Honda Del Sol (1997) Reference Owner's Manual
1997 Del Sol Online Reference Owner's Manual
Use these links (and links throughout this manual) to navigate through this reference.
For a printed owner's manual, click on authorized manuals or go to www.helminc.com.
Contents
Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... i
A Few Words About Safety.................................................................................................................ii
Driver and Passenger Safety ..............................................................................................................3
Proper use and care of your vehicle's seat belts, and Supplemental Restraint System.
Instruments and Controls.................................................................................................................29
Instrument panel indicator and gauge, and how to use dashboard and steering column controls.
Comfort and Convenience Features .............................................................................................. 67
How to operate the climate control system, the audio system, and other convenience features.
Before Driving.................................................................................................................................. 89
What gasoline to use, how to break-in your new vehicle, and how to load luggage and other cargo.
Driving .............................................................................................................................................. 99
The proper way to start the engine, shift the transmission, and park, plus towing a trailer.
Maintenance.....................................................................................................................................117
The Maintenance Schedule shows you when you need to take you r vehicle to the dealer.
Appearance Care..............................................................................................................................169
Tips on cleaning and protecting your vehicle. Things to look for if your vehicle ever needs body repairs.
Taking Care of the Unexpected......................................................................................................175
This section covers several problems motorists sometimes experience, and how to handle them.
Technical Information.....................................................................................................................197
ID numbers, dimensions, capacities, and technical information.
Warranty and Customer Relations (U.S. and Canada
)................................................................209
A summary of the warranties covering your new Acura, and how to contact us.
Authorized Manuals (U.S. only)......................................................................................................215
How to order manuals and other technical literature.
Index...................................................................................................................................................... I
Gas Station Information
A summary of information you need when you pull up to the fuel pump.
Owner's Identification Form
Introduction
Congratulations ! Your selection of a 1997 Honda del Sol 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 i s 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
symbol. This
information is intended to help you
avoid damage to your Honda, other
property, or the environment.
a
NOTICE
A Few Words About Safety
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:
You WILL be KILLED or
SERIOUSLY HURT if you do not
follow instructions.
You CAN be KILLED or
SERIOUSLY HURT if you do not
follow instructions.
You CAN be HURT if you do not
follow instructions.
Safety Headings — such as Important Safety Reminders or Important
Safety Precautions.
Safety Section — such as Driver and Passenger Safety.
Instructions — how to use this vehicle correctly and safely.
This entire book is filled with important safety information — please read it
carefully.
Driver and Passenger Safety
This section gives you important
information about occupant protection. It shows how to use seat belts
properly. It explains the Supplemental Restraint System. And it
gives useful information about how
to protect infants and children in
your car.
Your Occupant Protection System.. 4
The Seat Belt System
and How It Works...................... 5
Why Wear Seat Belts.................... 5
Important Safety Reminders........ 5
Seat Belt System Components..... 6
Lap/Shoulder Belt......................... 6
Wearing Seat Belts Properly........ 7
Wearing a Lap/Shoulder Belt...... 7
Advice for Pregnant Women........ 9
Seat Belt Maintenance.................. 9
Supplemental Restraint System..... 10
SRS Components......................... 10
What Happens In a Crash........... 10
Important Facts About
Airbags...................................... 11
How the Driver's Airbag
Works........................................12
How the Passenger's Airbag
Works........................................ 13
How the SRS Indicator Light
Works........................................ 14
System Service............................. 14
System Service Precautions....... 15
Additional Safety Information........ 16
Seat-back Position........................ 16
Door Locks................................... 16
Storing Cargo Safely................... 17
Driving with Pets......................... 17
Child Safety...................................... 18
Where Should Children Sit?....... 18
Important Safety Reminders...... 19
General Guidelines
for Restraining Children
Under 40 Ibs (18 kg)............... 19
Restraining
an Infant Who Weighs
Less Than 20 Ibs (9 kg).......... 20
Restraining
a Child Who Weighs Between
20 and 40 Ibs (9 and 18 kg)..... 20
Restraining a Child Who Weighs
Over 40 Ibs (18 kg).................. 21
Securing a Child Seat
with a Lap/Shoulder Belt....... 22
Using Child Restraints
with Tethers............................. 23
Storing a Child Seat..................... 24
Alcohol and Drugs........................... 25
Carbon Monoxide Hazard.............. 26
Safety Labels.................................... 27
Driver and Passenger Safety
Your Occupant Protection System
Your Honda is equipped with seat
belts and other features that work
together to protect you and your
passenger 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 del Sol has a
Supplemental Restraint System
(SRS) with airbags for the driver and
the passenger.
Two indicator lights are also part of
your safety system. One reminds you
to make sure you and your
passenger wear your seat belts. The
other alerts you to a possible
problem with your supplemental
restraint system (see page 14 ).
The seats, head restraints and door
locks also play a role in occupant
safety. For example, reclining the
seat-back can decrease the effectiveness of your seat belt. Head
restraints can help protect your neck
and head, especially during rear-end
impacts. Door locks help keep your
doors from being accidentally
opened during a crash.
To get the maximum protection from
your occupant protection system,
check the following before you drive
away:
Everyone in the car is wearing a
seat belt properly (see page 7 ).
A child is properly secured in a
child safety seat (see page 18 ).
Both doors are closed and locked
(see page 16).
Seat-backs are upright (see page
16).
There are no loose items that
could be thrown around and hurt
someone during a crash or sudden
stop (see page 17).
By following these guidelines, you
can reduce injuries to yourself and
your passenger in many crash
situations. Remember, however, that
no safety system can prevent all
injuries or deaths that can occur in
severe crashes.
Driver and Passenger Safety
The Seat Belt System and How It Works
Why Wear Seat Belts
Wearing seat belts, and wearing
them properly, is fundamental to
your safety and the safety of your
passenger.
During a crash or emergency stop,
seat belts can help keep you from
being thrown against the inside of
the car, against your passenger, 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.
Important Safety Reminders
Seat belts are designed for adults
and larger children. Small children
must be properly restrained in child
safety seats (see page 18).
A pregnant woman needs to wear a
seat belt to protect herself and her
unborn child (see page 9 ).
Two people should never use the
same seat belt. If they do, they could
be very seriously injured in a crash.
Do not place the shoulder portion of
a lap/shoulder belt under your arm
or behind your back. This could
increase the chance of serious
injuries in a crash.
Do not put shoulder belt pads or
other accessories on seat belts. They
can reduce the effectiveness of the
belts and increase the chance of
injury.
Driver and Passenger Safety
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.
The Seat Belt System and How It Works
Seat Belt System Components
Your Honda has lap/shoulder seat
belts for the driver and the passenger.
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 passenger
fastens his. 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 32 ).
The following pages cover more
about the seat belt components and
how they work.
Lap/Shoulder Belt
This style of seat belt has a single
belt that goes over your shoulder,
across your chest, and across your
hips.
Each lap/shoulder belt has an
emergency locking retractor. In
normal driving, the retractor lets you
move freely in your seat while it
keeps some tension on the belt.
During a collision or sudden stop,
the retractor automatically locks the
belt to help restrain your body.
The lap/shoulder belt retractor in
the passenger seating position has
an additional locking mechanism
intended to secure a child seat (see
page 22). If the shoulder part of the
belt is pulled all the way out, this
mechanism will engage. The belt will
retract, but it will not allow the
passenger to move freely. If the belt
feels too tight, unlatch it, let it retract
fully, then pull it out as far as needed.
Driver and Passenger Safety
LATCH
PLATE
SHOULDER
PORTION
BUCKLE
LAP
PORTION
The Seat Belt System and How It Works
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.
Wearing a Lap/Shoulder Belt
Before putting on the seat belt, move
the driver's seat as far back as is
practical while still allowing you to
maintain full control of the vehicle.
Make sure the seat-back is upright
(see page 16). The passenger
should move the seat as far back as
possible.
1. Pull the latch plate across your
body and insert it into the buckle.
Tug on the belt to make sure the
latch is securely locked.
CONTINUED
Driver and Passenger Safety
Not wearing a seat belt properly
increases the chance of serious
injury or death in a crash.
Be sure you and your
passenger always wear seat
belts and wear them properly.
The Seat Belt System and How It Works
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.
To unlatch the seat belt, push the
red PRESS button on the buckle.
Guide the belt across your body to
the door pillar.
After you exit the vehicle, make sure
the seat belt is out of the way and
will not get closed in the door.
Driver and Passenger Safety
The Seat Belt System and How It Works
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.
When using the seat belt, remember
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 172 .
Driver and Passenger Safety
Supplemental Restraint System
Your car is equipped with a
Supplemental Restraint System
(SRS) to help protect the head and
chest of the driver and 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.
SRS Components
Your supplemental restraint system
includes:
One airbag in the steering wheel
for the driver and another in the
dashboard for the passenger.
Sensors that can detect a severe
frontal collision.
A sophisticated electronic system
that continually monitors the
sensors, control unit, airbag
activators, and all related wiring
when the ignition is ON (II).
An indicator light on the instru-
ment panel to alert you to a possi-
ble problem with the system.
Emergency backup power in case
your car's electrical system is
disconnected in a crash.
What Happens In a Crash
If you ever have a severe frontal
collision, the sensors will detect
rapid deceleration and signal the
control unit to instantly inflate the
airbags.
During a crash, your seat belts will
help to restrain your lower body and
torso. The airbags will provide a
cushion to absorb crash energy and
help keep the head and chest of the
driver and 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.
Driver and Passenger Safety
Not wearing a seat belt properly
increases the chance of serious
injury or death in a crash, even
if you have airbags.
Be sure you and your
passenger always wear seat
belts and wear them properly.
Supplemental Restraint System
After the crash, you may see what
looks like smoke. This is actually
powder from the airbag's surface.
People with respiratory problems
may experience some temporary
discomfort from the chemicals used
by the airbag's activators.
Important Facts About Airbags
Airbags inflate only when needed; in
a severe frontal collision. A severe
collision would be similar to a crash
into a parked vehicle of similar size
and weight at 25 mph (40 km/h).
Airbags will not inflate in a moderate
frontal collision, or during a rear
impact, side impact, or rollover
even if the impact is severe.
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
Frontal Collision Range
Supplemental Restraint System
How the Driver's Airbag Works
If you ever have a severe frontal
collision, your airbag will instantly
inflate to help protect your head and
chest.
To do its job, the airbag inflates with
considerable force. So, while it can
reduce serious injuries and even save
your life, the airbag might cause
some facial abrasions or other
injuries. To reduce the possibility of
injury, you should always sit back as
far from the steering wheel as
practical while still maintaining full
vehicle control.
After the bag completely inflates, it
immediately starts deflating so it
won't interfere with your visibility,
ability to steer, or ability to operate
other controls. The total time for
inflation and deflation is a fraction of
a second. You may not even be
aware that the airbag has been fully
inflated.
Driver and Passenger Safety
Supplemental Restraint System
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 passenger who is not
in the proper position and wearing
the seat belt properly.
The passenger 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
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.
When a toddler seat is used in the
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.
Driver and Passenger Safety
CONTINUED
Supplemental Restraint System
The passenger's airbag is stored
near the top of the dashboard, under
a lid marked SRS. Do not place any
objects on top of this lid. If the airbag
inflates, those objects can be
propelled inside the car and possibly
hurt someone.
How the SRS Indicator
Light Works
The purpose of the SRS light on your
instrument panel is to alert you to a
potential problem with your supplemental restraint system.
Have the system checked if:
The light does not come on when
you turn the ignition ON (II).
The light stays on after the engine
starts.
The light comes on or flashes
while you are driving.
If you see any of these indications,
the airbag may not work when
needed in an accident. Take the car
to your dealer promptly for diagnosis
and service.
System Service
Your supplemental restraint system
is virtually 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.
Driver and Passenger Safety
SRS
Supplemental Restraint System
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
The seat belts and airbags are obvi-
ously important parts of your occu-
pant protection system.
In addition, you should know that
sitting upright, locking the doors,
and stowing things properly can also
increase your safety and possibly
even save your life.
Seat-back Position
The seat-backs should be in an
upright position for you and your
passenger 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 50.
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.
Driver and Passenger Safety
Additional Safety Information
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
passenger hits the door of an open
glove box, for example, he could
injure his knees.
For information on loading cargo,
see page 98 .
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. 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 seat
with a seat belt. Travel harnesses are
available at pet stores.
A small dog, cat, or other small
animal will be safest in a pet carrier
with rigid sides. Choose a style that
allows you to secure it to the car's
seat by routing a seat belt through
the carrier's handle.
For further information, contact your
veterinarian or local animal protection society.
Driver and Passenger Safety
Child Safety
Children depend on adults to protect
them. To help make sure we do,
every state and Canadian province
has laws requiring infants and young
children to be properly restrained
whenever they ride in a car.
Where Should Children Sit?
We strongly recommend that you do
not put an infant seat in the
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.
We recommend that you secure your
child's toddler seat in the passenger's
seat with the car's lap/shoulder belt.
To secure the seat with the lap/
shoulder belt, be sure to follow the
instructions on page 22. 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 a child who
has outgrown a toddler seat be
protected by properly wearing the
lap/shoulder belt (see page 7 ).
You should move the seat as far
back as practical and have the child
sit well back in the seat.
If the child is not large enough to
wear the lap/shoulder belt properly,
you should use a booster seat.
Driver and Passenger Safety
An infant or child who is not
properly restrained can be killed
or seriously injured in a crash.
Be sure any child too small for
seat belts is properly secured in
a child restraint.
Child Safety
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.
For their safety, do not leave
children alone in your car without
adult supervision.
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 portion of a lap/shoulder belt. A
child whose seat is not properly
secured to the car can be endangered in a crash.
To properly route a seat belt through
a child seat, follow the seat-maker's
instructions. Be sure to follow the
instructions for securing a child seat
with a lap/shoulder belt on page 22 .
Secure the child in the child seat. Make
sure the child is firmly secured to
the child seat. Use the straps
provided, and carefully follow the
manufacturer's instructions.
Driver and Passenger Safety
Child Safety
Restraining an Infant Who
Weighs Less Than 20 Ibs
(9kg)
We strongly recommend that you do
not put an infant seat in the
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.
Until a child is large enough to be
safely secured in a toddler seat, we
urge you to use a different car
whenever you need to drive with an
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).
We recommend that you secure your
child's toddler seat in the passenger's
seat with the car's lap/shoulder belt.
Be sure to follow the instructions for
securing a child seat with a lap/
shoulder belt on page 22 . 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
Restraining a Child Who Weighs
Over 40 Ibs (18 kg)
We recommend that a child who has
outgrown a toddler seat be protected
by properly wearing the lap/
shoulder belt.
You should move the vehicle seat as
far back as practical and have the
child sit well back in the seat.
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,
you should use a booster seat.
Several styles of booster seats are
available. We recommend a design
that allows the child to use the car's
lap/shoulder belt.
Whichever style you select, follow
the booster seat manufacturer's
instructions.
Driver and Passenger Safety
Child Safety
Securing a Child Seat with a Lap/
Shoulder Belt
The lap/shoulder belt retractor in
the passenger seating position has a
built-in locking mechanism intended
to secure a child seat. When you are
placing a child seat in the passenger's
seat, do the following:
1. Place the child restraint in the
passenger's seat. Route the lap/
shoulder belt through the seat
according to the seat manufacturer's instructions.
2. Insert the latch plate into the
buckle. Make sure it is fully
latched.
3. Slowly pull the shoulder portion of
the belt out of the retractor until it
stops.
4. Allow the belt to slowly feed back
into the retractor. You should hear
a clicking noise that indicates the
locking mechanism has engaged.
5. After the belt has retracted fully,
pull up on the shoulder portion to
remove any slack.
6. Push and pull on the child seat to
verify that it is held firmly in place.
If not, unlatch the seat belt, allow
it to retract fully, and repeat these
steps.
To unlatch the seat belt, push the
red PRESS button on the buckle.
Guide the belt across to the door
pillar. If the belt doesn't retract
easily, pull it out and check for twists
or kinks.
Driver and Passenger Safety
Child Safety
Using Child Restraints with
Tethers
Your Honda is equipped with an
attachment point for a child restraint
system that uses a top tether. The
tether attachment point is located on
the panel behind the passenger's
seat-back.
1. Adjust the passenger's seat fully
forward to make room behind the
seat-back.
2. Remove the plug with a small flattipped screw driver or fingernail
file.
3. Install the tether hardware that
came with the child seat.
Tighten the bolt to:
16 lbf.ft (2.2 kgf.m, 22 N.m)
Make sure to route the tether
through the space between the head
restraint and seat.
If you are not sure how to install the
hardware, have it installed by your
authorized Honda dealer.
If you need an anchor plate and
mounting hardware, contact your
Honda dealer.
CONTINUED
Driver and Passenger Safety
Child Safety
Canadian Cars
TOOTHED WASHER
The anchor plate and mounting
hardware for a top tether are
supplied with the car. When installing, make sure the toothed washer is
on the bottom of the bolt.
The supplied anchor plate is
designed only for mounting a child
restraint. Do not use it for any other
purpose.
Storing a Child Seat
When you are not using a 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
Driving a car requires your full attention and alertness. Traffic conditions change rapidly. You must be
able to react just as rapidly. Alcohol
or drugs directly affect your alertness and ability to react. Even prescription and non-prescription medicines can have this effect.
There are laws that deal with
drunken driving. These laws define
how much alcohol it takes in your
system to be legally "drunk." However, your 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
Your car's exhaust contains carbon
monoxide gas. You should have no
problem with carbon monoxide
entering the car in normal driving if
you maintain your car properly.
Have the exhaust system inspected
for leaks whenever:
The car is raised for an oil change.
You notice a change in the sound
of the exhaust.
The car was in an accident that
may have damaged the underside. High levels of carbon monoxide can
collect rapidly in enclosed areas,
such as a garage. Do not run the
engine with the garage door closed.
Even with the door open, run the
engine only long enough to move the
car out of the garage.
With the trunk lid open, air flow can
pull exhaust gas into your car's
interior and create a hazardous
condition. If you must drive with the
trunk lid open, open all the windows
and set the heating and cooling
system as shown below.
If you must sit in your parked car,
even in an unconfined area, with the
engine running, adjust the heating
and cooling system as follows:
1. Select the Fresh Air mode.
2. Select the mode.
3. Turn the fan on high speed.
4. Set the temperature control to a
comfortable setting.
Driver and Passenger Safety
Carbon monoxide gas is toxic.
Breathing it can cause
unconsciousness and even kill
you.
Avoid any enclosed areas or
activities that expose you to
carbon monoxide.
Safety Labels
These labels are in the locations
shown. They warn you of potential
hazards that could cause serious
injury. Read these labels carefully
and don't remove them.
If a label comes off or becomes hard
to read, contact your Honda dealer
for a replacement.
Driver and Passenger Safety
BATTERY
RADIATOR CAP
Instruments and Controls
This section gives information about
the controls and displays that
contribute to the daily operation of
your Honda. All the essential
controls are within easy reach.
Control Locations............................ 30
Indicator Lights................................ 3 1
Gauges.............................................. 35
Speedometer................................ 35
Tachometer.................................. 35
Odometer...................................... 35
Trip Meter.................................... 35
Fuel Gauge................................... 36
Temperature Gauge.................... 36
Controls Near the Steering
Wheel........................................ 37
Headlights.................................... 38
Daytime Running Lights............. 38
Instrument Panel Brightness..... 39
Turn Signals................................. 39
Windshield Wipers...................... 40
Windshield Washers................... 40
Hazard Warning........................... 41
Rear Window Defogger.............. 41
Steering Wheel Adjustment....... 42
Steering Wheel Controls ................ 43
Cruise Control.............................. 43
Keys and Locks................................ 45
Keys............................................... 45
Ignition Switch............................. 46
Door Locks................................... 47
Power Door Locks....................... 48
Trunk............................................ 48
Rear Locking Compartment....... 50
Seat Adjustments............................. 50
Power Windows............................... 51
Removable Roof Panel.................... 53
Removing and Storing................. 54
Installing....................................... 55
Protecting Against Leaks........... 57
Roof Holder.................................. 59
Roof Unlatched Indicator........... 59
Mirrors.............................................. 60
Adjusting the Power Mirrors..... 60
Parking Brake.................................. 61
Glove Box......................................... 61
Digital Clock..................................... 62
Console Compartment.................... 63
Beverage Holder.............................. 63
Sun Visor........................................... 64
Cigarette Lighter............................. 64
Ashtray.............................................. 64
Interior Light.................................... 65
Instruments and Controls
Control Locations
Instruments and Controls
DIGITAL CLOCK
(P.62)
HEATING/COOLING
CONTROLS
(P.68)
AUDIO SYSTEM
(P.76)
DOOR LOCK
SWITCH
(P.48)
MIRROR
CONTROLS
(P.60)
POWER WINDOW
SWITCHES
(P.51)
FUEL FILL
DOOR RELEASE
(P.92)
TRUNK RELEASE
HANDLE
(P.49)
HOOD RELEASE
HANDLE
(P.93)
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