

Comfort and Convenience Features

Heating and Cooling

Main Menu

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What Each Control Does

Fan Control Lever

Sliding this lever to the right

increases the fan speed, which

Increases air flow.

Temperature Control Lever

Sliding this lever to the right

increases the temperature of air

flowing through the system.

Mode Buttons

These buttons control the
direction of air flow. The
indicator light shows which
button is controlling air flow.

Air Conditioning (A/C) Switch

(Optional)

This switch turns the air
conditioner ON and OFF. The
indicator in the switch lights
when the A/C is ON.

MODE BUTTONS

TEMPERATURE
CONTROL LEVER FAN CONTROL LEVER

Fresh Air and
Recirculation Buttons

These two buttons control the
source of air going into the
system. In Fresh Air mode, air
comes from outside the car. In
Recirculation mode, the interior
air recycles through the system.

RECIRCULATED AIR

FRESH AIR

AIR CONDITIONING
ON/OFF SWITCH

How to Use the System

This section covers the best way
to use the system for ventilation,
cooling, dehumidifying,
defrosting, and heating. In most
cases, the mode and air source
selections are only
recommendations. You may
prefer different settings.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Heating and Cooling

Main Menu

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Use mode to heat or cool
the interior more quickly, or to
keep out smoke and dust.
Leaving the system in
recirculation mode with the air
conditioning off can cause the

windows to fog up. Switch to

mode as soon as the
interior reaches a comfortable
temperature or the outside
smoky, dusty condition clears.

The engine must be running for
the heater and air conditioning
system to provide 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
circulating.

Air conditioning does not
depend on engine temperature. It
can produce cold air almost
immediately.

Controlling Air Flow Direction

Air flows into the interior at
three levels: Toward the floor

through the dash vents

and toward the windshield

and side windows

You
select the air flow level or
combination of levels with the
five mode buttons.

Ventilation

Your car has a flow-through
ventilation system. Air enters the
car through vents in front of the
windshield. It circulates through
the interior then exits through
vents near the rear window. This
system provides fresh air even
when the car is standing still. To
bring in outside air, press the

button. Set the fan at a

comfortable speed.

To Cool With A/C (Optional)

To operate the air conditioning
system, press the air
conditioning switch. Set the fan
to the desired speed. You can

also use the mode button
to direct air out of the dash and
heater vents.

After your car has been sitting in
the sun, cool the interior down
rapidly.

1. Start the engine.

2. Turn on the A/C by pressing
the switch.

3. Set the fan to maximum
speed.

4. Open the windows partially.

5. Select and

When the interior reaches a
comfortable temperature, close

Comfort and Convenience Features

Heating and Cooling

Main Menu

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the windows, and set the system

for cooling as described above.
The air conditioning places an

extra load on the engine. Watch
the coolant temperature gauge
(see page 31) when using the A/C
in heavy traffic or driving up
long hills. If it moves near the red
zone, turn off the air
conditioning until the gauge
reads normal.

To Heat

To warm the interior:

1. Start the engine.

2. Select and

3. Switch the fan to the desired
speed.

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

To Heat and Dehumidify
With Air Conditioning

Air conditioning removes
moisture from the air as it
operates. 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 press any
desired mode button.

4. Adjust the temperature

control lever 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 lever so the airflow

from the defroster vents feels

warm.

5. Turn on the rear window

defogger to help clear the

rear window.

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

Comfort and Convenience Features

Heating and Cooling

Main Menu

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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.

These settings direct all the air

flow to the defroster vents at the
base of the windshield and each

front door window. 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, slide the fan speed
and temperature control levers
all the way to the left.

You should only shut the system
completely off 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.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Audio System

Main Menu

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AM/FM/Cassette Stereo
Audio System

U.S. EX and Canada Si Models

Your Honda audio system is easy
to use and will give clear AM/FM
reception. The preset buttons
allow you to select six stations on

AM and 12 stations on FM.
The anti-theft feature disables

the system if it is disconnected

from the car's battery. To get the
system working again, you must
enter a code number. See page

71.

The cassette system uses
Dolby B* noise reduction to give
excellent sound reproduction.
The system also senses when a
metal or a chromium dioxide
(CrO2) tape is being played and
adjusts accordingly.

ON/OFF/VOL
KNOB

TUNE/SEEK BAR

PRESET
BUTTONS

*Dolby noise reduction manufac­tured under license from Dolby
Laboratories Licensing Corpora­tion. "Dolby" and the symbol
are trademarks of Dolby Labora­tories Licensing Corporation.

Operating the Radio

The ignition switch must be in

ACCESSORY (I) or ON (II) to

STEREO

AM BUTTON

FM 1-2 BUTTON

INDICATOR

operate the audio system. Turn
the system on by turning the
ON/OFF/VOL knob clockwise.
The radio comes on and
displays the frequency of the
station it was last tuned to.

Adjust the volume by turning the
ON/OFF/VOL knob.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Audio System

Main Menu

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Select the band you want to
listen to by pressing the AM or
FM 1-2 button. You will see the

selected band and the frequency
in the display.

ST will be displayed next to the

frequency if the station is

broadcasting in FM stereo. The
AM stereo feature is not
available.

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

The TUNE function lets you find

a desired frequency. Push the
right side of the TUNE/SEEK
bar to change to a higher

frequency, and push the left side

of the bar to change to a

lower frequency.

To change the frequency up or

down a single increment, push
and release the TUNE/SEEK bar.

The SEEK function searches the
band for a station with a strong
signal. Depending on which way

you push the TUNE/SEEK bar,

the system searches up or down
from the current frequency. Push
the bar until you hear a beep,
then release it. The system
searches until it finds a station

with a strong signal, then stops.

Presetting Radio Stations

The preset buttons allow you to

store radio frequencies for later
selection. Each button will store
one frequency on the AM band
and two on the FM band. To
store a frequency do this:

1. Select the desired band, AM
or FM. FM 1-2 allows you to

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. The light in
the indicator will come on
and the station selected will

show in the display.

4. Repeat steps 1 through 3 to

store a total of six stations on

AM and 12 on FM.

Once a station's frequency is
stored, simply press and release
the proper Preset button to tune
to it. If you want to change any
Preset button's selection, store
another frequency as described.
The frequencies you preset will

be lost if your car's battery goes
dead or is disconnected.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Audio System

Main Menu

Table of Contents

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ON/OFF/VOL
KNOB

TUNE/SEEK BAR

PRESET
BUTTONSFM1-2

Adjusting the Sound

Use the Balance and Fader
controls to adjust the sound

"direction." The Balance control
moves sound left to right. The
Fader control moves it front to
back.

To use either control, push on
the knob to get it to pop out.

BASS/
TREBLE

STEREO
INDICATOR

BALANCER/
FADER

AM BUTTON

Adjust the front-to-back sound

to your liking with the outer ring.

Adjust the side-to-side sound

balance with the knob. Push the
knob back in when you are done.

The illumination for the radio
controls comes on with the
instrument panel lights, even if

the radio is off. You can use the
Balance control to turn off the
radio panel illumination even with
the radio on. Push the control
knob so it pops out, then pull it
out slightly farther. Check this
control if the control panel lights
do not come on with the
instrument panel lights.

Use the Bass and Treble controls
to adjust the tone quality to your
liking. Push on the knob to get
the controls to pop out. Adjust
the bass level with the outer ring
and the treble level with the
knob. When finished, push the
knob back in to prevent
accidentally changing your
settings.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Audio System

Main Menu

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Radio Frequencies

Your Honda's radio can tune in
all frequencies in both the AM
and FM bands. Those bands
cover these frequencies:

AM band
530 to 1710 kilohertz

FM band

87.7 to 107.9 megahertz

Radio stations on the AM band
are assigned frequencies at least

10 kilohertz apart (530, 540, 550).

Those on the FM band are
assigned frequencies at least 0.2
megahertz apart (87.9, 88.1,

88.3).
Stations must use these exact

frequencies. It is fairly common
for stations to round-off the

frequency in their advertising,
so your radio will show a
frequency of 100.9 even though
the announcer may call the
station "FM101."

EJECT
BUTTON

REWIND
BUTTON

PROGRAM
BUTTON

CASSETTE
SLOT

Operating the Cassette
Player

Turn the system ON. Insert the
cassette into the slot with the
tape opening to the right. Push
the cassette in most of the way.
The drive pulls it in the rest of
the way and begins to play.

Comfort and Convenience Features

PLAY
BUTTON

FAST FORWARD
BUTTON

TMS
BUTTON

DOLBY
BUTTON

TAPE
DIRECTION
INDICATOR

The or lights to show you
which side of the cassette is

playing. The indicates the
side you inserted facing upward
is now playing. To play the other
side of the tape, press the PROG
button.

The system also has an auto-

reverse feature. It automatically

Audio System

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reverses direction when it
reaches the end of the cassette.

If the tape was recorded with
Dolby "B" noise reduction, turn it
on by pressing the button.

To remove the cassette from the
drive, press the EJECT knob. The
system automatically ejects the
cassette whenever you turn off
the system or the ignition
switch.

Cassette Search Functions

Once a cassette is playing, you
can use the
function to look for desired
songs or passages.

Press the REW button to rewind
the cassette. Press the FF button
to fast forward. The cassette will
stop playing and will rewind or
fast forward. To stop rewind or

REW,

FF,

or TMS

fast forward, press the PLAY
button. If the system reaches the
end of the cassette while in fast
forward or rewind, it auto­matically stops that function,
reverses direction, and begins to
play.

The TMS function lets you skip
to the beginning of a song or
other passage.

Press the TMS button and then
the FF button or REW button.
The tape will automatically
advance to the beginning of the

next song or return to the
beginning of the song just
played. When the system senses
a silent period on the tape, it
goes back to PLAY mode.

The TMS function uses silent
periods on the tape to find the
end of a selection. This feature
may not work satisfactorily on

tapes that have almost no gap
between songs, a high noise level
between songs, or silent periods
in the middle of songs.

Caring for Cassettes

Damaged cassettes can jam
inside the drive or cause other
problems. See page 67 for
information on cassette care and
protection.

Caring for the Cassette Player

The cassette drive picks up dirt
and oxides whenever you play a
tape. This builds up over time

and causes the sound quality to

degrade. To prevent this, you
should clean the cassette drive

after every 30 hours of use. Your

Honda dealer has a cleaning kit

available for this purpose.
After 30 hours of tape use, you

will see CLEAN flashing for five

Comfort and Convenience Features

Audio System

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seconds in the display when
you insert a tape into the tape
slot. If you are already regularly
cleaning the tape drive at least

every 30 hours, reset the

indicator by pressing the FM1

button while the system is in
the tape operation mode. Hold
the button until you hear a
beep and the CLEAN indicator
goes out.

If you do not clean the cassette
drive regularly, it may eventually
become impossible to remove
the deposits with a normal

cleaning kit.

The cassette player
automatically ejects cassettes
that do not play normally. If it

ejects a cassette before it begins
to play, it is probably defective
and should not be inserted
again. You may have a cassette

suddenly stop playing, reverse
directions once or twice and
then eject. This is normally an
indication the tape is wound
unevenly. It should play normally
after being manually rewound.

Use 100-minute or shorter
cassettes. Cassettes longer than

100 minutes use thinner tape

that may break or jam the drive.
Look at a cassette before you

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

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

Do not leave cassettes sitting
where they are exposed to high

heat or humidity, such as on top
of the dashboard or in the

player. If a cassette is exposed to
extreme heat or cold, let it reach
a moderate temperature before

putting it in the player.

Operating the CD Player/
Changer (Optional)

Your dealer has an in-dash
Honda Compact Disc player or a
trunk-mounted changer available
for your car. The changer holds
up to six discs, providing several
hours of continuous program­ming. You operate the CD player
and the changer with the same

controls used for the radio.

Loading the CD Changer

Load the CDs in the magazine
and load the magazine into the
changer according to the
instructions that came with the
changer unit.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Audio System

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To operate the CD player or
changer, the ignition key must
be in the ACCESSORY (I) or
ON (II). If you were listening to
a cassette tape, eject it before
listening to a CD.

CD Player

Insert the disc in the player.
Push the CD button on the
player, "CD" will show in the
display and the disc will start to
play.

CD Changer

Push the CD button on the radio,
the display will show "CD" and
the track last listened to will
play. When that disc ends, the
next disc in the magazine is
loaded and played.

After disc 6 has completed, the
system will return to disc 1. To
make your own disc selection,

TUNE/SEEK BAR

push one of the corresponding
Preset buttons. Your selection
will appear in the display and
start playing.

If you try to select an empty
slot in the magazine, the
system will select and play the
first track of the next disc in
the magazine.

CD BUTTON

You can use the TUNE/SEEK bar
while a disc is playing to select

passages and change tracks. To
move rapidly forward within a
track, press and hold the side
of the TUNE/SEEK bar. Press and
hold the side to move rapidly
backward within a track. You will
hear a beep a half second after
you press either side of the bar.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Audio System

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Keep pressing the bar until you
think the track has advanced or
returned to the desired position.
The disc will start playing when
you release the bar.

If you press the side and
release it before you hear a beep,
the system will skip forward to
the beginning of the next track
on the CD. It will skip backward
to the beginning of the current
track if you press the side and
release it.

If you change modes to radio
or tape while a CD is playing,
then change back to CD mode,
the same disc and track will
play.

If you turn off the system
while a CD is playing, either
with the ON/OFF/VOL knob or

by turning off the ignition, the
system will begin playing the

same disc and track when you
turn it back on.

To return to the radio function,
press the AM/FM button.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Audio System

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CD Error Indications

If you see an error indication on

the display, 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

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On U.S. EX and Canada Si models

Your car's audio system will

disable itself if it is disconnected
from electrical power for any
reason. To make it work again,

the user must enter a specific
five-digit code in the Preset

buttons. Because there are

hundreds of number
combinations possible from five
digits, making the system work
without knowing the exact code
is nearly impossible.

You should have received a card
that lists your audio system's
code number and serial number.
Store the card in a safe place at
home. In addition, you should
write the audio system's serial
number in this Owner's Manual.
If you should happen to lose the
card, you must obtain the code
number by having your Honda
dealer contact American Honda.

To do this, he will need the

system's serial number.

If your car's battery is
disconnected or goes dead, the
audio system will disable itself. If
this happens, you will see "Code"
in the frequency display the next
time you turn on the system. Use
the Preset buttons to enter the
five-digit code. If it is entered
correctly, the radio will start

playing.

If you make a mistake entering
the code, do not start over or try
to correct your mistake.

Complete the five-digit sequence,

then enter the correct code. You

have three tries to enter the

correct code. If you are

unsuccessful in three attempts,
you must then leave the system
on for one hour before trying
again.

Comfort and Convenience Features

You will have to store your

favorite stations in the Preset

buttons after the system begins
working. Your original settings
were lost when power was

disconnected.

Before Driving

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Before you begin driving your
Honda, you should know what
gasoline to use and how to check
the levels of important fluids.

You also need to know how to

properly store luggage or
packages.

Break-in Period ............. 74

Gasoline ................... 74

Oxygenated Fuels ........ 74

Driving in Foreign

Countries ............... 75

Service Station Procedures .. 76

Filling the Fuel Tank ...... 76

Opening the Hood ........ 77

Oil Check ................ 78

Engine Coolant Check ..... 79

Fuel Economy .............. 80

Vehicle Condition ......... 80

Driving Habits ............ 80

Loading Cargo ............. 81

Before Driving

Break-in Period, Gasoline

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Break-in Period

Help assure your car's future
reliability and performance by
paying extra attention to how

you drive during the first 600

miles (1,000 km). During this
period:

Avoid full-throttle starts and

rapid acceleration.
If you need to add oil, use the

engine oil recommended in
this owner's manual.
Avoid hard braking. New

brakes need to be broken-in

by moderate use for the first
200 miles (300 km).

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

Before Driving

Gasoline

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

Gasolines containing detergent
additives designed to help
prevent fuel system and engine
deposits are recommended.
Using gasoline containing lead
will damage your car's emission
controls. This contributes to air
pollution and can void certain
parts of your warranty.

Oxygenated Fuels

Some conventional gasolines are
being blended with alcohol or an

ether compound. These
gasolines are collectively
referred to as oxygenated fuels.
To meet clean air standards,
some areas of the United States
and Canada use oxygenated fuels
to help reduce emissions.

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

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

The following are the
EPA-approved percentages of
oxygenates:

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

Gasoline

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volume. Gasoline containing
ethanol may be marketed under
the name "Gasohol."

MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl
Ether) — You may use gasoline
containing up to 15% MTBE by
volume.

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

If you notice any undesirable
operating symptoms, try another

service station or switch to
another brand of gasoline.

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

Driving in Foreign Countries

Using any type of leaded gasoline
in your Honda will affect
performance and damage its
emissions controls. Unleaded
gasoline may not be available in
other countries. If you are
planning to take your car outside
the U.S. or Canada, write to
Honda at the address shown for
information about any
modifications your car may
need. Be sure to include the year
and model of your car.

U.S. Owners:

American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

Consumer Affairs

1919 Torrance Blvd.

Torrance, CA 90501-2746

Canadian Owners:

Honda Canada Inc.
715 Milner Ave.
Scarborough, Ontario M1B 2K8

Before Driving

Service Station Procedures

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Filling the Fuel Tank

To fill the tank, do this:

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

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

Pull

Before Driving

3. Remove the fuel fill cap
slowly. You may hear a
hissing sound as pressure
inside the tank escapes.

FUEL FILL CAP

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

Gasoline is highly flammable
and explosive. You can be
burned or seriously injured
when handling fuel.

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

5. Screw the fuel fill cap back
on; tighten it until it clicks.

6. Push the fuel fill door until it
latches.

Service Station Procedures

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Opening the Hood

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

HOOD RELEASE

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

HANDLE

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

LATCH

3. Pull the support rod out of its
clip, and insert the end into

the hole on the left side of
the hood.

SUPPORT ROD

To close the hood, lift it up

slightly to remove the
support rod from the hole.
Put the support rod back into

its holding clip. Lower the
hood to about a foot above
the fender, and then let it
drop.

Before Driving

Service Station Procedures

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On Check

Check the engine oil level every
time you fill the car with fuel.
Wait at least two minutes after
turning the engine off before you
check the oil.

1. Remove the dipstick (orange
handle).

Before Driving

DIPSTICK

2. Wipe the dipstick with a
clean cloth or paper towel.

3. Insert it all the way back in
its tube.

Service Station Procedures

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4. Remove it again and check
the level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks.

5. If it is near or below the
lower mark, see page 106 for
information on the proper oil
and how to add it.

UPPER MARK
LOWER MARK

Engine Coolant Check

Look at the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. Make sure
it is between the MAX and MIN

lines. If it is below the MIN line,

see Adding Engine Coolant on
page 109 for information on

adding the proper coolant.

RESERVE TANK

MAX

MM

Refer to Periodic Checks on
page 104 for information on
checking other items in your
Honda.

Before Driving

Fuel Economy

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The condition of your car and
your driving habits are the two

most important things that affect

the fuel mileage you get.

Vehicle Condition

Always maintain your car

according to the maintenance
schedule. This will keep it in top

operating condition.
An important part of that

maintenance is the Periodic
Checks (see page 104). For
example, an underinflated tire
causes more "rolling resistance,"
which uses fuel. It also wears out
faster, so check the tire pressure
at least monthly.

In winter the build-up of snow on
your car's underside adds weight
and rolling resistance. Frequent
cleaning helps your fuel mileage

Before Driving

and reduces the chance of
corrosion.

Driving Habits

You can improve fuel economy

by driving moderately. Rapid
acceleration, cornering, and hard
braking use more fuel. Always
drive in the highest gear that
allows the engine to run and
accelerate smoothly. Maintain a
constant speed while cruising,
depending on traffic conditions.
Every time you slow down and
speed up, your car uses extra
fuel. Use the cruise control,

when appropriate, to increase

fuel economy.

A cold engine uses more fuel

than a warm engine. It is not
necessary to "warm-up" a cold

engine by letting it idle for a long
time. You can drive away within
30 seconds, no matter how cold

it is outside. The engine will
warm up faster, and you get

better fuel economy. To cut
down on the number of "cold
starts," try to combine several
short trips into one.

Air conditioning puts an extra

load on the engine, which makes

it use more fuel. Turn off the A/C

to cut down on air conditioning

use. Use the flow-through
ventilation when the outside air

temperature is moderate.

Loading Cargo

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Loading Cargo

The maximum load you can
carry in your Honda is 850 Ib

(385 kg). It includes the total
weight of all passengers and
their belongings, and any
accessories. This 850 Ib (385 kg)
figure is shown as the Vehicle
Capacity Weight on the tire
information label attached to the
inside of the glove box.

To figure out how much cargo
you can carry, do this:

Figure the total "occupant
weight" you will be
transporting. To do this,
multiply the number of people
(driver and all passengers) by

150 lb

(70

kg).

Subtract this number from the

Vehicle Capacity Weight

(850 lb/385 kg).

This final number is the total
weight of cargo you can load in
or on the car. With five
occupants (driver and four
passengers), the maximum
recommended weight for cargo
is 100 Ib (45 kg).

Where you store cargo and how

well you secure it are just as
important as how much it
weighs. Make sure you load
cargo so it will not shift while
driving. Items stored in the trunk
should be placed as far forward
as possible. You could store
additional items on the floor
behind the front seats. Make sure
they cannot roll under the front
seat and interfere with the
pedals.

If you must carry large objects
that prevent you from closing
the trunk lid, be aware that
exhaust gas can enter the
interior. See Carbon Monoxide
Hazard on page 23.

Never place items on the shelf
behind the back seat. Those
items can fly forward and injure
you or your passengers if you
brake hard or are involved in a
collision.

Before Driving

Driving

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This section gives you tips on
starting the engine under various
conditions and how to operate
the 5-speed manual and
automatic transmissions. It also
includes important information
on your car's braking system.

Preparing to Drive .......... 84

Starting the Engine .......... 84

Starting in Cold Weather at

High Altitude ........... 85

5-Speed Manual

Transmission ............. 86

Recommended Shift

Points .................. 86

Maximum Speeds ......... 87

Automatic Transmission ..... 87

Shift Lever Positions ...... 88

Maximum Speeds ......... 90

Shift Lock Release ........ 90

The Braking System ......... 91

Brake Wear Indicators .... 91

Brake System Design ...... 92

Anti-Lock Brakes ......... 92

Towing a Trailer ............ 93

Driving

Preparing to Drive, Starting the Engine

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You should do the following
checks and adjustments every
day before you drive your car.

1. Make sure all windows,
mirrors, and outside lights
are clean and unobstructed.
Remove frost, snow, or ice.

2. Check that the hood and
trunk are fully closed.

3. Visually check the tires. If a
tire looks low, use a gauge to
check its pressure.

4. Check that any items you
may be carrying with you
inside are stored properly or
fastened down securely.

5. Check the adjustment of the
seat (see page 43).

6. Check the adjustment of the
inside and outside mirrors
(see page 48).

7. Check the adjustment of the
steering wheel (see page 36).

Driving

8. Make sure the doors are
securely closed and locked.

9. Fasten your seat belt. Check
that your passengers have
fastened their seat belts (see
page 7).

10. Turn the ignition ON (II).
Check the indicator lights in
the instrument panel.

11. Start the engine (see this
page).

12. Check the gauges and
indicator lights in the
instrument panel
(see page 27).

Starting the Engine

1. Apply the parking brake.

2. In cold weather, turn off all
electrical accessories to
reduce the drain on the
battery.

3. Manual transmission: Push
the clutch pedal down all the
way. START (III) does not
function unless the clutch
pedal is depressed.

Automatic transmission: Make

sure the shift lever is in Park.
Press on the brake pedal.

4. Without touching the
accelerator pedal, turn the
ignition key to the START (III)
position. If the engine does
not start right away, do not
hold the key in START (III) for
more than 15 seconds at a
time. Pause for at least 10
seconds before trying again.

Starting the Engine

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5. If the engine does not start
within 15 seconds or starts

but stalls right away, press
the accelerator pedal halfway
down, and turn the ignition
key to the START (III)

position. If the engine starts,

release pressure on the

accelerator pedal so the

engine does not race.

6. If the engine still does not
start, to clear flooding, press
the accelerator pedal all the
way down, and hold it there
while starting. As before,
keep the ignition key in the
START (III) position for no
more than 15 seconds.
Return to step 5 if the engine
does not start. If it starts, lift
your foot off the accelerator
pedal so the engine does not
race.

Starting in Cold Weather
at High Altitude (Above
8,000 feet/2,400 meters)

An engine is harder to start in
cold weather. The thinner air

found at high altitude above

8,000 feet (2,400 meters) adds to
the problem. Use the following
procedure:

1. Turn off all electrical
accessories to reduce the
drain on the battery.

2. Push the accelerator pedal
halfway to the floor, and hold
it there while starting the
engine. Do not hold the
ignition key in START (III) for
more than 15 seconds. When

the engine starts, release the
accelerator pedal gradually
as the engine speeds up and
smooths out.

3. If the engine fails to start in
step 2, push the accelerator
pedal all the way down and
hold it there while you try to
start the engine for no more
than 15 seconds. If the engine
does not start, return to
step 2.

Driving

5-Speed Manual Transmission

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Rapid slowing or speeding up
can cause loss of control on
slippery surfaces. If you crash,
you can be injured.

Use extra care when driving on
slippery surfaces.

Come to a full stop before you

The manual transmission is
synchronized in all forward gears
for smooth operation. It has a
lockout so you cannot shift

directly from Fifth to Reverse.
When shifting up or down, make
sure you push the clutch pedal
down all the way, shift to the
next gear, and let the pedal up
gradually. When you are not
shifting, do not rest your foot on
the clutch pedal. This can cause
your clutch to wear out faster.

shift into reverse. You can
damage the transmission by
trying to shift into reverse with
the car moving. Depress the
clutch pedal, and pause for a few
seconds before shifting into
reverse, or shift into one of the
forward gears for a moment.
This stops the gears so they
won't "grind."

When slowing down, you can get

extra braking from the engine by
shifting down to a lower gear.

This extra braking can help you
maintain a safe speed and

prevent your brakes from

overheating while going down a

steep hill. Before downshifting,
make sure engine speed will not
go into the red zone in the lower
gear. Refer to the Maximum
Speeds chart.

Recommended Shift Points

Drive in the highest gear that lets
the engine run and accelerate
smoothly. This will give you the
best fuel economy and effective
emissions control. The following

shift points are recommended:

Driving

5-Speed Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission

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Maximum Speeds

The speeds in these tables are
the maximums for the given
gears. If you exceed these
speeds, the engine speed will

enter into the tachometer's red
zone. If this occurs, you may feel
the engine cut in and out. This is

caused by a limiter in the

engine's computer controls. The

engine will run normally when
you reduce the rpm below the
red zone.

DX

U.S.: EX, Canada: Si

Automatic Transmission

Your Honda's transmission has

four forward speeds. It has a
"lock-up" torque converter for

better fuel economy. You may
feel what seems like another
shift when the converter locks.

Shift Lever
Position Indicator

This display is on the instrument
panel. It shows you the position
of the shift lever.

Driving

Automatic Transmission

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Shift Lever Positions

The shift lever has seven
positions. It must be in Park or
Neutral to start the engine. When
you are stopped in D4, D3, 2, 1 or
R, press firmly on the brake
pedal, and keep your foot off the
accelerator pedal.

SHIFT LEVER

RELEASE
BUTTON

Park (P) - This position mechan­ically locks the transmission. Use
Park whenever you are turning
off or starting the engine. To shift
out of Park, you must press on
the brake pedal and have your

foot off the accelerator pedal.

Press the release button on the
side of the shift lever to move it.

If you have done all of the above
and still cannot move the lever
out of Park, see Shift Lock

Release on page 90.
You must also press the release

button to shift into Park. To
avoid transmission damage,

Driving

Automatic Transmission

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come to a complete stop before

shifting into Park. The shift lever

must be in Park before you can

remove the key from the ignition

switch.

Reverse (R) — To shift to Reverse

from Park, see the explanation

under Park. To shift to Reverse

from Neutral, come to a

complete stop and then shift.

Press the release button before
shifting into Reverse from
Neutral.

Neutral (N) — Use Neutral if you
need to restart a stalled engine
or you need to stop briefly with
the engine idling. Shift to Park
position if you need to leave the
car for any reason. Press on the
brake pedal when you are
moving the shift lever from

Neutral to another gear.

Drive (D4) — Use this position for
your normal driving. The
transmission automatically
selects a suitable gear for your
speed and acceleration. You may
notice the transmission shifting
up at higher speeds when the
engine is cold. This helps the
engine warm up faster.

Drive (D3) — This position is
similar to D4, except only the
first three gears may be selected.
Use D3 to provide engine braking
when going down a steep hill. D3
keeps the transmission from
cycling between third and fourth
gears in stop-and-go driving.

For faster acceleration when in
D3 or

D4,

you can get the
transmission to automatically
downshift by pushing the
accelerator pedal to the floor.
The transmission will shift down

one or two gears, depending on
your speed.

Second (2) — To shift to Second,
press the release button on the
side of the shift lever. This
position locks the transmission
in second gear. It does not
downshift to first gear when you
come to a stop. Second gives you
more power when climbing, and
increased engine braking when
going down steep hills. Use
second gear when starting out
on a slippery surface or in deep
snow. It will help reduce wheel
spin.

Whenever you move the shift
lever to a lower gear, the
transmission downshifts only if
the engine's redline will not be
exceeded in the lower gear.

Driving

Automatic Transmission

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First (1) — To shift from Second
to First, press the release button
on the side of the shift lever.
With the lever in this position,
the transmission locks in First
gear. By upshifting and
downshifting through 1, 2, D3,
and D4, you can operate this
transmission much like a manual
transmission without a clutch
pedal.

Maximum Speeds

The speeds in these tables are
the maximums for the given
position. If you exceed these
speeds, the engine speed will
enter into the tachometer's red
zone. If this occurs, you will feel
the engine cut in and out. This is
caused by a limiter in the

engine's computer controls. The
engine will run normally when
you reduce the rpm below the
red zone.

DX

U.S.: EX, Canada: Si

Shift Lock Release

This allows you to move the shift
lever out of Park if the normal
method of pushing on the brake
pedal and pressing the release
button does not work.

1. Set the Parking brake.

2. Remove the key from the
ignition switch.

3. Insert the key in the Shift
Lock Release slot next to the
shift lever.

4. Push down on the key while
you press the release button
and move the shift lever out
of Park to Neutral.

RELEASE BUTTON

SHIFT LOCK
RELEASE SLOT

Driving

Automatic Transmission, The Braking System

Main Menu

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5. Remove the key from the Shift
Lock Release slot. Return the
key to the ignition switch,
depress the brake pedal, and
restart the engine.

If you need to use the Shift Lock
Release, it could mean your car
is developing a problem. Have
the car checked by your Honda
dealer.

The Braking System

All Civics are equipped with
front disc brakes. The brakes on
the rear wheels may be disc or
drum, depending on the model.
The braking system is power­assisted to reduce the effort
needed on the brake pedal.

Put your foot on the brake pedal
only when you intend to brake.
Resting your foot on the pedal
keeps the brakes applied lightly,
causing them to build up heat.

Heat buildup can reduce how

well your brakes work. It also

keeps your brake lights on all the
time, confusing drivers behind
you.

Constant application of the

brakes when going down a long

hill builds up heat and reduces

their effectiveness. Use the

engine to assist the brakes by

downshifting to a lower gear and
taking your foot off the

accelerator pedal.

Check your brakes after driving
through deep water. Apply the

brakes moderately to see if they

feel normal. If not, apply them

gently and frequently until they

do. Since a longer distance is

needed to stop with wet brakes,
be extra cautious and alert in
your driving.

Brake Wear Indicators

The front disc brakes on all cars
have audible brake wear
indicators. They are also on the
rear brakes of cars with ABS.
When the brake pads need
replacing, you will begin to hear
a distinctive metallic

"screeching" sound when you

apply the brakes. If you do not

have the brake pads replaced,

they will screech all the time.
Your brakes may sometimes

squeal or squeak when you
apply them lightly. Do not
confuse this with the brake wear
indicators. They make a very
audible "screeching."

Driving

The Braking System

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Brake System Design

The hydraulic system that
operates the brakes has two
separate circuits. Each circuit

works diagonally across the car

(the left-front brake is connected
with the right-rear brake, etc.). If
one circuit should develop a

problem, you will still have

braking at two wheels.

If this happens, you will notice
that the brake pedal goes down
much farther and you need to
press on it much harder. A much
longer distance will be needed to
stop the car.

Slow the car by downshifting to a
lower gear and removing your
foot from the accelerator pedal.
Pull to the side of the road as
soon as it is safe. Because of the

longer stopping distance needed,

brake system failure is very haz­ardous. It is best to have your car
towed, but if you must drive the
car in this condition, be extremely
cautious. Have your car repaired
as soon as possible.

Anti-Lock Brakes

For U.S. EX with ABS option

Your car has an Anti-lock Brake

System (ABS). ABS helps you to

maintain steering control. It does

this by helping to prevent the
wheels from locking up and
skidding.

The ABS is always "ON." It
requires no special effort or
driving technique. You will feel a
pulsation in the brake pedal
when the ABS activates.

Activation varies with the
amount of traction your tires
have. On dry pavement, you will
need to press on the brake pedal
very hard before you feel the
pedal pulsation that means the
ABS has activated. However, you
may feel the ABS activate
immediately if you are trying to
stop on snow or ice.

Under all conditions, the ABS is
helping to prevent the wheels
from locking so you can retain

steering control. You should

Driving

The Braking System, Towing a Trailer

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continue to press on the brake
pedal with the same force.

You may feel a slight movement
of the brake pedal just after you
start the engine. This is the ABS
working.

ABS INDICATOR LIGHT

BRAKE A B

U.S. Indicator shown

The ABS is self-checking. If
anything goes wrong, the ABS
indicator on the instrument

S

panel comes on (see page 29).
This means the anti-lock function
of the braking system has shut
down. The brakes still work like
a conventional system, providing
normal stopping ability. You
should have the dealer inspect
your car as soon as possible.

A car with ABS may require a
longer distance to stop on loose
or uneven surfaces than an
equivalent car without anti-lock
brakes. The ABS cannot make up
for road conditions or bad
judgment. It is still your
responsibility to drive at
reasonable speeds for weather
and traffic conditions and
leaving a margin of safety.

Towing a Trailer

Your car is not designed to tow a

trailer; attempting to do so can

void your warranties.

Driving

Maintenance

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This section explains why it is
important to keep your car well
maintained and to follow basic
maintenance safety precautions.

This section also includes
Maintenance Schedules for
normal driving and severe
driving conditions, a
Maintenance Record, and
instructions for simple
maintenance tasks you may want
to take care of yourself.

If you have the skills and tools

required to perform more
complex maintenance tasks on
your Civic, you may want to

purchase the Service Manual.
See page 180 for information on

how to obtain a copy, or see
your Honda Dealer.

Maintenance Safety ......... 96

Maintenance Schedule ..... 100

Maintenance Record ....... 102

Periodic Checks ........... 104

Engine Oil ................. 106

Adding Oil .............. 106

Recommended Oil ....... 106

Additives ............... 107

Oil and Filter Changes .... 107

Cooling System ............ 109

Adding Engine Coolant ... 109
Replacing Engine Coolant 110

Windshield Washers ........ 113

Transmission Oil ........... 114

Automatic Transmission. ..114

5-Speed Manual

Transmission .......... 114

Brake and Clutch Fluid ..... 115

Brake System ........... 115

Anti-Lock Brake System ...116

Clutch System........... 116

Power Steering ............ 117

Air Cleaner Element ........ 117

Spark Plugs ............... 118

Replacement ............ 118

Specifications ........... 119

Battery ................... 120

Windshield Wipers ......... 122

Air Conditioning ........... 123

Drive Belts ................ 124

Tires ..................... 124

Inflation ................ 125

Inspection .............. 126

Maintenance ............ 127

Tire Rotation ............ 128

Replacing Tires and Wheels 127

Wheels and Tires ........ 129

Winter Driving .......... 128

Snow Tires ........... 129

Tire Chains ........... 129

Lights .................... 129

Replacing Bulbs ........... 130

Storing Your Car ........... 135

Maintenance

Maintenance Safety

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Regularly maintaining your car is
the best way to protect your
investment. Proper maintenance

is essential to your safety and
the safety of your passengers. It
will also reward you with more
economical, trouble-free driving
and help reduce air pollution.

Improperly maintaining this car
or failing to correct a problem

before driving can cause a
crash in which you can be
seriously hurt or killed.

Always follow the inspection
and maintenance recommen­dations and schedules in this
owner's manual.

This section includes
instructions for simple
maintenance tasks, such as
checking and adding oil. Any
service items not detailed in this
section should be performed by
a Honda technician or other
qualified mechanic.

Some of the most important
safety precautions are given
below. However, we cannot warn
you of every conceivable hazard
that can arise in performing
maintenance. Only you can
decide whether or not you
should perform a given task.

Maintenance

Maintenance Safety

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Failure to properly follow
maintenance instructions and
precautions can cause you to
be seriously hurt or killed.

Always follow the procedures
and precautions in this owner's

manual.

Important Safety Precautions

Before you begin any
maintenance, make sure your car
is parked on level ground and
that the parking brake is on.
Also, be sure the engine is off.
This will help to eliminate
several potential hazards:

Carbon monoxide poisoning
from engine exhaust. Be sure

there is adequate ventilation

whenever you operate the

engine.
Burns from hot parts. Let the

engine and exhaust system
cool before touching any
parts.

Injury from moving parts.

Do

not run the engine unless

instructed to do so.

Read the instructions before you
begin, and make sure you have
the tools and skills required.

To reduce the possibility of fire
or explosion, be careful when

working around gasoline or

batteries. Use a nonflammable
solvent, not gasoline, to clean
parts. Keep cigarettes, sparks,
and flames away from the
battery and all fuel-related parts.
You should wear eye protection
and protective clothing when
working near the battery or
when using compressed air.

Maintenance

Maintenance Schedule

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Maintenance Schedule

The Maintenance Schedule
specifies how often you should
have your car serviced and what
things need attention. It is
essential that you have your car

serviced as scheduled to retain

its high level of safety,
dependability, and emissions
control performance.

The services and time or
distance intervals shown in the
maintenance schedule assume
you will use your car as normal
transportation. You should:

Avoid exceeding your car's

load limit. This puts excess
stress on the engine, brakes,

and many other parts of your
car. The load limit is shown on
the label on the driver's
doorjamb.
Operate your car on
reasonable roads within the
legal speed limit.
Drive your car regularly over a
distance of several miles
(kilometers).

Always use unleaded gasoline
with the proper octane rating
(see page 74).

Which Schedule to Follow

Service your car according to the
time and mileage periods on one
of the Maintenance Schedules on
the following pages. Select the
schedule for "Severe Conditions"
if most of your driving is done
under one or more of the
conditions listed on that page.
Otherwise, follow the schedule
for "Normal Conditions."

Maintenance

Maintenance Schedule

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Your authorized Honda dealer

knows your car best and can

provide competent, efficient
service. However, service at a
dealer is not mandatory to keep
your warranties in effect.

Maintenance may be done by
any qualified service facility or

person who is skilled in this type
of automotive service. Keep all
the receipts as proof of
completion, and have the person
who does the work fill out the
Maintenance Record. Check your
warranty booklet for more
information.

We recommend the use of
Genuine Honda parts and fluids
whenever you have maintenance
done. These are manufactured to
the same high-quality standards
as the original components, so
you can be confident of their
performance and durability.

U.S. Cars:

Maintenance, replacement or
repair of emissions control
devices and systems may be
done by any automotive repair
establishment or individual
using parts that are "certified"
to EPA standards.

According to state and federal
regulations, failure to perform
maintenance on the items
marked with an asterisk (*) will
not void your emissions
warranties. However, Honda
recommends that all
maintenance services be
performed at the recommended
time or mileage period to ensure
long-term reliability.

Maintenance

Maintenance Schedule (Normal Conditions)

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Follow the Normal
Maintenance Schedule if the
severe driving conditions
specified in the Severe
Conditions Maintenance
Schedule on the next page do
not apply.

For Canadian Owners

This Maintenance Schedule
outlines the minimum
required maintenance that
you should perform to ensure
the trouble-free operation of
your vehicle. Due to regional
and climatic differences, some
additional servicing may be
required. Please consult your
warranty handbook for a
more detailed description.

Maintenance

Maintenance Schedule (Severe Conditions)

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Follow the Severe Maintenance
Schedule if you drive your

vehicle

more of the following conditions:

NOTE:
ALLY drive under a "severe"
condition, you should follow the
Normal Conditions Maintenance
Schedule on the previous page.

MAINLY

under

one or

Driving less than 5 miles per
trip or, in freezing
temperatures, driving less
than 10 miles per trip.

Driving in extremely hot (over
90°F) conditions.

Extensive idling or long
periods of stop-and-go
driving.

Trailer towing, driving with a
car-top carrier or driving in
mountainous conditions.

Driving on muddy, dusty, or
de-iced roads.

If you

only

OCCASION-

Maintenance

Required Maintenance Record

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Have your servicing dealer record all Required Maintenance below. Keep receipts for all work done on your car.

Maintenance

Non-Scheduled Maintenance Record

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Record additional maintenance for severe driving conditions or non-scheduled maintenance on this page (see page 101).

Maintenance