Honda Civic 2004 Owner's Manual
Information Provided by:
2004 Civic Sedan 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.
a Civic GX refer to Civic GX Owner’s Manual Supplement for additional information.
Owner's Identification Form
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................... i
A Few Words About Safety ..........................................................................................................................ii
Your Car at a Glance ......................................................................................................................................2
Driver and Passenger Safety .......................................................................................................................5
Proper use and care of your car's seat belts, and Supplemental Restraint System.
Instruments and Controls...........................................................................................................................49
Instrument panel indicator and gauge, and how to use dashboard and steering column controls.
Comfort and Convenience Features.........................................................................................................87
How to operate the climate control system, the audio system, and other convenience features.
Before Driving .............................................................................................................................................111
What gasoline to use, how to break-in your new car, and how to load luggage and other cargo.
Driving...........................................................................................................................................................123
The proper way to start the engine, shift the transmission, and park, plus towing a trailer.
Maintenance.................................................................................................................................................135
The Maintenance Schedule shows you when you need to take your car to the dealer.
Taking Care of the Unexpected...............................................................................................................169
This section covers several problems motorists sometimes experience, and how to handle them.
Technical Information...............................................................................................................................193
ID numbers, dimensions, capacities, and technical information.
Warranty and Customer Relations (U.S. and Canada)......................................................................207
A summary of the warranties covering your new Honda, and how to contact us.
Authorized Manuals (U.S. only)...............................................................................................................211
How to order manuals and other technical literature.
Index ................................................................................................................................................................. I
Service Information Summary
A summary of information you need when you pull up to the fuel pump.
If you have
Contents
Owner’s Identification
Information Provided by:
Main Menu
OWNER
ADDRESS
STREET
CITY STATE/PROVINCE ZIP CODE/
V. I. N.
DELIVERY DATE
(Date sold to original retail purchaser)
DEALER NAME DEALER NO.
ADDRESS
STREET
CITY STATE/PROVINCE ZIP CODE/
OWNER’S SIGNATURE
DEALER’S SIGNATURE
POSTAL CODE
POSTAL CODE
This Owner’s Manual should be considered
a permanent part of the vehicle, and should
remain with the vehicle when it is sold.
This Owner’s Manual covers all models of
the Civic 4-door. You may find descriptions
of equipment and features that are not on
your particular model.
The inf ormation and specifications included
in this publication were in effect at the time
of approval for printing. Honda Motor Co.,
Ltd. reserves the right, however, to
discontinue or change specif ications or
design at any time without notice and
without incurring any obligation whatsoever.
POUR CLIENTS CANADIEN
AVIS IMPORTANT: Si vous avez
besoin d’un Manuel du Conducteur
en f rançais, veuillez demander à
votreconcessionnairede
commander le numéro de pièce
33S5AC30
Introduction
Information Provided by:
Main Menu
Congratulations! Your selection of a 2004 Honda Civic was a wise investment.
It will give you years of driving pleasure.
One of the best ways to enhance the enjoyment of your new Honda is to
read this manual. In it, you will learn how to operate its driving controls and
convenience items. Afterwards, keep this owner’s manual in your vehicle so
youcanrefertoitatanytime.
Several warranties protect your new Honda. Read the warranty booklet
thoroughly so you understand the coverages and are aware of your rights
and responsibilities.
Maintaining your vehicle according to the schedules given in this manual
helps to keep your driving trouble-free while it preserves your investment.
When your vehicle needs maintenance, keep in mind that your Honda
dealer’s staff is specially trained in servicing the many systems unique to
your Honda. Your Honda dealer is dedicated to your satisfaction and will be
pleased to answer any questions and concerns.
California Proposition 65 Warning
WARNING:
This product contains or emits chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
As you read this manual, you will
find inf ormation that is preceded by
a symbol. This
information is intended to help you
avoid damage to your Honda, other
property, or the environment.
i
AFewWordsAboutSafety
Information Provided by:
Main Menu
Your safety, and the safety of others,
is very important. And operating this
vehicle safely is an important
responsibility.
To help you make informed
decisions about safety, we have
provided operating procedures and
other information on labels and in
this manual. This inf ormation alerts
you to potential hazards that could
hurt you or others.
Of course, it is not practical or
possible to warn you about all the
hazards associated with operating or
maintaining your vehicle. You must
use your own good judgement.
ii
You will f ind this important saf ety information in a variety of forms,
including:
Safety Labels
Safety Messages
three signal words: , , or .
−
on the vehicle.
−
preceded by a safety alert symbol and one of
DANGER WARNING CAUTION
These signal words 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.
Safety Headings
−
such as Important Saf ety Reminders or Important
Safety Precautions.
Safety Section
Instructions
This entire book is filled with important safety information please read it
−
such as Driver and Passenger Safety.
−
how to use this car correctly and safely.
−
carefully.
Your Vehicle at a Glance
Information Provided by:
Main Menu
POWER DOOR
LOCK SWITCH
(P. 70)
POWER WINDOW
SWITCHES
(P. 78)
FUEL FILL DOOR RELEASE
(P. 113)
TRUNK RELEASE
(P. 71)
2
DASH LIGHTS
GAUGES
(P. 59)
HOOD RELEASE
HANDLE
(P. 114)
(P. 51)
AIRBAGS
(P. 10, 22)
(P. 128)
MANUAL TRANSMISSION
(P. 126)
HEATING/COOLING CONTROLSAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
(P. 88)
Your Vehicle at a Glance
Information Provided by:
Main Menu
HEADLIGHTS/TURN SIGNALS
(P. 63)
MOONROOF
(P. 80)
CRUISE CONTROL
MASTER SWITCH
(P. 107)
(P. 81) (P. 66)
WINDSHIELD WIPERS/WASHERS
(P. 62)
HAZARD WARNING LIGHTS
(P. 65)
CRUISE CONTROL SWITCHESTILT ADJUSTMENTMIRROR CONTROLS
(P. 107)
AUDIO SYSTEM
(P. 92)
DIGITAL CLOCK
(P. 106)
REAR WINDOW
DEFOGGER
(P. 65)
3
Information Provided by:
Main Menu
4
Driver and Passenger Safety
Information Provided by:
Main Menu
This section gives you important
information about how to protect
yourself and your passengers. It
shows you how to use seat belts
properly. It explains how your
airbags work. And it tells you how to
properly restrain infants and
children in your vehicle.
.......................................Seat Belts . 8
.........................................Airbags . 10
.........Protecting Adults and Teens . 11
...........2. Adjust the Front Seats . 11
............3. Adjust the Seat-Backs . 13
5. Fasten and Position the
7. Maintain a Proper Sitting
................................Position . 16
.........Important Safety Precautions . 6
.......Your Vehicle’s Safety Features . 7
.....1. Close and Lock the Doors . 11
...4. Adjust the Head Restraints . 14
...Lap/Shoulder Seat Belts . 14
....6. Adjust the Steering Wheel . 16
.....Advice for Pregnant Women . 17
...Additional Safety Precautions . 18
Additional Information About Your
.................................Seat Belts . 19
..Seat Belt System Components . 19
......................Lap/Shoulder Belt . 19
Automatic Seat Belt
...............................Tensioners . 20
...............Seat Belt Maintenance . 21
Additional Information About
...........................Your Airbags . 22
......Airbag System Components . 22
How Your Front Airbags
.........................................Work . 22
...How Your Side Airbags Work . 25
How the SRS Indicator Light
.......................................Works . 26
How the Side Airbag Cutoff
...........Indicator Light Works . 27
.............................Airbag Service . 28
...Additional Safety Precautions . 28
Protecting Children General
−
................................Guidelines . 29
All Children Must Be
...............................Restrained . 29
All Children Should Sit in the
.................................Back Seat . 30
The Passenger’s Front Airbag
.........Can Pose Serious Risks . 30
If You Must Drive with Several
...................................Children . 32
If a Child Requires Close
..................................Attention . 32
...........................Protecting Infants . 34
.............Protecting Small Children . 35
.....................Selecting a Child Seat . 36
....................Installing a Child Seat . 37
Installing a Child Seat Using
.....................................LATCH . 38
Installing a Child Seat with a
..................Lap/shoulder Belt . 40
Installing a Child Seat with a
......................................Tether . 41
...........Protecting Larger Children . 42
...............Checking Seat Belt Fit . 43
..................Using a Booster Seat . 43
.............Carbon Monoxide Hazard . 46
...................................Safety Labels . 47
Driver and Passenger Safety
...Additional Safety Precautions . 33
...Additional Safety Precautions . 45
5
Important Safety Precautions
Information Provided by:
Main Menu
Table of Contents
You’ll find many safety
recommendations throughout this
section, and throughout this manual.
Therecommendationsonthispage
are the ones we consider to be the
most important.
Always Wear Your Seat Belt
A seat belt is your best protection in
all types of collisions. Airbags
supplement seat belts, but airbags
are designed to inflate only in a
moderate to severe frontal collision.
So even though your vehicle is
equipped with airbags, make sure
you and your passenger always wear
your seat belts, and wear them
properly. (See page ).
14
Restrain All Children
Children age 12 and under should
ride properly restrained in a back
seat. Infants and small children
should be restrained in a child seat.
Larger children should use a booster
and a lap/shoulder belt until they
6
Driver and Passenger Safety
canusethebeltproperlywithouta
booster (see page ). Excessive speed is a major factor in
29
Control Your Speed
crash injuries and deaths. Generally,
Be Aware of Airbag Hazards
While airbags can save lives, they
can cause serious or fatal injuries to
occupants who sit too close to them,
or are not properly restrained.
Infants, young children, and short
the higher the speed the greater the
risk, but serious injuries can also
occur at lower speeds. Never drive
faster than is saf e for current
conditions, regardless of the
maximum speed posted.
adults are at the greatest risk. Be
sure to f ollow all instructions and
warnings in this manual.
Keep Your Vehicle in Saf e
Condition
Having a tire blowout or a
Don’t Drink and Drive
Alcohol and driving don’t mix. Even
one drink can reduce your ability to
respond to changing conditions, and
your reaction time gets worse with
every additional drink. So don’t drink
mechanical f ailure can be extremely
hazardous. To reduce the possibility
of such problems, check your tire
pressures and condition frequently,
and perform all regularly scheduled
maintenance (see page ).
139
and drive, and don’t let your friends
drink and drive, either.
(5)
Information Provided by:
Main Menu
Table of Contents
(7)
(8)
(2)
(6)(4)(3)(1)(10)
(9)
(11)
(7)
(1) Safety Cage
(2) Crush Zone
(3) Seats & Seat-Backs
(4) Head Restraints
(5) Collapsible Steering Column
(6) Seat Belts
(7) Front Airbags
(8) Side Airbags
(On some models)
(9) Seat Belt Tensioners
(10) Door Locks
(11) Seat Belt Buckle Tensioners
(8)
(2)
Your Vehicle’s Saf ety Features
Your vehicle is equipped with many
features that work together to
protect you and your passengers
during a crash.
Some safety f eatures do not require
anyactiononyourpart.These
include a strong steel framework
that forms a safety cage around the
passenger compartment; f ront and
rear crash zones, a collapsible
steering column, and seat belt
tensioners that tighten the front seat
belts in the event of a crash.
CONTINUED
Driver and Passenger Safety
7
Your Vehicle’s Saf ety Features
Information Provided by:
Main Menu
Table of Contents
However, you and your passengers
can’t take full advantage of these
safety features unless you remain
sitting in a proper position and
always wear your seat belts properly.
Infact,somesafetyfeaturescan
contribute to injuries if they are not
used properly.
The f ollowing pages explain how you
cantakeanactiveroleinprotecting
yourself and your passengers.
8
Driver and Passenger Safety
Seat Belts
Your vehicle is equipped with seat
belts in all seating positions.
Your seat belt system also includes
an indicator on the instrument panel
to remind you and your passengers
to fasten your seat belts.
Why Wear Seat Belts
Seat belts are the single most
effective saf ety device for adults and
larger children (Infants and smaller
children must be properly restrained
in child seats).
Not wearing a seat belt properly
increases the chance of serious
injury or death in a crash, even
though your vehicle has airbags.
In addition, most states and all
Canadian provinces require you to
wear seat belts.
Your Vehicle’s Saf ety Features
Information Provided by:
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Not wearing a seat belt properly
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.
When properly worn, seat belts:
Keep you connected to the vehicle
so you can take advantage of the
vehicle’s built-in safety features.
Help protect you in almost every
type of crash, including frontal,
side, and rear impacts and
rollovers.
Help keep you from being thrown
against the inside of the vehicle
and against other occupants.
Keep you from being thrown out
of the vehicle.
Help keep you in a good position
should the airbags ever deploy. A
good position reduces the risk of
injury from an inf lating airbag, and
allows you to get the best
advantage from the airbag.
Of course, seat belts cannot
completely protect you in every
crash.Butinmostcases,seatbelts
can reduce your risk of serious
injury.
What You Should Do:
Always wear your seat belt, and
make sure you wear it properly.
Driver and Passenger Safety
9
Your Vehicle’s Saf ety Features
Information Provided by:
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Airbags
Your vehicle has a Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS) with f ront
airbags to help protect the heads and
chests of the driver and a front seat
passenger during a moderate to
severe f rontal collision (see page
for more information on how
22
your front airbags work).
10
Driver and Passenger Safety
Only models equipped with side airbags.
Your vehicle also has side airbags to
help protect the upper torso of the
driver or a front seat passenger
during a moderate to severe side
impact. (See page for more
25
information on how your side airbags
work.)
The most important things you need
to know about your airbags are:
Airbags do not replace seat belts.
They are designed to supplement
the seat belts.
Airbags off er no protection in rear
impacts, or minor frontal or side
collisions.
Airbags can pose hazards.
To do
their job, airbags must inf late with
tremendous f orce. So while
airbags help save lives, they can
cause minor injuries or more
serious or even fatal injuries if
occupants are not properly
restrained or sitting properly.
What you should do:
Always wear
your seat belt properly, and sit
upright, and as far back from the
steering wheel while allowing full
control of the vehicle. A front
passenger should move their seat as
far back from the dashboard as
possible.
Protecting Adults and Teens
Information Provided by:
Main Menu
Table of Contents
The rest of this section gives more
detailed inf ormation about how you
can maximize your saf ety.
Remember however, that no safety
system can prevent all injures or
deaths that can occur in severe
crashes, even where seat belts are
properly worn and the airbags deploy.
The f ollowing pages provide
instructions on how to properly
protect the driver, adult passengers
and teenage children who are large
enough and mature enough to ride in
the front seat.
See page for important guidelines
30
on how to properly protect infants,
small children, and larger children
who ride in your vehicle.
Close and Lock the Doors Adjust the Front Seats1. 2.
After everyone has entered the
vehicle, be sure the doors are closed
and locked.
Locking the doors reduces the
chance of someone being thrown out
of the vehicle during a crash and it
helps prevent passengers from
accidentally opening and falling out.
Locking the doors also helps prevent
an outsider from unexpectedly
opening a door when you come to a
stop.
See page for how to lock the
70
doors.
Adjust the driver’s seat as far to the
rear as possible while allowing you to
maintain f ull control of the vehicle.
Have a front passenger adjust their
seat as far to the rear as possible.
If you sit too close to the steering
wheel or dashboard, you can be
seriously injured by an inflating front
airbag, or by striking the steering
wheel or dashboard.
CONTINUED
Driver and Passenger Safety
11
Protecting Adults and Teens
Information Provided by:
Main Menu
Table of Contents
The National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration and Transport
Canada recommend that drivers
allow at least 10 inches (25 cm)
between the center of the steering
wheel and the chest.
If you cannot get f ar enough away
from the steering wheel and still
reach the controls, we recommend
that you investigate whether some
type of adaptive equipment may help.
12
Driver and Passenger Safety
Sitting too close to a front
airbag can result in serious
injury or death if the front
airbags inflate.
Always sit as far back from the
front airbags as possible.
Once your seat is adjusted correctly,
rock it back and forth to make sure
the seat is locked into position. See
page for how to adjust the front
74
seats.
Protecting Adults and Teens
Information Provided by:
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Adjust the Seat-Backs3.
Adjust the driver’s seat-back to a
comfortable, upright position,
leaving ample space between your
chest and the airbag cover in the
center of the steering wheel.
Passengers with adjustable seatbacks should also adjust their seatback to a comf ortable, upright
position.
Reclining a seat-back so that the
shoulder part of the belt no longer
rests against the occupant’s chest
reduces the protective capability of
the belt. It also increases the chance
of sliding under the belt in a crash
and being seriously injured. The
farther a seat-back is reclined, the
greater the risk of injury.
Reclining the seat-back too far
can result in serious injury or
death in a crash.
Adjust the seat-back to an
upright position and sit well
back in the seat.
See page for how to adjust seat-
74
backs.
Driver and Passenger Safety
13
Protecting Adults and Teens
Information Provided by:
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Adjust the Head Restraints Fasten and Position the Lap/
4. 5.
Shoulder Seat Belts
Adjust the driver’s head restraint so
the back of your head rests against
the center of the restraint.
Have passengers with adjustable
restraints adjust their restraints
properly as well. Taller persons
should adjust their restraint as high
as possible.
Improperly positioning head
restraints reduces their
effectiveness and you can be
seriously injured in a crash.
Make sure head restraints are
in place and positioned properly
before driving.
Properly adjusted head restraints
will help protect occupants from
whiplash and other crash injuries.
See page for how to adjust the
75
head restraints.
Insert the latch plate into the buckle,
then tug on the belt to make sure the
belt is securely latched. Also check
that the belt is not twisted, because a
twisted belt can cause serious
injuries in a crash.
Position the lap part of the belt as
low as possible across your hips,
then pull up on the shoulder part of
thebeltsothelappartfitssnugly.
This lets your strong pelvic bones
take the force of a crash and reduces
the chance of internal injuries.
14
Driver and Passenger Safety
If necessary, pull up on the belt again
Information Provided by:
Main Menu
Table of Contents
to remove any slack, then check that
the belt rests across the center of
your chest and over your shoulder.
This spreads the forces of a crash
over the strongest bones in your
upper body.
If the seat belt touches or crosses
your neck, or if it crosses your arm
instead of your shoulder, you need to
adjust the seat belt anchor height.
Never place the shoulder portion of a
lap/shoulder belt under your arm or
behind your back.
This could cause
very serious injuries in a crash.
Improperly positioning the seat
belts can cause serious injury
or death in a crash.
Make sure all seat belts are
properly positioned before
driving.
Protecting Adults and Teens
To adjust the height of a front seat
belt anchor, press and hold the
release buttons and slide the anchor
up or down as needed (it has four
positions).
CONTINUED
Driver and Passenger Safety
15
Protecting Adults and Teens
Information Provided by:
Main Menu
Table of Contents
If a seat belt does not seem to work
as it should, it may not protect the
occupant in a crash.
No one should sit in a seat with an
inoperative seat belt.
Using a seat
belt that is not working properly can
result in serious injury or death.
Have your Honda dealer check the
belt as soon as possible.
See page for additional
19
information about your seat belts
and how to take care of them.
16
Driver and Passenger Safety
Adjust the Steering Wheel Maintain a Proper Sitting
6. 7.
Position
After all occupants have adjusted
their seats and put on seat belts, it is
very important that they continue to
sit upright, well back in their seats,
with their feet on the floor, until the
vehicle is parked and the engine is
off .
Sitting improperly can increase the
chance of injury during a crash. For
example, if an occupant slouches,
lies down, turns sideways, sits
Adjust the steering wheel, if needed,
so that the wheel points toward your
chest, not toward your f ace. This
provides optimal protection from the
forward, leans forward or sideways,
or puts one or both feet up, the
chance of injury during a crash is
greatly increased.
front airbag.
See page for how to adjust the
66
steering wheel.
Protecting Adults and Teens
Information Provided by:
Main Menu
Table of Contents
In addition, an occupant who is out of
position in the front seat can be
seriously or f atally injured in a crash
by striking interior parts of the
vehicle or being struck by an
inflating front airbag. Being struck
by an inflating side airbag can result
in possibly serious injuries.
Sitting improperly or out of
position can result in serious
injury or death.
Always sit upright, well back in
the seat, with your feet on the
floor.
Advice for Pregnant Women
If you are pregnant, the best way to
protect yourself and your unborn
child when driving or riding in a
vehicle is to always wear a seat belt,
and keep the lap part of the belt as
low as possible across the hips.
When driving, remember to sit
upright and adjust the seat as far
back as possible while allowing full
control of the vehicle. When riding
as a front passenger, adjust the seat
as far back as possible.
This will reduce the risk of injuries
to both you and your unborn child
that can be caused by a crash or an
inflating front airbag.
Each time you have a check-up, ask
your doctor if it’s okay for you to
drive.
Driver and Passenger Safety
17
Protecting Adults and Teens
Information Provided by:
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Additional Safety Precautions
Two people should never use the
same seat belt.
If they do, they
could be very seriously injured in a
crash.
Do not put any accessories on seat
belts.
Devices intended to improve
occupant comf ort or reposition the
shoulder part of a seat belt can
reduce the protective capability of
the seat belt and increase the
chance of serious injury in a crash.
18
Driver and Passenger Safety
Do not place hard or sharp objects
between yourself and a f ront
airbag.
Carrying hard or sharp
objects on your lap, or driving with
a pipe or other sharp objects in
your mouth, can result in injuries
if your front airbag inflates.
Do not attach or place objects on
the front airbag covers.
Objects on
the covers marked ‘‘SRS AIRBAG’’
could interf ere with the proper
operation of the airbags or if be
propelled inside the vehicle and
hurt someone if the airbags inflate.
On models with side airbags, do
not attach hard objects on or near
a front door.
If a side airbag
inflates,acupholderorotherhard
object attached on or near the
door could be propelled inside the
vehicle and hurt someone.
Keep your hands and arms away
from the airbag covers.
If your
hands or arms are close to an
airbag cover, they could be injured
if the airbag inf lates.
Additional Information About Your Seat Belts
Information Provided by:
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Seat Belt System Components Lap/Shoulder Belt
Your seat belt system includes lap/
shoulder belts in all five seating
positions. The front seat belts are
The lap and shoulder belt goes over
your shoulder, across your chest,
and across your hips.
also equipped with automatic seat
belt tensioners.
To fasten the belt, insert the latch
plate into the buckle, then tug on the
The seat belt system
includes an indicator on the
instrument panel and a beeper to
belt to make sure the buckle is
latched (see page for how to
properly position the belt).
remind you and your passengers to
fasten your seat belts.
To unlock the belt, push the red
PRESSbuttononthebuckle.Guide
If you turn the ignition switch to ON
(II) before fastening your belt, the
beeper sounds and the indicator
flashes. If you do not fasten your
seat belt before the beeper stops, the
the belt across your body so that it
retracts completely. After exiting the
vehicle, be sure the belt is out of the
way and will not get closed in the
door.
indicator stops flashing but remains
on.
If you continue driving without
fastening your seat belt, the beeper
sounds and the indicator flashes
again at regular intervals.
14
All seat belts have an emergency
locking retractor. In normal driving,
the retractor lets you move freely in
your seat while it keeps some
tension on the belt. During a collision
or sudden stop, the retractor
automatically locks the belt to help
restrain your body.
The seat belts in all positions except
the driver’s have an additional
locking mechanism that must be
activated to secure a child seat (see
page ).
40
If the shoulder part of the belt is
pulled all the way out, the locking
mechanism will activate. The belt
will retract, but it will not allow the
passenger to move freely.
CONTINUED
Driver and Passenger Safety
19
Additional Information About Your Seat Belts
Information Provided by:
Main Menu
Table of Contents
To deactivate the locking
mechanism, unlatch the buckle and
let the seat belt fully retract. To
refasten the belt, pull it out only as
far as needed.
20
Driver and Passenger Safety
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners
For added protection, the front seat
belts are equipped with automatic
seat belt tensioners. When activated,
the tensioners immediately tighten
the belts to help hold the driver and
a front passenger in place.
The tensioners are designed to
activate primarily in frontal collisions,
andtheyshouldactivateinany
collision severe enough to cause
front-airbag inflation.
However, the tensioners can be
activated during a collision in which
the front airbags do not deploy. In
this case, the airbags would not be
needed, but the additional restraint
could be helpful.
When the tensioners are activated,
the seat belts will remain tight until
they are unbuckled in the normal
manner.
Additional Information About Your Seat Belts
Information Provided by:
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Seat Belt Maintenance
For safety, you should check the
condition of your seat belts regularly.
Pull each belt out f ully and look for
frays, cuts, burns, and wear. Check
that the latches work smoothly and
the belts retract easily. Any belt that
is not in good condition or not
working properly will not provide
good protection and should be
replaced as soon as possible.
Honda provides a lif etime warranty
on seat belts for U.S. models. See
Honda Warranty Information
your
booklet for details.
If a seat belt is worn during a crash,
it must be replaced by the dealer. A
belt that has been worn during a
crash may not provide the same level
of protection in a subsequent crash.
The dealer should also inspect the
anchors for damage and replace
them if needed. If the automatic seat
belt tensioners activate during a
crash, they must be replaced.
Not checking or maintaining
seat belts can result in serious
injury or death if the seat belts
do not work properly when
needed.
Check your seat belts regularly
and have any problem
corrected as soon as possible.
Driver and Passenger Safety
21
Additional Information About Your Airbags
Information Provided by:
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Airbag System Components How Your Front Airbags Work
Your Airbag System includes:
A sophisticated electronic system
that continually monitors and
records information about the
Two SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System) front airbags. The driver’s
airbag is stored in the center of
the steering wheel; the front
sensors, the control unit, the
airbag activators, and driver and
frontpassengerseatbeltusewhen
the ignition is ON (II).
passenger’sairbagisstoredinthe
dashboard. Both are marked ‘‘SRS
AIRBAG.’’
An indicator on the instrument
panel that alerts you to a possible
problem with your airbags (see
On models equipped with side airbags,
page ).
26
one for the driver and one f or a
front passenger. The airbags are
stored in the outer edges of the
seat-backs. Both are marked
‘‘SIDE AIRBAG’’ (see page ).
25
Automatic seat belt tensioners
(see page ).
20
Sensors that can detect a
moderate to severe frontal impact
On models equipped with side airbags,
an indicator on the dashboard that
alerts you that the passenger’s
side airbag has been turned off
(see page ).
27
Emergency backup power in case
your vehicle’s electrical system is
disconnected in a crash.
If you ever have a moderate to
severe f rontal collision, sensors will
detect the vehicle’s rapid
deceleration. If the rate of
deceleration is high enough, the
control unit will instantly inf late the
driver’s and front passenger’s front
airbags, at the time and with the
force needed.
or side impact in models equipped
with side airbags.
22
Driver and Passenger Safety
Additional Information About Your Airbags
Information Provided by:
Main Menu
Table of Contents
During a frontal crash, your seat belt
restrains your lower body and torso,
and the airbag helps protect your
head and chest.
Although both airbags normally
inflate within a split second of each
other, it is possible f or only one
airbag to deploy.
This can happen if the severity of a
collision is at the margin, or
threshold, that determines whether
or not the airbags will deploy. In
such cases, the seat belt will provide
sufficient protection, and the
supplemental protection offered by
the airbag would be minimal.
After inflating, the front airbags
immediately deflate, so they won’t
interfere with the driver’s visibility,
or the ability to steer or operate
other controls.
The total time for inflation and
deflation is one-tenth of a second, so
fast that most occupants are not
aware that the airbags deployed until
they see them lying in their laps.
After a crash, you may see what
looks like smoke. This is actually
powder from the airbag’s surface.
Although the powder is not harmful,
people with respiratory problems
mayexperiencesometemporary
discomfort. If this occurs, get out of
the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do
so.
Driver and Passenger Safety
23
Additional Information About Your Airbags
Information Provided by:
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Dual-Stage Airbags
Your front airbags are dual-stage
airbags. This means they have two
inflation stages that can be ignited
sequentially or simultaneously,
depending on crash severity.
more severe
In a crash, both stages
will ignite simultaneously to provide
the quickest and greatest protection.
less severe
In a crash, one stage will
ignite first, then the second stage
will ignite a split second later. This
provides longer airbag inflation time
with a little less force.
24
Driver and Passenger Safety
Dual-Threshold Airbags
Your front airbags are also dualthreshold airbags. Airbags with this
feature have two deployment
thresholds that depend on whether
or not the occupant is wearing a seat
belt.
It the occupant belt is ,
not latched
the airbag will deploy at the same
threshold as a conventional airbag,
because the occupant would need
extra protection.
It the occupant’s belt is , the
latched
airbag will deploy at a slightly higher
threshold, when the airbag would be
needed to supplement the protection
provided by the seat belt.
Additional Information About Your Airbags
Information Provided by:
Main Menu
Table of Contents
How Your Side Airbags Work
(On models equipped)
If you ever have a moderate to
severe side impact, the sensors will
detect rapid deceleration and signal
the control unit to instantly inflate
either the driver’s or the passenger’s
side airbag.
Only one airbag will deploy during a
side impact. If the impact is on the
passenger’s side, the passenger’s
side airbag will deploy even if there
is no passenger.
To get the best protection f rom the
side airbags, front seat occupants
should wear their seat belts and sit
upright and well back in their seats.
The passenger’s side airbag has a
cutoff system designed to turn off
the passenger’s side airbag if a child’s
head is in the airbag’s deployment
path (see page ).
27
If the side airbag cutof f indicator
comes on, have the passenger sit
upright. Once the passenger is out of
the deployment path of the side
airbag, the system will turn the
airbag back on and the indicator will
go out.
A front seat passenger should not
use a cushion or other object as a
backrest. It may prevent the cutoff
system f rom working properly.
Driver and Passenger Safety
25
Additional Information About Your Airbags
Information Provided by:
Main Menu
Table of Contents
How the SRS Indicator Light
Works
The SRS indicator alerts
you to a potential problem
with your f ront airbags, side airbags,
or front seat belt tensioners. See
page .
54
When you turn the ignition to ON
(II), this indicator will light briefly
then go out. This tells you that the
system is working properly.
26
Driver and Passenger Safety
If the indicator comes on at any
other time, or does not come on at all,
you should have the system checked
by your dealer. For example:
If the SRS indicator does not come
on after you turn the ignition to
ON (II).
If the indicator stays on after the
engine starts.
If the indicator comes on or
flashesonandoffwhileyoudrive.
If you see any of these indications,
the airbags and seat belt tensioners
may not work properly when you
need them.
Ignoring the SRS indicator light
can result in serious injury or
death if the airbag systems, or
tensioners do not work properly.
Have your vehicle checked by a
dealer as soon as possible if
the SRS indicator alerts you to
a possible problem.
Additional Information About Your Airbags
Information Provided by:
Main Menu
Table of Contents
How the Side Airbag Cutoff
Indicator Light Works
(On models equipped)
This light alerts you that
the passenger’s side airbag
has been automatically shut off. It
not
does mean there is a problem
with your side airbags.
To reduce the risk of injury from an
inflating side airbag, your vehicle has
an automatic cutoff system for the
passenger’s side airbag.
Although Honda does not encourage
children to ride in front, this system
is designed to shut of f the side
airbag if a child leans sideways and
the child’s head is in the side airbag
deployment path.
If a short adult leans sideways, or a
larger adult slouches and leans
sideways into the side airbag
deployment path, the system may
also shut off the side airbag.
When you turn the ignition to ON
(II), the indicator should light briefly
andgoout.Ifitdoesn’tlight,itstays
on or comes on while driving without
a passenger in the front seat, have
the system checked.
Driver and Passenger Safety
27
Loading...