Civic Hatchback 1992
1992 Civic Hatchback Online Reference Owner's Manual
Use these links (and links throughout this manual) to navigate through this reference.
For a printed owner's manual, click on authorized manuals or go to www.helminc.com.
Owner's Identification
Contents
Introduction ....................................................................................................................................................i
A Few Words About Safety ........................................................................................................................ .ii
Driver and Passenger Safety ......................................................................................................................3
Proper use and care of your car's seat belts, and Supplemental Restraint System.
Instruments and
Controls..........................................................................................................................27
Instrument panel indicator and gauge, and how to use dashboard and steering column controls.
Comfort and Convenience Features........................................................................................................
How t
Before Driving ...............................................................................................................................
What gasolin
operate the climate control system, the audio system, and other convenience features.
o
e to use, how to break-in your new car, and how to load luggage and other cargo.
...............
61
69
Driving............................................................................................................................................................79
The proper
Maintenance...............................................................................................................................
he Maintenance Schedule shows you when you need to take your car to the dealer.
T
Appearance Care...............................................................................................................................
way to start the engine, shift the transmission, and park, plus towing a trailer.
...................
.........
93
137
.
Tips on cleaning and protecting your car. Things to look for if your car ever needs body repairs.
Taking Care of the Unexpected...............................................................................................................145
This section
covers sever
al problems motorists sometimes experience, and how to handle them.
Technical Information...............................................................................................................................165
ID numbers, dimensions, capacities, and techn
ical information.
Warranty and Customer Relations (U.S. and Canada) ......................................................................175
A summary
of th
anties covering your new Honda, and how to contact us.
e warr
Authorized Manuals (U.S. only)...............................................................................................................181
How to order
manuals and other technical literature.
Index ................................................................................................................................................................. I
Gas Station Information
nformat
I
ion you need when you pull up to the gas pump.
Introduction
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Congratulations ! Your selection of a 1992 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 speciallytrained 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.
Best wishes and happy motoring.
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Honda Canada Inc.
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:
Yo u WILL be KILLED or
SERIOUSLY HURT if you don't
follow instructions.
You CAN be KILLED or
SERIOUSLY HURT if you don't
follow instructions.
You CAN be HURT if you don't
follow instructions.
Each safety message tells you what the hazard is, what can happen and
what you can do to avoid or reduce injury.
You will also see another important
symbol:
NOTICE
Your Honda or other property can
be damaged if you don't follow
instructions.
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 all U.S. models.
And it gives useful information
about how to protect infants and
children in your car.
Your Occupant Protection
System........................................ 4
The Seat Belt System
and How It Works.................... 5
Why Wear Seat Belts................... 5
Important Safety Reminders..... 5
Seat Belt System Components... 6
Lap/Shoulder Belt........................ 6
Lap Belt.......................................... 6
Wearing Seat Belts Properly...... 7
Wearing a Lap/Shoulder
Belt............................................. 7
Wearing the Lap Belt.................. 9
Advice for Pregnant Women ... 10
Seat Belt Maintenance.............. 10
Supplemental Restraint System.. 11
Important Safety Reminder..... 12
How the Driver's Airbag
Works........................................ 12
How the SRS Indicator Light
Works........................................ 13
System Service........................... 14
System Service Precautions .... 14
Additional Safety Information..... 15
Seat-back Position..................... 15
Door Locks ..................................
15
Storing Cargo
Safely ................. 16
Driving with Pets ....................... 16
Child Safety..................................... 17
Where Should Children Sit?..... 17
Important Safety Reminders ... 18
General Guidelines
for Restraining Children
Under 18 kg (40 lbs)............... 18
Restraining
an Infant Who Weighs
Less Than 9 kg (20 Ibs).......... 19
Restraining
a Child Who Weighs Between
9 and 18 kg (20 and 40 Ibs).... 19
Using Child Restraints
with Tethers ........................... 20
Using a Seat Belt
Locking Clip............................ 21
Restraining a Child Who Weighs
Over 18 kg (40 Ibs).................. 22
Storing a Child Seat................... 22
Alcohol and Drugs.......................... 23
Carbon Monoxide Hazard ............ 24
Reporting Safety Defects
(US Cars).................................... 25
Safety Labels...................................
26
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, all Civics
sold in the U.S. have a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)
with a driver'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 13 ).
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 ).
Both doors and the hatch/tailgate
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 16 ).
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 in-
creases 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 17).
A pregnant woman needs to wear a
seat belt to protect herself and her
unborn child (see page 10 ).
Two people should never use the
same seat belt. If they do, they
could be very seriously injured in a
crash.
Do not put shoulder belt pads or
other accessories on seat belts.
They can reduce the effectiveness
of the belts and increase the chance
of injury.
Driver and Passenger Safety
The Seat Belt System and How It Works
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Seat Belt System Components
Your Honda has seat belts in all
five seating positions. The front
seats and the outside rear seats
have lap/shoulder belts. The center
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 30 ).
The following pages cover more
about the seat belt components and
how they work.
Lap/Shoulder Belt
LATCH
PLATE
BUCKLE
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. This
lets you move freely in your seat
while keeping some tension on the
belt. During a collision or sudden
stop, the retractor automatically
locks.
Lap Belt
BUCKLE
LATCH PLATE
The lap belt has one manuallyadjusted belt that fits across the
hips. It is similar to safety belts
used in airplanes.
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 a front seat belt,
be sure your seat is adjusted
forward or backward to a good
driving or riding position and the
back of your seat is upright (see
page 48).
1. Pull the latch plate across your
body and insert it into the buckle.
Tug on the belt to make sure the
latch is securely locked.
2. Check that the belt is not twisted.
3. Position the lap portion of the
belt as low as possible across
your hips, not across your
stomach. This lets your strong
pelvic bones take the force of a
crash.
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Driver and Passenger Safety
The Seat Belt System and How It Works
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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 position. Move toward
the center of the seat until the
belt fits over your collarbone.
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. Do not place the belt under
your arm or behind your back.
This could increase your chance
of serious injuries in a crash.
Driver and Passenger Safety
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
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The Seat Belt System and How It Works
1. Pull the latch plate across your
hips and insert it into the buckle
marked CENTER.
If the belt is too short, hold the
latch plate at a right angle and
pull to extend the belt. Insert the
latch plate into the buckle.
2. Position the belt as low as possible across your hips and pelvic
bones, not across your stomach.
Pull the loose end of the belt to
adjust for a snug but comfortable
fit.
To unlatch the belt, push the red
PRESS button on the buckle.
Driver and Passenger Safety
The Seat Belt System and How It Works
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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 checkup, ask
your doctor if its okay for you to
drive and how you should position a
lap/shoulder seat belt.
Seat Belt Maintenance
For safety, you should check the
condition of your seat belts regularly.
Pull out each belt fully and look for
frays, cuts, burns, and wear. Check
that the latches work smoothly and
the lap/shoulder belts retract easily.
Any belt not in good condition or
not working properly should be
replaced.
If a seat belt is worn during a crash,
have your dealer replace the belt
and check the anchors for damage.
Driver and Passenger Safety
Supplemental Restraint System
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Frontal collision range
All Civics sold in the U.S. are
equipped with a Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS).
The supplemental restraint system
includes an airbag to help protect
your head and chest during a severe frontal collision. This system
does not replace your seat belt. It
supplements, or adds to, the protec-
tion offered by your seat belt.
Not wearing a seat belt increases the chance of serious
injury or death in a crash, even
if you have air bags.
Be sure you and your passengers always wear seat belts
and wear them properly.
INDICATOR
CONTROL
UNIT
AIRBAG
SENSORS
The main components in your SRS
are:
An airbag in the steering wheel.
A diagnostic system that continually monitors the sensors, control
unit, airbag activator and all
related wiring while the ignition
is
ON
(II).
An indicator light to warn you of
a possible problem with the
system.
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Driver and Passenger Safety
Supplemental Restraint System
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Emergency power backup in case
your car's electrical system is
disconnected in a crash.
Important Safety Reminder
Even with an airbag, you need to
wear a seat belt. The reasons are:
Airbags only inflate in severe
frontal collisions. They offer no
protection in rear impacts, side
impacts, rollovers, or moderate
frontal collisions.
An airbag inflates and deflates
very quickly. It cannot protect
you during any additional
impacts that can occur during a
crash.
A seat belt helps keep you in the
proper position when an airbag
inflates. An airbag opens with
considerable force, and it can
hurt you if you are not in the
proper position.
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.
When the airbag inflates, you may
hear a fairly loud noise and you
might see smoke and powder. This
is normal; it is caused by the
inflation of the airbag.
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 or other
abrasions.
Driver and Passenger Safety
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 airbag is stored in the center
of the steering wheel. For your
safety, do not attach any items to
the steering wheel. They could
interfere with the proper operation
of the airbag. Or, if the airbag
inflates, they could be propelled
inside the car and hurt someone.
SRS
How the SRS
Indicator Light Works
The purpose of the SRS light on
your instrument panel is to alert
you of a potential problem with
your supplemental restraint system.
Have the system checked if:
The light does not come on when
you turn the ignition ON (II).
The light stays on after the
engine starts.
The light comes on or flashes
while you are driving.
Driver and Passenger Safety
Supplemental Restraint System
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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 in
the following situations:
If your airbag ever inflates. The
bag must be replaced. Do not try
to remove or discard the airbag
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 airbag might not
inflate when you need it.
When the car is ten years old, get
the system inspected. The
production date is on the driver's
door jamb 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 airbag to inflate inadvertently, possibly injuring someone
very seriously.
Tell anyone who works on your car
that you have a supplemental
restraint system. Failure to follow
the procedures and precautions in
the official Honda service manual
could result in personal injury or
damage to the system.
Scrapping an entire car that has an
uninflated airbag can be dangerous.
Get assistance from a Honda dealer
if your car must be scrapped.
If you sell your car, please be sure
to tell the new owner that the car
has a supplemental restraint system. Alert them to the information
and precautions in this part of the
owner's manual.
Driver and Passenger Safety
Additional Safety Information
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The seat belts and airbag 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
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 seatback 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 48.
Door Locks
It is not safe to leave your car doors
unlocked. A passenger, especially a
child, could open the 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.
Driver and Passenger Safety
Additional Safety Information
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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.
(DX and Si)
Do not put any items on top of the
cargo area cover. They can block
your rear view, and could be
thrown about the interior 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 78.
Driving with Pets
Loose pets can be a hazard while
you are driving. A loose pet can
interfere with your ability to drive
the car. In a crash or sudden stop,
loose pets or cages can be thrown
around inside the car and hurt you
or your passengers. It is also for
their safety that pets should be
properly restrained in your car.
The recommended way to restrain
a medium-sized or larger dog is
with a special traveling harness.
This harness can be secured to the
rear seat with a seat belt. Travel
harnesses are available at pet
stores.
A small dog, cat, or other small
animal will be safest in a rigidlysided pet carrier. Choose a style
that allows you to secure it to the
car's seat by routing a seat belt
through the carrier's handle.
For further information, contact
your veterinarian or local animal
protection society.
Driver and Passenger Safety
Children depend on adults to
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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.
Child Safety
Where Should Children Sit?
According to accident statistics
provided to the National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA), 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 also recommend that any child
who is too large to use an infant or
toddler seat ride in one of the outside positions of the rear seat. The
child should then wear the lap/
shoulder belt properly for protection.
Driver and Passenger Safety
Child Safety
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Important Safety Reminders
Never hold a baby or child on your
lap when riding in a car. If you are
wearing your seat belt, the violent
forces created during a crash will
tear the child from your arms. The
child could be seriously hurt or
killed.
If you are holding a child and not
wearing a seat belt in a crash, you
could crush the child against the
car's interior.
Never put your seat belt over
yourself and a child. During a crash,
the belt could press deep into the
child; causing serious internal
injuries.
Two children should never use the
same seat belt. If they do, they
could be very seriously injured in a
crash.
General Guidelines for
Restraining Children Under
18 kg (40 Ibs)
Use an approved child seat. The
seat must meet Federal Motor
Vehicle Safety Standard 213
(FMVSS-213) or Canada Motor
Vehicle Safety Standards. Look for
the manufacturer's statement of
compliance on the box and seat.
Use a seat of the right size. Make
sure the seat fits your child. Check
the seat manufacturer's instructions and labels for height and
weight limits.
Secure the child seat to the car. All
approved child seats are designed
to be secured 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 21).
Secure the child in the child seat.
Make sure the infant or child is
firmly secured to the child seat.
Use the straps provided, and
carefully follow the manufacturer's
instructions.
Driver and Passenger Safety
Child Safety
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Restraining an Infant Who
Weighs Less Than 9 kg
(20 Ibs)
An infant up to about 9 kg (20 Ibs)
must be restrained in an infant seat
or a convertible seat designed for a
baby. Because children 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 21).
Restraining a Child Who
Weighs Between 9 and 18 kg
(20 and 40 Ibs)
Toddler seats are designed for
children who weigh between 9 and
18
kg
(20 and 40 Ibs).
The preferred place to put a
toddler seat is in the center position
of the rear seat. Use the car's lap
belt to secure the seat to the car.
If you decide to put a toddler seat
in any other seating position, you
must use a locking clip on the car's
lap/shoulder belt (see page 21).
Driver and Passenger Safety
Child Safety
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Using Child Restraints with
Tethers
500 mm (19.7 in)
270 mm (10.6 in)
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. There
is a perforation on the lining at
each attachment point. Cut the
lining along the perforation to
make a hole. Then install the tether
hardware that came with the child
seat.
Tighten the bolt to:
22 N.m(2.2 kg-m , 16 Ib-ft)
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
Canadian Cars
TOOTHED WASHER
The anchor plate and mounting
hardware for a top tether are
supplied with the car. When
installing, make sure the toothed
washer is on the bottom of the bolt.
The supplied anchor plate is
designed only for mounting a child
restraint. Do not use it for any
other purpose.
Driver and Passenger Safety
Chad Safety
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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.
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 the
following:
1. Place the child restraint in the
desired position. Route the lap/
shoulder belt through the
restraint according to the seat
manufacturer's instructions.
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.
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.
Driver and Passenger Safety
Child Safety
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Restraining a Child Who
Weighs Over 18 kg (40 Ibs)
We recommend that, whenever
possible, a child who has outgrown
a toddler seat ride in one of the
outside positions of the rear seat
and use a lap/shoulder belt.
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.
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.
Driver and Passenger Safety
Alcohol and Drugs
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Driving a car requires your full attention and alertness. Traffic conditions change rapidly. You must be
able to react just as rapidly. Alcohol
or drugs directly affect your alertness and ability to react. Even pre-
scription and non-prescription medi-
cines can have this effect.
There are laws that deal with
drunken driving. These laws define
how much alcohol it takes in your
system to be legally "drunk." However, your judgment and reaction
time get worse with every drink —
even the first one.
The safest thing you can do is
never drink and drive. This can be
done if you plan ahead. If you know
you are going to be drinking, make
plans to ride with a friend who will
not be drinking.
What if you find that you've been
drinking and cannot get a ride from
a friend? Find alternative transportation. Call a taxi. Take a bus.
Many communities have transportation services devoted to shuttling
people who have been drinking.
If you have no choice but to drive,
stop drinking and give yourself lots
of time to sober up. Time is the
only thing that can make you sober.
Things like coffee or a cold shower
don't speed up the process.
If you see friends trying to get
behind the wheel after drinking,
stop them. Drive them yourself or
arrange other transportation. If you
think you are interfering, remember that your interference will keep
them from sharing the road with
you.
Driver and Passenger Safety
Carbon Monoxide Hagh
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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 hatch open, air flow can
pull exhaust gas into your car's
interior and create a hazardous
condition. If you must drive with
the hatch open, open all the
windows and set the heating and
cooling system as shown in the
next column.
If you must sit in your parked car,
even in an unconfined area, with
the engine running, adjust the
heating and cooling system as
follows:
1. Push the button.
2. Select the mode.
3. Turn the fan on high speed.
4. Set the temperature control to a
comfortable setting.
Driver and Passenger Safety
Reporting Safety Defects (US Cars)
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If you believe that your vehicle has
a defect which could cause a crash
or could cause injury or death, you
should immediately inform the
National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying American Honda
Motor Co., Inc..
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety
defect exists in a group of vehicles,
it may order a recall and remedy
campaign. However, NHTSA can-
not become involved in individual
problems between you, your dealer,
or American Honda Motor Co., Inc..
To contact NHTSA, you may
either call the Auto Safety Hotline
toll-free at 1-800-424-9393 (or 3660123 in Washington B.C. area) or
write to: NHTSA, U.S. Department
of Transportation, Washington,
B.C. 20590. You can also obtain
other information about motor
vehicle safety from the Hotline.
Driver and Passenger Safety
Safety Labels
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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
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This section gives information
about the controls and displays that
contribute to the daily operation of
your Honda. All the essential
controls are within easy reach.
Control Locations........................... 28
Indicator Lights.............................. 29
Gauges.............................................. 34
Speedometer............................... 34
Tachometer................................. 34
Odometer .................................. 34
Trip Meter................................... 34
Fuel Gauge.................................. 35
Temperature Gauge.................. 35
Controls Near the Steering
Wheel........................................ 36
Headlights................................... 37
Daytime Running Lights.......... 37
Instrument Panel Brightness... 38
Turn Signals................................ 38
Windshield Wipers..................... 39
Windshield Washers.................. 39
Rear Window Wiper and
Washer..................................... 40
Hazard Warning......................... 40
Rear Window Defogger ............ 40
Steering Wheel Adjustment..... 41
Steering Wheel Controls............... 42
Cruise Control............................. 42
Horn.............................................. 45
Keys and Locks.............................. 45
Keys..............................................45
Ignition Switch........................... 45
Door Locks.................................. 46
Hatch/Tailgate........................... 47
Seat Adjustments........................... 48
Rear Seat Access........................ 49
Head Restraints.......................... 49
Folding Rear Seat...................... 50
Cargo Area Cover...................... 50
Moonroof.......................................... 51
Sunshade...................................... 52
Mirrors............................................. 52
Parking Brake................................. 54
Glove Box........................................ 54
Digital Clock.................................... 55
Cup Holder...................................... 56
Vanity Mirror.................................. 56
Cigarette Lighter........................... 57
Ashtrays........................................... 57
Interior Light.................................. 58
Cargo Area Light........................... 59
Instruments and Controls
Control Locations
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FUEL FILLER
DOOR RELEASE
(P.72)
MIRROR
CONTROLS
(P.53)
HATCH/TAILGATE
RELEASE HANDLE
(P.47)
DIGITAL CLOCK
(P.55)
HOOD RELEASE
HANDLE
(P.73)
HEATING/
COOLING
CONTROL
(P.62)
Instruments and Controls
The instrument panel has many
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indicators to give you important
information about your car.
HIGH BEAM INDICATOR
PARKING BRAKE AND
BRAKE SYSTEM LIGHT*
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. The instrument panel should look like the
illustration. If an indicator does not
light during this test, it cannot alert
you if that system develops a problem. Have the dealer check your
car for burned-out bulbs or other
problems.
* The U.S. instrument panel is
shown. Differences for the Canadian model are noted in the text.
** The VX model has the Upshift
Indicator in this position.
CHARGING SYSTEM
LIGHT
LOW OIL
PRESSURE
LIGHT
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM INDICATOR
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT*
CRUISE CONTROL
INDICATOR**
SEAT BELT
REMINDER
LIGHT
Instruments and Controls
HATCH/
TAILGATE-OPEN
INDICATOR
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