Honda CR-V 1997 User Manual

1997 CR-V Online Reference Owner's Manual

Use these links (and links throughout this manual) to navigate through this reference.
For a printed owner's manual, click on authorized manuals or go to www.helminc.com.

Owner's Identification Form

Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... i

A Few Words About Safety.................................................................................................................ii

Important Handling Information.....................................................................................................iii

Driver and Passenger Safety ..............................................................................................................3

Proper use and care of your vehicle's seat belts, and Supplemental Restraint System.

Instruments and Controls.................................................................................................................31

Instrume

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

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

Before Driving...................................................................................................................................95

What gasoline to use, how to break

Driving ..............................................................................................................................................105

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

Maintenance.....................................................................................................................................129

The Maintenance Schedule shows you when you need to take you

Appearance Care..............................................................................................................................181

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

Taking Care of the Unexpected......................................................................................................189

This section covers several problems motorists sometimes experience, an

Technical Information.....................................................................................................................213

ID numbers, dimensions, capacities, and technical information.

Warranty and Customer Relations (U.S. and Canada)................................................................225

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

Authorized Manuals (U.S. only)......................................................................................................231

How to order manuals and other technical literature.

Off-Highway Driving Guidelines...................................................................................................233

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

Gas Station Information

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

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

-in your new vehicle, and how to load luggage and other cargo.

r vehicle to the dealer.

d how to handle them.

Contents

Introduction

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Congratulations ! Your selection of a 1997 Honda CR-V was a wise
investment. It will give you years of driving pleasure.

One of the best ways to enhance the enjoyment of your new Honda is to
read this manual. In it, you will learn how to operate its driving controls and
convenience items. Afterwards, keep this owner's manual in your vehicle so
you can refer to it at any time.

Several warranties protect your new Honda. Read the warranty booklet
thoroughly so you understand the coverages and are aware of your rights
and responsibilities.

Maintaining your vehicle according to the schedules given in this manual
helps to keep your driving trouble-free while it preserves your investment.
When your vehicle needs maintenance, keep in mind that your Honda
dealer's staff is specially trained in servicing the many systems unique to
your Honda. Your Honda dealer is dedicated to your satisfaction and will be
pleased to answer any questions and concerns.

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

NOTICE

symbol. This
information is intended to help you
avoid damage to your Honda, other
property, or the environment.

A Few Words About Safety

−

−

on the vehicle.

preceded by a safety alert symbol and one of
three signal words: , , or .
These signal words mean:

DANGER WARNING CAUTION

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

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Your safety, and the safety of others,

is very important. And operating this

vehicle safely is an important

responsibility.

To help you make informed

decisions about safety, we have
provided operating procedures and
other information on labels and in
this manual. This information alerts
you to potential hazards that could
hurt you or others.

Of course, it is not practical or
possible to warn you about all the
hazards associated with operating or

maintaining your vehicle. You must

use your own good judgement.

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

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

three signal words: DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION.
These signal words mean:

Safety Headings — such as Important Safety Reminders or Important

Safety Precautions.

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

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

carefully.

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.

Important Handling Information

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Your CR-V has higher ground clearance than a passenger car designed for use only on pavement. Higher ground

clearance has many advantages for off-highway driving. It allows you to travel over bumps, obstacles, and rough
terrain. It also provides good visibility so you can anticipate problems earlier.

These advantages come at some cost. Because your vehicle is taller and rides higher off the ground, it has a high

center of gravity. This means your vehicle can tip or roll over if you make abrupt turns.
For proper driving techniques, read "Driving Guidelines" on page 106 of this manual and the Off-Highway Driving

Guidelines section on page 233 . Failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss of control or an accident.

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. And it
gives useful information about how
to protect infants and children in
your car.

Your Occupant Protection System.. 4
The Seat Belt System

and How It Works...................... 5

Why Wear Seat Belts.................... 5

Important Safety Reminders........ 5

Seat Belt System Components..... 6

Lap/Shoulder Belt......................... 6

Lap Belt........................................... 7

Wearing Seat Belts Properly........ 7

Wearing a Lap/Shoulder Belt...... 7

Wearing the Lap Belt.................... 9

Advice for Pregnant Women...... 11

Seat Belt Maintenance................ 11

Supplemental Restraint System..... 12

SRS Components......................... 12

What Happens In a Crash........... 12

Important Facts About

Airbags...................................... 13

How the Driver's Airbag

Works....................................... 14

How the Passenger's Airbag

Works........................................ 15

How the SRS Indicator Light

Works........................................ 16

System Service.............................. 16

System Service Precautions....... 17

Additional Safety Information........ 18

Seat-back Position........................ 18

Head Restraint Position.............. 18

Door Locks................................... 19

Storing Cargo Safely................... 19

Driving with Pets......................... 19

Child Safety...................................... 20

Where Should Children Sit?....... 20

Important Safety Reminders...... 21

General Guidelines

for Restraining Children

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

Restraining

an Infant Who Weighs

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

Restraining

a Child Who Weighs Between

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

Restraining a Child Who Weighs

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

Securing a Child Seat with a Lap/

Shoulder Belt........................... 24

Using Child Restraints

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

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

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

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

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

Driver and Passenger Safety

Your Occupant Protection System

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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 Honda has a

Supplemental Restraint System

(SRS) with airbags for the driver and

a front seat passenger.

Driver and Passenger Safety

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

alerts you to a possible problem with

your supplemental restraint system

(see page 16 ).

The seats, head restraints and door
locks also play a role in occupant

safety. For example, reclining the

seat-back can decrease the effec­tiveness of your seat belt. Head
restraints can help protect your neck
and head, especially during rear-end
impacts. Door locks help keep your
doors from being accidentally
opened during a crash.

To get the maximum protection from
your occupant protection system,
check the following before you drive

away:

Everyone in the car is wearing a
seat belt properly (see page 7 ).
Infants and small children are
properly secured in child safety
seats (see page 20 ).
All doors are closed and locked

(see page 19 ).

Seat-backs are upright and head
restraints are properly adjusted

(see pages 18 and 56 ).
There are no loose items that
could be thrown around and hurt
someone during a crash or sudden
stop (see page 19 ).

By following these guidelines, you
can reduce injuries to yourself and
your passengers in many crash

situations. Remember, however, that

no safety system can prevent all

injuries or deaths that can occur in

severe crashes.

The Seat Belt System and How It Works

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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 serious
injury or death in a crash.

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

Important Safety Reminders

Seat belts are designed for adults
and larger children. All infants and
small children must be properly
restrained in child safety seats (see
page 20 ).

Never let passengers ride in the
cargo area or on top of the folded­down seat. Carry passengers in the
rear only when they are sitting on
the locked, upright seat, and are
properly restrained by seat belts.

Passengers should not stand up or

change seats while the vehicle is
moving. If they are not wearing seat
belts during a crash or emergency

stop, they can be thrown against the
inside of the vehicle, against other
occupants, or out of the vehicle.

A pregnant woman needs to wear a

seat belt to protect herself and her
unborn child (see page 11 ).

Two people should never use the

same seat belt. If they do, they could

be very seriously injured in a crash.

Do not place the shoulder portion of

a lap/shoulder belt under your arm
or behind your back. This could
increase the chance of serious
injuries in a crash.

Do not put shoulder belt pads or
other accessories on seat belts. They
can reduce the effectiveness of the
belts and increase the chance of
injury.

Driver and Passenger Safety

The Seat Belt System and How It Works

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Seat Belt System Components

Your Honda has seat belts in all five

seating positions. The front seats
and the outside positions of the rear
seat have lap/shoulder belts. The
center position of the rear seat has a
lap belt.

Your seat belt system also includes a

light on the instrument panel to
remind you to fasten your seat belt,
and to make sure your passengers
fasten theirs. This light comes on

when you turn on the ignition if you

have not fastened your seat belt. A
beeper also sounds for several
seconds (see page 34 ).

The following pages cover more

about the seat belt components and
how they work.

Driver and Passenger Safety

Lap/Shoulder Belt

SHOULDER
PORTION

LATCH
PLATE

BUCKLE

UPPER SEAT
BELT ANCHOR

To retractor

LAP PORTION

This style of seat belt has a single
belt that goes over your shoulder,
across your chest, and across your
hips.

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

The lap/shoulder belt retractor in
each passenger seating position has
an additional locking mechanism
intended to secure a child seat (see
page 24 ). If the shoulder part of the
belt is pulled all the way out, this
mechanism will engage. The belt will
retract, but it will not allow the
passenger to move freely. If the belt
feels too tight, unlatch it, let it retract
fully, then pull it out as far as needed.

The Seat Belt System and How It Works

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Lap Belt

BELT END

BUCKLE

LATCH PLATE

The lap belt has one manually­adjusted belt that fits across the hips.
It is similar to safety belts used in
airplanes.

Wearing Seat Belts Properly

You can increase the effectiveness of
your seat belts if you take a little
time to read the following pages and
make sure you know how to wear
seat belts properly.

Not wearing a seat belt properly
increases the chance of serious
injury or death in a crash.

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

Wearing a Lap/Shoulder Belt

Before putting on the seat belt, move

the driver's seat as far back as is

practical while still allowing you to

maintain full control of the vehicle.

Make sure the seat-back is upright

(see page 18 ). The front seat
passenger should move the seat as
far back as possible.

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Driver and Passenger Safety

The Seat Belt System and How It Works

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1. Pull the latch plate across your
body and insert it into the buckle.
Tug on the belt to make sure the
latch is securely locked.

Driver and Passenger Safety

2. Check that the belt is not twisted.

3. Position the lap portion of the belt
as low as possible across your hips,
not across your stomach. This lets
your strong pelvic bones take the
force of a crash.

4. Pull up on the shoulder part of the
belt to remove any slack. Make
sure the belt goes over your
collarbone and across your chest.

The Seat Belt System and How It Works

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Wearing the Lap Belt

5. If the belt crosses your neck, you
need to adjust the belt anchor
height or your seating position.

Front seats:

Adjust the belt anchor by pressing
the release button and sliding the
anchor downward (it has four
positions).

Rear seat:

Move toward the center of the seat
until the belt fits over your collar-

bone.

To unlatch the seat belt, push the

red PRESS button on the buckle.
Guide the belt across your body to

the door pillar.
After you exit the vehicle, make sure

the seat belt is out of the way and
will not get closed in the door.

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.

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Driver and Passenger Safety

The Seat Belt System and How It Works

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2. Position the belt as low as possible
across your hips and pelvic bones,
not across your stomach. Pull the
loose end of the belt to adjust for a
snug but comfortable fit.

Driver and Passenger Safety

To unlatch the belt, push the red
PRESS button on the buckle.

Before folding the rear seat, or when
the lap belt is not in use, store the
latch plate by rolling up the belt and

pushing it into the seat pocket.

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 a lap/shoulder seat

belt, remembering to keep the lap

portion as low as possible (see page

7 ).

Each time you have a check-up, ask

your doctor if it's okay for you to

drive and how you should position a
lap/shoulder seat belt.

Seat Belt Maintenance

For safety, you should check the
condition of your seat belts regularly.

Pull out each belt fully and look for
frays, cuts, burns, and wear. Check
that the latches work smoothly and

the lap/shoulder belts retract easily.
Any belt not in good condition or not
working properly should be replaced.

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

For information on how to clean your
seat belts, see page 186 .

Driver and Passenger Safety

Supplemental Restraint System

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Your car is equipped with a Supple­mental Restraint System (SRS) to
help protect the head and chest of
the driver and front seat passenger

during a severe frontal collision.

This system does not replace your seat

belts. It supplements, or adds to, the

protection offered by seat belts and
other occupant protection features.

The SRS is designed to provide

protection under a wide range of
driving conditions, including off­highway driving. When driving off­highway, it is important that
everyone wear their seat belts
properly, and that you drive at
speeds that are safe for the road and

conditions. Refer to the Off-Highway

Driving Guidelines section on page

233.

Driver and Passenger Safety

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 switch is ON (II).
An indicator light on the instru-

ment panel to alert you to a possi­ble problem with the system.

Emergency backup power in case

your car's electrical system is

disconnected in a crash.

What Happens In a Crash

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

Supplemental Restraint System

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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 vehicle of similar size
and weight at 25 mph (40 km/h).
Airbags will not inflate in a moderate
irental collision, or during a rear
impact, side impact, or rollover —
even if the impact is severe.

Frontal Collision Range

Airbags inflate and deflate only once.
They cannot protect you during any

additional impacts that can occur

during a crash sequence.
Injuries, including fatal injuries, can

occur in a severe collision, even if
seat belts are worn properly and the
airbags inflate. No safety system can
provide complete protection in a
severe crash.

Just from viewing the vehicle

damage after a crash, it is very
difficult to accurately determine if
the airbags should or should not
have inflated. In some cases where
the airbag did not inflate, extensive
visible damage indicated that the car
absorbed much of the crash energy,
and the airbags were not needed. In
other cases, a severe jolt, such as an
impact to the undercarriage, may not

cause extensive body damage but

may still cause the airbags to inflate.

Driver and Passenger Safety

Supplemental Restraint System

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How the Driver's Airbag Works

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

Driver and Passenger Safety

To do its job, the airbag inflates with

considerable force. So, while it can
reduce serious injuries and even save

your life, the airbag might cause

some facial abrasions or other
injuries. To reduce the possibility of

injury, you should always sit back as
far from the steering wheel as
practical while still maintaining full
vehicle control.

After the bag completely inflates, it

immediately starts deflating so it
won't interfere with your visibility,
ability to steer, or ability to operate
other controls. The total time for
inflation and deflation is a fraction of
a second. You may not even be
aware that the airbag has been fully
inflated.

Supplemental Restraint System

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

How the Passenger's Airbag

Works

If you ever have a severe frontal

collision, the passenger's airbag will

inflate at the same time as the driver's

airbag.

This airbag is quite large and inflates

with considerable force. It can

seriously hurt a front seat passenger

who is not in the proper position and

wearing the seat belt properly.

Front seat passengers should move
the seat as far back as practical and
sit well back in the seat.

We strongly recommend that you do
not put an infant seat in the front
passenger's seat. If the airbag
inflates, it can hit the infant seat with
great force. The infant seat can be
dislodged or struck with enough
force to cause very serious injury to
the infant.

If a toddler seat is used in the front
passenger's seat, the vehicle seat
should be moved as far back as
possible. If the passenger's airbag
inflates, it could seriously hurt a
toddler who is not in the proper
position or properly restrained.

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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 AIRBAG. Do not
place any objects on top of this lid. If
the airbag inflates, those objects can
be propelled inside the car and
possibly hurt someone.

Driver and Passenger Safety

SRS

How the SRS Indicator
Light Works

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

Have the system checked if:

The light does not come on when
you turn the ignition switch ON

(II).

The light stays on after the engine
starts.

The light comes on or flashes

while you are driving.

If you see any of these indications,
the airbag may not work when
needed in an accident. Take the car
to your dealer promptly for diagnosis
and service.

System Service

Your supplemental restraint system
is virtually maintenance-free. The
only scheduled maintenance is an
inspection of the system by the
dealer when the car is ten years old.

For your convenience, the car's
production date is on a label on the
driver's doorjamb.

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

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

Supplemental Restraint System

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

System Service Precautions

Do not modify your steering wheel

or any other part of the supplemental
restraint system. Modifications could
make the system ineffective.

Do not tamper with the system's

components or wiring. This could

cause the airbags to inflate inadver­tently, possibly injuring someone
very seriously.

Tell anyone who works on your car
that you have a supplemental

restraint system. Failure to follow
the procedures and precautions in

the official Honda service manual

could result in personal injury or

damage to the system.

Scrapping an entire car that has
uninflated airbags can be dangerous.
Get assistance from a Honda dealer
if your car must be scrapped.

If you sell your car, please be sure to
tell the new owner that the car has a
supplemental restraint system. Alert
them to the information and precau­tions in this part of the owner's
manual.

Driver and Passenger Safety

Additional Safety Information

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The seat belts and airbags are obvi-

ously important parts of your occu­pant protection system.

In addition, you should know that
sitting upright, adjusting the head
restraints properly, locking the doors,
and stowing things properly can also
increase your safety and possibly
even save your life.

Driver and Passenger Safety

Seat-back Position

The seat-backs should be in an

upright position for you and your
passengers to get the most protec­tion from the seat belts.

If you recline a seat-back, you reduce
the protective capability of your seat
belt. The farther a seat-back is
reclined, the greater the risk that
you will slide under the belt in a
severe crash and be very seriously
injured.

For information on how to adjust the
seat-back, see page 55 .

Head Restraint Position

Head restraints can help protect you
from whiplash and other injuries. For
the best protection, adjust the top of
the restraint so it is even with the

tops of your ears, or as high as possi-

ble. For instructions on adjusting the
head restraints, see page 56.

Additional Safety Information

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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.

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 103 .

Driving with Pets

Loose pets can be a hazard while you
are driving. An unrestrained pet can

interfere with your ability to drive
the car. In a crash or sudden stop,
loose pets or cages can be thrown

around inside the car and hurt you or
your passengers. It is also for their
safety that pets should be properly
restrained in your car.

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

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

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

Driver and Passenger Safety

Child Safety

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

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

Where Should Children Sit?

According to accident statistics,
children of all sizes and ages are

safer when they are properly
restrained in the rear seat rather
than the front seat.

We recommend that, whenever

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

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

every state and Canadian province
has laws requiring infants and young
children to be properly restrained
whenever they ride in a car.

Driver and Passenger Safety

We strongly recommend that you do

not put an infant seat in the front
passenger's seat. If the airbag
inflates, it can hit the infant seat with

great force. The infant seat can be

dislodged or struck with enough
force to cause very serious injury to
the infant.

Child Safety

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If a toddler seat is used in the front
passenger's seat, the vehicle seat
should be moved as far back as
possible. If the passenger's bag
inflates, it could seriously hurt a
toddler who is not in the proper
position or properly restrained.

We also recommend that any child
who is too large to use an infant or

toddler seat ride in one of the out-

side positions of the rear seat. The

child should then wear the lap/

shoulder belt properly for protection.

If the child is not large enough to

wear the lap/shoulder belt properly,

you should use a booster seat.

Important Safety Reminders

Never hold a baby or child on your
lap when riding in a car. If you are
wearing your seat belt, the violent
forces created during a crash will
tear the child from your arms. The
child could be seriously hurt or killed.

If you are holding a child and not

wearing a seat belt in a crash, you

could crush the child against the car's
interior.

Never put your seat belt over

yourself and a child. During a crash,

the belt could press deep into the
child, causing serious internal
injuries.

Two children should never use the

same seat belt. If they do, they could
be very seriously injured in a crash.

If you are driving with small children
in the car, you should use the
childproof door locks to prevent
them from opening the rear doors

(see page 52 ).

For their safety, do not leave
children alone in your car without
adult supervision.

Driver and Passenger Safety

Child Safety

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General Guidelines for
Restraining Children Under
40 Ibs (18 kg)

Use an approved child seat. The seat
must meet Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard 213 (FMVSS-213) or
Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards. Look for the manufac­turer's statement of compliance on
the box and seat.

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

Secure the child seat to the car. All

approved child seats are designed to
be secured to the car seat by the lap
belt or the lap belt portion of a lap/

shoulder belt. A child whose seat is

not properly secured to the car can

be endangered in a crash.

Driver and Passenger Safety

To properly route a seat belt through

a child seat, follow the seat maker's
instructions. If you use a lap/
shoulder belt, be sure to follow the
instructions for securing a child seat
with a lap/shoulder belt on page 24 .

Secure the child in the child seat. Make
sure the infant or child is firmly
secured to the child seat. Use the
straps provided, and carefully follow
the manufacturer's instructions.

Restraining an Infant Who
Weighs Less Than 20 Ibs

(9kg)

An infant up to about 20 Ibs (9 kg)

must be restrained in an infant seat
or a convertible seat designed for a
baby. Because infants must ride in a
reclining position, be sure the infant
seat always faces the REAR of the
car as shown.

Child Safety

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We recommend that, whenever
possible, you put the infant seat in
the center position of the rear seat

and secure it to the car with the lap

belt.

If you decide to put an infant seat in
any other seating position, be sure to
follow the instructions for securing a
child seat with a lap/shoulder belt on
page 24.

We strongly recommend that you do

not put an infant seat in the front
passenger's seat. If the airbag
inflates, it can hit the infant seat with
great force. The infant seat can be
dislodged or struck with enough
force to cause very serious injury to
the infant.

Restraining a Child Who Weighs

Between 20 and 40 Ibs
(9 and 18 kg)

Toddler seats are designed for
children who weigh between 20 and
40 Ibs (9 and 18 kg).

The preferred place to put a toddler

seat is in the center position of the

rear seat. Use the car's lap belt to

secure the seat to the car.
If you decide to put a toddler seat in

any other seating position, be sure to

follow the instructions for securing a

child seat with a lap/shoulder belt on
page 24 .

If you are using a toddler seat in the

front passenger's seat, move the

passenger's seat as far back as
possible before installing the child
seat. If the passenger's bag inflates,
it could seriously hurt a toddler who
is not in the proper position or
properly restrained.

Driver and Passenger Safety

Child Safety

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Restraining a Child Who Weighs
Over 40 Ibs (18 kg)

We recommend that, whenever
possible, a child who has outgrown a
toddler seat ride in one of the
outside positions of the rear seat and
use a lap/shoulder belt.

Driver and Passenger Safety

Put the lap/shoulder belt on your
child and check its fit. The shoulder
belt should fit over the collarbone
and across the chest. The lap belt
should sit low on your child's hips,
not across the stomach.

If the shoulder belt crosses the neck,
have your child move toward the

center of the rear seat until the belt
fits properly. If the belt still crosses
the child's neck, you should use a

booster seat.
Several styles of booster seats are

available. We recommend a design
that allows the child to use the car's
lap/shoulder belt.

Whichever style you select, follow
the booster seat manufacturer's
instructions.

Securing a Child Seat with a Lap/
Shoulder Belt

The lap/shoulder belt retractors in

the passenger seating positions have
a built-in locking mechanism in­tended to secure a child seat. When

you are placing a child seat in one of

these outside seating positions, do
the following:

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

2. Insert the latch plate into the
buckle. Make sure it is fully
latched.

3. Slowly pull the shoulder portion of
the belt out of the retractor until it
stops.

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4. Allow the belt to slowly feed back
into the retractor. You should hear
a clicking noise that indicates the
locking mechanism has engaged.

5. After the belt has retracted fully,
pull up on the shoulder portion to
remove any slack.

6. Push and pull on the child seat to
verify that it is held firmly in place.

If not, unlatch the seat belt, allow
it to retract fully, and repeat these
steps.

To unlatch the seat belt, push the

red PRESS button on the buckle.
Guide the belt across to the door
pillar. If the belt doesn't retract
easily, pull it out and check for twists
or kinks.

Using Child Restraints with

Tethers

(Canadian Models)

Your Honda has two attachment

points for tether-style child seats.
Select the attachment point you want

to use and remove the plug with a
small flat-tipped screwdriver or
fingernail file.

Then install the tether hardware that

came with the child seat.

Tighten the bolt to:

16 lbf.ft (22 N.m, 2.2 kgf.m)
If you are not sure how to install the

hardware, have it installed by your
authorized Honda dealer.

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Driver and Passenger Safety

Child Safety

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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.

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 alert-

ness 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." How-

ever, 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 Hazard

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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

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

you.

for leaks whenever:

Avoid any enclosed areas or

The car is raised for an oil change.
You notice a change in the sound

activities that expose you to
carbon monoxide.

of the exhaust.

The car was in an accident that

may have damaged the underside. 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.

Driver and Passenger Safety

With the tailgate open, air flow can

pull exhaust gas into your car's
interior and create a hazardous
condition. If you must drive with the
tailgate open, open all the windows
and set the heating and cooling
system as 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. Select the Fresh Air mode.

2. Select the mode.

3. Set the fan speed to high.

4. Set the temperature control to a
comfortable setting.

These labels are in the locations

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shown. They warn you of potential
hazards that could cause serious
injury. Read these labels carefully
and don't remove them.

If a label comes off or becomes hard
to read, contact your Honda dealer
for a replacement.

BATTERY

Safety Labels

RADIATOR CAP

Driver and Passenger Safety

Instruments and Controls

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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............................ 32

Indicator Lights................................ 33

Gauges.............................................. 36

Speedometer................................ 36

Tachometer.................................. 36

Odometer...................................... 36

Trip Meter.................................... 36

Fuel Gauge................................... 37

Temperature Gauge.................... 37

Maintenance Required

Indicator.................................... 38

Controls Near the Steering

Wheel........................................ 39

Headlights.................................... 40

Daytime Running Lights............. 40

Instrument Panel Brightness..... 41

Turn Signals................................. 41

Windshield Wipers...................... 42

Windshield Washers................... 42

Rear Window Wiper and

Washer......................................43

Hazard Warning........................... 43

Rear Window Defogger.............. 43

Steering Wheel Adjustment....... 44

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

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

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

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

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

Power Door Locks....................... 50

Childproof Door Locks............... 52

Tailgate......................................... 52

Glove Box..................................... 54

Seats.................................................. 54

Front Seat Adjustments.............. 54

Driver's Seat Height

Adjustment............................... 55

Head Restraints........................... 56

Rear Seat-back Adjustment........ 57

Rear Seat Armrest....................... 57

Reclining the Front and

Rear Seat-backs....................... 58

Folding Rear Seat........................ 59

Power Windows............................... 62

Mirrors.............................................. 63

Adjusting the Power Mirrors..... 63

Parking Brake.................................. 64

Center Table..................................... 64

Beverage Holder.............................. 65

Built-in Table.................................... 66

Center Pocket.................................. 68

Storage Box...................................... 68

Cargo Floor Pockets........................ 68

Accessory Power Socket................ 69

Tailgate Pocket................................ 69

Cargo Hooks..................................... 70

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

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

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

Spotlights......................................72

Cargo Area Light......................... 72

Ignition Switch Light................... 72

Instruments and Controls

Control Locations

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POWER WINDOW
SWITCHES
(P.62)

TAILGATE
RELEASE
(P.52)

HOOD RELEASE
HANDLE
(P.99)

Instruments and Controls

MIRROR CONTROLS
(P.63)

FUEL FILL DOOR RELEASE
(P.98)

AUDIO SYSTEM
(P.82)

HEATING/COOLING CONTROL

(P.74)

Indicator Lights

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The instrument panel has many

indicators to give you important
information about your car.

Lamp Check

These indicator lights come on when

you turn the ignition switch ON (II),
allowing you to see that they are
working:

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

Anti-lock Brake System Indicator

Seat Belt Reminder Light
D4 Lamp

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.

HIGH BEAM INDICATOR

CHARGING SYSTEM
INDICATOR

LOW OIL
PRESSURE
INDICATOR

SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT SYSTEM
INDICATOR

MALFUNCTION
INDICATOR LAMP

CRUISE CONTROL
INDICATOR

TAILGATE-OPEN INDICATOR

SEAT BELT
REMINDER LIGHT

LOW FUEL
INDICATOR

ANTI-LOCK BRAKE
SYSTEM INDICATOR*

PARKING BRAKE AND BRAKE
SYSTEM INDICATOR*

Instruments and Controls

Indicator Lights

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Low Oil Pressure
Indicator

The engine can be severely damaged

if this light flashes or stays on when
the engine is running. For complete
information, see page 204 .

Charging System
Indicator

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

information, see page 205 .

Malfunction Indicator
Lamp

See page 206.

Instruments and Controls

U.S. Canada

E

BRAK

Parking Brake and
Brake System
Indicator

This light has two functions:

1. It lights as a reminder that you
have not released the parking
brake. Driving with the parking
brake applied can damage the
brakes and tires, and cause the
Anti-lock brake system to turn off

(see page 119 ).

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

the brake fluid level is low. This is
normally due to worn brake pads.
Have your dealer check the
braking system for worn pads or
fluid leaks.

S R S

Supplemental Restraint
System Indicator

This indicator lights when you turn

the ignition switch ON (II). If it
comes on at any other time, it
indicates a problem in the
supplemental restraint system. For
complete information, see page 16 .

Seat Belt Reminder Light

This indicator lights when you turn

the ignition switch 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.

Indicator Lights

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U.S. Canada

ABS

Only on cars equipped with ABS (see

page 119 )

Anti-lock Brake
System (ABS)
Indicator

This light normally comes on when
you turn the ignition switch ON (II)

and goes off after the engine starts.
If it comes on at any other time,
there is a problem in the ABS. If this
happens, take the car to your dealer
to have it checked. With the light on,
your car still has normal braking
ability but no anti-lock.

Low Fuel Indicator

This light comes on as a reminder

that you must refuel soon.

High Beam Indicator

This light comes on with the high
beam headlights. See page 40 for
information on the headlight
controls.

On Canadian models, this indicator
comes on with reduced brightness
when the Daytime Running Lights

(DRL) are on (see page 40 ).

Cruise Control Indicator

E

CRUIS

CONTROL

This lights when you set the cruise
control. See page 46 for information
on operating the cruise control.

Tailgate-open Indicator

This light comes on if the tailgate 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 173 ). Replace the bulb as
soon as possible, since other drivers
cannot see that you are signalling.

When you turn on the Hazard
Warning switch, both turn signal

lights blink. All turn signals on the
outside of the car should flash.

Instruments and Controls

Gauges

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TACHOMETER

ODOMETER

TRIP METER SPEEDOMETER

MAINTENANCE
REQUIRED INDICATOR

Speedometer

U.S. Models

This shows your speed in miles per
hour (mph). The smaller inner
numbers are the speed in kilometers
per hour (km/h).

Canadian Models

This shows your speed in kilometers
per hour (km/h). The smaller inner
numbers are the speed in miles per
hour (mph).

Instruments and Controls

FUEL GAUGE

TRIP METER
RESET BUTTON

TEMPERATURE
GAUGE

Tachometer

The tachometer shows the engine
speed in revolutions per minute

(rpm). To protect the engine from
damage, never drive with the
tachometer needle in the red zone.

Odometer

The odometer shows the total dis­tance your car has been driven. It
measures miles in U.S. models and
kilometers in Canadian models.

It is illegal under federal law (in the
U.S.) and provincial regulations (in
Canada) to disconnect, reset, or alter
the odometer with the intent to
change the number of miles or
kilometers indicated.

Trip Meter

This meter shows the number of

miles (U.S.) or kilometers (Canada)
driven since you last reset it. To
reset it, push the trip meter reset
button.

Gauges

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TACHOMETER

TRIP METER

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.

ODOMETER

SPEEDOMETER

TRIP METER
RESET BUTTON

FUEL GAUGE

TEMPERATURE
GAUGE

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

switch 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 zone. If it reaches the
red (Hot) mark, pull safely to the
side of the road. Turn to page 200 for
instructions and precautions on
checking the engine's cooling
system.

Instruments and Controls

Gauges

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Maintenance Required Indicator

SLOT

U.S. Models

INDICATOR

This indicator reminds you that it is
nearing 7,500 miles (12,000 km)

since the last scheduled maintenance.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedules
for Normal and Severe Driving

Conditions on pages 134 — 135 .

Instruments and Controls

When the distance driven since the

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

Your dealer will reset the indicator

when he performs the scheduled
maintenance. If someone else
performs the maintenance, reset the
indicator by inserting your key in the
slot beside the indicator.

Controls Near the Steering Wheel

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The two levers on the steering

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

The hazard warning switch is on the

dashboard between the center air
vents.

The controls near the left air vent

are for the power windows and
power mirrors.

The tilt adjustment lever on the

underside of the steering column
allows you to tilt the steering wheel.

HEADLIGHTS/TURN SIGNALS

MIRROR CONTROLS

POWER WINDOW SWITCHES

HAZARD WARNING LIGHTS

SHIFT LEVER WINDSHIELD

WIPERS/WASHERS

HORN BUTTONS

TILT ADJUSTMENT

Instruments and Controls

Controls Near the Steering Wheel

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Headlights

The rotating switch on the left lever

controls the lights. Turning this

switch to the position turns

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

Instruments and Controls

If you leave the lights on with the

ignition switch in ACCESSORY (I)

or LOCK (0), you will hear a
reminder beeper when you open the
driver's door.

To change between low beams and
high beams, pull the turn signal lever
until you hear a click, then let go.

The blue high beam indicator will

light (see page 35 ).

To flash the high beams, pull the

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

The high beams will stay on for as

long as you hold the lever back, no
matter what position the headlight
switch is in.

Daytime Running Lights
(Canadian Models)

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

The headlights revert to normal

operation when you turn them on
with the switch.

Controls Near the Steering Wheel

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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

TURN SIGNAL LEVER

Signal a turn or lane change with this
lever. Push down on the lever to
signal a left turn, and up to signal a
right turn. If you push it up or down
all the way, the turn signal continues

to blink even when you release the
lever. It shuts off automatically as
you complete the turn.

To signal a lane change, push lightly

on the turn signal lever in the proper
direction and hold it. The lever will
return to the center position as soon
as you release it.

Instruments and Controls

Controls Near the Steering Wheel

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Windshield Wipers

The right lever controls the wind-

shield wipers and washers. The
rotary switch at the end of the lever
has three positions:

INT: intermittent

: low speed
: high speed

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

Instruments and Controls

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

To clean the windshield, pull back on
the wiper control lever. The washers

spray until you release the lever.

On 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.

Controls Near the Steering Wheel

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Rear Window Wiper and Washer

The rear window wiper switch is
located next to the windshield wiper

switch.

To activate the rear windshield wiper,
turn the switch "ON". The wiper
operates intermittently. If you wish
to use the wiper and washer, turn
and hold the switch one position up
from "ON". To use the washer only,
turn and hold the switch one position
down from "OFF".

Hazard Warning

Push the red button between the

center air vents 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.

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.

CONTINUED

Instruments and Controls

Controls Near the Steering Wheel

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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.

Instruments and Controls

Steering Wheel Adjustment

You can adjust the steering wheel

height to suit your preference. Do

this before you begin driving.

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

Adjust the steering wheel only
when the car is stopped.

1. Adjust the seat so you are a

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comfortable distance from the
pedals and can operate them
safely.

2. The lever to tilt the steering wheel
is under the steering column to
the left. Push this lever all the way
down.

Controls Near the Steering Wheel

3. Move the steering wheel up or
down to the desired position.
Position the wheel so you can see
all the instrument panel gauges
and warning lights. Push the lever
up to lock the steering wheel in
that position.

4. Make sure you have securely
locked the steering wheel in place
by trying to move it up and down.

Instruments and Controls

Steering Wheel Controls

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Cruise Control

Cruise control allows you to maintain

a set speed above 25 mph (40 km/h)
without keeping your foot on the
accelerator pedal. It should be used
for cruising on straight, open
highways. It is not re-commended 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.

Instruments and Controls

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).

Steering Wheel Controls

Main Menu

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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.

The cruise control may not hold
the set speed when you are going
up and down hills.

RESUME/
accel

SET/decel

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 pedal lightly with

your foot. The CRUISE
CONTROL light on the instru­ment panel will go out. When the
car slows to the desired speed,
press the SET/decel button. The
car will then maintain the desired
speed.

CONTINUED

Instruments and Controls

Steering Wheel Controls

Main Menu

Table of Contents

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▲

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 pedal
will cause the cruise control to
cancel.

Instruments and Controls

Cancelling the Cruise control

You can cancel the cruise control in

any of these ways:

Tap the brake pedal.

Press the SET/decel and RE­SUME/accel buttons at the same

time.

Press the Cruise Control Master

Switch.

When you tap the brake pedal, or
press the SET and RESUME buttons
at the same time, the CRUISE
CONTROL light on the instrument
panel will go out and the car will
begin to slow down. You can use the

accelerator pedal in the normal way.

If you use the brake pedal to cancel
cruise control, the system
remembers the previously-set
cruising speed. To return to that
speed, accelerate to above 25 mph

(40 km/h) and press the RESUME/

accel button until the CRUISE CON-

TROL light comes on. The car will

accelerate to the same cruising
speed as before.

If you cancel cruise control by
pressing the SET and RESUME
buttons at the same time, the
previously-set cruising speed is
erased. To use the cruise control,
accelerate to the desired cruising
speed and press the SET/decel
button.

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

Cruise Control.

Keys and Locks

Main Menu

Table of Contents

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Keys

VALET KEY

MASTER KEY

KEY NUMBER
PLATE

Your vehicle comes with two kinds

of keys: a master key and a valet key.

The master key fits all locks on your

car:

Ignition

Doors
Glove box

Tailgate

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 key number if you

ever have to get a lost key replaced.
Keep the plate stored in a safe place.

When replacing keys, use only

Honda-approved key blanks.

Ignition Switch

The ignition switch is on the right

side of the steering column. It has

four positions:

LOCK (0)

ACCESSORY (I)

ON (II)
START (III)

CONTINUED

Instruments and Controls

Keys and Locks

Main Menu

Table of Contents

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▲

LOCK (0) — You can insert or
remove the key only in this position.
When you turn the key from LOCK
to ACCESSORY, you may have to
turn the steering wheel to release
the anti-theft lock. To switch from
ACCESSORY to LOCK, you must
push the key in slightly as you turn it.
The shift lever must also be in Park.

The anti-theft lock will lock the

steering column when you remove
the key.

ACCESSORY (I) — In this position,
you can operate the audio system

and the accessory power socket.

ON (II)

positio

— This is the normal key

n 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 33 ).

Instruments and Controls

START (III) — Use this position

only to start the engine. The switch

returns to ON (II) when you let go of

the key.
You will hear a reminder beeper if

you leave the key in the ignition

switch in the LOCK (0) or
ACCESSORY (I) position and open
the driver's door. Remove the key to
turn off the beeper.

Power Door Locks

LOCK TAB

Each door has a lock tab on the top.
Push the tab down to lock the door
and pull it up to unlock.

To lock any passenger's door when

getting out of the car, push the lock
tab down and close the door. To lock
the driver's door, pull the outside
door handle and push the lock tab
down. Release the handle, then close
the door.

Keys and Locks

Main Menu

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

Master door lock switch

MASTER DOOR LOCK SWITCH

The master door lock switch allows
control of all door locks from the
driver's door. Push the switch down
to lock all doors, and up to unlock
them.

All doors lock when you push down

the lock tab on the driver's door, or
lock the driver's door from the
outside with the key. Only the driver's
door unlocks when you use the key
or lock tab. To unlock the passen­gers' doors, use the master door lock
switch or the lock tab on each door.

Instruments and Controls

Keys and Locks

Main Menu

Table of Contents

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Childproof Door Locks

LOCK

The childproof door locks are

designed to prevent children seated
in the rear from accidentally opening
the rear doors. Each rear door has a

lock lever near the edge. With the
lever in the LOCK position, the door
cannot be opened from the inside
regardless of the position of the lock
tab. To open the door, pull the lock
tab up and use the outside door
handle.

Instruments and Controls

LEVER

Tailgate

KEY

1. You can open the tailgate in two
ways:

Use the ignition key to open the
tailgate lock.

TAILGATE UNLOCK BUTTON

Push the tailgate unlock button
on the dashboard under the left
air vent.

Keys and Locks

Main Menu

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HATCH GLASS

2. The hatch glass will pop up
slightly.

3. Lift up the hatch glass fully.

4. Pull the handle on the door and
pull the door open.

To close the tailgate, always close

the lower door first. Then, lower the
hatch glass and press on it until it
latches.
Make sure the door and the hatch

glass are locked securely before

driving.

HANDLE

DOOR

STOP

To keep the tailgate door open on an

incline, use the stop in the tool kit.

The tool kit is in the right cargo floor

pocket. Put the stop on the support

strut as shown.

Instruments and Controls

Keys and Locks, Seats

Main Menu

Table of Contents

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▼

Glove Box

Open the glove box by pulling the
bottom of the handle. Close it with a
firm push. Lock or unlock the glove
box with the master key.

Instruments and Controls

Front Seat Adjustments

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.

Adjust the seat before you start
driving.

To adjust the seat forward and
backward, pull up on the lever under
the seat cushion's front edge. Move
the seat to the desired position and

release the lever. Try to move the
seat to make sure it is locked in

position.

Reclining the seat-back can

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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.

Seats

Driver's Seat Height Adjustment

To change the angle of the seat-back,

pull up on the lever on the outside of
the seat bottom. Move the seat-back
to the desired position and release
the lever. Let the seat-back latch in
the new position.

To adjust the height of the driver's

seat, turn the dial on the outside of

the seat bottom.

Instruments and Controls

Seats

Main Menu

Table of Contents

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Head Restraints

The head restraints are designed to

help reduce the risk of neck injuries.
Your Honda has adjustable head
restraints in all the outside seating
positions. Adjust the head restraint

so the top is even with the tops of

your ears.

Instruments and Controls

RELEASE BUTTON

The head restraints adjust for height.

You need both hands to adjust the
restraint. Do not attempt to adjust it
while driving. To raise it, pull upward.
To lower the restraint, push the
release button sideways and push
the restraint down.

To remove a head restraint for
cleaning or repair, pull it up as far as

it will go. Push the release button
and pull the restraint out of the seat-

back.

Driving your car without head
restraints can lead to serious
injury to you and your
passenger in a crash.

Make sure the head restraints
are in place and adjusted
properly before driving.

Seats

Main Menu

Table of Contents

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Rear Seat-back Adjustment

The angle of the rear seat-backs can

be adjusted separately. To change
the angle of the seat-back, pull up on
the knob on the top of the seat-back.
Move the seat-back to the desired
position, then release the knob.
Make sure the seat-back latches in
the new position.

Rear Seat Armrest

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.

The rear seat armrest is located at

the center of the rear seat. Pivot it
down to use it.

Instruments and Controls

Seats

Main Menu

Table of Contents

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Reclining the Front and Rear
Seat-backs

You can recline the seat-backs on the
front and rear seats to make a large

cushioned area. To do this:

1. Remove the front seat head
restraint and put it in the pocket of
the seat-back.

Instruments and Controls

2. Lift the lever and slide the front
seat forward as far as it will go.

Pull up the seat-back angle

adjustment lever, then pivot the

seat-back backward. Release the
lever when the seat-back is even
with the cushion on the rear seat.

3. Pull up on the knob on top of the
seat-back and pivot the rear seat-

back backward. Release the knob
when the seat-back is reclined as

far as it will go.

Seats

Main Menu

Table of Contents

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Reverse this procedure to return the
seats to their upright positions.
Make sure you install the head
restraints, and that the seats are

locked securely in place before

driving.

Folding Rear Seat

The left and right halves of the rear

seat can be folded up separately to
create more cargo space.

1. Store the latch plate for the center
lap belt by rolling up the belt and
pushing it into the seat pocket.

STRAP

2. Pull the strap to release the seat
bottom. Pivot the seat bottom
forward.

CONTINUED

Instruments and Controls

Seats

Main Menu

Table of Contents

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▲

Reverse this procedure to return the
seat to the upright position. Make
sure that the seat is locked securely
before driving.

3. Remove the head restraint and
pull up on the knob on the top of
the seat-back. Pivot the seat-back
forward.

Instruments and Controls

Put the head restraint behind the

seat bottom as shown.
Pass through the fastening strap in
the hole of head restraint and fasten

it by magic tape.

Make sure any items stored in the

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cargo area are tied down. Loose
items can fly forward and cause
injury if you have to brake hard.

Seats

Instruments and Controls

Power Windows

Main Menu

Table of Contents

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▼

Your car's windows are electrically-

powered. Turn the ignition switch to
ON (II) to raise or lower any window.

Each door has a switch that controls

its window. To open the window,
push the switch down and hold it.
Release the switch when you want
the window to stop. Close the
window by pushing the switch up
and holding it.

Instruments and Controls

DRIVER'S WINDOW SWITCH

MAIN SWITCH

There is a master power window

control panel on the dashboard. To
open any of the passengers' windows,
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 the window gets to the position
you want.

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

Make sure your children are
away from the windows before

closing them.

The master control panel also con-

tains these extra features:

AUTO — To open the driver's

window fully, push the window
switch firmly down and release it.

The window automatically goes all

the way down. To stop the window
from going all the way down, push
the window switch up briefly.

To open the driver's window only

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

Power Windows, Mirrors

Main Menu

Table of Contents

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▲

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

Mirrors

TAB

Keep the inside and outside mirrors
clean and adjusted for best visibility.
Be sure to adjust the mirrors before
you start driving.

The inside mirror has day and night

positions. The night position reduces

glare from headlights behind you.

Flip the tab on the bottom edge of
the mirror to select the day or night
position.

Adjusting the Power Mirrors

SELECTOR SWITCH

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).

CONTINUED

Instruments and Controls

Mirrors, Parking Brake, Center Table

Main Menu

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ADJUSTMENT SWITCH

3. Push the appropriate edge of the
adjustment switch to move the
mirror right, left, up or down.

4. When you finish, move the

selector switch to the center (off)
position. This turns off the
adjustment switch so you can't

move a mirror out of position by

accidentally bumping the switch.

Instruments and Controls

Parking Brake

PARKING BRAKE LEVER

To apply the parking brake, pull the
lever up fully. To release it, pull up

slightly, push the button, and lower

the lever. The parking brake light on
the instrument panel should go out
when the parking brake is fully

released (see page 34 ).

Center Table

To use the center table, pull up the

outside edge of the table until it

latches. To store it, pull the lever and

swing the table down.

Beverage Holder

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Center Table, Beverage Holder

Sitting on or getting under the table,
or putting heavy objects on the table
may damage or deform the table.

Do not put any items on the table

while driving. They may fall down or

fly around when you go around
corners or brake hard.

To use the beverage holder, pull on

the front. Push the holder all the way
in to close it.

The center table also has a beverage

holder.

CONTINUED

Instruments and Controls

Beverage Holder, Built-in Table

Main Menu

Table of Contents

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▲

Built-in Table

Use the beverage holder only when
the car is parked. If you place cups in
the holder while driving, the liquid

may spill when you go over bumps or
around corners.

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

The cargo area floor can be taken

out and used as a table.

HANDLE

To remove the table, pull up the
carpet. Lift and pull on the handle to

slide the table out.

Instruments and Controls

Built-in Table

Main Menu

Table of Contents

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Unfold the legs. Lock them in place
by pushing on the middle of the
locking arms. Make sure all four are

locked.

To fold the legs, pull on the middle

of each locking arm.

Put the projections on the table into
the holes in the cargo area floor.

Using the Built-in Table

Be sure to lock the legs of the
table.
Do not stand on the table.
Do not put a weight of over 44 Ibs

(20 kg) on the table.
Hot items such as pots, pans, or
kettles should not be placed
directly on the table.

Instruments and Controls

Center Pocket, Storage Box, Cargo Floor Pockets

Main Menu

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Center Pocket

Open the center pocket by pulling
the handle. Close it with a firm push.

Instruments and Controls

Storage Box

A storage box is located under the
front passenger's seat. To use it, pull
on the front edge of the box to slide
it out.

Cargo Floor Pockets

You can store small items in the

pockets located on both sides of the
cargo area.

Accessory Power Socket, Tailgate Pocket

Main Menu

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Accessory Power Socket

There are two accessory power

sockets: one in the dashboard by the
front ashtray and the other on the
left side of the cargo area.

To use the accessory power socket,

pull down the cover. The ignition
switch must be in ACCESSORY (I)
or ON (II).

These sockets are intended to supply

power for 12 volt DC accessories
that are rated 120 watts or less (10
amps).

They will not power an automotive

type cigarette lighter element.

Tailgate Pocket

To use the tailgate pocket, turn the
knobs and remove the lid. Items

stored in this pocket can be secured

by the belts inside the pocket.

Instruments and Controls

Cargo Hooks, Ashtrays

Main Menu

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Cargo Hooks

HOOKS

The hooks on the floor of the cargo
area enable you to tie down items
stored in the back. Make sure all
stored items are secured before
driving.

Instruments and Controls

The hook on the tailgate door pivots,

allowing items to be stored in
different ways. Make sure any items
put on this hook weigh less than 6.5
Ib (3 kg), or you could damage the
hook.

Do not open or close the tailgate
door with cargo on this hook.

Ashtrays

ASHTRAY

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.

Ashtrays, Interior Lights

Main Menu

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ASHTRAY

The rear ashtrays are in the front

lower corner of each door. Open the
ashtray by swinging the upper edge
of the lid down. To remove the
ashtray for emptying, open it, then
lift up and out.

NOTICE

Use the ashtrays only for cigarettes, cigars

and other smoking materials. To prevent a

possible fire and damage to your car, don't

put paper or other things that can burn in

the ashtrays.

Ceiling Light

ON

DOOR ACTIVATED

The ceiling light has a three-position

switch. In the OFF position, the light
does not come on. In the center
position, the ceiling light comes on

when you open any door. In the ON

position, the ceiling light stays on
continuously.

Instruments and Controls

Interior Lights

Main Menu

Table of Contents

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▲

Spotlights

Turn on the spotlight by pushing the

button next to each light. Push the
button again to turn it off. You can

use the spotlights at all times.

Instruments and Controls

Cargo Area Light

DOOR ACTIVATED

The cargo area light has a three-

position switch. In the OFF position,

the light does not come on. In the
center position, the light comes on
when you open the tailgate. In the

ON position, the light stays on
continuously.

Ignition Switch Light

IGNITION SWITCH LIGHT

The ignition switch light comes on

when you open the driver's door, and
stays on several seconds after you

close the door.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Main Menu

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▼

The heating and air conditioning

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

The standard audio system has

many features. This section de­scribes those features and how to
use them. (If you selected an
optional audio system, refer to the
operating instructions that came
with it.)

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

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

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

To Turn Everything Off ............. 81

Audio System................................... 82

AM/FM Stereo Audio System... 82

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

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

Radio Frequencies....................... 85

Radio Reception........................... 85

Digital Clock................................. 87

Operating the Optional Cassette

Player........................................ 88

Caring for the Cassette Player... 90
Operating the Optional CD

Player/Changer....................... 91

Protecting Compact Discs.......... 93

CD Changer Error Indications... 94

Comfort and Convenience Features

Heating and Cooling

Main Menu

Table of Contents

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▼

Proper use of the Heating and
Cooling system can make the
interior dry and comfortable, and
keep the windows clear for best

visibility.

What Each Control Does

Fan Control Dial

Turning this dial clockwise increases

the fan's speed, which increases air
flow.

Temperature Control Dial

Turning this dial clockwise increases

the temperature of the air flow.

Air Conditioning (A/C) Button

This button turns the air condi-

tioning ON and OFF. The indicator
in the button lights when the A/C is
on.

Comfort and Convenience Features

MODE CONTROL DIAL

FAN CONTROL DIAL

TEMPERATURE CONTROL DIAL

Recirculation Button

This button controls the source of

the air going into the system. When
the indicator in this button is lit, air
from the vehicle's interior is sent
through the system again (Recircula­tion mode). When the indicator is off,
air is brought in from outside the

vehicle (Fresh Air mode).

RECIRCULATION
BUTTON

AIR
CONDITIONING
SWITCH

Mode Control Dial

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Table of Contents

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Use the MODE control dial to select

the vents the air flows from.

Air flows from the center

and corner vents in the dashboard.

Air flow is divided between
the vents in the dashboard and the
floor vents.

Air flows from the floor
vents.

Air flow is divided between

the floor vents and the defroster

vents at the base of the windshield.

Air flows from the defroster
vents at the base of the windshield.

When you select the system

automatically switches to Fresh Air
mode and turns on the A/C.

Heating and Cooling

Comfort and Convenience Features

Heating and Cooling

Main Menu

Table of Contents

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▲

Vent Controls

CENTER VENT

You can adjust the direction of the
air coming from the dashboard vents
by moving the tab in the center of
each vent up-and-down and side-to­side.

Comfort and Convenience Features

SIDE VENT

Open

Close

The vents in the corners of the

dashboard can be opened and closed

with the dials next to them.

How to Use the System

This section covers how to set up the

system controls for ventilation,
heating, cooling, dehumidifying, and
defrosting.

The engine must be running for the

heater and air conditioning to
generate hot and cold air. The heater
uses engine coolant to warm the air.
If the engine is cold, it will be several
minutes before you feel warm air
coming from the system.

The air conditioning does not rely on

engine temperature.

Heating and Cooling

Main Menu

Table of Contents

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It is best to leave the system in Fresh

Air mode under almost all conditions.

Keeping the system in Recirculation
mode, particularly with the A/C off,
can cause the windows to fog up.
Switch to Recirculation mode when

you are driving through smoky or

dusty conditions, then switch back to
Fresh Air mode when the condition
clears.

The outside air intakes for the
heating and cooling system are at
the base of the windshield. Keep
these clear of leaves and other
debris.

AIR CONDITIONING SWITCH

MODE CONTROL

FAN CONTROL DIAL

Ventilation

The flow-through ventilation system

draws in outside air, circulates it
through the interior, then exhausts it
through vents near the rear window.

TEMPERATURE
CONTROL DIAL

1. Turn the temperature control dial
all the way to the left.
Make sure the A/C is off.

2. Select and Fresh Air mode.

3. Set the fan to the desired speed.

Comfort and Convenience Features

CONTINUED

Heating and Cooling

Main Menu

Table of Contents

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▲

To Cool with A/C

1. Turn on the A/C by pressing the
button. The light in the button

should come on.

2. Make sure the temperature
control dial is all the way
counterclockwise.

3. Select and Fresh Air mode.

4. Set the fan to the desired speed.
If the interior is very warm from

being parked in the sun, you can cool
it down more rapidly by setting up
the controls this way:

1. Start the engine.

2. Turn on the A/C by pressing the
button. Make sure the tempera­ture control dial is all the way

counterclockwise.

3. Set the fan to maximum speed.

4. Open the windows partially. Select
and Recirculation mode.

Comfort and Convenience Features

FAN CONTROL DIAL

When the interior has cooled down
to a more comfortable temperature,
close the windows and set the
controls as described for normal
cooling.

MODE CONTROL DIAL

RECIRCULATION
BUTTON

AIR
CONDITIONING
SWITCH

REAR
DEFOGGER
SWITCH

TEMPERATURE CONTROL DIAL

Air conditioning places an extra load

on the engine. Watch the engine
coolant temperature gauge (see page

37 ) when driving in stop-and-go

traffic or climbing a Song, steep hill.

If it moves near the red zone, turn
off the A/C until the gauge reads
normally.

Heating and Cooling

Main Menu

Table of Contents

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▲

To Heat

To warm the interior:

1. Start the engine.

2. Select and Fresh Air mode.

3. Set the fan to the desired speed.

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

To Heat and Dehumidify with Air
Conditioning

Air conditioning, as it cools, removes

moisture from the air. When used in
combination with the heater, it
makes the interior warm and dry.

1. Switch the fan on.

2. Turn on the air conditioning.

3. Select and Fresh Air mode

4. Adjust the temperature control
dial so the mixture of heated and
cooled air feels comfortable.

This setting is suitable for all driving
conditions whenever the outside
temperature is above 32°F (0°C).

To Defog and Defrost

To remove fog from the inside of the

windows:

1. Switch the fan on.

2. Select
When you select the

system automatically switches to
Fresh Air mode and turns on the

A/C.

3. Adjust the temperature control

dial so the air flow from the
defroster vents feels warm.

4. Turn on the rear window defogger
to help clear the rear window.
When you switch to another mode
from , the A/C stays on.
Press the A/C button to turn it off.

CONTINUED

Comfort and Convenience Features

Heating and Cooling

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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
When you select the

system automatically switches to
Fresh Air mode and turns on the
A/C.

3. Switch the fan and temperature
controls to maximum.

MODE CONTROL DIAL

RECIRCULATION
BUTTON

AIR

CONDITIONING
SWITCH

To rapidly remove exterior frost or
ice from the windshield (on very cold
days), first select the Recirculation
mode. Once the windshield is clear,

select the Fresh Air mode to avoid

fogging the windows.

Comfort and Convenience Features

FAN CONTROL DIAL

TEMPERATURE CONTROL DIAL

REAR
DEFOGGER

SWITCH

Heating and Cooling

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These settings direct all the air flow

to the defroster vents at the base of
the windshield and the side window

defroster vents. The air flow will get

warmer and clear the windows faster

as the engine warms up. You can
close the side vents with the dial
beside each vent. This will send
more warm air to the windshield
defroster vents.

For safety, make sure you have a
clear view through all the windows

before driving away.

To Turn Everything Off

To shut off the system temporarily,
turn the fan speed and temperature
control dials all the way to the left.

You should shut the system

completely off only for the first few
minutes of driving in cold weather,
until the engine coolant warms up
enough to operate the heater. Keep
the fan on at all other times so stale
air does not build up in the interior.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Audio System

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AM/FM Stereo Audio System

Your Honda's audio system provides
clear reception on both AM and FM
bands, while the preset buttons allow
you to easily select your favorite
stations.

A cassette player, CD player or CD
changer is available as optional
equipment.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Operating the Radio

The ignition switch must be in
ACCESSORY (I) or ON (II) to

operate the audio system. Turn the

system on by pressing the PWR/
VOL knob or the AM/FM button.
Adjust the volume by turning the

knob.
The band and frequency that the

radio was last tuned to is displayed.
To change bands, press the AM/FM

button. On the FM band, ST will be

displayed if the station is broadcast-

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

You can use any of three methods to

find radio stations on the selected
band: TUNE, SEEK, or the Preset

buttons.

TUNE — Use the TUNE/SEEK bar

to tune the radio to a desired
frequency. Press the right side ( )
to tune to a higher frequency, or the

left side ( ) to tune to a lower
frequency. The frequency numbers
will start to change rapidly. Release
the bar when the display reaches the
desired frequency. To change the
frequency in small increments, press
and release the TUNE/SEEK bar
quickly.

SEEK — The SEEK function

searches the band for a station with
a strong signal. To activate it, press
the TUNE/SEEK bar until you hear
a beep, then release it. Depending on

which side of the bar you press, the

system scans upward or downward
from the current frequency. It stops

when it finds a station with a strong

signal.

Preset — You can store the fre­quencies of your favorite radio
stations in the six preset buttons.
Each button will store one frequency
on the AM band, and two on the FM
band.

To store a frequency:

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Audio System

1. Select the desired band, AM or
FM. FM1 and FM2 let you store
two frequencies with each Preset
button.

2. Use the TUNE or SEEK function
to tune the radio to a desired

station.

3. Pick the Preset button you want

for that station. Press the button
and hold it until you hear a beep.

4. Repeat steps 1 to 3 to store a total
of six stations on AM and twelve
on FM.

Once a station's frequency is stored,

simply press and release the proper
Preset button to tune to it.
The preset frequencies will be lost if
your vehicle's battery goes dead, is

disconnected or the radio fuse is

removed.

PWR/VOL KNOB

TUNE/SEEK BAR PRESET BUTTONS

STEREO INDICATOR

Comfort and Convenience Features

AM/FM BUTTON

Audio System

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Adjusting the Sound

Bass, Treble, Balance, and Fader are

each adjustable. You select which of
these you want to adjust by pressing
the MODE button. The mode

changes from BAS to TRE to FAD to

BAL, and then back to VOL each
time you press the button. Each
mode is shown in the display as it
changes.

Balance/Fader — These two
modes adjust the strength of the

sound coming from each speaker.

BAL adjusts the side-to-side strength,
while FAD adjusts the front-to-back

strength.
Select BAL or FAD by pressing the

MODE button. Adjust the Balance or
Fader to your liking by turning the
PWR/VOL knob. The indicator bars
on the display show you the range.

Comfort and Convenience Features

MODE BUTTON

PWR/VOL KNOB

Treble/Bass — Use these modes to

adjust the tone to your liking. Select

TRE or BAS by pressing the MODE

button. Adjust the desired mode by
turning the PWR/VOL knob. The
indicator bars on the display show
you the range.

As you adjust a mode, you will hear a
beep whenever the indicator bar

reaches the center, far left, and far
right of its range. The system will
automatically return the display to
normal mode about seven seconds
after you stop adjusting a mode with

the PWR/VOL knob.

Audio System

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Radio Frequencies

Your Honda's radio can receive the

complete AM and FM bands.
Those bands cover these frequen-

cies:
AM band:

530 to 1,710 kilohertz

FM band:

87.7 to 107.9 megahertz

Radio stations on the AM band are

assigned frequencies at least ten

kilohertz apart (530, 540, 550).

Stations 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 could

display a frequency of 100.9 even
though the announcer may identify
the station as "FM101."

Radio Reception

How well your Honda's radio
receives stations is dependent on
many factors, such as the distance
from the station's transmitter,
nearby large objects, and atmos­pheric conditions.

A radio station's signal gets weaker

as you get farther away from its
transmitter. If you are listening to an
AM station, you will notice the sound
volume becoming weaker, and the

station drifting in and out. If you are

listening to an FM station, you will

see the stereo indicator flickering off

and on as the signal weakens.

Eventually, the stereo indicator will
go off and the sound will fade

completely as you get out of range of

the station's signal.

Driving very near the transmitter of
a station that is broadcasting on a
frequency close to the frequency of
the station you are listening to can
also affect your radio's reception.
You may temporarily hear both
stations, or hear only the station you
are close to.

CONTINUED

Comfort and Convenience Features

Audio System

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Electrical interference from passing
vehicles and stationary sources can
cause temporary reception problems.

Radio signals, especially on the FM

band, are deflected by large objects

such as buildings and hills. Your
radio then receives both the direct

signal from the station's transmitter,
and the deflected signal. This causes
the sound to distort or flutter. This is

a main cause of poor radio reception

in city driving.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Radio reception can be affected by
atmospheric conditions such as
thunderstorms, high humidity, and
even sunspots. You may be able to
receive a distant radio station one
day and not receive it the next day
because of a change in conditions.

Digital Clock

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The audio system also displays the

time. The ignition switch must be in

ACCESSORY (I) or ON (II).
To set the time, press the CLOCK

button. The hour numbers will begin
blinking. Press the Preset 5 button to
get the numbers to count down, or
the Preset 6 button to get the hours
to count up.

Press the CLOCK button again, and
the minutes numbers will begin
blinking. Use the Preset

button to change the minutes to

6

5

or Preset

the correct value.

Audio System

TIME DISPLAYED

After you have set the clock, press
the CLOCK button again to return to

the normal display. If you do not, the

system will automatically return to

the normal display about seven

seconds after you stop pressing the

Preset buttons.

PRESET 5 BUTTON

PRESET 6 BUTTON

CLOCK BUTTON

Comfort and Convenience Features

Audio System

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Operating the Optional Cassette
Player

The cassette system features Dolby

B* noise reduction, automatic
sensing of chromium-dioxide (CrO2)
tape, and autoreverse for continuous
play.

* Dolby noise reduction manufactured under
license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corpo­ration. "DOLBY" and the double-D symbol

are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories

Licensing Corporation.

Make sure the tape opening on the
cassette is facing to the right, then
insert the cassette most of the way
into the slot. The system will pull it
in the rest of the way, and begin to
play.

The tape direction indicator will light

to show you which side of the
cassette is playing. The

indicates
the side you inserted facing upward
is now playing. If you want to play

Comfort and Convenience Features

the other side, press the PROG
button.

Dolby B noise reduction turns on
when you insert a cassette. If the
tape was not recorded with Dolby B
noise reduction, turn it off by
pressing the NR button.

When the system reaches the end of
the tape, it will automatically reverse
direction and play the other side. If
you want to remove the cassette
from the drive, press the EJECT
button.

If you turn the system off while a
tape is playing, either with the PWR/

VOL knob or by turning off the

ignition, the cassette will remain in
the drive. When you turn the system
back on, the tape will begin playing
where it left off.

To switch to the radio or optional CD

changer while listening to a tape,

press the AM/FM or CD/TAPE
button. To change back to the
cassette player, press the CD/TAPE
button.

Tape Search Functions

With a cassette playing, you can use
the FF, REW, TMS, or REPEAT
function to find a desired program.

FF/REW — Fast Forward and
Rewind move the tape rapidly. Press
and release the REW side of the

TUNE/SEEK bar to rewind the tape,

or the FF side to fast forward. Press
the PLAY button to take the system
out of rewind or fast forward. If the
system reaches the end of the tape
while in fast forward or rewind, it
automatically stops that function,
reverses direction, and begins to play.

Audio System

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TMS — The Tape Music Search

function allows you to find the
beginning of a song or passage. To
activate TMS, press FF or REW until
you hear a beep. You will see TMS
displayed. When the system reaches
the beginning of the next song or

passage (FF), or the beginning of
the song just played (REW), it goes
back to PLAY mode.

REPEAT — The Repeat function

continuously replays the current

song or passage. Press the RPT

button to activate it; you will see RPT

displayed as a reminder. When the

system reaches the end of the song

or passage currently playing, it will

automatically go into rewind. When

it senses the beginning of the same

song or passage, the system returns

to PLAY mode. It will continue to

repeat this same program until you

deactivate REPEAT by pressing the

button again.

TUNE/SEEK
BAR

PLAY

BUTTON

RPT
BUTTON

EJECT BUTTON

PROG
BUTTON

The TMS and REPEAT functions

use silent periods on the tape to find
the end of a song or passage. These
features may not work to your
satisfaction if there is almost no gap
between selections, a high noise
level between selections, or a silent
period in the middle of a selection.

TAPE DIRECTION
INDICATOR

Comfort and Convenience Features

AM/FM
BUTTON

CD/TAPE
BUTTON

NR
BUTTON

CASSETTE
SLOT

Audio System

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Caring for the Cassette Player

The cassette player picks up dirt and

oxides from the tape. This contami­nation builds up over time and
causes the sound quality to degrade.
To prevent this, you should clean the
player after every 30 hours of use.
Your dealer has a cleaning kit
available.

If you do not clean the cassette
player regularly, it may eventually
become impossible to remove the
contamination with a normal
cleaning kit.

Use 100-minute or shorter cassettes.

Cassettes longer than that use

thinner tape that may break or jam

the drive.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Look at the cassette before you
insert it. If the tape is loose, tighten

it by turning a hub with a pencil or
your finger.
If the label is peeling off, remove it
from the cassette or it could cause
the cassette to jam in the player.
Never try to insert a warped or
damaged cassette in the player.

When they are not in use, store
cassettes in their cases to protect
them from dust and moisture. Never
place cassettes where they will be
exposed to direct sunlight, high heat,
or high humidity. If a cassette is
exposed to extreme heat or cold, let
it reach a moderate temperature
before inserting it in the player.

Never try to insert foreign objects
into the cassette player.

If you see the error indication

on the display, press the
EJECT button and remove the
cassette from the unit. Make sure
the tape is not damaged. If the
cassette will not eject or the error
indication stays on after the cassette
ejects, take the car to your Honda
dealer.

If a problem develops in the connec­tion between the cassette player and
the radio, you will see in
the display. Take the car to your
Honda dealer.

Audio System

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Operating the Optional CD
Player/Changer

A Compact Disc changer is available

through your dealer. It holds up to
six discs, providing several hours of
continuous entertainment. You
operate the CD changer with the

same controls used for the radio.

Your dealer also has an accessory in-

dash single CD player available that
is operated by the radio controls. To
operate this unit, use the instructions

(except for those relating to multiple

discs) in this section.
To operate the CD player or changer,

the ignition must be in ACCESSORY

(I) or ON (II).

PWR/VOL KNOB

TUNE/SEEK
BAR

REPEAT INDICATOR

RPT
BUTTON

CD Player

Insert the disc into the CD slot. Push
the disc in halfway, the drive will pull
it in the rest of the way. Push the

CD/TAPE button and the disc will

start to play.
You will see the track number being

played in the display.

AM/FM BUTTON

PRESET BUTTONS

CD/TAPE
BUTTON

You can also play 3-inch (8-cm) discs
without using an adapter ring.

When the system reaches the end of

the disc, it will return to the begin­ning and play that disc again.

CONTINUED

Comfort and Convenience Features

Audio System

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Press the EJECT button to remove
the disc from the player.

If you eject the disc, but do not
remove it from the slot, the system
will automatically reload the disc

after 15 seconds and put the CD
player in pause mode. To begin
playing the disc, press the CD button.

CD Changer

Using the instructions that came
with the changer, load the desired
CDs in the magazine, and load the
magazine in the changer.

Press the CD/TAPE button. You will

see "CD" in the display. The system
will start to play the first track of the
first disc. When that disc ends, the
next disc in the magazine is loaded
and played. After the last disc

finishes, the system returns to disc 1.

Comfort and Convenience Features

To select a different disc, press the

appropriate preset button (1 — 6). If

you select an empty slot in the

magazine, the changer will, after
finding that slot empty, try to load
the CD in the next slot. This
continues until it finds a CD to load
and play.

CD Player and Changer

You can use the TUNE/SEEK bar to
select tracks within a disc. If you
press and release the TUNE/SEEK
bar, the system will move to the
beginning of a track. Press the

side to move to the beginning
of the next track, and the side
to move to the beginning of the
current track.

If you press and hold the TUNE/
SEEK bar, you will hear a beep and

the system will continue to move
across tracks. Release the bar when
you think it has reached the desired
place on the disc.

REPEAT — When you activate the
Repeat feature by pressing the RPT
button, the system continuously
replays the current track.You will

see RPT in the display as a reminder.
Press the RPT button again to turn it
off.

To take the system out of CD mode,

press the AM/FM button or insert a
cassette in the player. If a tape is

already in the cassette player, press
the CD/TAPE button. When you
return to CD mode, play will contin-

ue at the same point that it left off.

If you turn the system off while a CD
is playing, either with the PWR/VOL
knob or the ignition switch, play will
continue at the same point when you
turn it back on.

Protecting Compact Discs

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Audio System

Handle a CD by its edges; never
touch either surface. Contamination
from fingerprints, liquids, felt-tip
pens, and labels can cause the CD to
not play properly, or possibly jam in
the drive.

When a CD is not being played, store
it in its case to protect it from dust
and other contamination. To prevent
warpage, keep CDs out of direct
sunlight and extreme heat.

To clean a disc, use a clean soft cloth.
Wipe across the disc from the center

to the outside edge.

A new CD may be rough on the

inner and outer edges. The small
plastic pieces causing this roughness
can flake off and fall on the re­cording surface of the disc, causing
skipping or other problems. Remove
these pieces by rubbing the inner
and outer edges with the side of a
pencil or pen.

Never try to insert foreign objects in
the CD player or the magazine.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Audio System

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CD Changer Error Indications

If you see an error indication in the
display while operating the CD
changer, find the cause in the chart
to the right. If you cannot clear the
error indication, take the car to your
Honda dealer.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Before Driving

Main Menu

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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. The information in this

section will help you. If you plan to
add any accessories to your car,
please read the information in this

section first.

Break-in Period................................ 96

Gasoline............................................ 96

Oxygenated Fuels........................ 96

Driving in Foreign Countries..... 97

Service Station Procedures ............ 98

Filling the Fuel Tank................... 98

Opening the Hood ....................... 99

Oil Check................................ 100

Engine Coolant Check.......... 101

Fuel Economy................................ 102

Vehicle Condition...................... 102

Driving Habits............................ 102

Loading........................................... 103

Accessories..................................... 104

Modifications.................................. 104

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.

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 re-

commendations with an overhauled
or exchanged engine, or when the

brakes are relined.

Before Driving

Gasoline

Your Honda is designed to operate

on 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.

We recommend gasolines containing

detergent additives that help prevent
fuel system and engine deposits.

Using gasoline containing lead will
damage your car's emission controls.

This contributes to air pollution.

In Canada, some gasolines contain

an octane-enhancing additive called

MMT. If you use such gasolines,
your emission control system
performance may deteriorate and
the Malfunction Indicator Lamp on
your instrument panel may turn on.
If this happens, contact your
authorized Honda dealer for service.

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.

Gasoline

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The following are the EPA-approved

percentages of oxygenates:
ETHANOL (ethyl or grain alcohol)

You may use gasoline containing up

to 10 percent ethanol by volume.
Gasoline containing ethanol may be
marketed under the name "Gasohol."

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

METHANOL (methyl or wood
alcohol)
You may use gasoline containing up
to 5 percent methanol by volume as
long as it also contains cosolvents

and corrosion inhibitors to protect

the fuel system. Gasoline containing

more than 5 percent 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 percentages of oxygenates
given above are not covered under
warranty.

Driving in Foreign Countries

If you are planning to take your
Honda outside the U.S. or Canada,
contact the tourist bureaus in the
areas you will be traveling in to find
out about the availability of unleaded
gasoline with the proper octane
rating.

If unleaded gasoline is not available,
be aware that using leaded gasoline
in your Honda will affect perfor­mance and fuel mileage, and damage
its emissions controls. It will no
longer comply with U.S. and

Canadian emissions regulations, and
will be illegal to operate in North
America. To bring your car back into

compliance will require the replace-

ment of several components, such as

the oxygen sensors and the three
way catalytic converter. These re-

placements are not covered under
warranty.

Before Driving

Service Station Procedures

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Filling the Fuel Tank

Pull

1. Because the fuel fill cap 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 at the outside of the
driver's seat.

Before Driving

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.

FUEL FILL CAP

3. Remove the fuel fill cap slowly.
You may hear a hissing sound as

pressure inside the tank escapes.

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

5. Screw the fuel fill cap back on,
tighten it until it clicks. If you do
not properly tighten the cap, the
Malfunction Indicator Lamp may
come on (see page 206 ).

6. Push the fuel fill door closed until
it latches.

Opening the Hood

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Service Station Procedures

HOOD RELEASE HANDLE

1. Shift to Park or Neutral and set
the parking brake. Pull the hood
release handle located under the
lower left corner of the dashboard.

The hood will pop up slightly.

LATCH

2. Standing in front of the car, put
your fingers under the 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 up until it
releases the hood. Lift the hood.

SUPPORT ROD

3. Pull the support rod out of its clip
and insert the end into the hole on
the front of the hood around the
center.

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 (30 cm) above the
fender, then let it drop.

CONTINUED

Before Driving