2001 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.
Contents
Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... i
A Few Words About Safety.................................................................................................................ii
Important Handling Information.....................................................................................................iii
Your Vehicle at a Glance.....................................................................................................................2
Driver and Passenger Safety ..............................................................................................................5
Proper use and care of your vehicle's seat belts, and Supplemental Restraint System.
Instruments and Controls.................................................................................................................51
Instrument panel indicator and gauge, and how to use dashboard and steering column controls.
Comfort and Convenience Features ...............................................................................................97
How to operate the climate control system, the audio system, and other convenience features.
Before Driving..................................................................................................................................151
What gasoline to use, how to break-in your new vehicle, and how to load luggage and other cargo.
Driving ..............................................................................................................................................163
The proper way to start the engine, shift the transmission, and park, plus towing a trailer.
Maintenance.....................................................................................................................................197
The Maintenance Schedule shows you when you need to take your vehicle to the dealer.
Appearance Care..............................................................................................................................255
Tips on cleaning and protecting your vehicle. Things to look for if your vehicle ever needs body repairs.
Taking Care of the Unexpected......................................................................................................265
This section covers several problems motorists sometimes experience, and how to handle them.
Technical Information.....................................................................................................................291
ID numbers, dimensions, capacities, and technical information.
Warranty and Customer Relations (U.S. and Canada)................................................................305
A summary of the warranties covering your new Acura, and how to contact us.
Authorized Manuals (U.S. only)......................................................................................................311
How to order manuals and other technical literature.
Index...................................................................................................................................................... I
Service Information Summary
A summary of information you need when you pull up to the fuel pump.
Owner's Identification Form
Owner's Identification
This Owner's Manual should be considered
a permanent part of the car, and should
remain with the car when it i
s sold.
The information and specifications included
in this publication were in affect at the time
of approval for printing. Honda Motor Co.,
Ltd. reserves the right, however, to
discontinue or change specifications or
design at any time without notice and
with out incurring any obligation whatsoever.
OWNER
ADDRESS
STREET
CITY
STATE/PROVINCE
ZIP
CODE /
POSTAL CODE
V. I. N.
DELIVERY DATE
(Date sold to original retail purchaser)
DEALER NAME
DEALER NO.
ADDRESS
STREET
CITY
STATE/PROVINCE
ZIP
CODE/
POSTAL CODE
OWNER'S
SIGNATURE
DEALER'S SIGNATURE
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Introduction
Congratulations! Your selection of a 2001 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.
California Proposition 65 Warning
WARNING: This product contains or emits chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
As you read this manual, you will
find 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
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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 don't follow instructions.
You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY
HURT if you don't follow instructions.
You CAN be HURT if you don't follow
instructions.
Safety Headings such as Important 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.
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:
on the vehicle.
preceded by a safety alert symbol and one of
three signal words: , , or .
such as Important Safety Reminders or Important
Safety Precautions.
such as Driver and Passenger Safety.
how to use this vehicle correctly and safely.
This entire book is filled with important safety information please read it
carefully.
These signal words mean:
AFewWordsAboutSafety
Safety Labels
Safety Messages
Safety Headings
Safety Section
Instructions
DANGER WARNING CAUTION
ii
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.
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Important Handling Information
Your CR-V has higher ground clearance than a passenger vehicle 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. Utility vehicles have a
significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles. In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly
more likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt. As a reminder, make sure you and your passengers always wear
seat belts.
For information on how to reduce the risk of rollover, read "Driving Guidelines" on page 164 of this manual and the
Off-Highway Guidelines section on page 191. Failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss of control or an
accident.
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Your Vehicle at a Glance
POWER WINDOW
SWITCHES
(P.84)
MIRROR CONTROLS
(P.86)
AUDIO SYSTEM
(P.106)
TAILGATE RELEASE
(P.75)
HOOD RELEASE
HANDLE
(P.
154)
FUEL FILL DOOR RELEASE
(P.153)
HEATING/COOLING CONTROL
(P.98)
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Your Vehicle at a Glance
HEADLIGHTS/TURN SIGNALS
(P.60)
SHIFT LEVER
(P.170)
HAZARD WARNING LIGHTS
(P.63)
WINDSHIELD
WIPERS/WASHERS
(P.62)
HORN BUTTONS
TILT ADJUSTMENT
(P.64)
POWER WINDOW SWITCHES
(P.84)
MIRROR CONTROLS
(P.86)
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4
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Driver and Passenger Safety
This section gives you important
information about how to protect
yourself and your passengers. It
shows you how to use seat belts
properly. It explains your Supple-
mental Restraint System. And it tells
you how to properly restrain infants
and children in your vehicle.
Important Safety Precautions .......... 6
Your Vehicle's Safety Features........ 7
Seat Belts........................................ 8
Airbags............................................ 9
Seats & Seat-Backs...................... 10
Head Restraints........................... 10
Door Locks................................... 10
Pre-Drive Safety Checklist......... 11
Protecting Adults............................. 12
1. Close and Lock the Doors...... 12
2. Adjust the Front Seats............ 12
3. Adjust the Seat-Backs............. 13
4. Adjust the Head Restraints.... 14
5. Fasten and Position the Seat
Belts...................................... 15
6. Adjust the Steering Wheel..... 18
7. Maintain a Proper Sitting
Position................................. 18
Advice for Pregnant Women...... 19
Additional Safety Precautions.... 19
Protecting Children......................... 21
All Children Must Be
Restrained................................ 21
Children Should Sit in the Back
Seat........................................... 22
The Passenger's Airbag Poses
Serious Risks to Children....... 22
If You Must Drive with Several
Children.................................... 24
If a Child Requires Close
Attention...................................24
Additional Safety Precautions.... 24
General Guidelines for Using
Child Seats................................ 25
Protecting Infants........................ 29
Protecting Small Children.......... 33
Protecting Larger Children........ 37
Using Child Seats with
Tethers...................................... 40
Additional Information About Your
Seat Belts.................................. 42
Seat Belt System Components... 42
Lap/Shoulder Belt....................... 42
Lap Belt.........................................43
Seat Belt Maintenance................ 43
Additional Information About Your
Airbags...................................... 45
SRS Components........................
45
How Your Airbags Work............ 45
How the Automatic Seat Belt
Tensioners Work..................... 47
How the SRS Indicator Light
Works........................................ 47
SRS Service.................................. 48
Additional Safety Precautions.... 48
Carbon Monoxide Hazard.............. 49
Safety Labels.................................... 50
Driver and Passenger Safety
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Important Safety Precautions
You'll find many safety
recommendations throughout this
section, and throughout this manual.
The recommendations on this page
are the ones we consider to be the
most important.
Always Wear Your Seat Belt
A seat belt is your best protection in
all types of collisions. Airbags
supplement seat belts, but airbags
are designed to inflate only in a
moderate to severe frontal collision.
So even though your vehicle is
equipped with airbags, make sure
you and your passengers always
wear your seat belts, and wear them
properly. (See page 15.)
Restrain All Children
Children are safest when they are
properly restrained in the back seat,
not the front seat. A child who is too
small for a seat belt must be properly
restrained in a child safety seat. (See
page 21.)
Be Aware of Airbag Hazards
While airbags can save lives, they
can cause serious or fatal injuries to
occupants who sit too close to them,
or are not properly restrained.
Infants, young children, and short
adults are at the greatest risk. Be
sure to follow all instructions and
warnings in this manual. (See page
7.)
Don't Drink and Drive
Alcohol and driving don't mix. Even
one drink can reduce your ability to
respond to changing conditions, and
your reaction time gets worse with
every additional drink. So don't drink
and drive, and don't let your friends
drink and drive, either.
Control Your Speed
Excessive speed is a major factor in
crash injuries and deaths. Generally,
the higher the speed the greater the
risk, but serious accidents can also
occur at lower speeds. Never drive
faster than is safe for current
conditions, regardless of the
maximum speed posted.
Keep Your Vehicle in Safe
Condition
Having a tire blowout or a
mechanical failure can be extremely
hazardous. To reduce the possibility
of such problems, check your tire
pressures and condition frequently,
and perform all regularly scheduled
maintenance. (See page 200.)
Driver and Passenger Safety
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Your Vehicle's Safety Features
(1) Safety Cage
(2) Crush Zones
(3) Seats & Seat-Backs
(4) Head Restraints
(5) Collapsible Steering Column
(6) Seat Belts
(7) Airbags
(8) Seat Belt Tensioners
(9) Door Locks
Your vehicle is equipped with many
features that work together to
protect you and your passengers
during a crash.
Some safety features do not require
any action on your part. These
include a strong steel framework
that forms a safety cage around the
passenger compartment; front and
rear crush zones that are designed to
crumple and absorb energy during a
crash; a collapsible steering column;
and seat belt tensioners that
automatically tighten the front seat
belts in the event of a crash.
These safety features are designed
to reduce the severity of injuries in a
crash. However, you and your
passengers can't take full advantage
of these safety features unless you
remain sitting in a proper position
and always wear your seat belts
properly. In fact, some safety
features can contribute to injuries if
they are not used properly.
Driver and Passenger Safety
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Your Vehicle's Safety Features
Seat Belts
For your safety, and the safety of
your passengers, your vehicle is
equipped with seat belts in all seating
positions.
Your seat belt system also
includes a light on the
instrument panel to remind you and
your passengers to fasten your seat
belts.
Why Wear Seat Belts
Seat belts are the single most
effective safety device for adults and
larger children. (Infants and smaller
children must be properly restrained
in child seats.)
Not wearing a seat belt properly
increases the chance of serious
injury or death in a crash, even
though your vehicle has airbags.
In addition, most states and all
Canadian provinces require you to
wear seat belts.
When properly worn, seat belts:
Keep you connected to the vehicle
so you can take advantage of the
vehicle's built-in safety features.
Help protect you in almost every
type of crash, including side and
rear impacts and rollovers. In a
rollover crash, an unbelted person
is more likely to die than a person
wearing a seat belt. Your airbag
can only be helpful in a moderate
to severe frontal collision.
Help keep you from being thrown
against the inside of the vehicle
and against other occupants.
Keep you from being thrown out
of the vehicle.
Help keep you in a good position
should the airbags ever deploy. A
good position reduces the risk of
injury from an inflating airbag, and
allows you to get the best
advantage from the airbag.
Of course, seat belts cannot
completely protect you in every
crash. But in most cases, seat belts
can reduce your risk of serious
injury.
What you should do:
Always
wear
your seat belt, and make sure you
wear it properly.
Driver and Passenger Safety
Not wearing a seat belt properly
increases the chance of serious
injury or death in a crash, even
if you have airbags.
Be sure you and your
passengers always wear seat
belts and wear them properly.
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Your Vehicle's Safety Features
Airbags
Your vehicle has a Supplemental
Restraint System (SRS) with frontal
airbags to help protect the driver and
a front seat passenger.
This system also includes
an indicator light on the
instrument panel to alert you to a
possible problem with the system.
The most important things you need
to know about your airbags are:
Airbags do not replace seat belts.
The seat belts are the occupants'
primary protection in all types of
collisions. The airbags supplement
the seat belts by providing extra
protection for the head and chest
of each front seat occupant in a
moderate to severe frontal
collision.
Airbags offer no protection in side
impacts, rear impacts, rollovers,
or minor collisions. Airbags are
designed to deploy only during a
moderate to severe frontal
collision.
Airbags can pose serious hazards.
To do their job, airbags must
inflate with tremendous force and
speed. So while airbags save lives,
they can cause serious injuries to
adults and larger children who are
not wearing seat belts, are not
wearing them properly, are sitting
too close to the airbag, or are not
sitting in a proper position. Infants
and small children are at an even
greater risk of injury or death.
What you should do:
Always
wear
your seat belt properly, and sit
upright and as far back as possible
from the steering wheel or
dashboard.
Driver and Passenger Safety
SRS
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Your Vehicle's Safety Features
Seats & Seat-Backs
Your vehicle's seats are designed to
keep you in a comfortable, upright
position so you can take full
advantage of the protection offered
by seat belts and the energy
absorbing materials in the seats.
How you adjust your seats and seat-
backs can also affect your safety. For
example, sitting too close to the
steering wheel or dashboard
increases the risk of you or your
passenger being injured by striking
the inside of the vehicle, or by an
inflating airbag.
Reclining a seat-back too far reduces
the seat belt's effectiveness and
increases the chance that the seat's
occupant will slide under the seat
belt in a crash and be seriously
injured.
What you should do: Move the front
seats as far back as possible, and
keep adjustable seat-backs in an
upright position whenever the
vehicle is moving.
Head Restraints
Head restraints can help protect you
from whiplash and other injuries. For
maximum protection, the back of
your head should rest against the
center of the head restraint.
Door Locks
Keeping your doors locked reduces
the chance of being thrown out of
the vehicle during a crash. It also
helps prevent occupants from
accidentally opening a door and
falling out, and outsiders from
unexpectedly opening your doors.
Driver and Passenger Safety
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Your Vehicle's Safety Features
Pre-Drive Safety Checklist
To make sure you and your
passengers get the maximum
protection from your vehicle's safety
features, check the following each
time before you drive away:
All adults, and children who have
outgrown child safety seats, are
wearing their seat belts and
wearing them properly (see page
15).
Any infant or small child is
properly restrained in a child seat
in the back seat (see page 21).
Front seat occupants are sitting
upright and as far back as possible
from the steering wheel and
dashboard (see page 12).
Seat-backs are upright (see page
13).
Head restraints are properly
adjusted (see page 14).
All doors and the tailgate are
closed and locked (see page 12).
All cargo is properly stored or
secured (see page 160).
The rest of this section gives more
detailed information about how you
can maximize your safety.
Remember, however, that no safety
system can prevent all injuries or
deaths that can occur in severe
crashes, even when seat belts are
properly worn and the airbags deploy.
Driver and Passenger Safety
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Protecting Adults
Introduction
The following pages provide
instructions on how to properly
protect the driver and other adult
occupants.
These instructions also apply to
children who have outgrown child
seats and are large enough to wear
lap/shoulder belts. (See page 37 for
important additional guidelines on
how to properly protect larger
children.)
1.Close and Lock the Doors
After everyone has entered the
vehicle, be sure the doors and
tailgate are closed and locked.
Your vehicle has a tailgate
open indicator light on the
instrument panel to indicate when
the tailgate is not tightly closed.
For safety, locking the doors reduces
the chance that a passenger,
especially a child, will open a door
while the vehicle is moving and
accidentally fall out. It also reduces
the chance of someone being thrown
out of the vehicle during a crash.
For security, locked doors can
prevent an outsider from
unexpectedly opening a door when
you come to a stop.
See page 70 for how to lock the
doors.
2.Adjust the Front Seats
Any driver who sits too close to the
steering wheel is at risk of being
seriously injured or killed by striking
the steering wheel, or from being
struck by an inflating airbag during a
crash.
Driver and Passenger Safety
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Protecting Adults
To reduce the chance of injury, wear
your seat belt properly, sit upright
with your back against the seat, and
move the seat as far back as possible
from the steering wheel while still
maintaining full control of the
vehicle. Also make sure your front
seat passenger moves the seat as far
to the rear as possible.
Most shorter drivers can get far
enough away from the steering
wheel and still reach the pedals.
However, if you are concerned about
sitting too close, we recommend that
you investigate whether some type
of adaptive equipment may help.
Once your seat is adjusted correctly,
rock it back and forth to make sure
the seat is locked in position.
See page 77 for how to adjust the
front seats.
3.Adjust the Seat-Backs
Adjust the driver's seat-back to a
comfortable, upright position,
leaving ample space between your
chest and the airbag cover in the
center of the steering wheel. If you
sit too close to the steering wheel,
you could be injured if the airbag
inflates.
A front passenger should also adjust
the seat-back to an upright position,
but as far from the dashboard as
possible. A passenger who sits too
close to the dashboard could be
injured if the airbag inflates.
CONTINUED
Driver and Passenger Safety
Sitting too close to an airbag
can result in serious injury or
death if the airbags inflate.
Always sit as far back from the
airbags as possible.
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Protecting Adults
Reclining a seat-back so that the
shoulder part of the belt no longer
rests against the occupant's chest
reduces the protective capability of
the belt. It also increases the chance
of sliding under the belt in a crash
and being seriously injured. The
farther a seat-back is reclined, the
greater the risk of injury.
See page 78 for how to adjust seat-
backs.
4.Adjust the Head Restraints
Before driving, make sure everyone
with an adjustable head restraint has
properly positioned the head
restraint. The restraint should be
positioned so the back of the
occupant's head rests against the
center of the restraint. A taller
person should adjust the restraint as
high as possible.
Properly adjusted head restraints
will help protect occupants from
whiplash and other crash injuries.
See page 79 for how to adjust the
head restraints.
Driver and Passenger Safety
Improperly positioning head
restraints reduces their
effectiveness and you can be
seriously injured in a crash.
Make sure head restraints are
in place and positioned properly
before driving.
Reclining the seat-back too far
can result in serious injury or
death in a crash.
Adjust the seat-back to an
upright position and sit well
back in the seat.
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Protecting Adults
5.Fasten and Position the Seat
Belts
Using a Lap/Shoulder Belt
Insert the latch plate into the buckle,
then tug on the belt to make sure the
belt is securely latched. Also check
that the belt is not twisted, because a
twisted belt can cause serious
injuries in a crash.
Position the lap part of the belt as
low as possible across your hips,
then pull up on the shoulder part of
the belt so the lap part fits snugly.
This lets your strong pelvic bones
take the force of a crash and reduces
the chance of internal injuries.
If necessary, pull up on the belt again
to remove any slack from the
shoulder part, then check that the
belt rests across the center of your
chest and over your shoulder. This
spreads the forces of a crash over
the strongest bones in your upper
body.
CONTINUED
Driver and Passenger Safety
Improperly positioning the seat
belts can cause serious injury
or death in a crash.
Make sure all seat belts are
properly positioned before
driving.
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Protecting Adults
If the seat belt touches or crosses
your neck, or if it crosses your arm
instead of your shoulder, you need to
adjust the seat belt anchor height.
To adjust the height of a front seat
belt anchor, press the release button
and slide the anchor up or down as
needed (it has four positions).
Never place the shoulder portion of a
lap/shoulder belt under your arm or
behind your back. This could cause
very serious injuries in a crash.
Using the Lap Belt
Insert the latch plate into the buckle
marked CENTER.
If the belt is too short, hold the latch
plate at a right angle and pull on the
plate to extend the belt. Then insert
the latch plate into the buckle, and
tug on the belt to make sure the belt
is securely latched.
Driver and Passenger Safety
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Protecting Adults
Position the belt as low as possible
across your hips. This lets your
strong pelvic bones take the force of
a crash and reduces the chance of
internal injuries.
Pull on the loose end of the belt for a
snug but comfortable fit.
If a Seat Belt Doesn't Work Properly
If a seat belt does not seem to work
as it should, it may not protect the
occupant in a crash. No one should
sit in a seat with an inoperative seat
belt. Anyone using a seat belt that is
not working properly can be
seriously injured or killed. Have your
Honda dealer check the belt as soon
as possible.
See page 42 for additional
information about your seat belt
system and how to take care of your
belts.
Driver and Passenger Safety
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Protecting Adults
6. Adjust the Steering Wheel
Adjust the steering wheel, if needed,
so that the wheel points toward your
chest, not toward your face.
Pointing the steering wheel toward
your chest provides optimal
protection from the airbag.
See page 64 for how to adjust the
steering wheel.
7.Maintain a Proper Sitting
Position
After all occupants have adjusted
their seats and put on seat belts, it is
very important that they continue to
sit upright, well back in their seats,
with their feet on the floor, until the
vehicle is parked and the engine is
off.
Sitting improperly can increase the
chance of injury during a crash. For
example, if an occupant slouches,
lies down, turns sideways, sits
forward, leans forward or sideways,
or puts one or both feet up, the
chance of injury during a crash is
greatly increased.
In addition, an occupant who is out of
position in the front seat can be
seriously or fatally injured by
striking interior parts of the vehicle,
or by being struck by an inflating
airbag.
Remember, to get the best
protection from your vehicle's
airbags and other safety features,
you must sit properly and wear your
seat belt properly.
Driver and Passenger Safety
Sitting improperly or out of
position can result in serious
injury or death in a crash.
Always sit upright, well back in
the seat, with your feet on the
floor.
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Protecting Adults
Advice for Pregnant Women
Because protecting the mother is the
best way to protect her unborn child,
a pregnant woman should always
wear a seat belt whenever she drives
or rides in a vehicle.
We recommend that pregnant
women use a lap/shoulder belt
whenever possible. Remember to
keep the lap portion of the belt as
low as possible across your hips.
Pregnant women should also sit
upright and as far back as possible
from the steering wheel or
dashboard. This will reduce the risk
of injuries to both the mother and
her unborn child that can be caused
by a crash or an inflating airbag.
Each time you have a check-up, ask
your doctor if it's okay for you to
drive.
Additional Safety Precautions
Never let passengers ride in the
cargo area or on top of a folded-
down back seat. All passengers
must sit in locked, upright seats
and be properly restrained by seat
belts.
Passengers should not stand up or
change seats while the vehicle is
moving.
A
passenger who is not
wearing a seat belt during a crash
or emergency stop can be thrown
against the inside of the vehicle,
against other occupants, or out of
the vehicle.
Two people should never use the
same seat belt. If they do, they
could be very seriously injured in a
crash.
Do not put any accessories on seat
belts. Devices intended to improve
occupant comfort or reposition the
shoulder part of a seat belt can
severely compromise the
protective capability of the seat
belt and increase the chance of
serious injury in a crash.
CONTINUED
Driver and Passenger Safety
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Protecting Adults
Do not place hard or sharp objects
between yourself and an airbag.
Carrying hard or sharp objects on
your lap, or driving with a pipe or
other sharp object in your mouth,
can result in injuries if your
airbags inflate.
Do not attach or place objects on
the front airbag covers. Any object
attached to or placed on the covers
marked "SRS AIRBAG" in the
center of the steering wheel and
on top of the dashboard could
interfere with the proper operation
of the airbags. Or, if the airbags
inflate, the objects could be
propelled inside the car and hurt
someone.
Keep your hands and arms away
from the airbag covers. If your
hands or arms are close to the
airbag covers in the center of the
steering wheel and on top of the
dashboard, they could be injured if
the airbags inflate.
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Protecting Children
Children depend on adults to protect
them. However, despite their best
intentions, many parents and other
adults may not know how to properly
protect young passengers.
So if you have children, or if you ever
need to drive with a grandchild or
other children in your vehicle, be
sure to read this section.
All Children Must Be Restrained
Each year, many children are injured
or killed in vehicle crashes because
they are either unrestrained or not
properly restrained. In fact, vehicle
accidents are the number one cause
of death of children ages 12 and
under.
To reduce the number of child
deaths and injuries, every state and
Canadian province requires that
infants and children be restrained
whenever they ride in a vehicle.
Any child who is too small to wear a
seat belt should be properly
restrained in a child seat. (See page
25.)
A larger child should always be
restrained with a seat belt. (See page
37.)
Driver and Passenger Safety
Children who are unrestrained
or improperly restrained can be
seriously injured or killed in a
crash.
Any child too small for a seat
belt should be properly
restrained in a child seat. A
larger child should be properly
restrained with a seat belt.
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Protecting Children
Children Should Sit in the Back
Seat
According to accident statistics,
children of all ages and sizes are
safer when they are restrained in the
back seat, not the front seat. The
National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration and Transport
Canada recommend that all children
ages 12 and under be properly
restrained in the back seat.
In the back seat, children are less
likely to be injured by striking hard
interior parts during a collision or
hard braking. Also, children cannot
be injured by an inflating airbag
when they ride in the back.
The Passenger's Airbag Poses
Serious Risks to Children
Airbags have been designed to help
protect adults in a moderate to
severe frontal collision. To do this,
the passenger's airbag is quite large,
and it inflates with tremendous
speed.
Infants
Never put a rear-facing child seat in
the front seat of a vehicle equipped
with a passenger's airbag. If the
airbag inflates, it can hit the back of
the child seat with enough force to
kill or very seriously injure an infant.
Small Children
Placing a forward-facing child seat in
the front seat of a vehicle equipped
with a passenger's airbag can be
hazardous. If the vehicle seat is too
far forward, or the child's head is
thrown forward during a collision, an
inflating airbag can strike the child
with enough force to kill or very
seriously injure a small child.
Larger Children
Children who have outgrown child
seats are also at risk of being injured
or killed by an inflating passenger's
airbag. Whenever possible, larger
children should sit in the back seat,
properly restrained with a seat belt.
(See page 37 for important
information about protecting larger
children.)
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Protecting Children
U.S. Models
To remind you of the passenger's
airbag hazards, and that children
must be properly restrained in a
back seat, your vehicle has warning
labels on the dashboard and on the
driver's and front passenger's visors.
Please read and follow the
instructions on these labels.
Canadian Models
To remind you of the airbag hazards,
your vehicle has warning labels on
the driver's and front passenger's
visors. Please read and follow the
instructions on these labels.
Driver and Passenger Safety
CAUTION
TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY:
FOR MAXIMUM SAFETY PROTECTION IN
ALL TYPES OF CRASHES, YOU MUST
ALWAYS WEAR YOUR SAFETY BELT.
DO NOT INSTALL REARWARD-FACING
CHILD SEATS IN ANY FRONT
PASSENGER SEAT POSITION.
DO NOT SIT OR LEAN UNNECESSARILY
CLOSE TO THE AIRBAG.
DO NOT PLACE ANY OBJECTS OVER THE
AIR BAG OR BETWEEN THE AIR BAG
AND YOURSELF.
SEE THE OWNER'S MANUAL FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION AND EXPLANATIONS.
PRECAUTIONS:
POUR EVITER DES BLESSURES GRAVES:
POUR PROFITER D'UNE PROTECTION
MAXIMALE LORS D'UNE COLLISION BOUCLEZ
TOUJOURS VOTRE CEINTURE DE SECURITE.
N'lNSTALLEZ JAMAIS UN SIEGE POUR
ENFANTS FAISANT FACE A L'ARRIERE SUR
LE SIEGE DU PASSAGER AVANT.
NE VOUS APPUYEZ PAS ET NE VOUS ASSEYEZ
PAS PRES DU COUSSIN GONFLABLE.
NE DEPOSEZ AUCUN OBJET SUR LE COUSSIN
GONFLABLE OU ENTRE LE COUSSIN
GONFLABLE ET VOUS.
LISEZ LE GUIDE UTILISATEUR POUR DE
PLUS AMPLES RENSEIGNEMENTS.
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Protecting Children
If You Must Drive with Several
Children
Your vehicle has three seating
positions in the back seat where
children can be properly restrained.
If you ever have to cany more than
three children in your vehicle:
Place the largest child in the front
seat, provided the child is large
enough to wear a seat belt
properly (see page 37).
Move the vehicle seat as far to the
rear as possible (see page 12 ).
Have the child sit upright and well
back in the seat (see page 18 ).
Make sure the seat belt is properly
positioned and secured (see page
15).
If a Child Requires Close
Attention
Many parents say they prefer to put
an infant or small child in the front
passenger seat so they can watch the
child, or because the child requires
attention.
Placing a child in the front seat
exposes the child to hazards from
the airbag, and paying close
attention to a child distracts the
driver from the important task of
driving, placing both of you at risk.
If a child requires physical attention
or frequent visual contact, we
strongly recommend that another
adult ride with the child in the back
seat. The back seat is far safer for a
child than the front.
Additional Safety Precautions
Use childproof door locks to
prevent children from opening the
doors. Using this feature will
prevent children from opening the
doors and accidentally falling out
(see page 75).
Use the main power window
switch to prevent children from
opening the rear windows. Using
this feature will prevent children
from playing with the windows,
which could expose them to
hazards or distract the driver (see
page 84).
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Protecting Children
Do not leave children alone in your
vehicle. Leaving children without
adult supervision is illegal in most
states and Canadian provinces,
and can be very hazardous. For
example, infants and small
children left in a vehicle on a hot
day can die from heatstroke. And
children left alone with the key in
the ignition can accidentally set
the vehicle in motion, possibly
injuring themselves or others.
General Guidelines for Using
Child Seats
The following pages give general
guidelines for selecting and installing
child seats for infants and small
children.
Selecting a Child Seat
To provide proper protection, a child
seat should meet three
requirements:
1. The child seat should meet safety
standards. The child seat should
meet Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard 213 (FMVSS 213)
or Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety
Standard 213 (CMVSS 213). Look
for the manufacturer's statement
of compliance on the box and seat.
2. The child seat should be of the
proper type and size to fit the child.
Infants: Children up to about one
year old should be restrained in a
rear-facing, reclining child seat. Only
a rear-facing seat provides the
proper support to protect an infant's
head, neck, and back. See page
29 for additional information on
protecting infants.
CONTINUED
Driver and Passenger Safety
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Protecting Children
Small Children:
A
child who is too
large for a rear-facing child seat, and
who can sit up without support,
should be restrained in a forward-
facing child seat. See page 33 for
additional information on protecting
small children.
3. The child seat should fit the
vehicle seating position (or
positions) where it will be used.
Due to variations in the design of
child seats, vehicle seats, and seat
belts, all child seats will not fit all
vehicle seating positions.
However, Honda is confident that
one or more child seat models can fit
and be properly installed in all
recommended seating positions in
your vehicle.
Before purchasing a child seat, we
recommend that parents test the
child seat in the specific vehicle
seating position (or positions) where
they intend to use the seat. If a
previously purchased child seat does
not fit, you may need to buy a
different one that will fit.
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Protecting Children
Placing a Child Seat
This page briefly summarizes
Honda's recommendations on where
to place rear-facing and forward-
facing child seats in your vehicle.
Front Passenger's Seat
Infants: Never in the front seat, due
to the passenger's airbag
hazard.
Small children: Not recommended,
due to the passenger's airbag
hazard. If a small child must ride
in front, move the vehicle seat to
the rear-most position and secure
a front-facing child seat with the
seat belt (see page 34).
Back Seat
Infants: Recommended positions.
Secure a rear-facing child seat
with the seat belt (see page 30 ).
Small children: Recommended
positions. Secure a front-facing
child seat with the seat belt (see
page 34).
Driver and Passenger Safety
CONTINUED
Airbags Pose Serious
Risks to Children
The passenger's airbag inflates
with enough force to kill or
seriously injure an infant in a
rear-facing child seat.
A small child in a forward-facing
child seat is also at risk. If the
vehicle seat is too far forward,
or the child's head is thrown
forward during a collision, an
inflating airbag can kill or
seriously injure the child.
If a small child must ride in the
front, follow the instructions
provided in this section.
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Protecting Children
Installing a Child Seat
After selecting a proper child seat,
and a good position to install the seat,
there are three main steps in
installing the seat:
1. Secure the child seat to the vehicle
with a seat belt. All child seats
must be secured to the vehicle
with the lap belt or the lap part of
a lap/shoulder belt. A child whose
seat is not properly secured to the
vehicle can be endangered in a
crash. See pages 30 and 32 for
instructions on how to secure child
seats in this vehicle.
2. Make sure the child seat is firmly
secured. After installing a child
seat, push and pull the seat
forward and from side to side to
verify that it is secure.
To provide security during normal
driving maneuvers as well as during
a collision, we recommend that
parents secure a child seat as firmly
as possible.
However, a child seat does not need
to be "rock solid." In some vehicles
or seating positions, it may be
difficult to install a child seat so that
it does not move at all. Some side-to-
side or back-and-forth movement can
be expected and should not reduce
the child seat's effectiveness.
If the child seat is not secure, try
installing it in a different seating
position, or use a different style of
child seat that can be firmly secured
in the desired seating position.
3. Secure the child in the child seat.
Make sure the child is properly
strapped in the child seat
according to the child seat maker's
instructions. A child who is not
properly secured in a child seat
can be thrown out of the seat in a
crash and be seriously injured.
Storing a Child Seat
When you are not using a child seat,
either remove it and store it in a safe
place, or make sure it is properly
secured. An unsecured child seat can
be thrown around the vehicle during
a crash or sudden stop and injure
someone.
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Protecting Children
Protecting Infants
Child Seat Type
Only a rear-facing child seat provides
proper support for a baby's head,
neck, and back. Infants up to about
one year of age must be restrained in
a rear-facing child seat.
Two types of seats may be used: a
seat designed exclusively for infants,
or a convertible seat used in the rear-
facing, reclining mode.
We recommend that an infant be
restrained in a rear-facing child seat
until the infant reaches the seat
maker's weight or height limit and is
able to sit up without support.
Rear-Facing Child Seat Placement
In this vehicle, a rear-facing child
seat can be placed in any seating
position in the back, but not in the
front seat.
Never put a rear-facing child seat in
the front seat. If the passenger's
airbag inflates, it can hit the back of
the child seat with enough force to
kill or seriously injure an infant. If an
infant must be closely watched, we
recommend that another adult sit in
the back seat with the baby.
Do not put a rear-facing child seat in
a forward-facing position. If placed
facing forward, an infant could be
very seriously injured during a
frontal collision.
CONTINUED
Driver and Passenger Safety
Placing a rear-facing child seat
in the front seat can result in
serious injury or death if the
airbags inflate.
Always place a rear-facing child
seat in the back seat, not the
front.
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Protecting Children
Installing a Rear-Facing Child Seat
with a Lap/Shoulder Belt
The lap/shoulder belts in the outer
back seats have a locking
mechanism that must be activated to
secure a child seat.
The following pages provide
instructions and tips on how to
secure a rear-facing child seat with
this type of seat belt.
See page 32 for how to secure a rear-
facing child seat in the center back
seat with the lap belt.
For tips on installing a rear-facing
child seat with either type of seat
belt, see page 32 .
1. With the child seat in the desired
back seating position, route the
belt through the child seat
according to the seat maker's
instructions, then insert the latch
plate into the buckle.
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Protecting Children
2. To activate the lockable retractor,
slowly pull the shoulder part of the
belt all the way out until it stops,
then let the belt feed back into the
retractor (you might hear a
clicking noise as the belt retracts).
3. After the belt has retracted, tug on
it. If the belt is locked, you will not
be able to pull it out. If you can pull
the belt out, it is not locked and
you will need to repeat these steps.
4. After confirming that the belt is
locked, grab the shoulder part of
the belt near the buckle and pull
up to remove any slack from the
lap part of the belt. Remember, if
the lap part of the belt is not tight,
the child seat will not be secure.
To remove slack, it may help to
put weight on the child seat, or
push on the back of the seat, while
pulling up on the belt.
5. Push and pull the child seat
forward and from side to side to
verify that it is secure enough to
stay upright during normal driving
maneuvers. If the child seat is not
secure, unlatch the belt, allow it to
retract fully, then repeat these
steps.
To deactivate the locking
mechanism and remove a child seat,
unlatch the buckle, unroute the seat
belt, and let the belt fully retract.
Driver and Passenger Safety
CONTINUED
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Protecting Children
Installing a Rear-Facing Child Seat
with the Lap Belt
To install a rear-facing child seat in
the center back seat with the lap belt,
follow instruction number 1 on page
30 for routing and latching the seat
belt. Then pull hard on the loose end
of the belt to remove any slack (it
may help to put weight on the child
seat while pulling on the belt).
Finally, follow instruction number 5
on page 31 to verify that the child
seat is secure.
Rear-Facing Child Seat Installation
Tips
For proper protection, an infant must
ride in a reclined, or semi-reclined
position. To determine the proper
reclining angle, check with the baby's
doctor or follow the seat maker's
recommendations.
To achieve the desired reclining
angle, it may help to put a rolled up
towel under the toe of the child seat,
as shown.
When properly installed, a rear-
facing child seat may prevent the
driver or a front-seat passenger from
moving the seat as far back as
recommended (see page 12). Or it
may prevent them from locking the
seat-back in the desired upright
position (see page 13).
In either case, we recommend that
you place the child seat directly
behind the front passenger seat,
move the front seat as far forward as
needed, and leave it unoccupied. Or
you may wish to get a smaller child
seat that allows you to safely carry a
front passenger.
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Protecting Children
Additional Precautions for Infants
Never hold an infant on your lap.
If you are not wearing a seat belt
in a crash, you could be thrown
forward into the dashboard and
crush the infant.
If you are wearing a seat belt, the
infant can be torn from your arms
during a crash. For example, if
your vehicle crashes into a parked
vehicle at 30 mph (48 km/h), a 20-
Ib (9 kg) infant will become a 600-
Ib (275 kg) force, and you will not
be able to hold on.
Never put a seat belt over yourself
and an infant. During a crash, the
belt could press deep into the
infant and cause very serious
injuries.
Protecting Small Children
Child Seat Type
A child who can sit up without
support, and who fits within the child
seat maker's weight and height
limits, should be restrained in a
forward-facing, upright child seat.
Of the different seats available, we
recommend those that have a five-
point harness system as shown.
We also recommend that a small
child stay in the child seat as long as
possible, until the child reaches the
weight or height limit for the seat.
Child Seat Placement
In this vehicle, the best place to
install a forward-facing child seat is
in one of the seating positions in the
back seat.
Placing a forward-facing child seat in
the front seat of a vehicle equipped
with a passenger's airbag can be
hazardous. If the vehicle seat is too
far forward, or the child's head is
thrown forward during a collision, an
inflating passenger's airbag can
strike the child with enough force to
cause very serious or fatal injuries. If
a small child must be closely
watched, we recommend that
another adult sit in the back seat
with the child.
Driver and Passenger Safety
CONTINUED
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Protecting Children
If it is necessary to put a forward-
facing child seat in the front, move
the vehicle seat as far to the rear as
possible, be sure the child seat is
firmly secured to the vehicle, and
that the child is properly strapped in
the seat.
Installing a Child Seat with a Lap/
Shoulder Belt
The lap/shoulder belts in the outer
back and front passenger seating
positions have a locking mechanism
that must be activated to secure a
child seat.
The following pages provide
instructions on how to secure a
forward-facing child seat with this
type of seat belt.
See page 36 for how to secure a
forward-facing child seat in the
center back seat with the lap belt.
1. With the child seat in the desired
seating position, route the belt
through the child seat according
to the seat maker's instructions,
then insert the latch plate into the
buckle.
Driver and Passenger Safety
Improperly placing a forward-
facing child seat in the front
seat can result in serious injury
or death if the airbags inflate.
If you must place a forward-
facing child seat in front, move
the vehicle seat as far back as
possible and properly restrain
the child.
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2. To activate the lockable retractor,
slowly pull the shoulder part of the
belt all the way out until it stops,
then let the belt feed back into the
retractor (you might hear a
clicking noise as the belt retracts).
3. After the belt has retracted, tug on
it. If the belt is locked, you will not
be able to pull it out. If you can pull
the belt out, it is not locked and
you will need to repeat these steps.
4. After confirming that the belt is
locked, grab the shoulder part of
the belt near the buckle and pull
up to remove any slack from the
lap part of the belt. Remember, if
the lap part of the belt is not tight,
the child seat will not be secure. It
may help to put weight on the
child seat, or push on the back of
the seat, while pulling up on the
belt.
5. Push and pull the child seat
forward and from side to side to
verify that it is secure enough to
stay upright during normal driving
maneuvers. If the child seat is not
secure, unlatch the belt, allow it to
retract fully, then repeat these
steps.
CONTINUED
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Protecting Children
To deactivate the locking
mechanism in order to remove a
child seat, unlatch the buckle,
unroute the seat belt, and let the belt
fully retract.
Installing a Child Seat with the Lap
Belt
To install a forward-facing child seat
in the center back seat with the lap
belt, follow instruction number 1 on
page 34 for routing and latching the
seat belt. Then pull hard on the loose
end of the belt to remove any slack;
it may help to put weight on the child
seat while pulling on the belt. Finally,
follow instruction number 5 on page
35 to verify that the child seat is
secure.
Additional Precautions for Small
Children
Never hold a small child on your
lap. If you are not wearing a seat
belt in a crash, you could be
thrown forward into the
dashboard and crush the child.
If you are wearing a seat belt, the
child can be torn from your arms
during a crash. For example, if
your vehicle crashes into a parked
vehicle at 30 mph (48 km/h), a
30-lb (14 kg) child will become a
900-lb (410 kg) force, and you will
not be able to hold on.
Never put a seat belt over yourself
and a child. During a crash, the
belt could press deep into the child
and cause very serious injuries.
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Protecting Children
Protecting Larger Children
When a child reaches the
recommended weight or height limit
for a forward-facing child seat, the
child should sit in one of the outer
back seats and wear a lap/shoulder
belt. A lap/shoulder belt provides
better protection than a lap belt.
If a child is too short for the shoulder
part of the belt to properly fit, we
recommend that the child use a
booster seat until the child is tall
enough to use the seat belt without a
booster.
The following pages give
instructions on how to check proper
seat belt fit, what kind of booster
seat to use if one is needed, and
important precautions for a child
who must sit in the front seat.
Checking Seat Belt Fit
To determine if a lap/shoulder belt
properly fits a child, have the child
put on the seat belt. Follow the
instructions on page 15 . Then check
how the belt fits.
CONTINUED
Driver and Passenger Safety
Allowing a larger child to sit
improperly in the front seat can
result in injury or death if the
airbags inflate.
If a larger child must sit in front,
make sure the child moves the
seat as far back as possible
and wears the seat belt properly.
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If the shoulder part of the belt rests
over the child's collarbone and
against the center of the chest, as
shown, the child is large enough to
wear the seat belt.
However, if the belt touches or
crosses the child's neck, the child
needs to use a booster seat.
Do not let a child wear a seat belt
across the neck. This could result in
serious neck injuries during a crash.
Do not let a child put the shoulder
part of a seat belt behind the back or
under the arm. This could cause
very serious injuries during a crash.
It also increases the chance that the
child will slide under the belt in a
crash and be injured.
Do not put any accessories on a seat
belt. Devices intended to improve
occupant comfort or reposition the
shoulder part of a seat belt, severely
compromise the protective capability
of the seat belt and increase the
chance of serious injury in a crash.
Two children should never use the
same seat belt. If they do, they could
be very seriously injured in a crash.
Using a Booster Seat
If a child needs a booster seat, we
recommend choosing a style that
allows the child to use the lap/
shoulder belt directly, without a
shield, as shown.
Whichever style you select, follow
the booster seat maker's instructions.
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A child may continue using a booster
seat until the tops of the ears are
even with the top of the seat-back. A
child of this height should be tall
enough to use the lap/shoulder belt
without a booster.
When Can a Larger Child Sit in Front
The National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration and Transport
Canada recommend that all children
ages 12 and under be properly
restrained in a back seat.
The back seat is the safest place for
a child of any age or size.
In addition, the passenger's airbag
poses serious risks to children. If the
seat is too far forward, or the child's
head is thrown forward during a
collision, or the child is unrestrained
or out of position, an inflating airbag
can kill or seriously injure the child.
Of course, children vary widely. And
while age may be one indicator of
when a child can safely ride in the
front, there are other important
factors you should consider.
Physical Size
Physically, a child must be large
enough for the lap/shoulder belt to
properly fit over the hips, chest, and
shoulder (see pages 15 and 37). If
the seat belt does not fit properly,
the child should not sit in the front.
Maturity
To safely ride in front, a child must
be able to follow the rules, including
sitting properly and wearing the seat
belt properly throughout a ride.
CONTINUED
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If you decide that a child can safely
ride up front, be sure to:
Carefully read the owner's manual
and make sure you understand all
seat belt instructions and all safety
information.
Move the vehicle seat to the rear-
most position.
Have the child sit up straight, back
against the seat, and feet on or
near the floor.
Check that the child's seat belt is
properly positioned and secured.
Supervise the child. Even mature
children sometimes need to be
reminded to fasten the seat belts
or sit properly.
Using Child Seats with Tethers
Your Honda has three attachment
points for securing a tether-style
child seat to the vehicle.
Since a tether can provide additional
security, we recommend using a
tether whenever one is required or
available.
Driver and Passenger Safety
Main Menu
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Protecting Children
Driver and Passenger Safety
Attach the tether strap hook to the
tether anchorage point and tighten
the strap according to the child seat
maker's instructions.
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Additional Information About Your Seat Belts
Seat Belt System Components
Your seat belt system includes lap/
shoulder belts in the front seats and
the outer back seats, and a lap belt in
the center back seat.
The seat belt system also
includes a light on the
instrument panel to remind you and
your passengers to fasten your belts.
If the driver's seat belt is not
fastened before the ignition is turned
ON (II), the light will come on and a
beeper will also sound. The beeper
will stop after a few seconds, but the
light will stay on until the driver's
seat belt is fastened.
Lap/Shoulder Belt
This seat belt has a single belt that
goes over your shoulder, across your
chest and across your hips.
To fasten the belt, insert the latch
plate into the buckle, then tug on the
belt to make sure the buckle is
latched.
To unlock the belt, push the red
PRESS button on the buckle.
Guide the belt across your body to
the door pillar. After exiting the
vehicle, be sure the belt is out of the
way and will not get closed in the
door.
All lap/shoulder belts have an
emergency locking retractor.
In normal driving, the retractor lets
you move freely in your seat while it
keeps some tension on the belt.
During a collision or sudden stop,
the retractor automatically locks the
belt to help restrain your body.
All the lap/shoulder belts except the
driver's have an additional locking
mechanism that must be activated to
secure a child seat. (See pages
30 and 34 for instructions on how to
secure child seats with this type of
seat belt.)
If the shoulder part of the belt is
pulled all the way out, the locking
mechanism will activate. The belt
will retract, but it will not allow the
passenger to move freely.
Driver and Passenger Safety
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Additional Information About Your Seat Belts
To deactivate the locking
mechanism, unlatch the buckle and
let the seat belt fully retract. To
refasten the belt, pull it out only as
far as needed.
See page 15 for instructions on how
to wear the lap/shoulder belt
properly.
Lap Belt
The lap belt has one manually-
adjusted belt that fits across the hips.
To fasten the belt, insert the latch
plate into the buckle marked
CENTER, then tug on the belt to
make sure the buckle is latched.
To unlock the belt, push the red
PRESS button.
See page 16 for how to lengthen the
lap belt, and how to properly position
the belt.
Seat Belt Maintenance
For safety, you should check the
condition of your seat belts regularly.
Pull each belt out fully and look for
frays, cuts, burns, and wear. Check
that the latches work smoothly and
that the lap/shoulder belts retract
easily. Any belt not in good condition
or not working properly will not
provide good protection and should
be replaced as soon as possible.
U.S. Models
Honda provides a lifetime warranty
on seat belts. Honda will repair or
replace any seat belt component that
fails to function properly during
normal use. Please see your Honda
Warranty Information booklet for
details.
CONTINUED
Driver and Passenger Safety
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Additional Information About Your Seat Belts
If a seat belt is worn during a crash,
you should have your dealer inspect
the belt, and replace it if necessary.
A belt that has been worn during a
crash may not provide the same level
of protection in a subsequent crash.
The dealer should also inspect the
anchors for damage and replace
them if needed.
For information on how to clean your
seat belts, see page 261.
Driver and Passenger Safety
Not checking or maintaining
seat belts can result in serious
injury or death if the seat belts
do not work properly when
needed.
Check your seat belts regularly
and have any problem
corrected as soon as possible.
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Additional Information About Your Airbags
SRS Components
Your Supplemental Restraint System
(SRS) includes:
Two front airbags. The driver's
airbag is stored in the center of
the steering wheel; the front
passenger's airbag is stored in the
dashboard. Both are marked "SRS
AIRBAG."
Automatic seat belt tensioners
(see page 47).
Sensors that can detect a
moderate to severe frontal
collision.
A sophisticated electronic system
that continually monitors
information about the sensors, the
control unit, the airbag activators,
and driver and passenger seat belt
use when the ignition is ON (II).
An indicator light on the
instrument panel that alerts you to
a possible problem with the
system (see page 47 ).
Emergency backup power in case
your vehicle's electrical system is
disconnected in a crash.
How Your Airbags Work
If you ever have a moderate to
severe frontal collision, the sensors
will detect rapid deceleration and
signal the control unit to instantly
inflate the airbags and activate the
automatic seat belt tensioners.
CONTINUED
Driver and Passenger Safety
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Additional Information About Your Airbags
During a crash, your seat belt helps
restrain your lower body and torso,
while the tensioner tightens and
locks the seat belt to help keep you
in place. Your airbag provides a
cushion to help restrain and protect
your head and chest.
Since both airbags use the same
sensors, both airbags normally
inflate at the same time. However, it
is possible for only one airbag to
inflate.
This can occur when the severity of
a collision is at the margin, or
threshold, that determines whether
or not the airbags will deploy. In
such cases, the seat belt will provide
sufficient protection, and the
supplemental protection offered by
the airbag would be minimal.
After inflating, the airbags
immediately deflate, so they won't
interfere with the driver's visibility,
or the ability to steer or operate
other controls.
The total time for inflation and
deflation is approximately one-tenth
of a second, so fast that most
occupants are not aware that the
airbags deployed until they see them
lying in their laps.
After a crash, you may see what
looks like smoke. This is actually
powder from the airbag's surface.
Although the powder is not harmful,
people with respiratory problems
may experience some temporary
discomfort. If this occurs, get out of
the car as soon as it is safe to do so.
U.S. Owners
For additional information on how
your airbags work, see the booklet
titled SRS: What You Need to Know
About Airbags that came with your
owner's manual.
Canadian Owners
For additional information on how
your airbags work, ask your dealer
for a copy of the booklet titled SRS:
What You Need to Know About Airbags.
Driver and Passenger Safety
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Additional Information About Your Airbags
How the Automatic Seat Belt
Tensioners Work
Your Honda has automatic seat belt
tensioners for added protection
during a moderate to severe frontal
collision.
If your airbags inflate, the tensioners
immediately tighten the front seat
belts to help hold the occupants in
place. The belts will remain tight
until you unbuckle them in the
normal way.
How the SRS Indicator Light
Works
The purpose of the SRS
light is to alert you to a
potential problem with your
Supplemental Restraint System.
When you turn the ignition ON (II),
this indicator will light briefly then
go out. This tells you that the system
is working properly.
If the light comes on at any other
time, or does not come on at all, you
should have the system checked by
your dealer. For example:
If the SRS indicator light does not
come on after you turn the ignition
ON (II).
If the light stays on after the
engine starts.
If the light comes on or flashes on
and off while you drive.
If you see any of these indications,
your airbags and seat belt tensioners
may not deploy when you need them.
See your Honda dealer as soon as
possible.
Driver and Passenger Safety
SRS
Ignoring the SRS indicator light
can result in serious injury or
death if the airbags do not
inflate when needed.
Have your vehicle checked by a
dealer as soon as possible if
the SRS light alerts you to a
potential problem.
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Additional Information About Your Airbags
SRS Service
Your Supplemental Restraint System
is virtually maintenance-free, and
there are no parts you can safely
service. However, you must have
your vehicle serviced if:
Your airbags ever inflate. The
airbags, seat belt tensioners, and
control unit must be replaced. Do
not try to remove or replace the
airbags yourself.
This must be done by a Honda
dealer or a knowledgeable body
shop.
The SRS indicator light alerts you
to a problem. Take your vehicle to
an authorized Honda dealer as
soon as possible. If you ignore this
indication, the airbags might not
inflate when you need them.
Additional Safety Precautions
Do not attempt to deactivate your
airbags. Together, airbags, seat
belt tensioners and seat belts
provide the best protection in a
moderate to severe frontal
collision.
Do not tamper with SRS
components or wiring for any
reason. Tampering could cause
the airbags to deploy, possibly
causing very serious injury.
See page 159 for further information
and precautions relating to your SRS.
Driver and Passenger Safety
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Carbon Monoxide Hazard
Your vehicle's exhaust contains
carbon monoxide gas. You should
have no problem with carbon
monoxide entering the vehicle in
normal driving if you maintain your
vehicle properly.
Have the exhaust system inspected
for leaks whenever:
The vehicle is raised for an oil
change.
You notice a change in the sound
of the exhaust.
The vehicle was in an accident
that may have damaged the under-
side.
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
vehicle out of the garage.
With the tailgate open, air flow can
pull exhaust gas into your vehicle'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 vehicle,
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.
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Main Menu
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Safety Labels
These labels are in the locations
shown. They warn you of potential
hazards that could cause serious
injury. Read these labels carefully.
If a label comes off or becomes hard
to read, contact your Honda dealer
for a replacement.
HOOD
U.S. models
Driver and Passenger Safety
DASHBOARD
U.S. models only
SUN VISOR
U.S. models
SUN VISOR
U.S. models
RADIATOR CAP
Canadian models
Canadian models
Main Menu
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Table of Contents
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............................ 52
Indicator Lights................................ 53
Gauges.............................................. 56
Speedometer................................ 56
Tachometer.................................. 56
Odometer...................................... 56
Trip Meter.................................... 56
Fuel Gauge................................... 57
Temperature Gauge.................... 57
Maintenance Required
Indicator.................................... 58
Controls Near the Steering
Wheel........................................59
Headlights.................................... 60
Daytime Running Lights............. 60
Instrument Panel Brightness..... 61
Turn Signals................................. 61
Windshield Wipers...................... 62
Windshield Washers................... 62
Rear Window Wiper and
Washer......................................63
Hazard Warning........................... 63
Rear Window Defogger.............. 63
Steering Wheel Adjustment....... 64
Steering Wheel Controls ................ 66
Cruise Control.............................. 66
Keys and Locks................................ 69
Keys.............................................. 69
Ignition Switch............................. 69
Door Locks................................... 70
Power Door Locks....................... 71
Remote Transmitter.................... 72
Childproof Door Locks............... 75
Tailgate......................................... 75
Glove Box..................................... 77
Seats.................................................. 77
Front Seat Adjustments.............. 77
Driver's Seat Height
Adjustment............................... 78
Head Restraints........................... 79
Rear Seat-back Adjustment........ 80
Rear Seat Armrest....................... 80
Reclining the Front and
Rear Seat-backs....................... 81
Folding Rear Seat........................ 82
Power Windows............................... 84
Mirrors..............................................
85
Adjusting the Power Mirrors.....
86
Parking Brake.................................. 86
Digital Clock..................................... 87
Center Table.................................... 87
Beverage Holder.............................. 88
Built-in Table.................................... 89
Center Pocket.................................. 91
Storage Box...................................... 91
Cargo Floor Pockets........................ 92
Accessory Power Socket................ 92
Tailgate Pocket................................ 93
Cargo Hooks..................................... 93
Ashtrays............................................ 94
Interior Lights.................................. 94
Ceiling Light................................. 94
Spotlights...................................... 95
Cargo Area Light......................... 95
Ignition Switch Light................... 95
Instruments and Controls
Main Menu
Main Menu
Control Locations
Instruments and Controls
AUDIO SYSTEM
(P.106)
MIRROR CONTROLS
(P.86)
POWER WINDOW
SWITCHES
(P.84)
TAILGATE
RELEASE
(P.75)
HOOD RELEASE
HANDLE
(P.154)
FUEL FILL DOOR RELEASE
(P.153)
HEATING/COOLING CONTROL
(P.98)
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Indicator Lights
Instruments and Controls
HIGH BEAM INDICATOR
CHARGING SYSTEM INDICATOR
LOW OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM INDICATOR
CRUISE CONTROL
INDICATOR
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP
PARKING BRAKE AND BRAKE SYSTEM
INDICATOR*
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
INDICATOR*
LOW FUEL INDICATOR
SEAT BELT REMINDER LIGHT
TAILGATE-OPEN INDICATOR
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Indicator Lights
The instrument panel has many
indicators to give you important
information about your vehicle.
The U.S. instrument panel is
shown. Differences for the Canadian
models are noted in the text.
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 281.
Charging System
Indicator
If this light comes on when the
engine is running, the battery is not
being charged. For complete
information, see page 282 .
Malfunction Indicator
Lamp
See page 283.
Parking Brake and
Brake System
Indicator
This light has two functions:
1. This indicator comes on when you
turn the ignition switch ON (II). It
is a reminder to check the parking
brake. Driving with the parking
brake not fully released can
damage the brakes and tires.
2. If the indicator remains lit after
you have fully released the
parking brake while the engine is
running, or if it comes on while
driving, it can indicate a problem
in the brake system. For complete
information, see page 284 .
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 47 .
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.
Instruments and Controls
SRS
U.S.
Canada
BRAKE
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Indicator Lights
Anti-lock Brake
System (ABS)
Indicator
Only on models equipped with ABS (see
page 177)
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 vehicle to your
dealer to have it checked. With the
light on, your vehicle 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 60 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 60).
Cruise Control Indicator
This lights when you set the cruise
control. See page 66 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 247 ). 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 vehicle should flash.
Instruments and Controls
CRUISE
CONTROL
ABS
U.S.
Canada
Main Menu
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Gauges
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).
Tachometer
The tachometer shows the engine
speed in revolutions per minute
(rpni). To protect the engine from
damage, never drive with the
tachometer needle in the red zone.
Odometer
The odometer shows the total dis-
tance your vehicle has been driven.
It measures miles in U.S. models and
kilometers in Canadian models.
It is illegal under U.S. federal law and
Canadian provincial regulations 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.
Instruments and Controls
TACHOMETER TRIP METER
SPEEDOMETER
FUEL GAUGE
TEMPERATURE
GAUGE
TRIP METER
RESET BUTTON
MAINTENANCE
REQUIRED INDICATOR
ODOMETER
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Gauges
Fuel Gauge
This shows how much fuel you have.
It is most accurate when the vehicle
is on level ground. It may show
slightly more or less than the actual
amount when you are driving on
curvy or hilly roads.
The gauge stays at the same fuel
level reading after you turn off the
ignition. When you add fuel, the
gauge slowly changes to the new
reading after you turn the ignition
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 279 for
instructions and precautions on
checking the engine's cooling
system.
Instruments and Controls
ODOMETER
TRIP METER
RESET BUTTON
TEMPERATURE
GAUGE
FUEL GAUGE
SPEEDOMETER
TRIP METERTACHOMETER
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Gauges
Maintenance Required Indicator
SLOT
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 202 206.
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.
Instruments and Controls
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Controls Near the Steering Wheel
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 lights 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.
Instruments and Controls
HEADLIGHTS/TURN SIGNALS
(P.60)
HAZARD WARNING LIGHTS
(P.63)
SHIFT LEVER
(P.170)
MIRROR CONTROLS
(P.86)
WINDSHIELD
WIPERS/
WASHERS
(P.62)
HORN BUTTONS
TILT ADJUSTMENT
(P.64)
POWER WINDOW SWITCHES
(P.84)
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Controls Near the Steering Wheel
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.
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 55 ).
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.
Instruments and Controls
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Controls Near the Steering Wheel
Instrument Panel Brightness
The dial on the dashboard to the left
of the instrument panel is used to
adjust 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
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Controls Near the Steering Wheel
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 continu-
ously.
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.
The wipers run at low speed while
you're pulling the lever, then
complete one more sweep of the
windshield after you release it.
Instruments and Controls
Main Menu
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Table of Contents
Controls Near the Steering Wheel
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. It 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 vehicle 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 vehicle.
Instruments and Controls
CONTINUED
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Controls Near the Steering Wheel
Make sure the rear window is clear
and you have good visibility before
starting to drive.
The defogger wires on the inside of
the rear window can be accidentally
damaged. When cleaning the glass,
always wipe side to side.
Steering Wheel Adjustment
See page 18 for important safety
information about how to properly
position the steering wheel.
Make any steering wheel adjustment
before you start driving.
Instruments and Controls
Adjusting the steering wheel
position while driving may
cause you to lose control of the
vehicle and be seriously injured
in a crash.
Adjust the steering wheel only
when the vehicle is stopped.
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Controls Near the Steering Wheel
To adjust the steering wheel upward
or downward:
1. Push the lever under the steering
column all the way down.
2. Move the steering wheel to the
desired position, making sure the
wheel points toward your chest,
not toward your face. Make sure
you can see the instrument panel
gauges and the indicator lights.
3. 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
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Steering Wheel Controls
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 recommended for
conditions such as city driving,
winding roads, slippery roads, heavy
rain, or bad weather. You should
have full control of the vehicle under
those conditions.
The cruise control, as it operates,
moves the accelerator pedal. You can
damage your vehicle's accelerator
mechanism by resting your foot under
the pedal and blocking the movement.
Using the Cruise Control
1. Push in the Cruise Control Master
Switch to the left of the steering
column. The indicator in the
switch will light.
2. Accelerate to the desired cruising
speed above 25 mph (40 km/h).
Instruments and Controls
Improper use of the cruise
control can lead to a crash.
Use the cruise control only
when traveling on open
highways in good weather.
NOTICE
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Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Steering Wheel Controls
3. Press and release the SET/decel
button on the steering wheel. The
CRUISE CONTROL light on the
instrument panel comes on to
show the system is now activated.
The cruise control may not hold
the set speed when you are going
up and down hills. If your speed
increases going down a hill, use
the brakes to slow down to the
desired speed. This will cancel the
cruise control. To resume the set
speed, press the RESUME/accel
button. The CRUISE CONTROL
light on the instrument panel
comes on.
When climbing a steep hill, the
automatic transmission may
downshift to hold the set speed.
Changing the Set Speed
You can increase the set cruising
speed in any of these ways:
Press and hold the RESUME/
accel button. The car will acceler-
ate. When you reach the desired
cruising speed, release the button.
Push on the accelerator pedal. Ac-
celerate to the desired cruising
speed and press the SET/decel
button.
To increase your speed in very
small amounts, tap the RESUME/
accel button repeatedly. Each time
you do this, your vehicle will speed
up about 1 mph (1.6 km/h).
You can decrease the set cruising
speed in any of these ways:
Press and hold the SET/decel
button. The vehicle will decelerate.
Release the button when you
reach the desired speed.
To slow down in very small
amounts, tap the SET/decel
button repeatedly. Each time you
do this, your vehicle will slow
down about 1 mph (1.6 km/h).
Tap the brake pedal lightly with
your foot. The CRUISE
CONTROL light on the instru-
ment panel will go out. When the
vehicle slows to the desired speed,
press the SET/decel button. The
vehicle will then maintain the
desired speed.
Instruments and Controls
CONTINUED
RESUME/
accel
SET/decel
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Steering Wheel Controls
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 vehicle
will return to the set cruising speed.
Resting your foot on the brake pedal
will cause the cruise control to
cancel.
Cancelling the Cruise Control
You can cancel the cruise control in
any of these ways:
Tap the brake pedal.
Press the SET/decel and RE-
SUME/accel buttons at the same
time.
Press the Cruise Control Master
Switch.
When you tap the brake or clutch
pedal, or press the SET and RE-
SUME buttons at the same time, the
CRUISE CONTROL light on the
instrument panel will go out and the
vehicle will begin to slow down. You
can use the accelerator pedal in the
normal way.
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 CONTROL light comes on.
The vehicle will accelerate to the
same cruising speed as before.
Pressing the Cruise Control Master
Switch turns the system completely
off and erases the previous cruising
speed from memory. To use the
system again, refer to Using the
Cruise Control.
Instruments and Controls
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Keys and Locks
Keys
Your vehicle comes with two master
keys and a valet key.
The master key fits all the locks on
your vehicle:
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 vehicle 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-approvecl key blanks.
Remote Transmitter
Some models also come with two
remote transmitters; see page 72 for
an explanation of their operation.
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
MASTER KEYS
VALET KEY
KEY
NUMBER
PLATE
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Keys and Locks
LOCK (0) You can insert or
remove the key only in this position.
To switch from ACCESSORY to
LOCK, you must push the key in
slightly as you turn it. If your vehicle
has an automatic transmission, it
must also be in Park. The anti-theft
lock will lock the steering column
when you remove the key.
If the front wheels are turned, the
anti-theft lock may sometimes make
it difficult to turn the key from
LOCK to ACCESSORY. Firmly turn
the steering wheel to the left or to
the right as you turn the key.
ACCESSORY (I) In this position,
you can operate the audio system
and the accessory power socket.
ON (II) This is the normal key
position when driving. All features
and accessories on the vehicle 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.
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.
Door Locks
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 vehicle, 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.
Instruments and Controls
LOCK TAB
Removing the key from the
ignition switch while driving
locks the steering. This can
cause you to lose control.
Remove the key from the
ignition switch only when
parked.
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Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Keys and Locks
The front doors can be locked and
unlocked from the outside with the
key.
Power Door Locks
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 passen-
gers' doors, use the master door lock
switch or the lock tab on each door.
Instruments and Controls
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Keys and Locks
Remote Transmitter
On EX and SE models
You can lock and unlock your vehicle
with the remote transmitter. When
you push the LOCK button, all doors
lock.
When you push the UNLOCK button
once, only the driver's door unlocks.
The remaining doors unlock when
you push the button a second time.
The ceiling light (if the ceiling light
switch is in the center position) will
come on when you press the
UNLOCK button. If you do not open
any of the doors, the light will go out
in about 30 seconds and the doors
will automatically relock. If you
relock the doors with the remote
transmitter before 30 seconds have
elapsed, the light will go off
immediately.
You cannot lock or unlock the doors
with the remote transmitter if any
door is not fully closed or the key is
in the ignition switch.
To open the tailgate, push and hold
the TAILGATE RELEASE button
for approximately one second.
Horn Operation
The horn will sound when you push
the LOCK button twice within five
seconds after first push.
Instruments and Controls
LED
LOCK
BUTTON
TAILGATE
RELEASE
BUTTON
PANIC
BUTTON
UNLOCK
BUTTON
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Keys and Locks
Panic Mode
Panic mode allows you to remotely
activate your vehicle's security
system to attract attention. When
activated, the horn will sound for
about 30 seconds. To activate panic
mode, press and hold the PANIC
button for about one second.
To cancel Panic mode before 30
seconds, press any button on the
remote transmitter. You can also
turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
Panic mode will not activate if the
key is in the ignition switch.
Replacing the Battery
When the remote transmitter's
battery begins to get weak, it may
take several pushes on the button to
lock or unlock the doors, and the
LED will get dim. Replace the
battery as soon as possible.
Battery type: CR2025
To replace the battery, remove the
round cover on the back of the trans-
mitter by turning it counterclockwise
with a coin.
CONTINUED
Instruments and Controls
Open
Close
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Keys and Locks
Remove the old battery and note the
polarity. Make sure the polarity of
the new battery is the same (+ side
facing up), then insert it in the
transmitter.
Reinstall the cushion ring. Align the
mark on the cover with the
mark on the transmitter,
then set the cover in place and turn it
clockwise.
Transmitter Care
Avoid severe shock to the trans-
mitter, such as dropping or throwing
it. Also, protect it from extreme hot
or cold temperatures.
Clean the transmitter case with a
soft cloth. Do not use strong
cleaners or solvents that could harm
the case. Immersing the transmitter
in any liquid will harm the trans-
mitter and cause it to not function
properly.
If you lose a transmitter, you will
need to have the replacement
programmed to your vehicle's
system by your Honda dealer. Any
other transmitters you have will also
need to be reprogrammed.
As required by the FCC:
This device complies with Part 15 of the
FCC rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) This device
may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any
interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Changes or modifications not expressly
approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user's
authority to operate the equipment.
This device complies with Industry
Canada Standard RSS-210.
Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) this device may not cause
interference, and (2) this device must
accept any interference that may cause
undesired operation of the device.
Instruments and Controls
BATTERY
ROUND
COVER
CUSHION
RING
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Keys and Locks
Childproof Door Locks
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.
Tailgate
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.
CONTINUED
Instruments and Controls
LEVER
LOCK
KEY
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Keys and Locks
HATCH GLASS
2. The hatch glass will pop up
slightly.
3. Lift up the hatch glass fully.
HANDLE
DOOR
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.
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
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Keys and Locks, Seats
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.
Front Seat Adjustments
See pages 12 14 for important safety
information and warnings about how to
properly position seats and seat-backs.
Make all seat adjustments before
you start driving.
CONTINUED
Instruments and Controls
Glove Box
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.
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Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Seats
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.
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.
Driver's Seat Height Adjustment
The height of your driver's seat is
adjustable. Turn the front dial on the
outside of the seat cushion to raise
the front of the seat bottom and turn
the rear dial to raise the rear.
Make all seat adjustments before
you start driving.
Instruments and Controls
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Seats
Head Restraints
See page 14 for important safety
information and a warning about how to
properly position the head restraints.
The head restraints help protect you
and your passengers from whiplash
and other injuries. They are most
effective when you adjust them so
the back of the occupant's head rests
against the center of the restraint. A
taller person should adjust the
restraint as high as possible.
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.
Instruments and Controls
RELEASE BUTTON
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Seats
Rear Seat-back Adjustment
See pages 12 14 for important safety
information and warnings about how to
properly position seats and seat-backs.
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
The rear seat armrests are located at
the center of the rear seat. Pivot
them down to use them.
Instruments and Controls
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Seats
Reclining the Front and Rear
Seat-backs
You can recline the seal-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.
2. Lift the slide 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.
EX and SE models
3. Pull up the lever on the side of the
rear seat. Lift the rear edge of the
seat bottom until the seat latches.
CONTINUED
Instruments and Controls
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Seats
4. 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.
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.
Instruments and Controls
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Seats
STRAP
2. Pull the strap to release the seat
bottom. Pivot the seat bottom
forward.
3. Remove the head restraint and
pull up on the knob on the top of
the seat-back. Pivot the seat-back
forward.
Put the head restraint behind the
seat bottom as shown.
Pass the fastening strap through the
hole of the head restraint and fasten
it with the velcro strap.
Reverse this procedure to return the
seat to the upright position. Make
sure that the seat is locked securely
before driving.
Instruments and Controls
CONTINUED
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Seats, Power Windows
Make sure any items stored in the
cargo area are secured. Loose items
can fly forward and cause injury if
you have to brake hard.
Power Windows
Your vehicle's windows are electri-
cally-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.
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.
Instruments and Controls
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Power Windows, Mirrors
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
clown lightly and hold it. The window
will stop as soon as you release the
switch.
The AUTO function only works to
lower the driver's window. To raise
the window, you must push the
window switch up and hold it until
the window reaches the desired
position.
The MAIN switch controls power to
the passengers' windows. With this
switch off, the passengers' windows
cannot be raised or lowered. The
MAIN switch does not affect the
driver's window. Keep the MAIN
switch off when you have children in
the vehicle so they do not injure
themselves by operating the
windows unintentionally.
Mirrors
Keep the inside and outside mirrors
clean and adjusted for best visibility.
Be sure to adjust the mirrors before
you start driving.
The inside mirror has day and night
positions. The night position reduces
glare from headlights behind you.
Flip the tab on the bottom edge of
the mirror to select the day or night
position.
Instruments and Controls
CONTINUED
TAB
Closing a power window on
someone's hands or fingers can
cause serious injury.
Make sure your passengers are
away from the windows before
closing them.
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Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Mirrors, Parking Brake
Adjusting the Power Mirrors
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).
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.
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 54).
Driving the vehicle with the parking
brake applied can damage the rear
brakes and axles.
Instruments and Controls
SELECTOR SWITCH
ADJUSTMENT SWITCH
NOTICE
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Digital Clock, Center Table
Digital Clock
The digital clock displays the time
with the ignition switch ON (II).
To set the clock:
1. Turn the ignition switch ON (II) to
display the time.
2. Press and hold the H button until
the hour advances to the desired
time.
3. Press and hold the M button until
the numbers advance to the
desired time.
You can use the RESET button to
quickly set the time to the nearest
hour. If the displayed time is before
the half hour, pressing the RESET
button sets the clock back to the
previous hour. If the displayed time
is after the half hour, pressing the
RESET button sets the clock for-
ward to the beginning of the next
hour.
For example:
1:06 would RESET to 1:00.
1:52 would RESET to 2:00.
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
lower the table.
CONTINUED
Instruments and Controls
H
M
R(RESET)
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Center Table, Beverage Holder
Sitting on or getting under the table,
or putting heavy objects on the table,
may damage or deform it.
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.
Beverage Holder
Automatic Transmission model only
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.
Instruments and Controls
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Beverage Holder, Built-in Table
There is another beverage holder on
each rear door for the rear seat
passengers. Pivot it down to use it.
Be careful when you are using the
beverage holder. A spilled liquid that
is very hot can scald you or your
passengers. Liquid can also spill
from the rear seat beverage holders
when you close the rear doors.
Spilled liquids can also damage the
upholstery, carpeting, and electrical
components in the interior.
Built-in Table
The cargo area floor can be taken
out and used as a table.
CONTINUED
Instruments and Controls
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Built-in Table
To remove the table, pull up the
carpet. Lift and pull on the handle to
slide the table out.
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.
Instruments and Controls
HANDLE
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Built-in Table, Center Pocket, Storage Box
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.
Center Pocket
Automatic Transmission model only
Open the center pocket by pushing
the handle down. Close it with a firm
push.
Storage Box
A storage box is located under the
front passenger's seat. To use it, pull
upward slightly on the front center
edge of the box to disengage the
locking tabs then pull forward to
slide the box out.
Instruments and Controls
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Cargo Floor Pockets, Accessory Power Socket
Cargo Floor Pockets
You can store small items in the
pockets located on both sides of the
cargo area.
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 on 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).
Instruments and Controls
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Tailgate Pocket, Cargo Hooks
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.
Cargo 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.
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
Ibs (3 kg), or you could damage the
hook.
Do not open or close the tailgate
door with cargo on this hook.
Instruments and Controls
HOOKS
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Ashtray, Interior Lights
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.
Use the ashtray only for cigarettes,
cigars, and other smoking materials.
To prevent a possible fire and damage
to your vehicle, don't put paper or
other things that can burn in the
ashtray.
Ceiling Light
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
ASHTRAY
NOTICE
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Interior Lights
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.
On EX and SE models
The ceiling light (with the switch in
the center position) also comes on
when you unlock the door with the
remote transmitter (see page 72).
Cargo Area Light
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
The ignition switch light comes on
when you open the driver's door, and
stays on several seconds after you
close the door.
Instruments and Controls
DOOR ACTIVATED
IGNITION SWITCH LIGHT
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
96
Main Menu
Main Menu
Comfort and Convenience Features
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 de-
scribes 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........................ 98
What Each Control Does............
98
How to Use the System............. 100
To Turn Everything Off........... 105
Audio System................................. 106
Audio System
AM/FM/Cassette Stereo
Audio System (LX Model).... 107
Operating the Radio.................. 108
Adjusting the Sound.................. 111
Audio System Lighting............. 112
Operating the Cassette
Player...................................... 112
Operating the Optional CD
Player/Changer..................... 115
CD Changer Error
Indications.............................. 118
Audio System
AM/FM/CD Audio System
(EX Model)............................. 119
Operating the Radio.................. 120
Adjusting the Sound.................. 124
Audio System Lighting............. 125
Radio Frequencies..................... 125
Radio Reception......................... 125
Operating the CD Player.......... 127
Operating the CD Changer...... 129
Protecting Compact Discs........ 130
CD Player Error Indications..... 131
CD Changer Error
Indications.............................. 132
Operating the Cassette
Player...................................... 133
Tape Search Functions............. 134
Caring for the Cassette
Player...................................... 136
Theft Protection........................ 137
Audio System
AM/FM/Cassette/CD stereo
Audio System (SE Model)....
138
Operating the Radio.................. 139
Adjusting the Sound.................. 143
Operating the CD Player.......... 144
CD Player Error Indications..... 146
CD Changer Error
Indications.............................. 147
Operating the Cassette
Player...................................... 148
Tape Search Functions............. 149
Comfort and Convenience Features
Main Menu
Main Menu
Heating and Cooling
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.
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 (Recircula-
tion mode). When the indicator is off,
air is brought in from outside the
vehicle (Fresh Air mode).
Comfort and Convenience Features
MODE CONTROL DIAL
FAN CONTROL DIAL
TEMPERATURE CONTROL DIAL
RECIRCULATION
BUTTON
AIR
CONDITIONING
SWITCH
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Heating and Cooling
Mode Control Dial
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.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Heating and Cooling
Vent Controls
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-to-
side.
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.
Comfort and Convenience Features
CENTER VENT SIDE VENT
Open
Close
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Heating and Cooling
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.
Ventilation
The flow-through ventilation system
draws in outside air, circulates it
through the interior, then exhausts it
through vents near the rear window.
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.
CONTINUED
Comfort and Convenience Features
AIR CONDITIONING SWITCH
FAN CONTROL DIAL
TEMPERATURE
CONTROL DIAL
MODE CONTROL
DIAL
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Heating and Cooling
To Cool with A/C
1. Turn on the A/C by pressing the
button. The light in the button
comes on when a fan speed is
selected.
2. Make sure the temperature
control dial is all the way to the left.
3. Select
4. If the outside air is humid, select
Recirculation mode. If the outside
air is dry, select Fresh Air mode.
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 tempera-
ture control dial is all the way to
the left.
3. Set the fan to maximum speed.
4. Open the windows partially. Select
and Fresh Air mode.
When the interior has cooled down
to a more comfortable temperature,
close the windows and set the
controls as described for normal
cooling.
Air conditioning places an extra load
on the engine. Watch the engine
coolant temperature gauge (see page
57) when driving in stop-and-go
traffic or climbing a long, steep hill.
If it moves near the red zone, turn
off the A/C until the gauge reads
normally.
Comfort and Convenience Features
MODE CONTROL DIAL
RECIRCULATION
BUTTON
AIR
CONDITIONING
SWITCH
REAR
DEFOGGER
SWITCH
TEMPERATURE CONTROL DIAL
FAN CONTROL DIAL
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Heating and Cooling
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
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Heating and Cooling
To remove exterior frost or ice from
the windshield and side windows
after the vehicle 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.
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
MODE CONTROL DIAL
RECIRCULATION
BUTTON
AIR
CONDITIONING
SWITCH
REAR
DEFOGGER
SWITCH
TEMPERATURE CONTROL DIALFAN CONTROL DIAL
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Heating and Cooling
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
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Audio System
Your vehicle should have one of the
audio systems described in this
section. Read the appropriate pages
in this section for operation of the
audio systems installed in your
vehicle.
pages 107 to 118 for LX Model
pages 119 to 134 for EX Model
pages 138 to 150 for SE Model
Also, read page 114 or 136 for how to
take care of your cassette player.
If your vehicle has a different audio
system from these two types, read
the radio manufacturer's manual that
came with your vehicle for its
operation.
LX Model
EX Model
SE Model
Comfort and Convenience Features
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Audio System
AM/FM/Cassette Stereo Audio
System
On LX model
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.
The cassette system features Dolby
B* noise reduction, automatic
sensing of chromium-dioxide (CrO
2
)
tape, and autoreverse for continuous
play.
* Dolby noise reduction manufactured under
license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corpo-
ration. "DOLBY" and the double-D symbol
are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories
Licensing Corporation.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Audio System
Operating the Radio
The ignition switch must be in
ACCESSORY (I) or ON (II) to
operate the audio system. Turn the
system on by pushing the PWR/
VOL knob.
Adjust the volume by turning the
PWR/VOL 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 four methods to
find radio stations on the selected
band: TUNE, SEEK, SCAN or the
Preset buttons.
TUNE Use the TUNE bar to tune
the radio to a desired frequency.
Press the upper part ( ) to tune
to a higher frequency, or the lower
part ( ) 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 bar quickly.
SEEK The SEEK function
searches the band for a station with
a strong signal. To activate it, push
the SEEK switch up or down, then
release it. Depending on which way
you push the switch, the system
scans upward or downward from the
current frequency. It stops when it
finds a station with a strong signal.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Audio System
SCAN The SCAN function
samples all the stations with strong
signals on the selected band. To
activate it, press the SCAN button,
then release it. When the system is
in the SCAN mode, SCN shows in
the display. The system will scan up
the band for a station with a strong
signal. When it finds one, it will stop
and play that station for
approximately five seconds. If you do
nothing, the system will then scan
for the next strong station and play
that for five seconds. When it plays a
station that you want to continue
listening to, press the SCAN button
again.
CONTINUED
Comfort and Convenience Features
AM/FM
BUTTON
SCAN BUTTON
SCN INDICATOR
PWR/VOL
KNOB
SEEK SWITCH
TUNE BAR
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Audio System
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
frequencies on the FM band.
To store a frequency:
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.
Comfort and Convenience Features
AM/FM BUTTON
SEEK SWITCH
PRESET
BUTTONS
TUNE BAR
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Audio System
Adjusting the Sound
Balance/Fader These two
controls adjust the strength of the
sound coming from each speaker.
The Balance control adjusts the side-
to-side strength, while the Fader
control adjusts the front-to-back
strength.
To adjust the fader, push on the
BASS/FADER control knob to get it
to pop out. Pull it out slightly farther,
and adjust the front-to-back sound to
your liking. Push the knob back in
when you are done so you cannot
change the setting by accidentally
bumping it.
To adjust the balance, push on the
TREBLE/BALANCE control knob
to get it to pop out. Pull it out. slightly
farther, and adjust the side-to-side
sound to your liking. Push the knob
back in when you are done so you
cannot change the setting by
accidentally bumping it.
Treble/Bass Use these controls
to adjust the tone to your liking.
To adjust the Treble level, push on
the TREBLE/BALANCE control
knob to get it to pop out. Without
pulling it out farther, turn the knob
to adjust the treble level. Push the
knob back in when you are done so
you cannot change the setting by
accidentally bumping it.
To adjust the Bass level, push on the
BASS/FADER control knob to get it
to pop out. Without pulling it out
farther, turn the knob to adjust the
bass level. Push the knob back in
when you are done so you cannot
change the setting by accidentally
bumping it.
Radio Frequencies and Reception
For information, See page 125 .
Comfort and Convenience Features
BASS/FADER
CONTROL
TREBLE/BALANCE
CONTROL
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Audio System
Audio System Lighting
You can use the instrument panel
brightness control knob to adjust the
illumination of the audio system (see
page 61). The audio system
illuminates when the parking lights
are on, even if the radio is turned off.
Operating the Cassette Player
Turn the audio system ON. 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
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 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.
Tape Search Functions
With a cassette playing, you can use
the FF, REW, SKIP, or REPEAT
function to find a desired program.
FF/REW Fast Forward and Re-
wind move the tape rapidly. To re-
wind the tape, push the REW button.
You will see REW in the display. To
fast forward the tape, push the FF
button. You will see FF displayed.
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.
SKIP The Skip Function allows
you to find the beginning of a song
or passage. To find the beginning of
the song or passage currently
playing, push the SKIP switch down.
You will see REW flashing in the
display as the tape rewinds. To find
the beginning of the next song, push
the SKIP switch up. You will see FF
flashing in the display as the tape
fast forwards. When the system
finds the beginning of a song or
passage, it goes back to PLAY mode.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Audio System
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.
CONTINUED
Comfort and Convenience Features
EJECT BUTTON
RPT BUTTON REW BUTTON FF BUTTON
TAPE DIRECTION
INDICATOR
CASSETTE SLOT
SKIP SWITCH
DOLBY BUTTON
PROG BUTTON
PLAY BUTTON
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Audio System
The SKIP 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.
Caring for Cassettes
Damaged cassettes can jam inside
the drive or cause other problems.
See page 136 for information on
cassette care and protection.
Comfort and Convenience Features
EJECT BUTTON
CASSETTE SLOT
TAPE DIRECTION
INDICATOR
RPT BUTTON
REW BUTTON
FF BUTTON
PLAY BUTTON
PROG BUTTON
DOLBY BUTTON
SKIP SWITCH
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Audio System
Operating the Optional CD
Player/Changer
A Compact Disc changer is available
from 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 and
cassette player.
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.
Using the instructions that came
with the changer, load the desired
CDs in the magazine, and load the
magazine in the changer. Play only
standard round discs. Odd-shaped
CDs may jam in the drive or cause
other problems.
CONTINUED
Comfort and Convenience Features
AM/FM BUTTON
TAPE/CD BUTTON
RANDOM INDICATOR
REPEAT INDICATOR
PWR/VOL KNOB
RPT BUTTON
SKIP SWITCH
PRESET BUTTONS
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Audio System
To operate the CD changer or player,
the ignition must be in ACCESSORY
(I) or ON (II) and the audio system
must be on.
Press the CD button until "CD"
appears in the display. The system
will start to play the first track of the
first disc in the magazine. Play only
standard round discs.
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.
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.
You can use the SKIP switch to
select tracks within a disc. If you
push and release the SKIP switch,
the system will move to the
beginning of a track. Push the switch
up to move to the beginning of the
next track, and push the switch
down to move to the beginning of
the current track.
If you push and hold the SKIP switch,
you will hear a beep and the system
will continue to move across tracks.
Release the switch 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.
RANDOM PLAY This feature,
when activated, plays the tracks on a
CD in random order, rather than in
the order they are recorded on the
CD. To activate Random Play, press
and hold the RPT button until you
see RDM in the display. The system
will then select and play tracks
randomly on the current disc. When
all tracks on that disc have been
played, the next disc is loaded and
played randomly. This continues
until you deactivate Random Play by
pressing RPT again.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Audio System
If the system is in Repeat mode, you
must turn it off by pressing RPT
before you can select Random Play.
Then press the button again until
you see RDM displayed.
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 TAPE button. When you return
to CD mode, play will continue at the
same disc and track.
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 disc and track
when you turn it back on.
Protecting Compact Discs
For information on how to handle
and protect compact discs, see page
130.
AM/FM BUTTON
RANDOM INDICATOR
REPEAT INDICATOR
Comfort and Convenience Features
TAPE/CD BUTTON
PRESET BUTTONS
SKIP SWITCH
RPT BUTTON
PWR/VOL KNOB
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Audio System
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 vehicle to
your Honda dealer.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Audio System
AM/FM/CD Audio System
On EX model
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.
The anti-theft feature will disable the
system if it is disconnected from the
vehicle's battery. To get the system
working again, you must enter a
code number (see page 137).
Comfort and Convenience Features
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Audio System
Operating the Radio
The ignition switch must be in
ACCESSORY (I) or ON (II) to
operate the audio system. Turn the
system on by pushing the PWR/
VOL knob. Adjust the volume by
turning the same 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 four methods to
find radio stations on the selected
band: TUNE, SEEK, SCAN or the
Preset buttons.
TUNE Use the TUNE bar to tune
the radio to a desired frequency.
Press the side of the bar to tune
to a higher frequency, and the
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 bar quickly.
SEEK The SEEK function
searches the band for a station with
a strong signal. To activate it, press
the SEEK bar on either the or
side, then release it.
Depending on which side you press,
the system scans upward or down-
ward from the current frequency. It
stops when it finds a station with a
strong signal.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Audio System
SCAN The SCAN function
samples all the stations with strong
signals on the selected band. To
activate it, press the SCAN button,
then release it. When the system is
in the SCAN mode, SCAN shows in
the display. The system will scan up
the band for a station with a strong
signal. When it finds one, it will stop
and play that station for
approximately five seconds. If you do
nothing, the system will then scan
for the next strong station and play
that for five seconds. When it plays a
station that you want to continue
listening to, press the SCAN button
again.
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
frequencies on the FM band.
CONTINUED
Comfort and Convenience Features
PWR/VOL
KNOB
PRESET BUTTONS
SCAN
BUTTON
SEEK BAR
AM/FM BUTTON
STEREO INDICATOR
TUNE BAR
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Audio System
To store a frequency:
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
onFM.
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.
Comfort and Convenience Features
PRESET BUTTONS
AM/FM BUTTON
TUNE BAR
SEEK BAR
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Audio System
AUTO SELECT If you are
traveling far from home and can no
longer receive the stations you
preset, you can use the Auto Select
feature to find stations in the local
area.
To activate Auto Select, press the
A. SEL button. A. SEL will flash in
the display, and the system will go
into scan mode for several seconds.
It automatically scans both bands,
looking for stations with strong
signals. It stores the frequencies of
six AM stations and twelve FM
stations in the preset buttons. You
can then use the preset buttons to
select those stations.
If you are in a remote area, Auto
Select may not find six strong AM
stations or twelve strong FM stations.
If this happens, you will see a "0"
displayed when you press any preset
button that does not have a station
stored.
TUNE BAR
AUTO SELECT INDICATOR
SCAN BUTTON
If you do not like the stations Auto
Select has stored, you can store
other frequencies in the preset
buttons. Use the TUNE, SEEK, or
SCAN function to find the desired
frequencies, then store them in the
selected preset buttons as described
previously.
Auto Select does not erase the
frequencies that you preset pre-
viously. When you return home, turn
off Auto Select by pressing the
A. SEL button. The preset buttons
will then select the frequencies you
originally set.
Comfort and Convenience Features
A. SEL BUTTON
SEEK BAR
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Audio System
Adjusting the Sound
Balance/Fader These two
controls adjust the strength of the
sound coming from each speaker.
The Balance control adjusts the side-
to-side strength, while the Fader
control adjusts the front-to-back
strength.
To adjust the fader, push on the
BASS/FADER control knob to get it
to pop out. Pull it out slightly farther,
and adjust the front-to-back sound to
your liking. Push the knob back in
when you are done so you cannot
change the setting by accidentally
bumping it.
To adjust the balance, push on the
TREBLE/BALANCE control knob
to get it to pop out. Pull it out slightly
farther, and adjust the side-to-side
sound to your liking. Push the knob
back in when you are done so you
cannot change the setting by
accidentally bumping it.
Treble/Bass Use these controls
to adjust the tone to your liking.
To adjust the Treble level, push on
the TREBLE/BALANCE control
knob to get it to pop out. Without
pulling it out farther, turn the knob
to adjust the treble level. Push the
knob back in when you are done so
you cannot change the setting by
accidentally bumping it.
To adjust the Bass level, push on the
BASS/FADER control knob to get it
to pop out. Without pulling it out
farther, turn the knob to adjust the
bass level. Push the knob back in
when you are done so you cannot
change the setting by accidentally
bumping it.
Comfort and Convenience Features
BASS/FADER
CONTROL
TREBLE/BALANCE
CONTROL
Main Menu
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Audio System
Audio System Lighting
You can use the instrument panel
brightness control knob to adjust the
illumination of the audio system (see
page 61). The audio system
illuminates when the parking lights
are on, even if the radio is turned off.
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 atmos-
pheric 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.
Comfort and Convenience Features
CONTINUED
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Audio System
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.
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.
Electrical interference from passing
vehicles and stationary sources can
cause temporary reception problems.
As required by the FCC:
Changes or modifications not expressly
approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user's
authority to operate the equipment.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Audio System
Operating the CD Player
You operate the CD player with the
same controls used for the radio.
With the ignition switch in
ACCESSORY (I) or ON (II), insert
the disc into the CD slot. Push the
disc in halfway, the drive will pull it
in the rest of the way and begin to
play. The number of the track that is
playing is shown in the display.
You can also play 3-inch (8-cm) discs
without using an adapter ring. In all
cases, play only standard round discs.
Odd-shaped CDs may jam in the
drive or cause other problems.
When the system reaches the end of
the disc, it will return to the begin-
ning and play that disc again.
Comfort and Convenience Features
CONTINUED
AM/FM BUTTON
CD SLOT TUNE BAR
EJECT BUTTON
SEEK/SKIP
BAR
A.SEL/RDM BUTTON
CD BUTTON
RPT BUTTON
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Audio System
You can switch to the radio while a
CD is playing by pressing the AM/
FM button. Press the CD button to
return to playing the CD. The CD
will begin playing where it left off.
If you turn the system off while a CD
is playing, either with the PWR/VOL
knob or by turning off the ignition,
the disc will stay in the drive. When
you turn the system back on, the CD
will begin playing where it left off.
Press the eject button to remove the
disc from the drive.
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.
You can use the TUNE and SEEK/
SKIP bars while a disc is playing to
select passages and change tracks.
To move rapidly within a track, press
and hold the TUNE bar. Press the
side to move forward. You will
see CUE in the display. Press the
side to move backward. You
will see REW displayed. Release the
bar when the system reaches the
point you want.
Each time you press and release the
side of the SEEK/SKIP bar,
the system skips forward to the
beginning of the next track. Press
the side to skip backward to the
beginning of the current track. Press
it again to skip to the beginning of
the previous track.
REPEAT To activate the Repeat
feature, press and release the RPT
button. You will see RPT in the
display. The system continuously
replays the current track. Press the
RPT button again to turn it off.
RANDOM PLAY This feature,
when activated, plays the tracks on
the CD in random order, rather than
in the order they are recorded on the
CD. To activate Random Play, press
and release the A. SEL/RDM button.
You will see RDM in the display. The
system will then select and play
tracks randomly. This continues
until you deactivate Random Play by
pressing A. SEL/RDM again.
If the system is in Repeat mode, you
must turn it off by pressing the RPT
button before selecting Random Play.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Main Menu
Main Menu
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Audio System
Operating the CD Changer
(Optional)
A Compact Disc changer is available
for your vehicle. It holds up to six
discs, providing several hours of
continuous entertainment. You
operate this CD changer with the
same controls used for the in-dash
CD player.
Load the desired CDs in the
magazine and load the magazine in
the changer according to the
instructions that came with the unit.
Play only standard round discs. Odd-
shaped CDs may jam in the drive or
cause other problems.
To select the CD changer, press the
CD button. The disc and track
numbers will be displayed.
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.
If you load a CD in the in-dash player
while the changer is playing a CD,
the system will stop the changer and
begin playing the in-dash CD. To
select the changer again, press the
CD button. Play will begin where it
left off. Use the CD button to switch
between the player and the changer.
If you eject the in-dash CD while it is
playing, the system will automatically
switch to the CD changer and begin
play where it left off. If there are no
CDs in the changer, the display will
flash. You will have to select another
mode (AM or FM) with the button.
When you switch back to CD mode,
the system selects the same unit (in-
dash or changer) that was playing
when you switched out of CD mode.
To use the SKIP, REPEAT, and
RANDOM functions, refer to the in-
dash player operating instructions.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Main Menu
Main Menu
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Audio System
Protecting Compact Discs
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 re-
cording 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
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Audio System
CD Player Error Indications
If you see an error indication in the
display while operating the CD
player, find the cause in the chart to
the right. If you cannot clear the
error indication, take the vehicle to
your Honda dealer.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Audio System
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 vehicle to
your Honda dealer.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Audio System
Operating the Cassette Player
(Optional)
The cassette system features Dolby
B* noise reduction, automatic
sensing of chromium-dioxide (CrO
2
)
tape, and autoreverse for continuous
play.
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.
* Dolby noise reduction manufactured under
license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corpo-
ration. "DOLBY" and the double-D symbol
are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories
Licensing Corporation.
CONTINUED
Comfort and Convenience Features
AM/FM
BUTTON
PWR/VOL
KNOB
CD
BUTTON
TAPE DIRECTION INDICATOR
TUNE BAR
SEEK/SKIP BAR
PLAY
BUTTON
NR
BUTTON
REPEAT BUTTON
PROG
BUTTON
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Audio System
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
the other side, press the PROG
button.
Dolby noise reduction turns on when
you insert a cassette. If the tape was
not recorded with Dolby noise
reduction, turn it off by pressing the
NR button.
Dolby remains off until you turn it on
by pressing the button again.
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 on the cassette player.
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 cassette player will be in
pause mode. To begin playing, press
the PLAY button.
To switch to the radio or CD player
while a tape is playing, press the
AM/FM, or CD button. To change
back to the cassette player, push the
CD button.
Tape Search Functions
With a cassette playing, you can use
the FF, REW, SKIP, or REPEAT
function to find a desired program.
FF/REW Fast Forward and
Rewind move the tape rapidly. Press
and release the side of the
TUNE bar to fast forward the tape,
or the side to rewind. You will
see FF or REW flashing in the
display. To stop fast forward or
rewind, press either side of the
TUNE bar or the PLAY button. 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.
Comfort and Convenience Features
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Audio System
SKIP The Skip function allows
you to find the beginning of a song
or passage. To activate SKIP, press
the SEEK/SKIP bar. Press the
side to advance to the
beginning of the next song or
passage, or the side to return to
the beginning of the current song or
passage. FF or REW will flash in the
display as the tape moves. When the
system reaches the beginning of the
next song or passage (FF), or the
beginning of the current one (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.
The SKIP 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.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Main Menu
Main Menu
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Audio System
Caring for the Cassette Player
The cassette player picks up dirt and
oxides from the tape. This contami-
nation 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.
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
(LX model)/
(EX model) 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 vehicle to your
Honda dealer.
On LX model
If a problem develops in the connec-
tion between the cassette player and
the radio, you will see in
the display. Take the vehicle to your
Honda dealer.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Main Menu
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Audio System
Theft Protection
On EX and SE models
Your vehicle's audio system will
disable itself if it is disconnected
from electrical power for any reason.
To make it work again, the user
must enter a specific five-digit code
in the Preset buttons. Because there
are hundreds of number
combinations possible from five
digits, making the system work
without knowing the exact code is
nearly impossible.
You should have received a card that
lists your audio system's code
number and serial number. It is best
to store this card in a safe place at
home. In addition, you should write
the audio system's serial number in
this Owner's Manual. If you should
happen to lose the card, you must
obtain the code number from your
Honda dealer. To do this, you will
need the system's serial number.
If your vehicle's battery is discon-
nected or goes dead, or the radio
fuse is removed, the audio system
will disable itself. If this happens,
you will see in the
frequency display the next time you
turn on the system. Use the Preset
buttons to enter the five-digit code. If
it is entered correctly, the radio will
start playing.
If you make a mistake entering the
code, do not start over or try to
correct your mistake. Complete the
five-digit sequence, then enter the
correct code. You have ten tries to
enter the correct code. If you are
unsuccessful in ten attempts, you
must then leave the system on for
one hour before trying again.
You will have to store your favorite
stations in the Preset buttons after
the system begins working. Your
original settings were lost when
power was disconnected.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Main Menu
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Audio System
AM/FM/Cassette/CD Stereo
Audio System
On SE model
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.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Main Menu
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Audio System
Operating the Radio
The ignition switch must be in
ACCESSORY (I) or ON (II) to
operate the audio system. Turn the
system on by pushing the PWR/
VOL knob. Adjust the volume by
turning the same knob.
The band and frequency that the
radio was last tuned to is displayed.
To change bands, press the AM or
FM button. On the FM band, ST will
be displayed if the station is broad-
casting in stereo. Stereo
reproduction on AM is not available.
PWR/VOL KNOB PRESET BUTTONS
TUNE KNOB
SCAN BUTTON FM BUTTON SEEK BUTTONS
AM BUTTON
CONTINUED
Comfort and Convenience Features
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Audio System
You can use any of four methods to
find radio stations on the selected
band: TUNE, SEEK, SCAN or the
Preset buttons.
TUNE Use the TUNE knob to
tune the radio to a desired frequency.
Turn the knob clockwise to tune to a
higher frequency, or
counterclockwise to tune to a lower
frequency.
SEEK The SEEK function
searches the band for a station with
a strong signal. To activate it, press
either SEEK button or then
release it. Depending on which
SEEK button you press, the system
scans upward or downward from the
current frequency. It stops when it
finds a station with a strong signal.
SCAN The SCAN function
samples all the stations with strong
signals on the selected band. To
activate it, press the SCAN button,
then release it. The system will scan
up the band for a station with a
strong signal. When it finds one, it
will stop and play that station for
approximately five seconds. If you do
nothing, the system will then scan
for the next strong station and play
that for five seconds. When it plays a
station that you want to continue
listening to, press the SCAN button
again.
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
frequencies on the FM band.
To store a frequency:
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.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Main Menu
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Table of Contents
Audio System
AUTO SELECT If you are
traveling far from home and can no
longer receive the stations you
preset, you can use the Auto Select
feature to find stations in the local
area.
To activate Auto Select, press the
A. SEL button. A. SEL will flash in
the display, and the system will go
into scan mode for several seconds.
It automatically scans both bands,
looking for stations with strong
signals. It stores the frequencies of
six AM stations and twelve FM
stations in the preset buttons. You
can then use the preset buttons to
select those stations.
If you are in a remote area. Auto
Select may not find six strong AM
stations or twelve strong FM stations.
If this happens, you will see a "0"
displayed when you press any preset
button that does not have a station
stored.
A. SEL INDICATOR
A. SEL BUTTON
Comfort and Convenience Features
CONTINUED
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Audio System
If you do not like the stations Auto
Select has stored, you can store
other frequencies in the preset
buttons. Use the TUNE, SEEK, or
SCAN function to find the desired
frequencies, then store them in the
selected preset buttons as described
previously.
Auto Select does not erase the
frequencies that you preset pre-
viously. When you return home, turn
off Auto Select by pressing the
A. SEL button. The preset buttons
will then select the frequencies you
originally set.
SCAN BUTTON PRESET BUTTONS SEEK BUTTONS
Comfort and Convenience Features
TUNE KNOB
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Audio System
Adjusting the Sound
Balance/Fader These two
controls adjust the strength of the
sound coming from each speaker.
The Balance control adjusts the side-
to-side strength, while the Fader
control adjusts the front-to-back
strength.
To adjust the fader, push on the
BASS/FADER control knob to get it
to pop out. Pull it out slightly farther,
and adjust the front-to-back sound to
your liking. Push the knob back in
when you are done so you cannot
change the setting by accidentally
bumping it.
To adjust the balance, push on the
TREBLE/BALANCE control knob
to get it to pop out. Pull it out slightly
farther, and adjust the side-to-side
sound to your liking. Push the knob
back in when you are done so you
cannot change the setting by
accidentally bumping it.
BASS/FADER
CONTROL
TREBLE/BALANCE
CONTROL
Treble/Bass Use these controls
to adjust the tone to your liking.
To adjust the Treble level, push on
the TREBLE/BALANCE control
knob to get it to pop out. Without
pulling it out farther, turn the knob
to adjust the treble level. Push the
knob back in when you are done so
you cannot change the setting by
accidentally bumping it.
To adjust the Bass level, push on the
BASS/FADER control knob to get it
to pop out. Without pulling it out
farther, turn the knob to adjust the
bass level. Push the knob back in
when you are done so you cannot
change the setting by accidentally
bumping it.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Audio System
Operating the CD Player
You operate the CD player with the
same controls used for the radio.
With the system on, insert the disc
into the CD slot. Push the disc in
halfway, the drive will pull it in the
rest of the way and begin to play.
The number of the track that is
playing is shown in the display.
You can also play 3-inch (8-cm) discs
without using an adapter ring. In all
cases, play only standard round discs.
Odd-shaped CDs may jam in the
drive or cause other problems.
When the system reaches the end of
the disc, it will return to the begin-
ning and play that disc again.
You can switch to the radio while a
CD is playing by pressing the AM or
FM button. Press the CD button to
return to playing the CD. The CD
will begin playing where it left off.
CONTINUED
Comfort and Convenience Features
CD SLOT
SKIP BUTTONS
RDM BUTTON
CD BUTTONREPEAT BUTTON
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Audio System
If you turn the system off while a CD
is playing, either with the PWR/VOL
knob or by turning off the ignition,
the disc will stay in the drive. When
you turn the system back on, the CD
will begin playing where it left off.
Press the eject button to remove the
disc from the drive.
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.
You can use the SKIP buttons while
a disc is playing to select passages
and change tracks.
To move rapidly within a track, press
and hold an appropriate SKIP button.
Press the button to move forward,
or the button to move backward.
Release the button when the system
reaches the point you want.
Each time you press the button
and release it, the system skips
forward to the beginning of the next
track. Press and release the
button to skip backward to the
beginning of the current track. Press
and release it again to skip to the
beginning of the previous track.
REPEAT To activate the Repeat
feature, press and release the Repeat
button. You will see REPEAT in the
display. The system continuously
replays the current track. Press the
Repeat button again to turn it off.
RANDOM PLAY This feature,
when activated, plays the tracks on
the CD in random order, rather than
in the order they are recorded on the
CD. To activate Random Play, press
the RDM button. You will see RDM
in the display. The system will then
select and play tracks randomly.
This continues until you deactivate
Random Play by pressing the RDM
button again.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Audio System
CD Player Error Indications
If you see an error indication in the
display while operating the CD
player, find the cause in the chart to
the right. If you cannot clear the
error indication, take the vehicle to
your Honda dealer.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Audio System
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 vehicle to
your Honda dealer.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Audio System
Operating the Cassette Player
The cassette system features Dolby
B* noise reduction, automatic
sensing of chromium-dioxide (CrO
2
)
tape, and autoreverse for continuous
play.
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.
* Dolby noise reduction manufactured under
license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing
Corpo-
ration. "DOLBY" and the double-D symbol
are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories
Licensing Corporation.
CONTINUED
Comfort and Convenience Features
FF BUTTON
PLAY
BUTTON
REW
BUTTON
DOLBY BUTTON
REPEAT BUTTON
PROG BUTTON
CD BUTTON
SKIP BUTTONS
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Audio System
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
the other side, press the PROG
button.
Dolby noise reduction turns on when
you insert a cassette. If the tape was
not recorded with Dolby 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 CD player
while a tape is playing, press the AM,
FM or CD button. To change back to
the cassette player, push the TAPE
button.
Tape Search Functions
With a cassette playing, you can use
the FF, REW, SKIP, or REPEAT
function to find a desired program.
FF/REW Fast Forward and Re-
wind move the tape rapidly. To re-
wind the tape, push the REW button.
You will see REW in the display. To
fast forward the tape, push the FF
button. You will see FF displayed.
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.
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Comfort and Convenience Features
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Audio System
SKIP The SKIP function allows
you to find the beginning of a song
or passage. To skip to the beginning
of a song or passage currently
playing, push the button. You will
see REW flashing in the display as
the tape rewinds. To skip to the
beginning of the next song, push the
button. You will see FF flashing in
the display as the tape fast forwards.
When the system finds the begin-
ning of a song or passage, it goes
back to PLAY.
REPEAT The Repeat function
continuously replays the current
song or passage. Press the REPEAT
button to activate it; you will see
REPEAT 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.
The SKIP 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.
Comfort and Convenience Features
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Before Driving
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 vehicle,
please read the information in this
section first.
Break-in Period.............................. 152
Gasoline.......................................... 152
Service Station Procedures .......... 153
Filling the Fuel Tank................. 153
Opening the Hood..................... 154
Oil Check................................ 155
Engine Coolant Check.......... 156
Fuel Economy................................ 157
Vehicle Condition...................... 157
Driving Habits............................ 157
Accessories and Modifications.... 158
Carrying Cargo.............................. 160
Before Driving
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Break-in Period, Gasoline
Break-in Period
Help assure your vehicle'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).
Do not change the oil until the
recommended time or mileage
interval shown in the maintenance
schedule.
You should follow these same re-
commendations with an overhauled
or exchanged engine, or when the
brakes are relined.
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 vehicle's emissions
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.
Before Driving
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Service Station Procedures
Filling the Fuel Tank
1. Because the fuel fill cap is on the
driver's side of the vehicle, 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.
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
nozzle
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 several
times. If you do not properly
tighten the cap, the Malfunction
Indicator Lamp may come on (see
page 283).
6. Push the fuel fill door closed until
it latches.
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.
Pull
FUEL FILL CAP
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Service Station Procedures
Opening the Hood
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.
2. Standing in front of the vehicle,
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.
If you can open the hood without
lifting the hood latch handle, or the
hood latch handle moves stiffly or
does not spring back as before, the
mechanism should be cleaned and
lubricated (see page 227).
Before Driving
HOOD RELEASE HANDLE
LATCH
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Service Station Procedures
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.
After closing the hood, make sure it
is securely latched.
Oil Check
Check the engine oil level every time
you fill the vehicle with fuel. Wait a
few minutes after turning the engine
off before you check the oil.
1. Remove the dipstick (orange
handle).
2. Wipe the dipstick with a clean
cloth or paper towel.
CONTINUED
Before Driving
DIPSTICK
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Service Station Procedures
3. Insert it all the way back in its tube.
UPPER MARK
4. Remove the dipstick again and
check the level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks.
If it is near or below the lower mark,
see
Adding Oil on page
211
.
Engine Coolant Check
MIN
Look at the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. Make sure it is
between the MAX and MIN lines. If
it is below the MIN line, see Adding
Engine Coolant on page 215 for
information on adding the proper
coolant.
Refer to Owner Maintenance
Checks on page 209 for information
on checking other items in your
Honda.
Before Driving
LOWER MARK
RESERVE TANK
MAX
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Fuel Economy
The condition of your vehicle and
your driving habits are the two most
important things that affect the fuel
mileage you get.
Vehicle Condition
Always maintain your vehicle accord-
ing to the maintenance schedule.
This will keep it in top operating
condition.
An important part of that mainte-
nance is the Owner Maintenance
Checks (see page 209). For
example, an underinflated tire
causes more "rolling resistance,"
which uses fuel. It also wears out
faster, so check the tire pressure at
least monthly.
In winter, the build-up of snow on
your vehicle's underside adds weight
and rolling resistance. Frequent
cleaning helps your fuel mileage and
reduces the chance of corrosion.
Driving Habits
You can improve fuel economy by
driving moderately. Rapid acceler-
ation, abrupt cornering, and hard
braking use more fuel.
Always drive in the highest gear that
allows the engine to run and acceler-
ate smoothly.
Depending on traffic conditions, try
to maintain a constant speed. Every
time you slow down and speed up,
your vehicle uses extra fuel. Use the
cruise control, when appropriate, to
increase fuel economy.
A cold engine uses more fuel than a
warm engine. It is not necessary to
"warm-up" a cold engine by letting it
idle for a long time. You can drive
away in about a minute, no matter
how cold it is outside. The engine
will warm up faster, and you get
better fuel economy. To cut down on
the number of "cold starts," try to
combine several short trips into one.
The air conditioning puts an extra
load on the engine which makes it
use more fuel. Turn off the A/C to
cut down on air conditioning use.
Use the flow-through ventilation
when the outside air temperature is
moderate.
Before Driving
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Accessories and Modifications
Modifying your vehicle, or installing
some non-Honda accessories, can
make your vehicle unsafe. Before
you make any modifications or add
any accessories, be sure to read the
following information.
Accessories
Your dealer has genuine Honda
accessories that allow you to
personalize your vehicle. These
accessories have been designed and
approved for your vehicle, and are
covered by warranty.
Non-Honda accessories are usually
designed for universal applications.
Although aftermarket accessories
may fit on your vehicle, they may not
meet factory specifications, and
could adversely affect your vehicle's
handling and stability. (See
"Modifications" on page 159 for
additional information.)
When properly installed, cellular
phones, alarms, two-way radios, and
low-powered audio systems should
not interfere with your vehicle's
computer-controlled systems, such
as the SRS and anti-lock brake
system.
However, if electronic accessories
are improperly installed, or exceed
your vehicle's electrical system
capacity, they can interfere with the
operation of your vehicle, or even
cause the airbags to deploy.
Before installing any accessory:
Make sure the accessory does not
obscure any lights, or interfere
with proper vehicle operation or
performance.
Be sure electronic accessories do
not overload electrical circuits
(see page 284).
Have the installer contact your
Honda dealer for assistance before
installing any electronic accessory.
If possible, have your dealer inspect
the final installation.
Before Driving
Improper accessories or
modifications can affect your
vehicle's handling, stability and
performance, and cause a
crash in which you can be hurt
or killed.
Follow all instructions in this
owner's manual regarding
accessories and modifications.
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Accessories and Modifications
Modifications
Do not remove any original
equipment or modify your vehicle in
any way that would alter its design or
operation. This could make your
vehicle unsafe and illegal to drive.
For example, do not make any
modifications that would change the
ride height of your vehicle, or install
wheels and tires with a different
overall diameter.
Such modifications can adversely
affect handling, and interfere with
the operation of the vehicle's anti-
lock brakes and other systems.
In addition, any modifications that
decrease ground clearance increase
the chance of undercarriage parts
striking a curb, speed bump, or other
raised object, which could cause
your airbags to deploy.
Do not modify your steering wheel
or any other part of your
Supplemental Restraint System.
Modifications could make the
system ineffective.
Additional Safety Precaution
Do not attach or place objects on the
airbag covers. Any object attached to
or placed on the covers marked "SRS
AIRBAG," in the center of the
steering wheel and on top of the
dashboard, could interfere with the
proper operation of the airbags. Or,
if the airbags inflate, the objects
could be propelled inside the vehicle
and hurt someone.
Before Driving
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Carrying Cargo
Your vehicle has several convenient
storage areas so you can stow cargo
safely.
The glove box, and the pockets in
the front doors and seat-backs, are
designed for small, lightweight items.
The cargo area is intended for larger,
heavier items. In addition, the back
seat can be folded down to allow you
to carry more cargo or longer items.
However, carrying too much cargo,
or improperly storing it, can affect
your vehicle's handling, stability and
operation and make it unsafe. Before
carrying any type of cargo, be sure to
read the following pages.
Before Driving
CARGO FLOOR POCKET
TAILGATE
POCKET
SEAT UNDER-BOX
DOOR POCKET
CARGO AREA
CENTER POCKET
GLOVE BOX
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Carrying Cargo
Load Limit
The maximum load for your vehicle
is 850 Ibs (395 kg).
This figure includes the total weight
of all occupants, cargo, accessories,
and the tongue weight if you are
towing a trailer.
To figure out how much cargo you
can carry:
Add up the weight of all occupants.
If you are towing a trailer, add the
tongue weight to the number
above.
Subtract the total from 850 Ibs
(395kg).
The final number is the total weight
of cargo you can carry.
Carrying Items in the Passenger
Compartment
Store or secure all items that could
be thrown around and hurt
someone during a crash.
Be sure items placed on the floor
behind the front seats cannot roll
under the seats and interfere with
the driver's ability to operate the
pedals, or with the proper
operation of the seats.
Keep the glove box closed while
driving. If the lid is open, a
passenger could injure their knees
during a crash or sudden stop.
Before Driving
Overloading or improper
loading can affect handling and
stability and cause a crash in
which you can be hurt or killed.
Follow all load limits and other
loading guidelines in this
manual.
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Carrying Cargo
Carrying Cargo in the Cargo Area
or on a Roof Rack
Distribute cargo evenly on the
floor of the cargo area, placing the
heaviest items on the bottom and
as far forward as possible. Tie
down items that could be thrown
about the vehicle during a crash or
sudden stop.
If you carry large items that
prevent you from closing the
tailgate, exhaust gas can enter the
passenger area. To avoid the
possibility of carbon monoxide
poisoning, follow the instructions
on page 49.
If you can carry any items on a
roof rack, be sure the total weight
of the rack and the items does not
exceed the maximum allowable
weight. Please contact your Honda
dealer for further information.
Before Driving
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Driving
This section gives you tips on
starting the engine under various
conditions, and how to operate the
5-speed manual and automatic
transmissions. It also includes
important information on parking
your vehicle, the braking system,
and facts you need if you are plan-
ning to tow a trailer or drive off-
highway.
Driving Guidelines......................... 164
Preparing to Drive......................... 165
Starting the Engine........................ 166
Starting in Cold Weather
at High Altitude ..................... 167
5-speed Manual Transmission..... 168
Recommended Shift Points...... 169
Engine Speed Limiter............... 169
Automatic Transmission............... 170
Shift Lever Position Indicator.. 170
Shift Lever Positions................. 170
Engine Speed Limiter ............... 173
Shift Lock Release..................... 174
Parking............................................ 175
The Braking System...................... 176
Brake Wear Indicators.............. 176
Brake System Design................ 177
Anti-lock Brakes........................ 177
Important Safety
Reminders.......................... 178
ABS Indicator......................... 179
Driving in Bad Weather................ 180
Towing a Trailer............................ 182
Towing Your Vehicle Behind a
Motorhome................................. 189
Off-Highway Guidelines............... 191
General Information.................. 191
Important Safety
Precautions............................. 192
Driving Tips................................ 193
Driving
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Driving Guidelines
Your CR-V has higher ground
clearance than a passenger vehicle
designed only for use on pavement.
Higher ground clearance has many
advantages for off-highway driving.
It allows you to travel over bumps
and unpaved roads. 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
that your vehicle can tip or roll over
if you make abrupt turns. Utility
vehicles have a significantly higher
rollover rate than other types of
vehicles.
To prevent the risk of rollover or
loss of control:
Take corners at slower speeds
than you would with a passenger
vehicle.
Avoid sharp turns and abrupt
maneuvers whenever possible.
Do not modify your vehicle in any
way that would raise the center of
gravity.
Do not carry heavy cargo on the
roof.
Four-wheel Drive Models
Your CR-V is equipped with a unique
four-wheel drive (4WD) system.
Normally, power is delivered only to
the front wheels. When the system
senses a loss of front-wheel traction,
it automatically transfers some
power to the rear wheels. This gives
you better traction and mobility.
While this system can provide
increased traction on slippery
surfaces, you still need to exercise
the same care when accelerating,
steering, and braking that you would
in a two-wheel drive vehicle.
See page 191 for additional guidelines
for driving off-highway.
Driving
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Preparing to Drive
You should do the following checks
and adjustments every day before
you drive your vehicle.
1. Make sure all windows, mirrors,
and outside lights are clean and
unobstructed. Remove frost, snow,
or ice.
2. Check that the hood and tailgate
are fully closed.
3. Visually check the tires. If a tire
looks low, use a gauge to check its
pressure.
4. Check that any items you may be
carrying with you inside are stored
properly or fastened down
securely.
5. Check the adjustment of the seat
(see page 77).
6. Check the adjustment of the
inside and outside mirrors (see
page 85).
7. Check the adjustment of the
steering wheel (see page 64).
8. Make sure the doors are securely
closed and locked.
9. Fasten your seat belt. Check that
your passengers have fastened
their seat belts (see page 15).
10.Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
Check the indicator lights in the
instrument panel.
11.Start the engine (see page 166).
12.Check the gauges and indicator
lights in the instrument panel (see
page 53).
Driving
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Starting the Engine
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. In cold weather, turn off all
electrical accessories to reduce
the drain on the battery.
3. Manual Transmission:
Push the clutch pedal down all the
way. START (III) does not
function unless the clutch pedal is
depressed.
Automatic Transmission:
Make sure the shift lever is in
Park. Press on the brake pedal.
4. Without touching the accelerator
pedal, turn the ignition key to the
START (III) position. If the engine
does not start right away, do not
hold the key in START (III) for
more than 15 seconds at a time.
Pause for at least 10 seconds
before trying again.
5. If the engine does not start within
15 seconds, or starts but stalls
right away, repeat step 4 with the
accelerator pedal pressed half-way
down. If the engine starts, release
pressure on the accelerator pedal
so the engine does not race.
6. If the engine still does not start,
press the accelerator pedal all the
way down and hold it there while
starting in order to clear flooding.
As before, keep the ignition key in
the START (III) position for no
more than 15 seconds. Return to
step 5 if the engine does not start.
If it starts, lift your foot off the
accelerator pedal so the engine
does not race.
Driving
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Starting the Engine
Starting in Cold Weather at High
Altitude (Above 8,000 feet/
2,400 meters)
An engine is harder to start in cold
weather. The thinner air found at
high altitude above 8,000 feet (2,400
meters) adds to the problem.
Use the following procedure:
1. Turn off all electrical accessories
to reduce the drain on the battery.
2. Push the accelerator pedal half-
way to the floor and hold it there
while starting the engine. Do not
hold the ignition key in START
(III) for more than 15 seconds.
When the engine starts, release
the accelerator pedal gradually as
the engine speeds up and smooths
out.
3. If the engine fails to start in step 2,
push the accelerator pedal to the
floor and hold it there while you
try to start the engine for no more
than 15 seconds. If the engine
does not start, return to step 2.
Driving
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5-speed Manual Transmission
The manual transmission is syn-
chronized in all forward gears for
smooth operation. It has a lockout so
you cannot shift directly from Fifth
to Reverse. When shifting up or
down, make sure you push the clutch
pedal down all the way, shift to the
next gear, and let the pedal up
gradually. When you are not shifting,
do not rest your foot on the clutch
pedal. This can cause your clutch to
wear out faster.
Come to a full stop before you shift
into Reverse. You can damage the
transmission by trying to shift into
Reverse with the vehicle moving.
Push down the clutch pedal, and
pause for a few seconds before
shifting into Reverse, or shift into
one of the forward gears for a
moment. This stops the gears so
they won't "grind."
When slowing down, you can get
extra braking from the engine by
shifting to a lower gear. This extra
braking can help you maintain a safe
speed and prevent your brakes from
overheating while going down a
steep hill. Before downshifting,
make sure engine speed will not go
into the tachometer's red zone in the
lower gear.
Driving
Rapid slowing or speeding-up
can cause loss of control on
slippery surfaces. If you crash,
you can be injured.
Use extra care when driving on
slippery surfaces.
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5-speed Manual Transmission
Recommended Shift Points
Drive in the highest gear that lets
the engine run and accelerate
smoothly. This will give you the best
fuel economy and effective emis-
sions control. The following shift
points are recommended:
Engine Speed Limiter
If you exceed the maximum speed
for the gear you are in, the engine
speed will enter into the tachometer's
red zone. If this occurs, you may feel
the engine cut in and out. This is
caused by a limiter in the engine's
computer controls. The engine will
run normally when you reduce the
RPM below the red zone.
Before downshifting, make sure the
engine will not go into the
tachometer's red zone.
Driving
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Automatic Transmission
Your Honda's transmission has four
forward speeds, and is electronically
controlled for smoother shifting. It
also has a "lock-up" torque converter
for better fuel economy. You may
feel what seems like another shift
when the converter locks.
Shift Lever Position Indicator
This indicator on the instrument
panel shows which position the shift
lever is in.
The "D" indicator comes on for a
few seconds when you turn the
ignition switch ON (II). It it flashes
while driving (in any shift position),
it indicates a possible problem in the
transmission. Avoid rapid accelera-
tion and have the transmission
checked by an authorized Honda
dealer as soon as possible.
Shift Lever Positions
SHIFT LEVER
The shift lever has six positions. It
must be in Park or Neutral to start
the engine. When you are stopped in
D, 2,1, N or R, press firmly on the
brake pedal, and keep your foot off
the accelerator pedal.
Driving
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Automatic Transmission
Park (P) This position mechani-
cally locks the transmission. Use
Park whenever you are turning off or
starting the engine. To shift out of
Park, you must press on the brake
pedal and have your foot off the
accelerator pedal. Pull the shift lever
towards you, then move it out of
Park.
If you have clone all of the above and
still cannot move the lever out of
Park, see Shift Lock Release on page
162.
You must also pull the shift lever
towards you to shift into Park. To
avoid transmission damage, come to
a complete stop before shifting into
Park. The shift lever must be in Park
before you can remove the key from
the ignition switch.
Driving
CONTINUED
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Automatic Transmission
Reverse (R) To shift to Reverse
from Park, see the explanation under
Park. To shift to Reverse from
Neutral, come to a complete stop and
then shift. Pull the shift lever
towards you before shifting into
Reverse from Neutral.
Neutral (N) Use Neutral if you
need to restart a stalled engine, or if
it is necessary to stop briefly with
the engine idling. Shift to Park posi-
tion if you need to leave the vehicle
for any reason. Press on the brake pe-
dal when you are moving the shift
lever from Neutral to another gear.
Drive (D) Use this position for
your normal driving. The transmis-
sion automatically selects a suitable
gear for your speed and acceleration.
You may notice the transmission
shifting up at higher speeds when
the engine is cold. This helps the
engine warm up faster.
For faster acceleration, you can get
the transmission to automatically
downshift by pushing the accelerator
pedal to the floor. The transmission
will shift down one or two gears,
depending on your speed.
Over-Drive (O/D) Mode
The Over-Drive (O/D) is on
whenever you turn the ignition ON
(II). You can turn it off by pressing
the O/D switch on the edge of the
shift lever. The O/D OFF indicator
on the instrument panel next to the
shift lever position indicator will
come on.
Driving
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Automatic Transmission
When the Over-Drive is off the
transmission selects only the first
three gears, but not the fourth. Turn
the O/D off to provide engine
braking when going down a steep hill.
You can also avoid the transmission
from cycling between third and
fourth gears in stop-and-go driving.
Second (2) To shift to Second,
pull the shift lever towards you, then
shift to the lower gear. This position
locks the transmission in second
gear. It does not downshift to first
gear when you come to a stop.
Second gives you more power when
climbing, and increased engine
braking when going down steep hills.
Use second gear when starting out
on a slippery surface or in deep snow.
It will help reduce wheelspin.
First (1) To shift from Second to
First, pull the shift lever towards you,
then shift to the lower gear. With the
lever in this position, the transmis-
sion locks in First gear. By upshift-
ing and downshifting through 1, 2, D,
you can operate this transmission
much like a manual transmission
without a clutch pedal.
Engine Speed Limiter
If you exceed the maximum speed
for the gear you are in, the engine
speed will enter into the tachometer's
red zone. If this occurs, you may feel
the engine cut in and out. This is
caused by a limiter in the engine's
computer controls. The engine will
run normally when you reduce the
RPM below the red zone.
Driving
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Automatic Transmission
Shift Lock Release
This allows you to move the shift
lever out of Park if the normal
method of pushing on the brake
pedal and pulling the shift lever does
not work.
1. Set the Parking brake.
2. Remove the key from the ignition
switch.
3. Place a cloth on the edge of the
shift lock release slot cover on the
steering column. Remove the
cover by carefully prying on the
edge with a small flat-tipped
screwdriver (not included in the
tool kit).
4. Insert the key in the Shift Lock
Release slot on the steering
column.
5. Push down on the key while you
pull the shift lever towards you
and move it out of Park to Neutral.
SHIFT LOCK RELEASE SLOT
6. Remove the key from the Shift
Lock Release slot, then reinstall
the cover.
Depress the brake pedal and
restart the engine.
If you need to use the Shift Lock
Release, it means your vehicle is
developing a problem. Have the
vehicle checked by your Honda
dealer.
Driving
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Parking
Always use the parking brake when
you park your vehicle. The indicator
on the instrument panel shows that
the parking brake is not fully
released; it does not indicate that the
parking brake is firmly set. Make
sure the parking brake is set firmly
or your vehicle may roll if it is
parked on an incline.
If your vehicle has an automatic
transmission, set the parking brake
before you put the transmission in
Park. This keeps the vehicle from
moving and putting pressure on the
parking mechanism in the
transmission making it easier to
move the shift lever out of Park
when you want to drive away.
If the vehicle is facing uphill, turn
the front wheels away from the curb.
If you have a manual transmission,
put it in first gear.
If the vehicle is facing downhill, turn
the front wheels toward the curb. If
you have a manual transmission, put
it in reverse gear.
Make sure the parking brake is fully
released before driving away.
Driving with the parking brake
partially set can overheat or damage
the rear brakes.
Parking Tips
Make sure the windows are closed.
Turn off the lights.
Place any packages, valuables, etc.,
in the cargo area or take them
with you.
Lock the doors.
Never park over dry leaves, tall
grass, or other flammable
materials. The three way catalytic
converter gets very hot, and could
cause these materials to catch on
fire.
Driving
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The Braking System
Your Honda is equipped with front
disc brakes. The brakes on the rear
wheels are drum. The braking
system is power-assisted to reduce
the effort needed on the brake pedal.
Put your foot on the brake pedal only
when you intend to brake. Resting
your foot on the pedal keeps the
brakes applied lightly, causing them
to build up heat. Heat build-up can
reduce how well your brakes work. It
also keeps your brake lights on all
the time, confusing drivers behind
you.
Constant application of the brakes
when going clown a long hill builds
up heat and reduces their effective-
ness. Use the engine to assist the
brakes by downshifting to a lower
gear and taking your foot off the
accelerator pedal.
Check your brakes after driving
through deep water. Apply the
brakes moderately to see if they feel
normal. If not, apply them gently and
frequently until they do. Since a
longer distance is needed to stop
with wet brakes, be extra cautious
and alert in your driving.
Brake Wear Indicators
The front disc brakes on all vehicles
have audible brake wear indicators.
When the brake pads need replacing,
you will hear a distinctive metallic
"screeching" sound when you apply
the brakes. If you do not have the
brake pads replaced, they will begin
screeching all the time.
Your brakes may sometimes squeal
or squeak when you apply them
lightly. Do not confuse this with the
brake wear indicators. They make a
very audible "screeching."
Driving
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The Braking System
Brake System Design
The hydraulic system that operates
the brakes has two separate circuits.
Each circuit works diagonally across
the vehicle (the left-front brake is
connected with the right-rear brake,
etc.). If one circuit should develop a
problem, you will still have braking
at two wheels.
Anti-lock Brakes
U.S. EX, Canadian LX and EX models,
and SE models
ABS helps to prevent the wheels
from locking up and skidding during
hard braking, allowing you to retain
steering control.
When the front tires skid, you lose
steering control; the vehicle
continues straight ahead even
though you turn the steering wheel.
The ABS helps to prevent lock-up
and helps you retain steering control
by pumping the brakes rapidly; much
faster than a person can do it.
CONTINUED
Driving
Front
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The Braking System
You should never pump the
brake pedal, this defeats the
purpose of the ABS. Let the ABS
work for you by always keeping firm,
steady pressure on the brake pedal
as you steer away from the hazard.
This is sometimes referred to as
"stomp and steer."
You will feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal when the ABS activates, and
you may hear some noise. This is
normal, it is the ABS rapidly
pumping the brakes.
Activation varies with the amount of
traction your tires have. On dry
pavement, you will need to press on
the brake pedal very hard before you
activate the ABS. However, you may
feel the ABS activate immediately if
you are trying to stop on snow or ice.
Important Safety Reminders
ABS does not reduce the time or
distance it takes to stop the
vehicle, it only helps with steering
control during braking. You should
always maintain a safe following
distance from other vehicles.
ABS will not prevent a skid that
results from changing direction
abruptly, such as trying to take a
corner too fast or making a sudden
lane change. Always drive at a safe,
prudent speed for the road and
weather conditions.
ABS cannot prevent a loss of
stability. Always steer moderately
when you are braking hard. Severe
or sharp steering wheel movement
can still cause your vehicle to veer
into oncoming traffic or off the road.
A vehicle with ABS may require a
longer distance to stop on loose or
uneven surfaces, such as gravel or
snow, than a vehicle without anti-
lock. Slow down and allow a greater
distance between vehicles under
those conditions.
Driving
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The Braking System
Driving
ABS Indicator
ABS INDICATOR*
The ABS is self-checking. If anything
goes wrong, the ABS indicator on
the instrument panel comes on (see
page 55). This means the anti-lock
function of the braking system has
shut down. The brakes still work like
a conventional system without anti-
lock, providing normal stopping
ability. You should have the dealer
inspect your car as soon as possible.
*U.S. indicator shown
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Driving in Bad Weather
Rain, fog, and snow conditions re-
quire a different driving technique
because of reduced traction and
visibility. Keep your vehicle well-
maintained and exercise greater
caution when you need to drive in
bad weather. The cruise control
should not be used in these condi-
tions.
Driving Technique Always drive
slower than you would in dry
weather. It takes your vehicle longer
to react, even in conditions that may
seem just barely damp. Apply
smooth, even pressure to all the
controls. Abrupt steering wheel
movements or sudden, hard appli-
cation of the brakes can cause loss of
control in wet weather. Be extra
cautious for the first few miles
(kilometers) of driving while you
adjust to the change in driving
conditions. This is especially true in
snow. A person can forget some
snow-driving techniques during the
summer months. Practice is needed
to relearn those skills.
Exercise extra caution when driving
in rain after a long dry spell. After
months of dry weather, the first
rains bring oil to the surface of the
roadway, making it slippery.
Visibility Being able to see
clearly in all directions and being
visible to other drivers are important
in all weather conditions. This is
more difficult in bad weather. To be
seen more clearly during daylight
hours, turn on your headlights.
Inspect your windshield wipers and
washers frequently. Keep the wind-
shield washer reservoir full of the
proper fluid. Have the windshield
wiper blades replaced if they start to
streak the windshield or leave parts
unwiped. Use the defrosters and air
conditioning to keep the windows
from fogging up on the inside (see
page 103).
Driving
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Driving in Bad Weather
Traction Check your tires
frequently for wear and proper
pressure. Both are important in
preventing "hydroplaning" (loss of
traction on a wet surface). In the
winter, mount snow tires on all four
wheels for the best handling.
Watch road conditions carefully,
they can change from moment to
moment. Wet leaves can be as slip-
pery as ice. "Clear" roads can have
patches of ice. Driving conditions
can be very hazardous when the
outside temperature is near freezing.
The road surface can become
covered with areas of water puddles
mixed with areas of ice, so your
traction can change without warning.
Be careful when downshifting. If
traction is low, you can lock up the
drive wheels for a moment and cause
a skid.
Be very cautious when passing, or
being passed by other vehicles. The
spray from large vehicles reduces
your visibility, and the wind buffeting
can cause you to lose control.
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Towing a Trailer
Your Honda has been designed
primarily to carry passengers and
their cargo. You can use it to tow a
trailer if you carefully observe the
load limits, use the proper equipment,
and follow the guidelines in this
section.
Load Limits
Total Trailer Weight: The total
weight of the trailer and
everything loaded in it must not
exceed 1,000Ibs (450kg).Towing
a load that is too heavy can
seriously affect your vehicle's
handling and performance. It can
also damage the engine and
drivetrain.
Tongue Load: The weight that
the tongue of a fully-loaded trailer
puts on the hitch should be
approximately 10 percent of the
trailer weight. Too little tongue
load can make the trailer unstable
and cause it to sway. Too much
tongue load reduces front-tire
traction and steering control.
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Towing a Trailer
To achieve a proper tongue load,
start by loading 60 percent of the
load toward the front of the trailer
and 40 percent toward the rear, then
re-adjust the load as needed.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR):
The total weight of the vehicle, all
occupants, all cargo, and the
tongue load must not exceed:
4,165 Ibs (1,900 kg)
Gross Axle Weight Rating
(GAWR):
The total weight of the vehicle, all
occupants, all cargo, and the
tongue load must not exceed:
2,030 Ibs (930 kg)
on the front axle
2,155 Ibs (990 kg)
on the rear axle
Driving
Exceeding load limits or
improperly loading your vehicle
and trailer can cause a crash in
which you can be seriously
injured or killed.
Check the loading of your
vehicle and trailer carefully
before starting to drive.
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Towing a Trailer
Checking Loads
The best way to confirm that vehicle
and trailer weights are within limits
is to have them checked at a public
scale.
Using a suitable scale or a special
tongue load gauge, check the tongue
load the first time you set up a
towing combination (a fully-loaded
vehicle and trailer), then recheck the
tongue load whenever the conditions
change.
Towing Equipment and
Accessories
Towing can require a variety of
equipment, depending on the size of
your trailer, how it will be used, and
how much load you are towing.
Discuss your needs with your trailer
sales or rental agency, and follow the
guidelines in the rest of this section.
Also make sure that all equipment is
properly installed and that it meets
federal, state, province, and local
regulations.
Hitches
Any hitch used on your vehicle must
be properly bolted to the underbody.
Safety Chains
Always use safety chains. Make sure
they are secured to both the trailer
and hitch, and that they cross under
the tongue so they can catch the
trailer if it becomes unhitched.
Leave enough slack to allow the
trailer to turn corners easily, but do
not let the chains drag on the ground.
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Towing a Trailer
Trailer Brakes
Honda recommends that any trailer
having a total weight of 1,000 Ibs
(450 kg) or more be equipped with
its own electric or surge-type brakes.
If you choose electric brakes, be
sure they are electronically actuated.
Do not attempt to tap into your
vehicle's hydraulic system. No
matter how successful it may seem,
any attempt to attach trailer brakes
to your vehicle's hydraulic system
will lower braking effectiveness and
create a potential hazard.
Trailer Lights
Your vehicle has a trailer lighting
connector located behind the left
side panel in the cargo area. Refer to
the drawing above for the wiring
color code and purpose of each pin.
If you use a converter, you can get
the connector and pins that mate
with the connector in your vehicle
from your Honda dealer.
Since lighting and wiring vary in
trailer type and brand, you should
also have a qualified mechanic install
a suitable connector between the
vehicle and the trailer.
Driving
GROUND
(BLACK)
BACK-UP LIGHT
(GREEN/BLACK)
LEFT TURN SIGNAL
(GREEN/RED)
RIGHT TURN SIGNAL
(GREEN/YELLOW)
BRAKE LIGHT
(GREEN/WHITE)
TAILLIGHT
(RED/GREEN)
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Towing a Trailer
Additional Trailer Equipment
Many states and Canadian provinces
require special outside mirrors when
towing a trailer. Even if they don't,
you should install special mirrors if
you cannot clearly see behind you, or
if the trailer creates a blind spot.
Ask your trailer sales or rental
agency if any other items are
recommended or required for your
towing situation.
Pre-Tow Checklist
When preparing to tow, and before
driving away, be sure to check the
following:
The vehicle has been properly
serviced, and the tires, brakes,
suspension, and cooling system
are in good operating condition.
All weights and loads are within
limits (see pages 182 and 183).
The hitch, safety chains, and any
other attachments are secure.
All items on and in the trailer are
properly secured and cannot shift
while you drive.
The lights and brakes on your
vehicle and the trailer are working
properly.
Your vehicle tires and spare are
properly inflated (see page 235),
and the trailer tires and spare are
inflated as recommended by the
trailer maker.
Driving
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Towing a Trailer
Driving Safely With a Trailer
The added weight, length, and
height of a trailer will affect your
vehicle's handling and performance,
so driving with a trailer requires
some special driving skills and
techniques.
For your safety and the safety of
others, take time to practice driving
maneuvers before heading for the
open road, and follow the guidelines
discussed below.
Towing Speeds and Gears
Drive slower than normal in all
driving situations, and obey posted
speed limits for vehicles with trailers.
If you have an automatic
transmission, use the Over-Drive
(O/D) mode when towing a trailer
on level roads. Turn off the Over-
Drive (O/D) mode when towing a
trailer in hilly terrain (see page 152).
(See "Driving on Hills" in the next
column for additional gear
information.)
Making Turns and Braking
Make turns more slowly and wider
than normal. The trailer tracks a
smaller arc than your vehicle, and it
can hit or run over something the
vehicle misses. Allow more time and
distance for braking. Do not brake or
turn suddenly as this could cause the
trailer to jackknife or turn over.
Driving on Hills
When climbing hills, closely watch
your temperature gauge. If it nears
the red mark, turn the air
conditioning off, reduce speed and, if
necessary, pull to the side of the
road to let the engine cool.
If the automatic transmission shifts
frequently between 3rd and 4th
gears while going up a hill, turn off
the Over-Drive (O/D) mode (see
page 172).
If you must stop when facing uphill,
use the foot brake or parking brake.
Do not try to hold the vehicle in
place by pressing on the accelerator,
as this can cause the automatic
transmission to overheat.
When driving down hills, reduce
your speed and shift down to 2nd
gear. Do not "ride" the brakes, and
remember it will take longer to slow
down and stop when towing a trailer.
CONTINUED
Driving
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Towing a Trailer
Handling Crosswinds and Buffeting
Crosswinds and air turbulence
caused by passing trucks can disrupt
your steering and cause trailer
swaying. When being passed by a
large vehicle, keep a constant speed
and steer straight ahead. Do not try
to make quick steering or braking
corrections.
Backing Up
Always drive slowly and have
someone guide you when backing up.
Grip the bottom of the steering
wheel; then turn the wheel to the left
to get the trailer to move to the left,
and turn the wheel right to move the
trailer to the right.
Parking
Follow all normal precautions when
parking, including firmly setting the
parking brake and putting the
transmission in Park (automatic) or
in 1st or Reverse (manual). Also,
place wheel chocks at each of the
trailer's tires.
Driving
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Towing Your Vehicle Behind a Motorhome
Your CR-V can be towed behind a
motorhome at legal highway speeds
up to 65 mph (100 km/h). To avoid
damage to the 4WD system it must
be "flat towed" with all four wheels
on the ground.
When purchasing a tow bar, make
sure you select a reputable
manufacturer and installer. Follow
the manufacturer's attachment
instructions carefully.
After attaching the tow bar to your
motorhome, do the following to
prepare your CR-V for "flat towing":
5-speed Manual Transmission
When preparing to tow your CR-V,
make sure the transmission is
filled to the correct level (see page
222). Do not overfill.
Release the parking brake.
Shift the transmission to Neutral.
Leave the key in the ignition
switch and the ignition switch in
ACCESSORY (I) so the steering
wheel does not lock. Make sure
the radio and any items plugged
into the accessory power sockets
are turned off so you do not run
down the battery.
Automatic Transmission
When preparing to tow your CR-V,
make sure the transmission is full of
fluid. Maintaining the correct level is
very important. Do not overfill. Do
the following every day immediately
before you begin towing. Follow the
procedure exactly. Otherwise, severe
automatic transmission damage will
occur.
CONTINUED
Driving
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Towing Your Vehicle Behind a Motorhome
Start the engine.
Press on the brake pedal. Shift the
lever through all the positions (P,
R, N, D, 2,1)
Shift to D, then to N. Let the
engine run for three minutes, then
turn off the engine.
Release the parking brake.
Leave the ignition switch in
ACCESSORY (I) so the steering-
wheel does not lock. Make sure
the radio and any items plugged
into the accessory power sockets
are turned off so you do not run
down the battery.
Extended Towing
If you tow more than 8 hours in one
day, repeat the above procedure at
least every 8 hours, (when you stop
for fuel, etc.)
The steering system can be damaged if
the steering wheel is locked. Leave the
ignition switch in Accessory (I), and
make sure the steering wheel turns
freelv before you begin towing.
Failure to follow the above instructions
exactly will result in severe automatic
transmission damage. If vou cannot
shift the transmission or start the
engine, your vehicle must be
transported on a flat-bed truck or
trailer.
Severe automatic transmission damage
will occur if the vehicle is shifted from
reverse to neutral and then towed with
the drive wheels on the ground.
If you tow a CR-V with an automatic
transmission, the transmission fluid
must be changed every two years or
30,000 miles (50,000 km), whichever
comes first.
Driving
NOTICE
NOTICE
NOTICE
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Off-Highway Guidelines
General Information
Your CR-V has been designed
primarily for use on pavement. But
its higher ground clearance allows
you to occasionally travel on unpaved
roads, to campgrounds, picnic sites,
and similar locations. It is not
designed for trailblazing, mountain
climbing, or other challenging off-
road activities.
If you decide to drive on unpaved
roads, you will find that it requires
somewhat different driving skills.
Your CR-V will also handle
somewhat differently than it does on
pavement. So be sure to read this
owner's manual, pay special attention
to the precautions and tips in this
section, and get acquainted with
your vehicle before you leave the
pavement.
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Off-Highway Guidelines
Important Safety Precautions
Remember that your CR-V has
higher ground clearance and a
higher center of gravity than
passenger vehicles designed for use
only on pavement. This means your
vehicle can more easily tip or roll
over if you make abrupt turns or
drive on slopes.
Utility vehicles have a significantly
higher rollover rate than other types
of vehicles. To avoid loss of control
or rollover, be sure to follow all
recommendations and precautions
on page 164 and in this section.
Seat belts are just as important off-
road as on paved roads. Wherever
you drive, make sure you and your
passengers always wear seat belts. If
children or infants are along for the
ride, see that they are properly
secured. In a rollover crash, an
unbelted person is more likely to die
than a person wearing a seat belt.
On many unpaved roads, you won't
find lane markers, traffic signals, or
signs to warn you of possible trouble
ahead. It's up to you to continually
assess the situation and drive within
limits.
The route presents limits (some
roads are too steep and bumpy for
example). You have limits (in driving
skills and comfort). And your vehicle
also has limits (traction, stability, and
power, for instance).
Driving off-highway can be
hazardous if you fail to recognize
limits and take proper precautions.
For example, you can have an
accident or rollover during
maneuvers such as turning, driving
on hills, or over large obstacles.
Be sure to store cargo properly, and
do not exceed your CR-V's cargo or
trailer load limits (see pages 161 and
182).
Driving
Improperly operating this
vehicle on or off-pavement can
cause an accident or rollover in
which you and your passengers
could be seriously injured or
killed.
Follow all instructions and
guidelines in the owner's
manual.
Keep your speed low and
don't drive faster than
conditions permit.
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Off-Highway Guidelines
Driving Tips
The following pages contain practical
tips on basic off-highway operation.
Check Out Your Vehicle
Driving off-highway can be hard on a
vehicle. Before you leave the
pavement, be sure all scheduled
maintenance and service has been
done, and that you have inspected
your vehicle. Pay special attention to
the condition of the tires, and use a
gauge to check the tire pressures.
After you return to the pavement,
carefully inspect your vehicle to
make sure there is no damage that
could make driving it unsafe. Check
the tires for damage and for proper
pressure.
Controlling Speed
Off-highway, the general rule is to
keep your speed low. Of course,
you'll need enough speed to keep
moving forward. But at higher
speeds, you have less time to assess
conditions and make good decisions.
There's also a greater chance of
sliding if you brake or turn too
quickly on wet soil, gravel, or ice. In
any situation, never go faster than
conditions allow.
Accelerating and Braking
For better traction on all surfaces,
accelerate slowly and gradually build
up speed. If you try to start too fast
on wet soil, mud, snow, or ice, you
might not have enough traction to
get underway. You may even dig
yourself into a hole.
Generally, the best off-pavement
braking technique is to gently
depress the brake pedal, then
increase pressure as more braking is
needed. Avoid hard braking. Keep in
mind that you will usually need more
time and distance to brake to a stop
on unpaved surfaces.
Test your brakes from time to time
to make sure they are operating
properly. This will also give you a
feel for how much traction you have
on a given surface.
CONTINUED
Driving
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Off-Highway Guidelines
Turning
Off-highway, the basic turning
technique is to drive at low speed
and gradually adjust the amount of
steering to suit the surface.
You should have no problem making
sharp turns at low speed on level
ground. But never make an abrupt
turn at higher speeds, on or off
pavement. With a higher center of
gravity, your vehicle can more easily
tip or roll over.
Driving on Slopes
Before driving up or down a hill, stop
and assess the situation. If you can't
clearly see all road conditions (good
traction, no bumps, holes or other
obstacles, a safe way out, etc.) walk
the slope before you drive on it. If
you have any doubt about whether
you can safely drive on the slope,
don't do it. Find another route.
If you are driving up a hill and find
that you cannot continue (because of
the steepness, a large obstacle, etc.),
do not try to turn around. Your vehicle
could roll over. Slowly back down the
hill, following the same route you
took up the hill.
Avoiding Obstacles
Bumps, holes, rocks, and other
obstacles can be hazardous. Debris
in the road can damage your
suspension or other components.
Even small rocks can cut your tires.
More important, because your
vehicle has a high center of gravity,
driving over a large obstacle, or
allowing a wheel to drop into a deep
hole, can cause your vehicle to tip or
roll over.
Drive slow enough to observe
obstacles ahead and maneuver
around them. If you can't avoid a
serious obstacle, turn around and
look for a better route.
Driving
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Off-Highway Guidelines
If You Encounter Water
Avoid driving through deep water. If
you encounter water in your route (a
small stream or large puddle, for
example), evaluate it carefully before
going ahead. Make sure it is shallow,
flowing slowly, and has firm ground
underneath. If you are not sure of
the depth or the ground, turn around
and find another route.
Driving through deep water can also
damage your vehicle. The water can
get into the transmission and
differential, diluting the lubricant
and causing an eventual failure. It
can also wash the grease out of the
wheel bearings.
If You Get Stuck
Avoid driving on soft sand, deep mud,
or other surfaces where you could
get stuck. If you do happen to get
stuck because of inclement weather
or other conditions, choose a safe
and appropriate course of action.
You should never use a jack to try
getting unstuck. A jack only works
on firm, level ground. Also, your
vehicle could easily slip off the jack
and hurt you or someone else.
4-Wheel Drive Vehicles
If you spin the wheels excessively
trying to get unstuck, you may
overheat the components of the
4-wheel drive system. If this happens,
the 4-wheel drive system shuts off
and only the front wheels receive
power. If this happens, stop and
allow everything to cool clown. The
4-wheel drive system will work again
after its temperature drops.
If you slip the clutch for a long time
while trying to get unstuck, you may
overheat and damage it.
Driving
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196
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Maintenance
This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and to follow basic
maintenance safety precautions.
This section also includes
Maintenance Schedules for normal
driving and severe driving conditions,
a Maintenance Record, and instruc-
tions for simple maintenance tasks
you may want to take care of
yourself.
If you have the skills and tools to per-
form more complex maintenance
tasks on your Honda, you may want
to purchase the Service Manual. See
page 309 for information on how to
obtain a copy, or see your Honda
dealer.
Maintenance Safety....................... 198
Important Safety Precautions.. 199
Maintenance Schedule.................. 200
Required Maintenance Record.... 207
Owner Maintenance Checks........ 209
Fluid Locations............................... 210
Engine Oil....................................... 211
Adding Oil................................... 211
Recommended Oil..................... 211
Synthetic Oil............................... 212
Additives..................................... 212
Changing the Oil and Filter...... 213
Cooling System.............................. 215
Adding Engine Coolant............. 215
Replacing Engine Coolant........ 217
Windshield Washers..................... 220
Transmission Fluid........................ 221
Automatic Transmission........... 221
5-speed Manual
Transmission.......................... 222
Rear Differential Fluid.................. 223
Brake and Clutch Fluid................. 224
Brake System............................. 224
Clutch System............................ 225
Power Steering............................... 225
Air Cleaner Element...................... 226
Hood Latch..................................... 227
Spark Plugs..................................... 227
Replacement............................... 227
Specifications............................. 228
Battery............................................ 229
Wiper Blades.................................. 231
Air Conditioning System............... 233
Air Conditioning Filter.................. 234
Drive Belts...................................... 234
Timing Belt..................................... 235
Tires................................................ 235
Inflation....................................... 235
Recommended Tire
Pressures for Normal
Driving............................ 236
Inspection................................... 237
Maintenance............................... 237
Tire Rotation.............................. 238
Replacing Tires and Wheels .... 239
Wheels and Tires....................... 240
Winter Driving........................... 240
Snow Tires.............................. 240
Tire Chains............................. 241
Lights.............................................. 242
Headlight Aiming...................... 244
Replacing Bulbs......................... 246
Storing Your Vehicle..................... 253
Maintenance
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Maintenance Safety
Regularly maintaining your vehicle is
the best way to protect your
investment. Proper maintenance is
essential to your safety and the
safety of your passengers. It will also
reward you with more economical,
trouble-free driving and help reduce
air pollution.
This section includes instructions for
simple maintenance tasks, such as
checking and adding oil. Any service
items not detailed in this section
should be performed by a Honda
technician or other qualified
mechanic.
Some of the most important safety
precautions are given here. However,
we cannot warn you of every
conceivable
hazard
that can arise in
performing maintenance. Only you
can decide whether or not you
should perform a given task.
Maintenance
Failure to properly follow
maintenance instructions and
precautions can cause you to
be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the procedures
and precautions in this owner's
manual.
Improperly maintaining this
vehicle or failing to correct a
problem before driving can
cause a crash in which you can
be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the inspection
and maintenance
recommendations and
schedules in this owner's
manual.
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Maintenance Safety
Important Safety Precautions
Before you begin any maintenance,
make sure your vehicle is parked on
level ground and that the parking
brake is set. Also, be sure the engine
is off. This will help to eliminate
several potential hazards:
Carbon monoxide poisoning
from engine exhaust. Be sure
there is adequate ventilation
whenever you operate the engine.
Burns from hot parts. Let the
engine and exhaust system cool
before touching any parts.
Injury from moving parts.
Do
not run the engine unless in-
structed to do so.
Read the instructions before you
begin, and make sure you have the
tools and skills required.
To reduce the possibility of fire or
explosion, be careful when working
around gasoline or batteries. Use a
commercially available degreaser or
parts cleaner, not gasoline, to clean
parts. Keep cigarettes, sparks, and
flames away from the battery and all
fuel-related parts.
You should wear eye protection and
protective clothing when working
near the battery or when using
compressed air.
Maintenance
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Maintenance Schedule
The Maintenance Schedule specifies
how often you should have your
vehicle serviced and what things
need attention. It is essential that
you have your vehicle serviced as
scheduled to retain its high level of
safety, dependability, and emissions
control performance.
The services and time or distance
intervals shown in the maintenance
schedule assume you will use your
vehicle as normal transportation for
passengers and their possessions.
You should also follow these
recommendations:
Avoid exceeding your vehicle's
load limit. This puts excess stress
on the engine, brakes, and many
other parts of your vehicle. The
load limit is shown on the label on
the driver's doorjamb.
Operate your vehicle on
reasonable roads within the legal
speed limit.
Drive your vehicle regularly over a
distance of several miles
(kilometers).
Always use unleaded gasoline with
the proper octane rating (see page
152).
Which Schedule to Follow:
Service your vehicle according to the
time and mileage periods on one of
the Maintenance Schedules on the
following pages. Select the schedule
for "Severe Conditions" if most of
your driving is done under one or
more of the conditions listed on that
page. Otherwise, follow the schedule
for "Normal Conditions."
Maintenance
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Maintenance Schedule
Your authorized Honda dealer
knows your vehicle best and can
provide competent, efficient service.
However, service at a dealer is not
mandatory to keep your warranties
in effect. Maintenance may be done
by any qualified service facility or
person who is skilled in this type of
automotive service. Keep all the
receipts as proof of completion, and
have the person who does the work
fill out the Maintenance Record.
Check your warranty booklet for
more information.
We recommend the use of genuine
Honda parts and fluids whenever you
have maintenance done. These are
manufactured to the same high-
quality standards as the original
components, so you can be confident
of their performance and durability.
U.S. Vehicles:
Maintenance, replacement or
repair of emissions control
devices and systems may be done
by any automotive repair
establishment or individual using
parts that are "certified" to EPA
standards.
According to state and federal
regulations, failure to perform
maintenance on the items marked
with # will not void your emissions
warranties. However, Honda
recommends that all maintenance
services be performed at the
recommended time or mileage
period to ensure long-term reliability.
Maintenance
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U.S. Owners
Follow the Normal Conditions
Maintenance Schedule if the
severe driving conditions
specified in the Severe
Conditions Maintenance
Schedule do not apply.
NOTE: If you only
OCCASIONALLY drive under a
"severe" condition, you should
follow the Normal Conditions
Maintenance Schedule.
Canadian Owners
Follow the Maintenance
Schedule for Severe Conditions
# : See information on maintenance and
emissions warranty, last column, page
201.
*
1: See timing belt on page 231 to
determine need for replacement.
*
2 : Replace every 120,000 miles (192,000
km) or 72 months
*
3 : Replace at 120,000 miles (192,000km)
or 72 months, then every 90,000 miles
(144,000 km) or 60 months
Maintenance
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service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the items in A, B, C as required for each distance/time interval. Follow this
schedule if the severe driving conditions described in the Severe Conditions Schedule on the next page do not apply.
Canadian owners: Follow the schedule for Severe Conditions.
Maintenance
# : See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last
column, page 201.
*
1: See timing belt on page 235 to determine need for replacement.
*
2: Replacement every 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 72 months.
*
3: Replace at 120,000 miles (192,000km) or 72 months, then every
90,000 miles (144,000 km) or 60 months.
*
: Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop.
*
: Adjust valve clearance: cold engine, only if noisy.
page 238
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# : See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page 201 .
*
1 : Refer to page 235 for replacement information under special driving conditions.
*
2 : Refer to page 234 for replacement information under special driving conditions.
*
3 : Replace every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 36 months.
*
4: Replace at 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 36 months, then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 24 months.
U.S. Owners
Follow the Severe Conditions
Maintenance Schedule if you
drive your vehicle MAINLY
under one or more of the
following conditions:
Driving less than 5 miles (8
km) per trip or, in freezing
temperatures, driving less
than 10 miles (16 km) per tri
j
Driving in extremely hot
[over 90° F (32° C)] condition
Extensive idling or long
periods of stop-and-go driving
Trailer towing, driving with a
roof rack, or driving in
mountainous conditions.
Driving on muddy, dusty, or
de-iced roads.
Canadian Owners
Follow the Maintenance
Schedule for Severe Condition
s
Maintenance
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fsethis schedule if your vehicle is MAINLY driven in any of the following Severe Conditions; otherwise use the Normal Schedule. Service at the
idicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the items in A, B, C, D as required for each distance/time.
sever
e
Conditions:
.
Driving less than 5 miles (8 km) per trip or, in freezing temperatures, driving less than 10 miles (16 km) per trip.
.
Driving in extremely hot (over 90°F/32°C) conditions.
.
Extensive idling or long periods of stop-and-go driving.
.
Trailer towing, driving with a roof rack, or driving in mountainous conditions.
.
Driving on muddy, dusty, or de-iced roads.
Maintenance
CONTINUED
page 238
Main Menu
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# : See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last
column, page 201.
*
1 : See timing belt on page 235 to determine need for replacement.
*
2 : See Air Conditioning Filter on page 234 for replacement
information under special driving conditions.
*
: Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop.
*
: Check and adjust valve clearance, cold engine, only if noisy.
Maintenance
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Required Maintenance Record (for Normal and Severe Schedules)
You or the servicing dealer can record all completed maintenance here, whether you follow the schedule for normal conditions (page 202 ) or severe
conditions (page 204). Keep the receipts for all work done on your vehicle.
CONTINUED
Maintenance
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Required Maintenance Record (for Normal and Severe Schedules)
Maintenance
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Owner Maintenance Checks
You should check the following
items at the specified intervals. If
you are unsure of how to perform
any check, turn to the page given.
Engine oil level Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See
page 155.
Engine coolant level Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you fill the fuel tank. See page 156.
Windshield washer fluid Check
the level in the reservoir monthly.
If weather conditions cause you to
use the washers frequently, check
the reservoir each time you stop
for fuel. See page 220.
Automatic transmission Check
the fluid level monthly. See page
221.
Brakes and clutch Check the
fluid level monthly. See page 224.
Tires Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread for
wear and foreign objects. See page
235.
Lights Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
turn signals, brake lights, and
license plate lights monthly. See
page 242.
Maintenance
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Fluid Locations
ENGINE OIL
FILL CAP
AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
FLUID DIPSTICK
(Yellow loop)
COOLANT
RESERVOIR
BRAKE FLUID
(Gray cap)
CLUTCH FLUID
(5-speed Manual
Transmission only)
(Gray cap)
WASHER FLUID
(Blue cap)
Maintenance
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK
(Orange loop)
POWER STEERING
FLUID (Red cap)
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Engine Oil
Adding Oil
To add oil, unscrew and remove the
engine oil fill cap on top of the valve
cover. Pour in the oil, and install the
engine oil fill cap. Tighten it securely.
Wait a few minutes and recheck the
oil level. Do not fill above the upper
mark; you could damage the engine.
Recommended Oil
Oil is major contributor to your
engine's performance and longevity.
Always use a premium-grade
detergent oil displaying the API
Certification Seal. This seal indicates
the oil is energy conserving, and that
it meets the American Petroleum
Institute's latest requirements. It is
highly recommended that you use
Honda Motor Oil in your vehicle for
as long as you own it.
Make sure the API Certification Seal
says "For Gasoline Engines."
API CERTIFICATION MARK
CONTINUED
Maintenance
ENGINE OIL FILL CAP
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Engine Oil
The numbers on the container's label
tell you the oil's viscosity or weight.
Select the oil for your car according
to this chart.
An oil with a viscosity of 5W-30 is
preferred for improved fuel economy
and year-round protection in your
Honda. You may use a 10W-30 oil if
the temperature in your area never
goes below 20°F(7°C).
Synthetic Oil
You may use a synthetic motor oil if
it meets the same requirements
given for a conventional motor oil: it
displays the API Certification Seal,
and it is the proper weight as shown
on the chart. When using synthetic
oil, you must follow the oil and filter
change intervals given in the
maintenance schedule.
Additives
Your Honda does not require any oil
additives. Additives may adversely
affect your engine's or transmission's
performance and durability.
Maintenance
Ambient Temperature
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Engine Oil
Changing the Oil and Filter
Always change the oil and filter
according to the time and distance
(miles/kilometers) recommenda-
tions in the maintenance schedule.
The oil and filter collect contami-
nants that can damage your engine if
they are not removed regularly.
Changing the oil and filter requires
special tools and access from
underneath the vehicle. The vehicle
should be raised on a service station-
type hydraulic lift for this service.
Unless you have the knowledge and
proper equipment, you should have
this maintenance done by a skilled
mechanic.
OIL DRAIN BOLT WASHER
1. Run the engine until it reaches
normal operating temperature,
then shut it off.
2. Open the hood and remove the
engine oil fill cap. Remove the oil
drain bolt and washer from the
bottom of the engine. Drain the oil
into an appropriate container.
OIL FILTER
3. Remove the oil filter and let the
remaining oil drain. A special
wrench (available from your
Honda dealer) is required to
remove the filter.
4. Install a new oil filter according to
instructions that come with it.
CONTINUED
Maintenance
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Engine Oil
5. Put a new washer on the drain bolt,
then reinstall the drain bolt.
Tighten it to:
3
3
lbf.ft (44 N.m, 4.5 kgf.m)
6. Refill the engine with the recom-
mended oil.
Engine oil change capacity
(including filter):
4.
0
US qt (3.8l , 3.3 Imp qt)
7. Replace the engine oil fill cap.
Start the engine. The oil pressure
indicator light should go out within
five seconds. If it does not, turn off
the engine and reinspect your
work.
8. Let the engine run for several
minutes and check the drain bolt
and oil filter for leaks.
9. Turn off the engine, let it sit for
several minutes, then check the oil
level. If necessary, add oil to bring
the level to the upper mark on the
dipstick.
Improper disposal of engine oil can be
harmful to the environment. If you
change your own oil, please dispose of
the used oil properly. Put it in a sealed
container and take it to a recycling
center. Do not discard it in a trash bin
or dump it on the ground.
Maintenance
NOTICE
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Cooling System
Adding Engine Coolant
If the coolant level in the reserve
tank is at or below the MIN line, add
coolant to bring it up to the MAX line.
Inspect the cooling system for leaks.
This coolant should always be a
mixture of 50 percent antifreeze and
50 percent water. Never add straight
antifreeze or plain water.
Always use Honda All Season
Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2. This
coolant is pre-mixed with 50 percent
antifreeze and 50 percent water. It
does not require any additional
mixing. If it is not available, you may
use another major-brand non-silicate
coolant as a temporary replacement.
Make sure it is a high-quality coolant
recommended for aluminum engines.
However, continued use of any non-
Honda coolant can result in
corrosion, causing the cooling
system to malfunction or fail. Have
the cooling system flushed and
refilled with Honda antifreeze/
coolant as soon as possible.
If the reserve tank is completely
empty, you should also check the
coolant level in the radiator.
1. Make sure the engine and radiator
are cool.
CONTINUED
Maintenance
Removing the radiator cap
while the engine is hot can
cause the coolant to spray out,
seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and
radiator cool down before
removing the radiator cap.
RESERVE TANK
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Cooling System
RADIATOR CAP
2. Turn the radiator cap counter-
clockwise, without pressing down
on it, until it stops. This relieves
any pressure remaining in the
cooling system.
3. Remove the radiator cap by
pushing down and turning
counterclockwise.
RESERVE TANK
4. The coolant level should be up to
the base of the filler neck. Add
coolant if it is low.
5. Put the radiator cap back on.
Tighten it fully.
6. Pour coolant into the reserve tank.
Fill it to halfway between the MAX
and MIN marks. Put the cap back
on the reserve tank.
Do not add any rust inhibitors or
other additives to your vehicle's
cooling system. They may not be
compatible with the coolant or
engine components.
Maintenance
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Cooling System
Replacing Engine Coolant
The cooling system should be
completely drained and refilled with
new coolant according to the time
and distance recommendations in
the maintenance schedule. Only use
Honda All Season Antifreeze/
Coolant Type 2.
Draining the coolant requires access
to the underside of the vehicle.
Unless you have the tools and
knowledge, you should have this
maintenance done by a skilled
mechanic.
1. Turn the ignition ON (II). Turn
the heater temperature control
dial fully clockwise. Turn the
ignition off.
2. Open the hood. Make sure the
engine and radiator are cool to the
touch.
3. Remove the radiator cap.
DRAIN BOLT
DRAIN PLUG
4. Loosen the drain plug on the
bottom of the radiator. The
coolant will drain through the
splash guard. Remove the drain
bolt and washer from the engine
block.
CONTINUED
Maintenance
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Cooling System
RESERVE TANK CAP
HOLDER
RESERVE TANK
5. Remove the reserve tank from its
holder by pulling it straight up.
Drain the coolant, then put the
tank back in its holder.
6. When the coolant stops draining,
tighten the drain plug at the
bottom of the radiator.
Apply non-hardening sealant to the
drain bolt threads, put a new
washer on the drain bolt, and
reinstall the bolt in the engine
block. Tighten it securely.
Tightening torque:
6
1
lbf.ft (83 N
.
m,8.5 kgf.tn)
7. Mix the recommended antifreeze
with an equal amount of purified
or distilled water in a clean
container. The cooling system
capacity is:
Automatic Transmission:
1.03 US gal (3.9 l, 0.86 Imp gal)
Manual Transmission:
1.06 US gal (4.0 l, 0.88 Imp gal)
FILLER NECK
Fill up to here
8. Pour coolant into the radiator up
to the base of the filler neck.
Maintenance
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Cooling System
9. Start the engine and let it run for
about 30 seconds. Then turn off
the engine.
10. Check the level in the radiator,
add coolant if needed.
RESERVE TANK
11. Fill the reserve tank to the MAX
mark. Install the reserve tank cap.
12. Install the radiator cap, and
tighten it to the first stop.
13. Start the engine and let it run until
the radiator fan comes on two
times. Then stop the engine.
14. Remove the radiator cap.
15. Pour coolant into the radiator up
to the base of the filler neck and
into the reserve tank up to the
MAX mark.
16. Start the engine and hold it at
1,500 rpm until the radiator fan
comes on. Turn off the engine.
Check the coolant level in the
radiator and add coolant if needed.
17. Install the radiator cap, and
tighten it fully.
18. If necessary, fill the reserve tank
to the MAX mark. Install the
reserve tank cap.
Maintenance
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Windshield Washers
Check the level in the windshield
washer reservoir at least monthly
during normal usage. In bad weather,
when you use the washers often,
check the level every time you stop
for fuel.
LEVEL GAUGE
The windshield washer reservoir is
located behind the driver's side
headlight. Check the reservoir's fluid
level by removing the cap and
looking at the level gauge attached
to
the cap.
Fill the reservoir with a good-quality
windshield washer fluid. This
increases the cleaning capability and
prevents freezing in cold weather.
Do not use engine antifreeze or a
vinegar/water solution in the
windshield washer reservoir.
Antifreeze can damage your vehicle's
paint, while a vinegar/water solution
can damage the windshield washer
pump.
Use only commercially-available
windshield washer fluid.
Maintenance
NOTICE
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Transmission Fluid
Automatic Transmission
Check the fluid level with the engine
at normal operating temperature.
1. Park the vehicle on level ground.
Shut off the engine.
2. Remove the dipstick (yellow loop)
from the transmission and wipe it
with a clean cloth.
3. Insert the dipstick all the way into
the transmission.
4. Remove the dipstick and check
the fluid level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks.
5. If the level is below the lower
mark, add fluid into the filler hole
to bring it to the upper mark.
Always use Honda ATF-Z1
(Automatic Transmission Fluid). If
it is not available, you may use a
DEXRON
®
III automatic
transmission fluid as a temporary
replacement. However, continued
use can affect shift quality. Have
the transmission flushed and
refilled with Honda ATF-Z1 as
soon as it is convenient.
To thoroughly flush the transmission,
the technician should drain and refill
it with Honda ATF-Z1 (Automatic
Transmission Fluid), then drive the
vehicle a short distance. Do this
three times. Then drain and refill the
transmission a final time.
CONTINUED
Maintenance
DIPSTICK
UPPER MARK
LOWER MARK
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Transmission Fluid
6. Insert the dipstick all the way back
into the transmission securely as
shown in the illustration.
The transmission should be drained
and refilled with new fluid according
to the time and distance recommen-
dations in the maintenance schedule.
5-speed Manual Transmission
Correct level FILLER BOLT
Check the fluid level with the
transmission at normal operating
temperature and the vehicle sitting
on level ground. Remove the
transmission filler bolt and carefully
feel inside the bolt hole with your
finger. The fluid level should be up
to the edge of the bolt hole. If it is
not, add Honda Manual Transmis-
sion Fluid (MTF) until it starts to
run out of the hole. Reinstall the
filler bolt and tighten it securely.
If Honda MTF is not available, you
may use an API service SG, SH or SJ
grade motor oil with a viscosity of
SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 as a
temporary replacement. An SG
grade is preferred, but an SH or SJ
grade may be used if SG is not
available. However, motor oil does
not contain the proper additives and
continued use can cause stiffer
shifting. Replace as soon as it is
convenient.
The transmission should be drained
and refilled with new fluid according
to the time and distance recommen-
dations in the maintenance schedule.
Maintenance
Main Menu
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Rear Differential Fluid
(4WD models only)
FILLER BOLT
Check the fluid level with the rear
differential at normal operating
temperature and the vehicle sitting
on level ground. Remove the
differential fluid filler bolt and
washer and carefully feel inside the
bolt hole with your finger. The fluid
level should be up to the edge of the
bolt hole. If it is not, slowly add
Honda Dual Pump Fluid until it
starts to run out of the hole. Reinstalll
the filler bolt and tighten it securely.
If the Dual Pump Fluid is not
available, you may use Honda
Premium Formula Automatic
Transmission Fluid (ATF) or a
quality DEXRON
®
III ATF as a
temporary replacement. However,
continued use can cause noise,
vibration and performance problems.
Have the differential drained and
refilled with Honda Dual Pump Fluid
as soon as it is convenient.
The rear differential should be
drained and refilled with new fluid
according to the time and distance
recommendations in the mainte-
nance schedule.
Maintenance
Correct
level
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Brake and Clutch Fluid
Check the fluid level in the reser-
voirs monthly. There are up to two
reservoirs, depending on the model.
They are:
Brake fluid reservoir (all models)
Clutch fluid reservoir
(manual transmission only)
The brake fluid should be replaced
according to the time and distance
recommendations in the mainte-
nance schedule.
Always use Honda Heavy Duty
Brake Fluid DOT 3. If it is not
available, you should use only DOT 3
or DOT 4 fluid, from a sealed
container, as a temporary
replacement. However, the use of
any non-Honda brake fluid can cause
corrosion and decrease the life of the
system. Have the brake system
flushed and refilled with Honda
Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3 as
soon as possible.
Brake fluid marked DOT 5 is not
compatible with your vehicle's
braking system and can cause
extensive damage.
Brake System
The fluid level should be between
the MIN and MAX marks on the side
of the reservoir. If the level is at or
below the MIN mark, your brake
system needs attention. Have the
brake system inspected for leaks or
worn brake pads.
Maintenance
MAX
MIN
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Brake and Clutch Fluid, Power Steering
Clutch System
MIN
MAX
The fluid should be between the
MIN and MAX marks on the side of
the reservoir. If it is not, add brake
fluid to bring it up to that level. Use
the same fluid specified for the
brake system.
Low fluid level can indicate a leak in
the clutch system. Have this system
inspected as soon as possible.
Power Steering
UPPER LEVEL
LOWER LEVEL
Check the level when the engine is
cold. Look at the side of the
reservoir. The fluid should be
between the UPPER LEVEL and
LOWER LEVEL. If it is below the
LOWER LEVEL, add power steering
fluid to the UPPER LEVEL.
Always use Honda Power Steering
Fluid. If it is not available, you may
use another power steering fluid as
an emergency replacement.
However, continued use can cause
increased wear and poor steering in
cold weather. Have the power
steering system flushed and refilled
with Honda PSF as soon as possible.
A low power steering fluid level can
indicate a leak in the system. Check
the fluid level frequently and have
the system inspected as soon as
possible.
Turning the steering wheel to full left
or right lock and holding it there can
damage the power steering pump.
Maintenance
NOTICE
Main Menu
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Table of Contents
Air Cleaner Element
The air cleaner element should be
replaced according to the time and
distance recommendations in the
maintenance schedule.
Replacement
CLIPS
The air cleaner element is inside the
air cleaner housing on the right side
of the engine compartment.
To replace it:
1. Unsnap the two clips and remove
the air cleaner housing cover.
AIR CLEANER
ELEMENT
2. Remove the old air cleaner
element.
Carefully clean the inside of the
air cleaner housing with a damp
rag.
3. Place the new air cleaner element
in the air cleaner housing.
4. Align the tabs and reinstall the air
cleaner housing cover, snap the
two clips back into place.
Maintenance
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Hood Latch, Spark Plugs
Hood Latch
Clean the hood latch assembly with a
mild cleaner, then lubricate it with a
multipurpose grease. Lubricate all
the moving parts, including the pivot.
Follow the time and distance
recommendations in the
Maintenance Schedule. If you are
not sure how to clean and grease the
latch, contact your Honda dealer.
Spark Plugs
The spark plugs in your vehicle
should be replaced according to the
time and distance recommendations
in the maintenance schedule.
Replacement
SPARK PLUG CAP
1. Clean up any dirt and oil around
the spark plug caps.
2. Remove the spark plug cap by
pulling it straight out.
3. Remove the spark plug with
a five-eighths inch (16 mm) spark
plug socket.
CONTINUED
Maintenance
Main Menu
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Table of Contents
Spark Plugs
4. Put the new spark plug into the
socket; then screw it into the hole.
Screw it in by hand so you do not
crossthread it.
5. Torque the spark plug. (If you do
not have a torque wrench, tighten
the spark plug two-thirds of a turn
after it contacts the cylinder head.)
Tightening torque:
13 lbf.ft (18 N
.
m,1.8 kgf.m)
Tighten The spark plugs carefully. A
spark plug that is too loose can
overheat and damage the engine.
Overtightening can cause damage to
the threads in the cylinder head.
6. Install the spark plug cap.
7. Repeat this procedure for the
other three spark plugs.
Specifications:
NGK:
DENSO:
ZFR6F-11
KJ20CR-L11
Spark Plug Gap:
0.04 in (1.1 mm )
Maintenance
NOTICE
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Battery
Check the condition of your vehicle's
battery monthly. You should check
the color of the test indicator window,
and for corrosion on the terminals.
TEST INDICATOR WINDOW
Check the battery condition by
looking at the test indicator window
on the battery.
The label on the battery explains the
test indicator's colors.
Check the battery terminals for
corrosion (a white or yellowish
powder). To remove it, cover the
terminals with a solution of baking
soda and water. It will bubble up and
turn brown. When this stops, wash it
off with plain water. Dry off the
battery with a cloth or paper towel.
Coat the terminals with grease to
help prevent future corrosion.
WARNING: Battery posts,
terminals and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds.
Wash hands after handling.
CONTINUED
Maintenance
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Battery
If the terminals are severely cor-
roded, clean them with baking soda
and water. Then use a wrench to
loosen and remove the cables from
the terminals. Always disconnect the
negative (—) cable first and recon-
nect it last. Clean the battery termi-
nals with a terminal cleaning tool or
wire brush. Reconnect and tighten
the cables, then coat the terminals
with grease.
If you need to connect the battery to
a charger, disconnect both cables to
prevent damage to the vehicle's
electrical system.
On EX and SE models
If your vehicle's battery is
disconnected or goes dead, the audio
system will disable itself. The next
time you turn on the radio you will
see " Code " in the frequency
display. Use the Preset buttons to
enter the five-digit code (see page
137).
Charging the battery with the cables
connected can seriously damage your
vehicle's electronic controls. Detach
the battery cables before connecting
the battery to a charger.
Maintenance
NOTICE
The battery gives off explosive
hydrogen gas during normal
operation.
A spark or flame can cause the
battery to explode with enough
force to kill or seriously hurt you.
Wear protective clothing and a
face shield, or have a skilled
mechanic do the battery
maintenance.
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Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Wiper Blades
Check the condition of the wiper
blades at least every six months.
Look for signs of cracking in the
rubber, or areas that are getting
hard. Replace the blades if you find
these signs, or they leave streaks
and unwiped areas when used.
WIPER ARMS
To replace the blade:
1. Raise the wiper arm off the
windshield.
LOCK TAB
2. Disconnect the blade assembly
from the wiper arm by pushing in
the lock tab. Hold it in while you
push the blade assembly toward
the base of the arm.
CONTINUED
Maintenance
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Table of Contents
Wiper Blades
BLADE
3. Remove the blade from its holder
by grasping the tabbed end of the
blade. Pull firmly until the tabs
come out of the holder.
BLADE
4. Examine the new wiper blades. If
they have no plastic or metal rein-
forcement along the back edge,
remove the metal reinforcement
strips from the old wiper blade and
install them in the slots along the
edge of the new blade.
5. Slide the new wiper blade into the
holder until the tabs lock.
6. Slide the wiper blade assembly
onto the wiper arm. Make sure it
locks in place.
7. Lower the wiper arm down against
the windshield.
Maintenance
REINFORCEMENT
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Table of Contents
Air Conditioning System
Your vehicle's air conditioning is a
sealed system. Any major mainte-
nance, such as recharging, should be
done by a qualified mechanic. You
can do a couple of things to make
sure the air conditioning works
efficiently.
Periodically check the engine's
radiator and air conditioning
condenser for leaves, insects, and
dirt stuck to the front surface. These
block the air flow and reduce cooling
efficiency. Use a light spray from a
hose or a soft brush to remove them.
The condenser and radiator fins bend
easily. Only use a low-pressure spray
or soft-bristle brush to clean them.
Run the air conditioning at least once
a week during the cold weather
months. Run it for at least ten
minutes while you are driving at a
steady speed with the engine at
normal operating temperature. This
circulates the lubricating oil con-
tained in the refrigerant.
If the air conditioning does not get as
cold as before, have your dealer
check the system. Recharge the
system with Refrigerant HFC-134a
(R-134a). (See Specifications on page
295.)
Whenever you have the air conditioning
system serviced, make sure the service
facility uses a refrigerant recycling
system. This system captures the
refrigerant for reuse. Releasing
refrigerant into the atmosphere can
damage the environment.
Maintenance
AIR CONDITIONING CONDENSER
NOTICE
NOTICE
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Air Conditioning Filter, Drive Belts
Air Conditioning Filter
The air conditioning filter removes
pollen and dust that is brought in
from the outside through the heating
and cooling system.
This filter should be replaced every
30,000 miles (48,000 km) under
normal conditions. It should be
replaced every 15,000 miles (24,000
km) if you drive primarily in urban
areas that have high concentrations
of soot in the air from industry and
diesel-powered vehicles. Replace it
more often if air flow from the
heating and cooling system becomes
less than usual. Have the air
conditioning filter replaced by your
Honda dealer.
Drive Belts
Check the condition of the three
drive belts. Examine the edges of
each belt for cracks or fraying.
Check the tension of each belt by
pushing on it with your thumb
midway between the pulleys.
The belts should have the following
"play" or deflection.
Alternator belt:
0.330.45 in (8.511.5 mm)
Compressor belt:
0.300.41 in (7.510.5 mm)
Power steering belt:
0.430.57 in (11.014.5 mm)
If you see signs of wear or looseness,
have your dealer adjust or replace
the belts.
Maintenance
POWER STEERING BELT
COMPRESSOR
BELT
ALTERNATOR BELT
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Timing Belt, Tires
Timing Belt
The timing belt should normally be
replaced at the intervals shown in
the maintenance schedule.
Replace the belt at 60,000 miles (U.S.)
or 100,000 km (Canada) if you regu-
larly drive your vehicle in one or
more of these conditions:
In very high temperatures
(over 110°F,43°C).
In very low temperatures
(under20°F,29°C).
Tires
To safely operate your vehicle, your
tires must be the proper type and
size, in good condition with adequate
tread, and correctly inflated. The
following pages give more detailed
information on how and when to
check air pressure, how to inspect
your tires for damage and wear, and
what to do when your tires need to
be replaced.
Inflation
Keeping the tires properly inflated
provides the best combination of
handling, tread life and riding
comfort. Underinflated tires wear
unevenly, adversely affect handling
and fuel economy, and are more
likely to fail from being overheated.
Overinflated tires can make your
vehicle ride more harshly, are more
prone to damage from road hazards,
and wear unevenly.
We recommend that you visually
check your tires every day. If you
think a tire might be low, check it
immediately with a tire gauge.
CONTINUED
Maintenance
Using tires that are excessively
worn or improperly inflated can
cause a crash in which you can
be seriously hurt or killed.
Follow all instructions in this
owner's manual regarding tire
inflation and maintenance.
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Tires
Use a gauge to measure the air
pressure at least once a month. Even
tires that are in good condition may
lose one to two psi (10 to 20 kPa, 0.1
to 0.2 kgf/cm
2
) per month.
Remember to check the spare tire at
the same time you check all the
other tires.
Check the pressure in the tires when
they are cold. This means the vehicle
has been parked for at least three
hours. If you have to drive the
vehicle before checking the tire
pressure, the tires can still be
considered "cold" if you drive less
than 1 mile (1.6km).
If you check the pressure when the
tires are hot (the vehicle has been
driven several miles), you will see
readings 4 to 6 psi (30 to 40 kPa, 0.3
to 0.4 kgf/cm
2
) higher than the cold
reading. This is normal. Do not let
air out to match the specified cold
pressure. The tire will be
underinflated.
You should get your own tire
pressure gauge and use it whenever
you check your tire pressures. This
will make it easier for you to tell if a
pressure loss is due to a tire problem
and not due to a variation between
gauges.
Recommended Tire Pressures for
Normal Driving
The following chart shows the
recommended cold tire pressures for
most normal driving conditions and
speeds. Tire pressures for high
speed driving are the same as for
normal driving.
These pressures are also given on
the tire information label on the
driver's doorjamb.
Tubeless tires have some ability to
self-seal if they are punctured.
However, because leakage is often
very slow, you should look closely
for punctures if a tire starts losing
pressure.
Maintenance
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Tires
Inspection
Every time you check inflation, you
should also examine the tires for
damage, foreign objects, and wear.
You should look for:
Bumps or bulges in the tread or
side of the tire. Replace the tire if
you find either of these conditions.
Cuts, splits, or cracks in the side
of the tire. Replace the tire if you
can see fabric or cord.
Excessive tread wear.
INDICATOR LOCATION MARKS
TREAD WEAR INDICATORS
Your vehicle's tires have wear indica-
tors molded into the tread. When the
tread wears down to that point, you
will see a 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) wide
band running across the tread. This
shows there is less than 1/16 inch
(1.6 mm) of tread left on the tire. A
tire that is this worn gives very little
traction on wet roads. You should
replace the tire if you can see the
tread wear indicator in three or more
places around the tire.
Maintenance
In addition to proper inflation,
correct wheel alignment helps to
decrease tire wear. If you find a tire
is worn unevenly, have your dealer
check the wheel alignment.
The tires were properly balanced by
the factory. They may need to be
rebalanced at some time before they
are worn out. Have your dealer
check the tires if you feel a consis-
tent vibration while driving. A tire
should always be rebalanced if it is
removed from the wheel for repair.
CONTINUED
Maintenance
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Tires
Make sure the installer balances the
wheels when you have new tires
installed. This increases riding
comfort and tire life. Your vehicle's
original tires were dynamic or "spin"
balanced at the factory. For best
results, have the installer perform a
dynamic balance.
(Only on vehicles equipped with
aluminum wheels)
Improper wheel weights can damage
your vehicle's aluminum wheels. Use
only genuine Honda wheel weights for
balancing.
(For Non-directional (For Directional
Tires and Wheels) Tires and Wheels)
To help increase tire life and
distribute wear more evenly, you
should have the tires rotated every
7,500 miles (12,000 km). Move the
tires to the positions shown in the
chart each time they are rotated.
When shopping for replacement
tires, you may find that some tires
are "directional." This means they
are designed to rotate only in one
direction. If you use directional tires,
they should be rotated only front-to-
back.
Maintenance
Front Front
Tire Rotation
NOTICE
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Tires
Replacing Tires and Wheels
The tires that came with your
vehicle were selected to match the
performance capabilities of the
vehicle while providing the best
combination of handling, ride
comfort, and long life. You should
replace them with radial tires of the
same size, load range, speed rating,
and maximum cold tire pressure
rating (as shown on the tire's
sidewall). Mixing radial and bias-ply
tires on your vehicle can reduce its
braking ability, traction, and steering
accuracy.
It is best to replace all four tires at
the same time. If that is not possible
or necessary, then replace the two
front tires or the two rear tires as a
pair. Replacing just one tire can
seriously affect your vehicle's han-
dling.
The ABS works by comparing the
speed of the wheels. When replacing
tires, use the same size originally
supplied with the vehicle. Tire size
and construction can affect wheel
speed and may cause the system to
work inconsistently.
If you ever need to replace a wheel,
make sure the wheel's specifications
match those of the original wheel
that came on your vehicle. Re-
placement wheels are available at
your Honda dealer.
Maintenance
Installing improper tires on your
vehicle can affect handling and
stability. This can cause a crash
in which you can be seriously
hurt or killed.
Always use the size and type of
tires recommended in this
owner's manual.
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Main Menu
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Table of Contents
Tires
Wheels and Tires
Wheels:
15 x 6J J
Tires:
205/70R1595S
See page 296 for information about
DOT Tire Quality Grading.
Winter Driving
Tires that are marked "M + S" or
"All Season" on the sidewall have an
all-weather tread design. They
should be suitable for most winter
driving conditions. Tires without
these markings are designed for
optimum traction in dry conditions.
They may not provide adequate
performance in winter driving.
For the best performance in snowy
or icy conditions, you should install
snow tires or tire chains. They may
be required by local laws under
certain conditions.
Snow Tires
If you mount snow tires on your
Honda, make sure they are radial
tires of the same size and load range
as the original tires. Mount snow
tires on all four wheels to balance
your vehicle's handling in all weather
conditions. Keep in mind the traction
provided by snow tires on dry roads
may not be as high as your vehicle's
original equipment tires. You should
drive cautiously even when the roads
are clear. Check with the tire dealer
for maximum speed recommenda-
tions.
Maintenance
Main Menu
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Tires
Tire Chains
Mount snow chains on your vehicle
when warranted by driving condi-
tions or required by local laws.
Use only SAE class "S" chains. Only
certain brands of chains will fit your
CR-V without coming in contact with
the body or causing mechanical
damage. Before buying any types of
chains, you should consult with your
Honda dealer about the designs and
brands that will work on your CR-V.
Also, make sure you purchase the
correct size for your tires.
Install the chains only on the front
tires. Mounting any type of chains on
the rear tires will damage the body
and suspension. When installing the
chains, follow the manufacturer's
instructions and mount them as
tightly as you can. Drive slowly when
they are installed. If you hear them
coming in contact with the body,
stop and investigate them. Make
sure the chains are installed tightly,
and that they are not contacting the
brake lines or suspension. Remove
the chains as soon as you begin
driving on cleared roads.
Chains that are the wrong size or
design, or are improperly installed, can
damage your vehicle's brake lines,
suspension, body, and wheels. Stop
driving if they are hitting any part of
the vehicle.
Maintenance
NOTICE
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Lights
Check the operation of your vehicle's
exterior lights at least once a month.
A burned out bulb can create an
unsafe condition by reducing your
vehicle's visibility and the ability to
signal your intentions to other
drivers.
FRONT PARKING LIGHT
HEADLIGHT
TURN SIGNAL/SIDE MARKER LIGHTS
Maintenance
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Lights
Check the following:
Headlights (low and high beam)
Parking lights
Taillights
Brake lights
High-mount brake light
Turn signals
Back-up lights
Hazard light function
License plate light
Side marker lights
Daytime running lights
(Canadian models)
If you find any bulbs are burned out,
replace them as soon as possible.
Refer to the chart on page 295 to
determine what type of replacement
bulb is needed.
Maintenance
HIGH-MOUNT BRAKE LIGHT TURN SIGNAL LIGHT
STOP/TAILLIGHTS
LICENSE PLATE LIGHT
BACK-UP LIGHT
SIDE MARKER LIGHT
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Lights
Headlight Aiming
The headlights were properly aimed
when your vehicle was new. If you
regularly carry heavy items in the
cargo area or pull a trailer,
readjustment may be required.
Adjustment of the headlights should
be performed by a Honda technician
or other qualified mechanic.
To check these settings:
1. Make sure the fuel tank is full.
Park the vehicle on level ground.
2. The driver or someone who
weighs the same should be sitting
in the driver's seat for all checks
and adjustments.
Load your vehicle with the items
you normally cany.
HORIZONTAL ANGLE GAUGE
3. Open the hood.
4. Pull the inner fender off (see page
247).
5. Check the horizontal angle gauge.
The line on the adjustment screw
indicator should line up with the
"0" mark on the gauge.
Maintenance
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Lights
VERTICAL ANGLE GAUGE
6. Check the vertical angle gauge.
The bubble should be centered
underneath the longest scribe
mark on the gauge.
HORIZONTAL ADJUSTMENT
7. If either indicator is not aligned
with its "0" mark as described, an
adjustment can be made using a
Phillips-head screwdriver to
realign it with the "0" mark. Please
refer to the illustrations.
VERTICAL ADJUSTMENT
8. If you cannot get an indicator to
align, have your Honda dealer-
inspect the vehicle for body
damage or suspension problems.
Maintenance
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Lights
Replacing a Headlight Bulb
Your vehicle has halogen headlight
bulbs, one on each side. When
replacing a bulb, handle it by its steel
base and protect the glass from
contact with your skin or hard
objects. If you touch the glass, clean
it with denatured alcohol and a clean
cloth.
Halogen headlight bulbs get very hot
when lit. Oil, perspiration, or a scratch
on the glass can cause the bulb to
overheat and shatter.
1. Open the hood.
2. Remove the electrical connector
from the bulb by squeezing the
connector on both sides to unlock
the tab. Pull the connector straight
off.
3. Remove the rubber weather seal
by pulling on the tab.
Maintenance
NOTICE
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Table of Contents
Lights
4. Unclip the end of the hold-down
wire from its slot. Pivot it out of
the way and remove the bulb.
5. Insert the new bulb into the hole,
making sure the tabs are in their
slots. Pivot the hold-down wire
back in place and clip the end into
the slot.
6. Install the rubber seal over the
back of the headlight assembly.
Make sure it is right side up; it is
marked "TOP."
7. Push the electrical connector onto
the new bulb.
Turn on the headlights to test the
new bulb.
Replacing the Front Side Marker/
Turn Signal and Parking Light
Bulb
1. If you are changing the bulb on
the driver's side, start the engine,
turn the steering wheel all the way
to the right, and turn off the
engine. If you are changing the
bulb on the passenger's side, turn
the steering wheel to the left.
2. Use a flat-tip screwdriver to
remove the fastener from the
inner fender.
CONTINUED
Maintenance
FASTENER
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Table of Contents
Lights
3. Pull the inner fender cover back.
4. Remove the socket from the
headlight assembly by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
5. To remove the turn signal/side
marker bulb, push it in slightly and
turn it counterclockwise. To
remove the parking light bulb, pull
it straight out of its socket.
6. Install the new bulb into the
socket.
7. Insert the socket back into the
headlight assembly. Turn it
clockwise to lock it in place.
8. Test the lights to make sure the
new bulb is working.
9. Put the inner fender cover in place.
Install the fastener and push on
the center until it locks (the center
is flush with the head).
Replacing Rear Bulbs
1. Open the tailgate. Remove the
three screws and remove the rear
light assembly from the rear pillar.
2. Determine which of the three
bulbs is burned out: stop/taillight,
turn signal light or back-up light.
Maintenance
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Lights
3. Remove the socket by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
4. Remove the bulb from the socket
by pulling it straight out.
5. Install the new bulb in the socket.
6. Reinstall the socket. Turn it clock-
wise until it locks.
7. Test the lights to make sure the
new bulb is working.
8. Reinstall the rear light assembly
into the rear pillar. Reinstall the
three screws and tighten them
securely.
Replacing a Rear License Plate
Bulb
1. Remove the cover by carefully
prying on the edge of the cover in
the middle with a small flat-tip
screwdriver.
2. Remove the socket from the light
assembly by turning it one-quarter
turn counterclockwise.
CONTINUED
Maintenance
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Lights
3. Pull the bulb straight out of its
socket. Push the new bulb in until
it bottoms in the socket.
4. Turn on the parking lights and
check that the new bulb is
working.
5. Reinstall the socket. Snap the
cover back in place.
Replacing a Rear Side Marker
Light Bulb
1. The rear side marker light
assembly is behind the rear wheel.
You can reach the light assembly
from the rear wheel housing.
2. Remove the outer three screws
holding the mudguard and pivot
the mudguard out of the way.
3. Remove the socket from the rear
side marker assembly by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
4. Pull the bulb straight out of its
socket.
Maintenance
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Lights
5. Install the new bulb in the socket.
6. Insert the socket back into the
rear side marker light assembly.
Turn it clockwise to lock it in place.
7. Test the lights to make sure the
new bulb is working.
8. Put the mudguard back in place
and secure it with the three
screws.
Replacing a High-mount Brake
Light Bulb
1. Remove the light assembly cover
by pushing the tabs on both sides
and pulling the cover down.
2. Remove the socket from the light
assembly by turning it one-quarter
turn counterclockwise.
3. Pull the bulb straight out of its
socket.
Push the new bulb straight into
the socket until it bottoms.
4. Test the lights to make sure the
new bulb is working.
5. Put the socket back into the light
assembly and turn it clockwise to
lock it in place.
6. Put the cover back onto the light
assembly. Push it up until it locks
in place.
Maintenance
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Lights
Replacing Ceiling/Cargo Area
Lights and Spotlight Bulbs
The ceiling light, cargo area light
and spotlight come apart the same
way. They do not all use the same
bulb.
CEILING/CARGO AREA LIGHT
1. Remove the lens by carefully
prying on the edge of the lens with
a fingernail file or a small flat-tip
screwdriver. Do not pry on the
edge of the housing around the
lens.
2. Remove the bulb by pulling it
straight out of its metal tabs.
3. Push the new bulb into the metal
tabs. Snap the lens back in place.
Maintenance
SPOTLIGHT
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Storing Your Vehicle
If you need to park your vehicle for
an extended period (more than one
month), there are several things you
should do to prepare it for storage.
Proper preparation helps prevent
deterioration and makes it easier to
get your vehicle back on the road. If
possible, store your vehicle indoors.
Fill the fuel tank.
Change the engine oil and filter
(see page 213 ).
Wash and dry the exterior
completely.
Clean the interior. Make sure the
carpeting, floor mats, etc. are
completely dry.
Leave the parking brake off. Put
the transmission in Reverse
(5-speed manual) or Park
(automatic).
Block the rear wheels.
If the vehicle is to be stored for a
longer period, it should be
supported on jackstands so the
tires are off the ground.
Leave one window open slightly (if
the vehicle is being stored
indoors).
Disconnect the battery.
Support the front and rear wiper
blade arms with a folded towel or
rag so they do not touch the
windshield.
To minimize sticking, apply a
silicone spray lubricant to all door
and tailgate seals. Also, apply a
vehicle body wax to the painted
surfaces that mate with the door
and tailgate seals.
Cover the vehicle with a
"breathable" cover, one made
from a porous material such as
cotton. Nonporous materials, such
as plastic sheeting, trap moisture,
which can damage the paint.
If possible, run the engine for a
while periodically (preferably once
a month).
If you store your vehicle for 12
months or longer, have your Honda
dealer perform the inspections called
for in the 24 months/30,000 miles
(48,000 km) maintenance schedule
(Normal Conditions) as soon as you
take it out of storage (see page 202 ).
The replacements called for in the
maintenance schedule are not
needed unless the vehicle has
actually reached that time or mileage.
Maintenance
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Appearance Care
Regular cleaning and polishing of
your Honda helps to keep it "new"
looking. This section gives you hints
on how to clean your vehicle and
preserve its appearance: the paint,
brightwork, wheels and interior. Also
included are several things you can
do to help prevent corrosion.
Exterior Care.................................. 256
Washing...................................... 256
Waxing....................................... 257
Aluminum Wheels..................... 257
Paint Touch-up........................... 258
Interior Care................................... 259
Carpeting.................................... 259
Floor Mats.................................. 259
Fabric.......................................... 260
Vinyl............................................ 260
Seat Belts.................................... 261
Windows..................................... 261
Air Fresheners........................... 261
Corrosion Protection..................... 262
Body Repairs.................................. 263
Appearance Care
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Exterior Care
Washing
Frequent washing helps preserve
your vehicle's beauty. Dirt and grit
can scratch the paint, while tree sap
and bird droppings can permanently
ruin the finish.
Wash your vehicle in a shady area,
not in direct sunlight. If the vehicle is
parked in the sun, move it into the
shade and let the exterior cool down
before you start.
Only use the solvents and cleaners
recommended in this Owner's
Manual.
Chemical solvents and strong cleaners
can damage the paint, metal, and
plastic on your vehicle.
Rinse the vehicle thoroughly with
cool water to remove loose dirt.
Fill a bucket with cool water. Mix
in a mild detergent, such as
dishwashing liquid or a product
made especially for car washing.
Wash the vehicle using the water
and detergent solution and a soft-
bristle brush, sponge, or soft cloth.
Start at the top and work your way
down. Rinse frequently.
Check the body for road tar, tree
sap, etc. Remove these stains with
tar remover or turpentine. Rinse it
off immediately so it does not
harm the finish. Remember to re-
wax these areas, even if the rest of
the vehicle does not need waxing.
When you have washed and rinsed
the whole exterior, dry it with a
chamois or soft towel. Letting it
air-dry will cause dulling and water
spots.
As you dry the vehicle, inspect it for
chips and scratches that could allow
corrosion to start. Repair them with
touch-up paint (see page 258 ).
Appearance Care
NOTICE
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Exterior Care
Waxing
Always wash and dry the whole
vehicle before waxing it. You should
wax your vehicle, including the metal
trim, whenever water sits on the
surface in large patches. It should
form into beads or droplets after
waxing.
You should use a quality liquid or
paste wax. Apply it according to the
instructions on the container. In
general, there are two types of
products:
Waxes A wax coats the finish and
protects it from damage by exposure
to sunlight, air pollution, etc. You
should use a wax on your Honda
when it is new.
Polishes Polishes and cleaner/
waxes can restore the shine to paint
that has oxidized and lost some of its
shine. They normally contain mild
abrasives and solvents that remove
the top layer of the finish. You
should use a polish on your Honda if
the finish does not have its original
shine after using a wax.
Cleaning tar, insects, etc. with
removers also takes off the wax.
Remember to re-wax those areas,
even if the rest of the vehicle does
not need waxing.
Aluminum Wheels
On some models
Clean your Honda's aluminum alloy
wheels as you do the rest of the
exterior. Wash them with the same
solution, and rinse them thoroughly.
The wheels have a protective clear-
coat that keeps the aluminum from
corroding and tarnishing. Using
harsh chemicals, including some
commercial wheel cleaners, or stiff
brushes can damage this clear-coat.
Only use a mild detergent and soft
brush or sponge to clean the wheels.
Appearance Care
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Exterior Care
Paint Touch-up
Your dealer has touch-up paint to
match your vehicle's color. The color
code is printed on a sticker on the
driver's doorjamb. Take this code to
your dealer so you are sure to get
the correct color.
Inspect your vehicle frequently for
chips or scratches in the paint.
Repair them right away to prevent
corrosion of the metal underneath.
Use the touch-up paint only on small
chips and scratches. More extensive
paint damage should be repaired by
a professional.
Appearance Care
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Interior Care
Carpeting
Vacuum the carpeting frequently to
remove dirt. Ground-in dirt will make
the carpet wear out faster.
Periodically shampoo the carpet to
keep it looking new. Use one of the
foam-type carpet cleaners on the
market. Follow the instructions that
come with the cleaner, applying it
with a sponge or soft brush. Keep
the carpeting as dry as possible by
not adding water to the foam.
Floor Mats
On EX and SE models
The Genuine Honda driver's floor
mat that came with your vehicle was
designed to be hooked over the floor
mat anchor. This keeps the floor mat
from sliding forward and possibly
interfering with the pedals.
If you remove the floor mat, make
sure to re-anchor it when you put it
back in your vehicle.
If you replace it, use a genuine
Honda floor mat that is designed to
be used with the floor mat anchor in
your car.
If you use a non-Honda floor mat in
the driver's footwell, make sure it
fits properly and that it can be used
with the floor mat anchor.
Do not put additional floor mats on
top of the anchored mat, otherwise
the additional mats may slide
forward and interfere with the pedals.
Appearance Care
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Interior Care
Fabric
Vacuum dirt and dust out of the
material frequently. For general
cleaning, use a solution of mild soap
and lukewarm water, letting it air dry.
To clean off stubborn spots, use a
commercially-available fabric cleaner.
Test it on a hidden area of the fabric
first, to make sure it does not bleach
or stain the fabric. Follow the
instructions that come with the
cleaner.
Vinyl
Remove dirt and dust with a vacuum
cleaner. Wipe the vinyl with a soft
cloth dampened in a solution of mild
soap and water. Use the same
solution with a soft-bristle brush on
more difficult spots. You can also use
commercially-available spray or
foam-type vinyl cleaners.
Leather
SE model
Vacuum dirt and dust from the
leather frequently. Pay particular
attention to the pleats and seams.
Clean the leather with a soft cloth
dampened with clear water, then
buff it with a clean, dry cloth. If
further cleaning is needed, use a
soap specifically for leather, such as
saddle soap. Apply this soap with a
damp, soft cloth. Wipe down and
buff as described above.
Appearance Care
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Interior Care
Seat Belts
If your seat belts get dirty, you can
use a soft brush with a mixture of
mild soap and warm water to clean
them. Do not use bleach, dye, or
cleaning solvents. They can weaken
the belt material. Let the belts air-
dry before you use the vehicle.
Dirt build-up in the loops of the seat
belt anchors can cause the belts to
retract slowly. Wipe the insides of
the loops with a clean cloth
dampened in mild soap and warm
water or isopropyl alcohol.
Windows
Clean the windows, inside and out,
with a commercially-available glass
cleaner. You can also use a mixture
of one part white vinegar to ten parts
water. This will remove the haze that
builds up on the inside of the
windows. Use a soft cloth or paper
towels to clean all glass and clear
plastic surfaces.
The rear window defogger wires ore
bonded to the inside of the glass.
Wiping vigorously up-and-down can
dislodge and break the defogger wires.
When cleaning the rear window, use
gentle pressure and wipe side-to-side.
Air Fresheners
If you want to use an air freshener/
deodorizer in the interior of your
vehicle, it is best to use a solid type.
Some liquid air fresheners contain
chemicals that may cause parts of
the interior trim and fabric to crack
or discolor.
If you use a liquid air freshener,
make sure you fasten it securely so it
does not spill as you drive.
Appearance Care
LOOP
NOTICE
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Corrosion Protection
Two factors normally contribute to
causing corrosion in your vehicle:
1. Moisture trapped in body cavities.
Dirt and road salt that collects in
hollows on the underside of the
vehicle stays damp, promoting
corrosion in that area.
2. Removal of paint and protective
coatings from the exterior and
underside of the vehicle.
Many corrosion-preventive measures
are built into your Honda. You can
help keep your vehicle from
corroding by performing some
simple periodic maintenance:
Repair chips and scratches in the
paint as soon as you discover them.
Inspect and clean out the drain
holes in the bottom of the doors
and body.
Check the floor coverings for
dampness. Carpeting and floor
mats may remain damp for a long
time, especially in winter. This
dampness can eventually cause
the floor panels to corrode.
Use a high-pressure spray to clean
the underside of your vehicle. This
is especially important in areas
that use road salt in winter. It is
also a good idea in humid climates
and areas subject to salt air.
Vehicles equipped with ABS have
a sensor and wiring at each wheel.
Be careful not to damage them.
Have the corrosion-preventive
coatings on the underside of your
vehicle inspected and repaired
periodically.
Appearance Care
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Body Repairs
Body repairs can affect your vehicle's
resistance to corrosion. If your
vehicle needs repairs after a collision,
pay close attention to the parts used
in the repair and the quality of the
work.
Make sure the repair facility uses
genuine Honda replacement body
parts. Some companies make sheet
metal pieces that seem to duplicate
the original Honda body parts, but
are actually inferior in fit, finish, and
corrosion resistance. Once installed,
they do not give the same high-
quality appearance.
When reporting your collision to the
insurance company, tell them you
want genuine Honda parts used in
the repair. Although most insurers
recognize the quality of original
parts, some may try to specify that
the repairs be done with other
available parts. You should investi-
gate this before any repairs have
begun.
Take your vehicle to your authorized
Honda dealer for inspection after the
repairs are completed. Your dealer
can make sure that quality materials
were used, and that corrosion-
preventive coatings were applied to
all repaired and replaced parts.
Appearance Care
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264
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Taking Care of the Unexpected
This section covers the more-
common problems that motorists
experience with their vehicles. It
gives you information about how to
safely evaluate the problem and what
to do to correct it. If the problem has
stranded you on the side of the road,
you may be able to get going again.
If not, you will also find instructions
on getting your vehicle towed.
Changing a Flat Tire ..................... 266
If Your Engine Won't Start........... 275
Nothing Happens or the Starter
Motor Operates Very
Slowly..................................... 275
The Starter Operates
Normally................................. 276
Jump Starting................................. 277
If Your Engine Overheats............. 279
Low Oil Pressure Indicator .......... 281
Charging System Indicator........... 282
Malfunction Indicator Lamp ........ 283
Brake System Indicator................ 284
Fuses............................................... 285
Checking and Replacing........... 286
Emergency Towing....................... 290
Taking Care of the Unexpected
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Changing a Flat Tire
If you have a flat tire while driving,
stop in a safe place to change it.
Stopping in traffic or on the shoulder
of a busy road is dangerous. Drive
slowly along the shoulder until you
get to an exit or an area to stop that
is far away from the traffic lanes.
1. Park the vehicle on firm, level and
non-slippery ground away from
traffic. Put the transmission in
Park (automatic) or Reverse
(manual). Apply the parking brake.
2. Turn on the hazard warning lights
and turn the ignition switch to
LOCK (0). Have all the
passengers get out of the vehicle
while you change the tire.
3. Pull up the cargo area carpet and
open the cargo area floor. To keep
the cargo area floor out of the way,
attach the hook to the tailgate sill
as shown.
4. The tool kit is in the right cargo
floor pocket. Open the cover and
take out the tool kit.
Taking Care of the Unexpected
The vehicle can easily roll off
the jack, seriously injuring
anyone underneath.
Follow the directions for
changing a tire exactly, and
never get under the vehicle
when it is supported only by the
jack.
TOOLKIT
SPARE TIRE
JACK
HOOK
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Changing a Flat Tire
CLIPS
STOP
5. The jack is under the cargo
storage bin. Remove each of the
four clips holding the bin by
pulling straight up on the ring.
Remove the bin.
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.
6. Turn the jack's end bracket
counterclockwise to loosen it, then
remove the jack by lifting it
straight up.
Soft type spare tire cover
LX and EX models
7. Zip the cover open.
CONTINUED
Taking Care of the Unexpected
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Changing a Flat Tire
8. Pull out the cover's two lower flaps.
Don't pull the top of the cover, or
you will tear it.
9. Pull the upper flaps out by
gradually working your hands up
the sides of the cover.
10. Remove the cover.
Hard type spare tire cover
On SE model
CENTER SPACER
11. Unfasten the magic tape on the
left side.
12. Unzip the cover around the upper
edge of the cover.
13. Pull out the upper edge of the
cover gradually.
14. Peel off the spare tire cover from
the back of the spare tire and
remove the cover. Do not forcibly
pull off the cover or you may
damage it.
15. Pull off the center spacer. Using
the wheel wrench, remove the
three wheel nuts. Remove the
spare tire from the holder.
Taking Care of the Unexpected
CENTER SPACER
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Changing a Flat Tire
16. Loosen the five wheel nuts 1/2
turn with the wheel wrench.
JACKING POINT
17. Locate the jacking point nearest
the tire you need to change. It is
pointed to by an arrow molded into
the underside of the body. Place
the jack under the jacking point.
Turn the end bracket clockwise
until the top of the jack contacts
the jacking point. Make sure the
jacking point tab is resting in the
jack notch.
EXTENSION
WHEEL WRENCH
18. Use the extension and wheel
wrench as shown to raise the
vehicle until the flat tire is off the
ground.
CONTINUED
Taking Care of the Unexpected
WHEEL NUTS
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Changing a Flat Tire
19. Remove the wheel nuts and flat
tire. Temporarily place the flat tire
on the ground with the outside
surface of the wheel facing up.
You could scratch the wheel if you
put it face down.
BRAKE HUB
20. Before mounting the spare tire,
wipe any dirt off the mounting
surface of the wheel and hub with
a clean cloth. Wipe the hub
carefully, it may be hot from
driving.
21. Put on the spare tire. Put the
wheel nuts back on finger-tight,
then tighten them in a crisscross
pattern with the wheel wrench
until the wheel is firmly against
the hub. Do not try to tighten
them fully.
Taking Care of the Unexpected
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Changing a Flat Tire
22. Lower the vehicle to the ground
and remove the jack.
23. Tighten the wheel nuts securely in
the same crisscross pattern. Have
the wheel nut torque checked at
the nearest automotive service
facility.
Tighten the wheel nuts to:
80 lbf.ft(108N
.
m,11 kgf.m)
CENTER SPACER
24. Put the flat tire on the spare tire
holder. Put the wheel nuts on
finger-tight, then tighten them
with the wheel wrench.
Put the center spacer in the center
of the wheel.
25. Store the jack in its holder. Turn
the jack's end bracket to lock it in
place. Store the tool kit.
Taking Care of the Unexpected
CONTINUED
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Changing a Flat Tire
Soft type spare tire cover
LX and EX models
TOP SLIT
26. Hold the cover at the 10 o'clock
and 2 o'clock positions, then place
the top of it over the spare tire,
making sure the top slit on the
back of the cover is vertical.
Make sure the cover is at room
temperature before you install it. If it's
too cold, it won't fit easily over the tire.
27. Step back to check the alignment
of the logo. If needed, move the
cover left or right until the logo is
straight.
Taking Care of the Unexpected
NOTICE
Loose items can fly around the
interior in a crash and could
seriously injure the occupants.
Store the wheel, jack and tools
securely before driving.
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Changing a Flat Tire
OUTSIDE SEAM
28. Unhook the cargo area floor and
lower it. Replace the cargo area
carpet.
UPPER FLAP
SLIT
29. Pull the bottom of the cover over
the tire, and make sure the two
slits on the lower flaps of the cover
are horizontal and the two upper
flaps touch the spare tire bracket.
30. If needed, readjust the cover to
smooth out any wrinkles.
31. Zip the cover closed.
CONTINUED
Taking Care of the Unexpected
SPARE TIRE BRACKET
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Changing a Flat Tire
Hard type spare tire cover
On SE model
TOP SLIT
32. Hold the cover, then place the
bottom of it over the spare tire.
33. Make sure the cover is horizontal.
If needed, move the cover left or
right until the cover is horizontal.
34. Zip the cover closed and fasten the
magic tape.
35. Replace the cargo storage bin.
Secure it with the four clips. Push
each clip down securely, and pivot
the ring down flat.
36. Unhook the cargo area floor and
lower it. Replace the cargo area
carpet.
Taking Care of the Unexpected
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If Your Engine Won't Start
Diagnosing why your engine won't
start falls into two areas, depending
on what you hear when you turn the
key to START (III):
You hear nothing, or almost
nothing. The engine's starter
motor does not operate at all, or
operates very slowly.
You can hear the starter motor
operating normally, or the starter
motor sounds like it is spinning
faster than normal, but the engine
does not start up and run.
Nothing Happens or the Starter
Motor Operates Very Slowly
When you turn the ignition switch to
START (III), you do not hear the
normal noise of the engine trying to
start. You may hear a clicking sound
or series of clicks, or nothing at all.
Check these things:
Check the transmission interlock.
If you have a manual transmission,
the clutch pedal must be pushed
all the way to the floor or the
starter will not operate. With an
automatic transmission, it must be
in Park or Neutral.
Turn the ignition switch to ON (II).
Turn on the headlights and check
their brightness. If the headlights
are very dim or don't light at all,
the battery is discharged. See
Jump Starting on page 277.
Turn the ignition switch to START
(III). If the headlights do not dim,
check the condition of the fuses. If
the fuses are OK, there is proba-
bly something wrong with the
electrical circuit for the ignition
switch or starter motor. You will
need a qualified technician to
determine the problem. (See
Emergency Towing on page 290.)
CONTINUED
Taking Care of the Unexpected
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If Your Engine Won't Start
If the headlights dim noticeably or
go out when you try to start the
engine, either the battery is dis-
charged or the connections are
corroded. Check the condition of the
battery and terminal connections
(see page 229). You can then try
jump starting the vehicle from a
booster battery (see page 277).
The Starter Operates Normally
In this case, the starter motor's
speed sounds normal, or even faster
than normal, when you turn the
ignition switch to START (III), but
the engine does not run.
Are you using the proper starting
procedure? Refer to Starting the
Engine on page 166.
Do you have fuel? Turn the
ignition switch to ON (II) for a
minute and watch the fuel gauge.
The low fuel level warning light
may not be working, so you were
not reminded to fill the tank.
There may be an electrical
problem, such as no power to the
fuel pump. Check all the fuses
(see page 286).
If you find nothing wrong, you will
need a qualified technician to find
the problem. See Emergency
Towing on page 290.
Taking Care of the Unexpected
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Jump Starting
If your vehicle's battery has run
down, you may be able to start the
engine by using a booster battery.
Although this seems like a simple
procedure, you should take several
precautions.
You cannot start a Honda with an
automatic transmission by pushing
or pulling it.
To jump start your vehicle, follow
these directions closely:
1. Open the hood and check the
physical condition of the battery
(see page 229). In very cold
weather, check the condition of
the electrolyte. If it seems slushy
or like ice, do not try jump starting
until it thaws.
If a battery sits in extreme cold, the
electrolyte inside can freeze.
Attempting to jump start with a frozen
battery can cause it to rupture.
2. Turn off all the electrical acces-
sories: heater, A/C, stereo system,
lights, etc.
Put the transmission in Neutral or
Park and set the parking brake.
3. Connect one jumper cable to the
positive ( + ) terminal on your
Honda's battery. Connect the
other end to the positive (+)
terminal on the booster battery.
CONTINUED
Taking Care of the Unexpected
A battery can explode if you do
not follow the correct procedure,
seriously injuring anyone
nearby.
Keep all sparks, open flames,
and smoking materials away
from the battery.
NOTICE
s
t
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Jump Starting
4. Connect the second jumper cable
to the negative () terminal on
the booster battery. Connect the
other end to the ground wire on
the right side of the engine as
shown. Do not connect this jumper
cable to any other part of the
engine.
5. If the booster battery is in another
vehicle, have an assistant start
that vehicle and run it at a fast idle.
6. Start your vehicle. If the starter
motor still operates slowly, check
the jumper cable connections to
make sure they have good metal-
to-metal contact.
7. Once your vehicle is running,
disconnect the negative cable from
your vehicle, then from the
booster battery. Disconnect the
positive cable from your vehicle,
then the booster battery.
Keep the ends of the jumper cables
away from each other and any metal
on the car until all are disconnected.
Otherwise, you may cause an
electrical short.
Taking Care of the Unexpected
BOOSTER BATTERY
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If Your Engine Overheats
The pointer of your vehicle's
temperature gauge should stay in
the midrange under most conditions.
It may go higher if you are driving up
a long steep hill on a very hot day. If
it climbs to the red mark, you should
determine the reason.
Driving with the temperature gauge
pointer at the red mark can cause
serious damage to your engine.
Your vehicle can overheat for several
reasons, such as lack of coolant or a
mechanical problem. The only
indication may be the temperature
gauge climbing to or above the red
mark. Or you may see steam or
spray coming from under the hood.
In either case, you should take
immediate action.
1. Safely pull to the side of the road.
Put the transmission in Neutral or
Park and set the parking brake.
Turn off the heating and cooling
system and all other accessories.
Turn on the hazard warning
indicators.
2. If you see steam and/or spray
coming from under the hood, turn
off the engine.
3. If you do not see steam or spray,
leave the engine running and
watch the temperature gauge. If
the high heat is due to overloading
(climbing a long, steep hill on a
hot day with the A/C running, for
example), the engine should start
to cool down almost immediately.
If it does, wait until the tempera-
ture gauge comes down to the mid-
point then continue driving.
4. If the temperature gauge stays at
the red mark, turn off the engine.
5. Wait until you see no more signs
of steam or spray, then open the
hood.
CONTINUED
Taking Care of the Unexpected
Steam and spray from an
overheated engine can
seriously scald you.
Do not open the hood if steam
is coming out.
NOTICE
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If Your Engine Overheats
6. Look for any obvious coolant leaks,
such as a split radiator hose.
Everything is still extremely hot,
so use caution. If you find a leak, it
must be repaired before you
continue driving (see Emergency
Towing on page 290).
7. If you don't find an obvious leak,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank (see page
144). If the level is below the
MIN mark, add coolant to halfway
between the MIN and MAX marks.
8. If there was no coolant in the
reserve tank, you may also have to
add coolant to the radiator. Let the
engine cool down until the pointer
reaches the middle of the tempera-
ture gauge, or lower, before check-
ing the radiator.
9. Using gloves or a large heavy
cloth, turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without pushing
down, to the first stop. This
releases any remaining pressure in
the cooling system. After the
pressure releases, push down on
the cap and turn it until it comes
off.
10. Start the engine and set the
temperature control dial to
maximum. Add coolant to the
radiator up to the base of the filler
neck. If you do not have the
proper coolant mixture available,
you can add plain water.
Remember to have the cooling
system drained and refilled with
the proper mixture as soon as you
can.
11. Put the radiator cap back on
tightly. Run the engine and watch
the temperature gauge. If it goes
back to the red mark, the engine
needs repair. (See Emergency
Towing on page 290.)
12.If the temperature stays normal,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. If it has
gone down, add coolant to the
MAX mark. Put the cap back on
tightly.
Taking Care of the Unexpected
Removing the radiator cap
while the engine is hot can
cause the coolant to spray out,
seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and
radiator cool down before
removing the radiator cap.
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Low Oil Pressure Indicator
This indicator should light when the
ignition switch is ON (II), and go out
after the engine starts. It should
never come on when the engine is
running. If it starts flashing, it
indicates that the oil pressure
dropped very low for a moment, then
recovered. If the indicator stays on
with the engine running, it shows
that the engine has lost oil pressure
and serious engine damage is
possible. In either case, you should
take immediate action.
Running the engine with low oil
pressure can cause serious mechanical
damage almost immediately. Turn off
the engine as soon as you can safely get
the vehicle stopped.
1. Safely pull off the road and shut
off the engine. Turn on the hazard
warning indicators.
2. Let the vehicle sit for a minute.
Open the hood and check the oil
level (see page 155). Although oil
level and oil pressure are not
directly connected, an engine that
is very low on oil can lose pressure
during cornering and other driving
maneuvers.
3. If necessary, add oil to bring the
level back to the full mark on the
dipstick (see page 211).
4. Start the engine and watch the oil
pressure indicator. If the light
does not go out within ten seconds,
turn off the engine. There is a
mechanical problem that needs to
be repaired before you can
continue driving. (See Emergency
Towing on page 290.)
Taking Care of the Unexpected
NOTICE
LOW OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR
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Charging System Indicator
This indicator should come on when
the ignition switch is ON (II), and go
out after the engine starts. If it
comes on brightly when the engine
is running, it indicates that the
charging system has stopped
charging the battery.
Immediately turn off all electrical
accessories: radio, heater, A/C, rear
defogger, cruise control, etc. Try not
to use other electrically-operated
controls such as the power windows.
Keep the engine running and take
extra care not to stall it. Starting the
engine will discharge the battery
rapidly.
By eliminating as much of the
electrical load as possible, you can
drive several miles (kilometers)
before the battery is too discharged
to keep the engine running. Drive to
a service station or garage where
you can get technical assistance.
Taking Care of the Unexpected
CHARGING SYSTEM INDICATOR
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Malfunction Indicator Lamp
This indicator comes on for a few
seconds when you turn the ignition
switch ON (II). If it comes on at any
other time, it indicates one of the
engine's emissions control systems
may have a problem. Even though
you may feel no difference in your
vehicle's performance, it can reduce
your fuel economy and cause your
vehicle to put out excessive
emissions. Continued operation may
cause serious damage.
If you have recently refueled your
vehicle, the cause of this indicator
coming on could be a loose or
missing fuel fill cap. Check the cap
and tighten it until it clicks several
times. Replace the fuel fill cap if it is
missing. Tightening the cap will not
make the indicator turn off
immediately; it takes three driving
trips.
If the indicator remains on past three
driving trips, or the fuel cap was not
loose or missing, have the vehicle
checked by the dealer as soon as
possible. Drive moderately until the
dealer has inspected the problem.
Avoid full-throttle acceleration and
driving at high speed.
You should also have the dealer
inspect your vehicle if this indicator
comes on repeatedly, even though it
may turn off as you continue driving.
If
you keep driving with the
malfunction indicator lamp on, you can
damage your vehicle's emissions
controls and engine. Those repairs may
not be covered by your vehicle's
warranties.
Taking Care of the Unexpected
NOTICE
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP
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Brake System Indicator
The Brake System Indicator
normally comes on when you turn
the ignition switch ON (II). It is a
reminder to check the parking brake.
It comes on and stays lit if you do not
fully release the parking brake.
If it comes on at any other time, it
indicates a problem with the vehicle's
brake system. In most cases, the
problem is a low fluid level in the
brake fluid reservoir. Press lightly on
the brake pedal to see if it feels
normal. If it does, check the brake
fluid level the next time you stop at a
service station (see page 210). If the
fluid level is low, take the vehicle to
your dealer and have the brake
system inspected for leaks or worn
brake pads.
However, if the brake pedal does not
feel normal, you should take
immediate action. Because of the
brake system's dual-circuit design, a
problem in one part of the system
will still give you braking at two
wheels. You will feel the brake pedal
go down much farther before the
vehicle begins to slow down, and you
will have to press harder on the
pedal. The distance needed to stop
will be much longer.
Slow down by shifting to a lower
gear, and pull to the side of the road
when it is safe. Because of the
longer distance needed to stop, it is
hazardous to drive the vehicle. You
should have it towed, and repaired as
soon as possible. (See Emergency
Towing on page 290.)
If you must drive the vehicle a short
distance in this condition, drive
slowly and cautiously.
Taking Care of the Unexpected
BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR*
100
'U.S. indicator shown
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Fuses
All the electrical circuits in your
vehicle have fuses to protect them
from a short circuit or overload.
These fuses are located in two or
three fuse boxes.
The under-hood fuse box is located
in the engine compartment. To open
it, push the tab as shown.
The interior fuse box is underneath
the dashboard on the driver's side.
Remove the fuse box lid by swinging
the lid down and pulling it straight
out of its hinges.
Vehicles equipped with ABS have a
third fuse box for the ABS. It is in
the engine compartment on the
passenger's side.
Taking Care of the Unexpected
UNDER-HOOD
TAB
INTERIOR
ABS FUSE BOX
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Fuses
Checking and Replacing Fuses
If something electrical in your
vehicle stops working, the first thing
you should check for is a blown fuse.
Determine from the chart on pages
271 and 272 , or the diagram on the
fuse box lid, which fuse or fuses
control that component. Check those
fuses first, but check all the fuses
before deciding that a blown fuse is
not the cause. Replace any blown
fuses and check the component's
operation.
1. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK
(0). Make sure the headlights and
all other accessories are off.
2. Remove the cover from the fuse
box.
BLOWN
3. Check each of the large fuses in
the under-hood fuse box by
looking through the top at the wire
inside. Removing these fuses
requires a Phillips-head screw-
driver.
FUSEPULLER
4. Check the smaller fuses in the
under-hood fuse box and all the
fuses in the interior fuse box by
pulling out each fuse with the fuse
puller provided in the door of the
interior fuse box.
Taking Care of the Unexpected
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Fuses
BLOWN
5. Look for a burned wire inside the
fuse. If it is burned, replace it with
one of the spare fuses of the same
rating or lower.
If you cannot drive the vehicle
without fixing the problem, and you
do not have a spare fuse, take a fuse
of the same rating or a lower rating
from one of the other circuits. Make
sure you can do without that circuit
temporarily (such as the accessory
power socket or radio).
If you replace the blown fuse with a
spare fuse that has a lower rating, it
might blow out again. This does not
indicate anything wrong. Replace the
fuse with one of the correct rating as
soon as you can.
Replacing a fuse with one that has a
higher rating greatly increases the
chances of damaging the electrical
system. If you do not have a replace-
ment fuse with the proper rating for the
circuit, install one with a lower rating.
6. If the replacement fuse of the
same rating blows in a short time,
there is probably a serious
electrical problem in your vehicle.
Leave the blown fuse in that
circuit and have your vehicle
checked by a qualified mechanic.
On EX and SE models
If the radio fuse is removed, the
audio system will disable itself. The
next time you turn on the radio you
will see "Code" in the frequency
display. Use the Preset buttons to
enter the five-digit code (see page
137).
Taking Care of the Unexpected
CONTINUED
NOTICE
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Fuses
INTERIOR FUSE BOX
*
: Canadian model
Taking Care of the Unexpected
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Fuses
UNDER-HOOD FUSE BOX
ABS FUSE BOX (For some types)
Taking Care of the Unexpected
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Emergency Towing
If your vehicle needs to be towed,
call a professional towing service or,
if you belong to one, an organization
that provides roadside assistance.
Never tow your vehicle behind
another vehicle with just a rope or
chain. It is very dangerous.
There are three popular types of
professional towing equipment.
Flat-bed Equipment The operator
loads your vehicle on the back of a
truck. This is the only way to
transport your vehicle. Any other
method of towing will damage the
drive system. When you contact the
towing agency, inform them that a
flat-bed is required.
Towing a 4WD CR-V with only two
tires on the ground will damage parts
of the 4WD system. It should be
transported on a flat-bed truck or
trailer.
Wheel Lift Equipment The tow
truck uses two pivoting arms that go
under the tires (front or rear) and lift
them off the ground. The other two
tires remain on the ground.
Never tow your vehicle with
wheel lift equipment.
Sling-type Equipment The tow
truck uses metal cables with hooks
on the ends. These hooks go around
parts of the frame or suspension and
cables lift that end of the vehicle off
the ground. Your vehicle's
suspension and body can be
seriously damaged. This method of
towing your CR-V is unacceptable.
Refer to Towing Your Vehicle
Behind a Motorhome on page
189 for non-emergency towing
information.
Taking Care of the Unexpected
NOTICE
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Technical Information
The diagrams in this section give
you the dimensions and capacities of
your Honda, and the locations of the
identification numbers. It also
includes information you should
know about your vehicle's tires and
emissions control systems.
Identification Numbers................. 292
Specifications................................. 294
DOT Tire Quality Grading........... 296
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading................................... 296
DOT Quality Grades................. 296
Treadwear.................................. 296
Traction....................................... 296
Temperature.............................. 297
Oxygenated Fuels.......................... 298
Driving in Foreign Countries....... 299
Emissions Controls........................ 300
The Clean Air Act...................... 300
Crankcase Emissions Control
System..................................... 300
Evaporative Emissions Control
System..................................... 300
Exhaust Emissions Controls.... 301
PGM-FI System..................... 301
Ignition Timing Control
System................................. 301
Three Way Catalytic
Converter............................ 301
Replacement Parts..................... 301
Three Way Catalytic Converter... 302
State Emissions Testing............... 303
Technical Information
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Identification Numbers
Your vehicle has several identifying
numbers located in various places.
The Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) is the 17-digit number your
Honda dealer uses to register your
vehicle for warranty purposes. It is
also necessary for licensing and
insuring your vehicle. The easiest
place to find the VIN is on a plate
fastened to the top of the dashboard.
You can see it by looking through
the windshield on the driver's side. It
is also on the Certification label at-
tached to the driver's doorjamb, and
is stamped on the engine com-
partment bulkhead. The VIN is also
provided in bar code on the
Certification label.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
CERTIFICATION LABEL
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Identification Numbers
The Engine Number is stamped into
the engine block.
The Transmission Number is on a
label on top of the transmission.
TRANSMISSION NUMBER
ENGINE NUMBER
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Specifications
*
1 : Including the coolant in the reserve tank and that remaining in the
engine.
Reserve tank capacity:
0.16 US gal (0.6 l,0.13 Imp gal)
*
2 : Excluding the oil remaining in the engine.
Technical Information
page 228 .
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Specifications
Technical Information
page 287
page 288
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DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)
The tires on your vehicle meet all
U.S. Federal Safety Requirements.
All tires are also graded for
treadwear, traction, and temperature
performance according to
Department of Transportation
(DOT) standards. The following
explains these gradings.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where
applicable on the tire sidewall
between the tread shoulder and the
maximum section width. For
example:
Treadwear 200
Traction AA
Temperature A
All passenger car tires must conform
to Federal Safety Requirements in
addition to these grades.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a compara-
tive rating based on the wear rate of
the tire when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified government
test course. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one and one-
half (1 1/2) times as well on the
government course as a tire graded
100. The relative performance of
tires depends upon the actual condi-
tions of their use, however, and may
depart significantly from the norm
due to variations in driving habits,
service practices and differences in
road characteristics and climate.
Traction AA, A, B, C
The traction grades, from highest to
lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. Those
grades represent the tire's ability to
stop on wet pavement as measured
under controlled conditions on
specified government test surfaces
of asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction
performance.
Warning: The traction grade
assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction tests,
and does not include acceleration,
cornering, hydroplaning, or peak
traction characteristics.
Technical Information
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DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)
Temperature A, B, C
The temperature grades are A (the
highest), B, and C, representing the
tire's resistance to the generation of
heat and its ability to dissipate heat
when tested under controlled
conditions on a specified indoor
laboratory test wheel. Sustained high
temperature can cause the material
of the tire to degenerate and reduce
tire life, and excessive temperature
can lead to sudden tire failure. The
grade C corresponds to a level of
performance which all passenger car
tires must meet under the Federal
Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No.
109. Grades B and A represent
higher levels of performance on the
laboratory test wheel than the
minimum required by law.
Warning: The temperature grade for
this tire is established for a tire that
is properly inflated and not over-
loaded. Excessive speed, underinfla-
tion, or excessive loading, either
separately or in combination, can
cause heat buildup and possible tire
failure.
Technical Information
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Oxygenated Fuels
Some conventional gasolines are
being blended with alcohol or an
ether compound. These gasolines
are collectively referred to as
oxygenated fuels. To meet clean air
standards, some areas of the United
States and Canada use oxygenated
fuels to help reduce emissions.
If you use an oxygenated fuel, be
sure it is unleaded and meets the
minimum octane rating requirement.
Before using an oxygenated fuel, try
to confirm the fuel's contents. Some
states/provinces require this
information to be posted on the
pump.
The following are the U.S. EPA and
Canadian CGSB 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)
Your vehicle was not designed to use
fuel that contains methanol.
Methanol can corrode metal parts in
the fuel system, and also damage
plastic and rubber components. This
damage would not be covered by
your warranties.
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.
Technical Information
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Driving in Foreign Countries
Technical Information
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 perfor-
mance 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 vehicle back
into compliance will require the re-
placement of several components,
such as the oxygen sensors and the
three way catalytic converter. These
replacements are not covered under
warranty.
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Emissions Controls
The burning of gasoline in your
vehicle's engine produces several by-
products. Some of these are carbon
monoxide (CO), oxides of nitrogen
(NOx) and hydrocarbons (HC).
Gasoline evaporating from the tank
also produces hydrocarbons. Con-
trolling the production of NOx, CO,
and HC is important to the environ-
ment. Under certain conditions of
sunlight and climate, NOx and HC
react to form photochemical "smog."
Carbon monoxide does not contri-
bute to smog creation, but it is a
poisonous gas.
The Clean Air Act
The United States Clean Air Act*
sets standards for automobile
emissions. It also requires that
automobile manufacturers explain to
owners how their emissions controls
work and what to do to maintain
them. This section summarizes how
the emissions controls work.
Scheduled maintenance is on page
188.
* In Canada, Honda vehicles comply
with the Canadian Motor Vehicle
Safety Standards (CMVSS) for
Emissions valid at the time they are
manufactured.
Crankcase Emissions Control
System
Your vehicle has a Positive
Crankcase Ventilation System. This
keeps gasses that build up in the
engine's crankcase from going into
the atmosphere. The Positive Crank-
case Ventilation valve routes them
from the crankcase back to the
intake manifold. They are then
drawn into the engine and burned.
Evaporative Emissions Control
System
As gasoline evaporates in the fuel
tank, an evaporative emissions
control canister filled with charcoal
adsorbs the vapor. It is stored in this
canister while the engine is off. After
the engine is started and warmed up,
the vapor is drawn into the engine
and burned during driving.
Technical Information
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Emissions Controls
Exhaust Emissions Controls
The exhaust emissions controls
include three systems: PGM-FI,
Ignition Timing Control and Three
Way Catalytic Converter. These
three systems work together to
control the engine's combustion and
minimize the amount of HC, CO, and
NOx that comes out the tailpipe. The
exhaust emissions control systems
are separate from the crankcase and
evaporative emissions control
systems.
PGM-FI System
The PGM-FI System uses sequential
multiport fuel injection.
It has three subsystems: Air Intake,
Engine Control, and Fuel Control.
The Engine Control Module (ECM)
or the Powertrain Control Module
(PCM) uses various sensors to
determine how much air is going
into the engine. It then controls how
much fuel to inject under all operat-
ing conditions.
Ignition Timing Control System
This system constantly adjusts the
ignition timing, reducing the amount
of HC, CO and NOx produced.
Three Way Catalytic Converter
The three way catalytic converter is
in the exhaust system. Through
chemical reactions, it converts HC,
CO, and NOx in the engine's exhaust
to carbon dioxide (CO
2
), dinitrogen
(N
2
), and water vapor.
Replacement Parts
The emissions control systems are
designed and certified to work to-
gether in reducing emissions to
levels that comply with the Clean Air
Act. To make sure the emissions
remain low, you should use only new
genuine Honda replacement parts or
their equivalent for repairs. Using
lower quality parts may increase the
emissions from your vehicle.
The emissions control systems are
covered by warranties separate from
the rest of your vehicle. Read your
warranty manual for more informa-
tion.
Technical Information
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Three Way Catalytic Converter
The three way catalytic converter
contains precious metals that serve
as catalysts, promoting chemical
reactions to convert the exhaust
gasses without affecting the metals.
The catalytic converter is referred to
as a three-way catalyst, since it acts
on HC, CO, and NOx. A replacement
unit must be an original Honda part
or its equivalent.
The three way catalytic converter
must operate at a high temperature
for the chemical reactions to take
place. It can set on fire any com-
bustible materials that come near it.
Park your vehicle away from high
grass, dry leaves, or other flamma-
bles.
A defective three way catalytic
converter contributes to air pollution,
and can impair your engine's per-
formance. Follow these guidelines to
protect your vehicle's three way
catalytic converter.
Always use unleaded gasoline.
Even a small amount of leaded
gasoline can contaminate the
catalyst metals, making the three
way catalytic converter ineffective.
Keep the engine tuned-up.
Have your vehicle diagnosed and
repaired if it is misfiring, back-
firing, stalling, or otherwise not
running properly.
Technical Information
THREE WAY CATALYTIC CONVERTER
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State Emissions Testing
Testing of Readiness Codes
If you take your vehicle for a state
emissions test shortly after the
battery has been disconnected or
gone dead, it may not complete the
test. This is because of certain
"readiness codes" that must be set in
the on-board diagnostics for the
emissions systems. These codes are
erased when the battery is
disconnected, and set again only
after several days of driving under a
variety of conditions.
If the testing facility determines that
the readiness codes are not set, you
will be requested to return at a later
date to complete the test. If you must
get the vehicle re-tested within the
next two or three days, you can
condition the vehicle for re-testing
by doing the following.
Make sure the gas tank is nearly,
but not completely, full (around
3/4).
Make sure the vehicle has been
parked with the engine off for 8
hours or more.
Make sure the ambient
temperature is between 20° and
95°F.
Without touching the accelerator
pedal, start the engine and let it
idle for 20 seconds.
Keep the vehicle in Park
(automatic transmission) or
Neutral (manual transmission).
Increase the engine speed to 2,000
rpm and hold it there until the
temperature gauge rises to at least
1/4 of the scale (approximately 3
minutes).
CONTINUED
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State Emissions Testing
Select a nearby lightly traveled
major highway where you can
maintain a speed of 50 to 60 mph
(80 to 97 km/h) for at least 20
minutes. Drive on the highway in
D4 (A/T) or 5th (M/T). Do not
use the cruise control. When
traffic allows, drive for 90 seconds
without moving the accelerator
pedal. (Vehicle speed may vary
slightly; this is okay.) If you cannot
do this for a continuous 90
seconds because of traffic
conditions, drive for at least 30
seconds, then repeat it two more
times (for a total of 90 seconds).
Then drive in city/suburban
traffic for at least 10 minutes.
When traffic conditions allow, let
the vehicle coast for several
seconds without using the
accelerator pedal or the brake
pedal.
If the testing facility determines the
readiness codes are still not set, see
your Honda dealer.
Technical Information
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Warranty and Customer Relations
Customer Relations
Information................................. 306
U.S. Zone Office Map.................... 307
Canada Zone Office Map.............. 308
Warranty Coverages..................... 309
Reporting Safety Defects
(U.S. Vehicles)........................... 310
Authorized Manuals...................... 311
Warranty and Customer Relations
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Customer Relations Information
Honda dealership personnel are
trained professionals. They should
be able to answer all your questions.
If you encounter a problem that your
dealership does not solve to your
satisfaction, please discuss it with
the dealership's management. The
Service Manager or General
Manager can help. Almost all
problems are solved in this way.
If you are dissatisfied with the
decision made by the dealership's
management, contact your Honda
Customer Relations Zone Office.
Refer to the U.S. and Canadian Zone
Office maps on the following pages.
When you call or write, please give
us this information:
Vehicle Identification Number
(see page 292)
Name and address of the dealer
who services your vehicle
Date of purchase
Mileage on your vehicle
Your name, address, and tele-
phone number
A detailed description of the
problem
Name of the dealer who sold the
vehicle to you
Warranty and Customer Relations
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U.S. Zone Office Map
Western Zone
P.O. Box 2260
700 Van Ness Avenue
Torrance, California
90501-1490
(310)781-4565
Northwestern Zone
P.O. Box 20186
12439 N.E. Airport Way
Portland, Oregon 97230
(503) 256-0943
(also includes Alaska and
Hawaii)
South Central Zone
4529 Royal Lane
Irving, Texas 75063
(972) 929-5481
The addresses and telephone numbers are subject to change. If you cannot
reach your Zone office, ask your Honda dealer for the current information.
Northeastern Zone
115 Gaither Drive
Mt. Laurel, New Jersey 08054
(856) 235-5533
Includes: NYC Metro area and
Fairfield County, CT area
Mid-Atlantic Zone
902 Wind River Ln., Suite 200
Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878
(301)990-2020
Southeastern Zone
P.O.
Box
1606
1500 Morrison Parkway
Alpharetta, Georgia 30009-1606
(770) 442-2045
North Central Zone
601 Campus Drive, Suite A-9
Arlington Heights, Illinois 60004
(847) 870-5600
New England Zone
555 Old County Road
Windsor Locks, Connecticut 06096
(860)623-3310
See Zone 5 for: NYC Metro area and
Fairfield County, CTarea
West Central Zone
1600 South Abilene Street, Suite D
Aurora, Colorado 80012
(303) 696-3935
Puerto Rico and U.S. V.I.
Bella International
P.O. Box 190816
San Juan, PR 00919-0816
(787)250-4318
Warranty and Customer Relations
Central Zone
101 South Stanfield Road
Troy, Ohio 45373
(937) 332-6250
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Canada Zone Office Map
CUSTOMER RELATIONS
RELATIONS AVEC LA CLIENTELE
Honda Canada Inc.
715 Milner Avenue
Toronto, ON
M1B2K8
Tel: 1-888-9-HONDA-9
Fax: Toll-free 1-877-939-0909
Toronto (416)287-4776
Warranty and Customer Relations
Honda Canada Inc.
National Office
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Warranty Coverages
U.S. Owners
Your new Honda is covered by these
warranties:
New Vehicle Limited Warranty
covers your new vehicle, except for
the battery, emissions control
systems and accessories, against
defects in materials and
workmanship.
Emissions Control Systems Defects
Warranty and Emissions
Performance Warranty these two
warranties cover your vehicle's emis-
sions control systems. Time, mileage,
and coverage are conditional. Please
read the warranty manual for exact
information.
Original Equipment Battery Limited
Warranty this warranty gives up
to 100 percent credit toward a
replacement battery.
Seat Belt Limited Warranty a seat
belt that fails to function properly is
covered for the useful life of the
vehicle.
Rust Perforation Limited Warranty
all exterior body panels are
covered for rust-through from the
inside for the specified time period
with no mileage limit.
Accessory Limited Warranty
Genuine Honda Accessories are
covered under this warranty. Time
and mileage limits depend on the
type of accessory and other factors.
Please read your warranty manual
for details.
Replacement Parts Limited
Warranty covers all genuine
Honda replacement parts against
defects in materials and workman-
ship.
Replacement Battery Limited
Warranty provides prorated
coverage for a replacement battery
purchased from a Honda dealer.
Replacement Muffler Lifetime
Limited Warranty provides
coverage for as long as the pur-
chaser of the muffler owns the
vehicle.
Restrictions and exclusions apply to
all these warranties. Please read the
2000 Honda Warranty Information
booklet that came with your car for
precise information on warranty
coverages. Your Honda's original
tires are covered by their
manufacturer. Tire warranty infor-
mation is in a separate booklet.
Canadian Owners
Please refer to the 2001 Warranty
Manual that came with your vehicle.
Warranty and Customer Relations
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Vehicles)
If you believe that your vehicle has a
defect which could cause a crash or
could cause injury or death, you
should immediately inform the
National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA) in addition
to notifying American Honda Motor
Co.,
Inc.
If NHTSA receives similar com-
plaints, it may open an investigation,
and if it finds that a safety defect
exists in a group of vehicles, it may
order a recall and remedy campaign.
However, NHTSA cannot become
involved in individual problems
between you, your dealer, or
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
To contact NHTSA, you may either
call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free
at 1-800-424-9393 (or 366-0123 in
Washington D.C. area) or write to:
NHTSA, U.S. Department of
Transportation, Washington,
D.C, 20590. You can also obtain
other information about motor
vehicle safety from the Hotline.
Warranty and Customer Relations
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Authorized Manuals
Purchasing Factory Authorized Manuals
(U.S. only)
The following publications covering the operation and
servicing of your vehicle can be obtained from Helm
Incorporated, either by filling out the attached form or,
for credit card holders, calling the toll-free phone number
on the form. For manuals prior to the year shown below,
contact Helm Incorporated, P.O. Box 07280, Detroit,
Michigan 48207, or call 1-800-782-4356.
Valid only for sales within the U.S. Canadian owners should
contact their authorized Honda dealer.
By completing this form you can order the materials desired. You can
pay by check or money order, or charge to your credit card. Mail to
Helm Incorporated at the address shown on the back of the order form.
61S1004
61S1004EL
61S1030
31S10640
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Authorized Manuals
These Publications cannot be returned for credit without receiving advance authorization within 14
days of delivery. On returns, a restocking fee may be applied against the original order.
P.O. BOX 07280 DETROIT, MICHIGAN 48207 1-800-782-4356
Service Manual:
This manual covers maintenance and recommended
procedures for repair to engine and chassis components.
It is written for the Journeyman mechanic, but is simple
enough for most mechanically-inclined owners to under-
stand.
Electrical Troubleshooting Manual:
This manual complements the Service Manual by
providing in-depth troubleshooting information for each
electrical circuit in your vehicle.
Body Repair Manual:
This manual describes the procedures involved in the
replacement of damaged body parts.
Main Menu
Main Menu
Table of Contents
Index
Accessories and Modifications.... 158
Accessories................................. 158
Additional Safety Precautions.. 159
Modifications............................. 159
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key
Position)........................................ 70
Accessory Power Socket................ 92
Additives, Engine Oil..................... 212
Airbag (SRS)...................................... 9
Air Cleaner Element...................... 226
Air Conditioning............................... 98
Maintenance............................... 233
Usage............................................. 98
Air Conditioning Filter.................. 234
Air Outlets (Vents)........................ 100
Air Pressure, Tires........................ 235
Normal Driving.......................... 236
Alcohol in Gasoline........................ 298
Antifreeze....................................... 215
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
Indicator Light.................... 55, 179
Operation.................................... 177
Anti-theft Steering Column
Lock.............................................. 69
Appearance Care........................... 225
Ashtrays............................................ 94
Audio System................................. 106
Automatic Speed Control................ 66
Automatic Transmission............... 170
Capacity, Fluid........................... 294
Checking Fluid Level................ 221
Shifting........................................ 170
Shift Lever Position Indicator.. 170
Shift Lever Positions................. 170
Shift Lock Release..................... 174
Battery
Charging System
Indicator............................ 54, 281
Jump Starting............................. 277
Maintenance............................... 229
Specifications............................. 294
Before Driving............................... 151
Belts, Seat........................................... 8
Beverage Holder.............................. 88
Body Repair.................................... 263
Brakes
Anti-lock System (ABS)............ 177
Break-in, New Linings ..............
152
Fluid............................................ 224
Bulb Replacement..................... 247
Parking.......................................... 86
System
Indicator.................. 54, 284
Wear Indicators......................... 176
Braking System.............................. 176
Break-in, New Car......................... 152
Brightness Control, Instruments... 61
Brights, Headlights......................... 60
Built-in Table.................................... 89
Bulb Replacement
Back-up Lights........................... 248
Brake Lights............................... 248
Cargo Area Light....................... 252
Ceiling Light............................... 252
Front Parking Lights................. 247
Front Side Marker Lights......... 247
Headlights.................................. 246
High-mount Brake Light.......... 251
Interior Light.............................. 252
License Plate Lights.................. 249
Rear Side Marker Lights.......... 248
Specifications.............................. 295
CONTINUED
Main Menu
Main Menu
Index
Bulb Replacement
Spotlight...................................... 252
Turn Signal Lights..................... 247
Bulbs, Halogen............................... 246
Capacities Chart............................. 294
Carbon Monoxide Hazard.............. 49
Cargo Area Light............................. 95
Cargo Floor Pockets........................ 92
Cargo Hooks..................................... 93
Carrying Cargo.............................. 160
Cassette Player
Care.......................................... 136
Operation.................... 112,
133,
148
CAUTION, Explanation of .............. ii
CD Changer........................... 115,
129
CD Player....................... 115,
127,
144
Center Pocket.................................. 91
Center Table..................................... 87
Certification Label......................... 292
Chains............................................. 241
Change Oil...................................... 213
How to......................................... 213
When to....................................... 202
Changing a Flat Tire ..................... 266
Changing Engine Coolant............. 217
Charging System Indicator .... 54, 282
Checklist, Before Driving............. 151
Childproof Door Locks................... 75
Child Safety...................................... 21
Child Seats........................................ 21
Tether Anchorage Points........... 40
Cleaner, Air................................... 226
Cleaning
Aluminum Wheels..................... 257
Carpeting..................................... 259
Exterior......................................... 256
Fabric............................................ 260
Interior........................................ 259
Seat Belts.................................... 261
Vinyl............................................ 260
Windows....................................... 260
Clock, Setting the ........................... 87
Clutch Fluid................................... 224
CO in the Exhaust......................... 300
Cold Weather, Starting in............. 167
Consumer Information*................ 306
Controls, Instruments and.............. 51
Coolant
Adding......................................... 215
Checking..................................... 156
Proper Solution.......................... 215
Replacing.................................... 217
Temperature Gauge.................... 57
Corrosion Protection..................... 262
Crankcase Emission Control
System......................................... 300
Cruise Control Operation............... 66
Customer Relations Office........... 306
DANGER, Explanation of................. ii
Dashboard........................................ 52
Daytime Running Lights................. 60
Defects, Reporting Safety............. 310
Defog and Defrost......................... 103
Defogger, Rear Window................. 63
Defrosting the Windows............... 103
Dimensions..................................... 294
Dimming the Headlights ................ 60
Dipstick
Automatic Transmission........... 221
Engine Oil................................... 155
Directional Signals........................... 61
Disc Brake Wear Indicators......... 176
Main Menu
Main Menu
Index
Disposal of Used Oil...................... 214
Doors
Locking and Unlocking............... 70
Power Door Locks....................... 71
DOT Tire Quality Grading........... 296
Downshifting, 5-speed Manual
Transmission.............................. 168
Drive Belts...................................... 234
Driving............................................ 163
Economy..................................... 157
In Bad Weather.......................... 180
In Foreign Countries................. 299
Driving Guidelines......................... 164
Economy, Fuel............................... 157
Emergencies on the Road............. 265
Battery, Jump Starting.............. 276
Brake System Indicator............ 284
Changing a Flat Tire................. 266
Charging System Indicator...... 282
Checking the Fuses................... 286
Low Oil Pressure Indicator...... 281
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.... 283
Overheated Engine................... 279
Emergency Brake............................ 86
Emergency Flashers....................... 63
Emergency Towing....................... 290
Emission Controls......................... 300
Engine
Coolant Temperature Gauge ..... 57
Malfunction Indicator
Lamp....................................
54,
282
Oil Pressure Indicator......... 54,
281
Oil, What Kind to Use............... 211
Overheating................................ 279
Specifications............................. 294
Starting........................................ 166
Ethanol in Gasoline ....................... 298
Evaporative Emission Controls.... 300
Exhaust Fumes................................ 49
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat
Belts by......................................... 19
Exterior, Cleaning the................... 256
Fabric, Cleaning............................. 260
Fan, Interior...................................... 98
Features, Comfort and
Convenience................................. 97
Filling the Fuel Tank..................... 157
Filters
Air................................................ 226
Air Conditioning........................ 234
Oil................................................ 213
5-speed Manual Transmission
Checking Fluid Level................ 222
Shifting the................................. 169
Flashers, Hazard Warning.............. 63
Flat Tire, Changing a.................... 213
Fluids
Automatic Transmission...........
221
Brake........................................... 224
Clutch.......................................... 224
Manual Transmission............... 222
Power Steering........................... 225
Rear Differential........................ 223
Windshield Washer................... 220
FM Stereo Radio
Reception.................................... 125
Folding Rear Seat............................ 82
Foreign Countries, Driving in...... 299
Four-way Flashers........................... 63
CONTINUED
Main Menu
Main Menu
Index
Fuel.................................................. 152
Fill Door and Cap....................... 153
Gauge............................................ 57
Octane Requirement................. 152
Oxygenated................................ 298
Reserve Indicator......................... 55
Tank, Filling the......................... 153
Fuses, Checking the...................... 285
Gas Mileage, Improving................ 157
Gasohol........................................... 298
Gasoline.......................................... 152
Fuel Reserve Indicator................ 55
Gauge............................................ 57
Octane Requirement................. 152
Tank, Filling the......................... 153
Gas Station Procedures................. 153
Gauges
Engine Coolant Temperature .... 57
Fuel................................................ 57
Speedometer................................ 56
Tachometer.................................. 56
Gearshift Lever Positions
Automatic Transmission........... 170
5-speed Manual
Transmission.......................... 169
Glass Cleaning............................... 261
Glove Box......................................... 77
Halogen Headlight Bulbs.............. 246
Hazard Warning Flashers............... 63
Headlights
Aiming......................................... 244
Daytime Running Lights............. 60
High Beam Indicator................... 55
Reminder Beeper......................... 60
Replacing Halogen Bulbs ......... 246
Turning on.................................... 60
Head Restraints............................... 79
Heating and Cooling........................ 98
High Altitude, Starting at.............. 167
High-Low Beam Switch .................. 60
High-mount Brake Light............... 237
Hood Latch..................................... 227
Hood, Opening the ........................
154
Horn................................................... 59
Hydraulic Clutch............................ 224
Hydroplaning.................................. 180
Identification
Number, Vehicle.... 292
Ignition
Keys............................................... 69
Switch............................................ 69
Timing Control System............. 285
Important Safety Precautions .......... 6
Indicator Lights, Instrument
Panel.............................................. 53
Infant Restraint................................ 29
Infant Seats....................................... 29
Tether Anchopage Point............. 40
Inflation, Proper Tire .................... 235
Normal Driving.......................... 236
Inside Mirror.................................... 85
Inspection, Tire.............................. 237
Instrument Panel............................. 53
Instrument Panel Brightness......... 61
Interior Cleaning............................ 259
Interior Light.................................... 94
Introduction......................................... i
Jacking up the Vehicle.................. 269
Main Menu
Main Menu
Index
Jack, Tire........................................ 266
Jump Starting................................. 277
Keys................................................... 69
Label, Certification........................ 292
Lane Change, Signaling.................. 61
Lap Belt............................................. 43
Lap/Shoulder Belts......................... 42
Lights
Bulb Replacement..................... 246
Indicator........................................ 53
Parking.......................................... 60
Turn Signal................................... 61
LOCK (Ignition Key Position)....... 70
Locks
Anti-theft Steering Column........ 70
Fuel Fill Door............................. 153
Glove Box..................................... 77
Power Door.................................. 71
Tailgate......................................... 75
Low Coolant Level......................... 156
Low Fuel Indicator .......................... 57
Low Oil Pressure Indicator.... 54, 281
Lubricant Specifications Chart.... 294
Maintenance................................... 197
Owner Maintenance Checks.... 209
Record................................. 207-208
Required Indicator....................... 58
Safety........................................... 198
Schedule.............................. 202-206
Malfunction Indicator
Lamp.. 54, 281
Manual Transmission.................... 168
Manual Transmission Fluid ......... 222
Meters, Gauges................................ 56
Methanol in Gasoline.................... 282
Mirrors, Adjusting........................... 86
Neutral Gear Position.................... 172
New Vehicle Break-in ................... 152
Normal Shift Speeds...................... 169
NOTICE, Explanation of................... ii
Numbers, Identification................ 292
Octane Requirement, Gasoline.... 152
Odometer.......................................... 56
Odometer, Trip................................ 56
Off-Highway Guidelines............... 191
Oil
Change, How to ......................... 213
Change, When to....................... 202
Checking Engine....................... 155
Pressure Indicator............... 54, 281
Selecting Proper Viscosity
Chart....................................... 212
ON (Ignition Key Position)............ 70
Opening the Tailgate....................... 75
Operation in Foreign Countries... 299
Outside Mirrors............................... 86
Over-Drive...................................... 173
Overheating, Engine..................... 279
Paint Touch-up............................... 258
Panel Brightness Control............... 61
CONTINUED
Main Menu
Main Menu
Index
Park Gear Position......................... 171
Parking............................................ 175
Parking Brake.................................. 86
Parking Lights.................................. 60
Parking Over Things that Burn... 175
PGM-FI System.............................. 304
Polishing and Waxing................... 257
Pre-Drive Safety Checklist............. 11
Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts.......... 19
Protecting Adults............................. 12
Additional Safety Precautions.... 19
Advice for Pregnant Women...... 19
Protecting Children......................... 21
Protecting Infants........................ 29
Protecting Larger Children........ 37
Protecting Small Children.......... 33
Using Child Seats with
Tethers...................................... 40
Radiator Overheating.................... 279
Radio/Cassette Sound System .... 106
Rear Differential Fluid.................. 223
Rear Lights, Bulb Replacement... 248
Rear Seat, Folding........................... 82
Rear View Mirror............................. 85
Rear Window Defogger.................. 63
Rear Window Wiper and Washer.. 63
Reclining the Seat Backs................ 81
Recommended Shift Speeds ........ 169
Reminder Lights.............................. 53
Remote Transmitter........................ 72
Replacement Information
Air Cleaner Element.................. 226
Air Conditioning Filter.............. 234
Coolant........................................ 217
Engine Oil and Filter................. 213
Fuses........................................... 285
Light Bulbs................................. 246
Schedule..................................... 202
Spark Plugs................................. 227
Timing Belt................................. 235
Tires............................................ 239
Wiper Blades.............................. 231
Replacing Seat Belts After a
Crash............................................. 43
Reserve Tank, Engine Coolant.... 156
Restraint, Child................................ 21
Reverse Gear Position................... 172
Rotation, Tire................................. 238
Safety Belts......................................... 8
Safety Defects, Reporting* .......... 310
Safety Checklist, Pre-Drive............ 11
Safety Features.................................. 7
Airbags............................................ 8
Door Locks................................... 10
Head Restraints........................... 10
Seat Belts........................................ 8
Seats & Seat-Backs...................... 10
Safety Labels, Location of.............. 50
Safety Messages...............................
ii
Seat Belts............................................ 8
Additional Information................ 42
Advice for Pregnant Women...... 19
Automatic Seat Belt
Tensioners................................ 47
Child Seat Anchor Plate.............. 40
Cleaning...................................... 261
Frayed or Torn............................. 43
Lap/Shoulder Belt....................... 42
Maintenance................................ 43
Reminder Light and
Beeper................................. 42, 54
Replacement................................. 43
Main Menu
Main Menu
Index
System Components.................... 42
Use During Pregnancy................ 19
Wearing a Lap/Shoulder Belt.... 15
Wearing the Lap Belt.................. 16
Seats, Adjusting the......................... 77
Serial Number................................ 292
Service Intervals............................ 202
Service Manual* ............................ 311
Service Station Procedures .......... 153
Setting the Clock............................. 87
Shifting
The 5-speed Manual
Transmission.......................... 169
Shift Lever Position Indicator...... 170
Shift Lock Release......................... 174
Side Marker Lights, Bulb
Replacement............................... 247
Signaling Turns................................ 61
Snow Tires...................................... 240
Solvent-type Cleaners.................... 259
Sound System................................. 106
Spark Plugs, Replacing................. 227
Specifications Charts..................... 294
Speed Control................................... 66
Speedometer.................................... 56
SRS, Additional Information........... 45
Additional Safety Precautions.... 48
How the Automatic Seat Belt
Tensioners Work..................... 47
How the SRS Indicator Light
Works........................................ 47
How Your Airbags Work............ 45
SRS Components......................... 45
SRS Service................................... 48
SRS Indicator............................. 47,
54
START (Ignition Key Position)..... 70
Starting the Engine........................ 166
In Cold Weather at High
Altitude................................... 167
With a Dead Battery................. 277
Steam Coming from Engine......... 279
Steering Wheel
Adjustment................................... 64
Anti-theft Column Lock.............. 70
Stereo Sound System.................... 106
Storage Box...................................... 91
Storing Your Vehicle..................... 253
Supplemental Restraint System....... 9
Service Precautions..................... 48
Servicing....................................... 48
SRS Indicator............................... 47
System Components.................... 45
Tensioners, Seat Belts................ 47
Synthetic Oil................................... 212
Tachometer...................................... 56
Tailgate
Opening the.................................. 75
Open Indicator............................. 55
Taillights, Changing Bulbs in....... 248
Taking Care of the Unexpected .. 265
Tape Player ........................... 112, 133
Technical Descriptions
Emission Control Systems........ 284
Three Way Catalytic
Converter................................ 286
Temperature Gauge........................ 57
Tensioners, Seat Belts .................... 47
Tether Attachment Points.............. 40
Three Way Catalytic Converter... 304
Time, Setting the............................. 87
Timing Belt..................................... 235
Tire Chains..................................... 241
CONTINUED
Main Menu
Main Menu
Index
Tire, How to Change a Flat.......... 266
Tires................................................ 235
Air Pressure............................... 235
Checking Wear.......................... 237
DOT Tire Quality Grading....... 296
Inflation....................................... 235
Inspection................................... 237
Maintenance............................... 237
Replacing.................................... 239
Rotating....................................... 238
Snow............................................ 240
Specifications............................. 279
Technical Information................... 291
Emission Controls..................... 300
Identification Numbers............. 292
Specifications............................. 294
Three Way Catalytic
Converter................................ 302
Tools,Tire Changing.................... 266
Torn Seat Belts ................................ 43
Towing
A Trailer...................................... 182
Behind a Motorhome................ 189
Emergency................................. 290
Transmission
Checking Fluid Level,
Automatic............................... 221
Checking Fluid Level,
Manual.................................... 222
Fluid Selection ................... 221, 222
Identification Number............... 292
Shifting the Automatic.............. 170
Shifting the Manual................... 169
Treadwear...................................... 237
Trip Meter........................................ 56
Turn Signals..................................... 61
Underside, Cleaning...................... 262
Unexpected, Taking Care
of the........................................... 265
Uniform Tire Quality Grading..... 296
Unleaded Gasoline......................... 152
Upholstery Cleaning...................... 259
Used Oil, How to Dispose of........ 214
Vehicle Capacity Load .................. 161
Vehicle Dimensions....................... 294
Vehicle Identification Number..... 292
Vehicle Storage.............................. 253
Ventilation...................................... 101
VIN.................................................. 292
Vinyl Cleaning................................ 260
Viscosity, Oil................................... 212
WARNING, Explanation of.............. ii
Warning Labels, Location of.......... 50
Warranty Coverages*................... 307
Washer, Windshield
Checking the Fluid Level......... 220
Operation...................................... 62
Washing.......................................... 256
Waxing and Polishing ................... 257
Wheels
Adjusting the Steering................ 64
Alignment and Balance............. 237
Wrench...................................... 268
Windows
Cleaning...................................... 261
Operating the Power................... 84
Rear, Defogger............................ 63
Main Menu
Main Menu
Index
Windshield
Cleaning........................................ 62
Defroster......................................
103
Washers...................................... 220
Wipers, Windshield
Changing Blades........................ 231
Operation...................................... 62
Worn Tires..................................... 237
Wrecker, Emergency Towing...... 290
* : U.S. and Canada only
Main Menu
Main Menu
Service Information Summary
Gasoline:
Unleaded gasoline, pump octane
number of 86 or higher.
Fuel Tank Capacity:
15.3 US gal (58 l,12.8 Imp gal)
Recommended Engine Oil:
API Service SJ "Energy
Conserving" oil, SAE 5W-30
viscosity (see page 211 ).
Oil change capacity (including
filter):
4.0 US qt (3.8 l, 3.3 Imp qt)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Honda ATF-Z1 (Automatic
Transmission Fluid) preferred, or
a DEXRON
®
III ATF as a
temporary replacement (see page
221).
5-speed Manual Transmission
Fluid:
Honda Manual Transmission
Fluid preferred, or an API service
SG, SH or SJ, SAE 10W-30 or
10W-40 motor oil as a temporary
replacement (see page 222 ).
Capacity (including differential):
1.8 US qt (1.7 l,1.5 Imp qt)
Rear Differential Fluid:
Honda Dual Pump Fluid preferred,
or a DEXRON
®
III ATF as a
temporary replacement (see page
223).
Capacity:
1.1US qt(1.0 l,0.9 Imp qt)
Power Steering Fluid:
Honda Power Steering Fluid
preferred, or another brand of
power steering fluid as a
temporary replacement. Do not
use ATF (see page 225 ).
Brake Fluid:
Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid
DOT 3 preferred, or a DOT 3 or
DOT 4 brake fluid as a temporary
replacement (see page 224).
Tire Pressure (measured cold):
Front/Rear:
26 psi (180 kPa,1.8kgf/cm
2
)
Main Menu
Main Menu