1993 Civic Coupe Online Reference Owner's Manual

1993 Civic Coupe 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
Owner's Identification
Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... i
A Few Words About Safety................................................................................................................. ii
Driver and Passenger Safety ............................................................................................................. 3
Proper use and care of your vehicle's seat belts, and Supplemental Restraint System.
Instruments and Controls................................................................................................................ 29
Instrument panel indicator and gauge, and how to use dashboard and steering column controls.
Comfort and Convenience Features ............................................................................................... 63
How to operate the climate control system, the audio system, and other convenience features.
Before Driving................................................................................................................................... 79
What gasoline to use, how to break-in your new vehicle, and how to load luggage and other cargo.
Driving ............................................................................................................................................... 89
The proper way to start the engine, shift the transmission, and park, plus towing a trailer.
Maintenance .................................................................................................................................... 103
The Maintenance Schedule shows you when you need to take your vehicle to the dealer.
Appearance Care............................................................................................................................. 147
Tips on cleaning and protecting your vehicle. Things to look for if your vehicle ever needs body repairs.
Taking Care of the Unexpected ..................................................................................................... 155
This section covers several problems motorists sometimes experience, and how to handle them.
Technical Information.................................................................................................................... 175
ID numbers, dimensions, capacities, and technical information.
Warranty and Customer Relations (U.S. and Canada) ............................................................... 185
A summary of the warranties covering your new Acura, and how to contact us.
Authorized Manuals (U.S. only)..................................................................................................... 191
How to order manuals and other technical literature.
Index................................................................................................................................................. 193
Gas Station Information
A summary of information you need when you pull up to the fuel pump.
Accord Value Package Audio System
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Main Menu
Main Menu
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Owner's Identification
OWNER This Owner's Manual should be considered

a permanent part of the car, and should
remain with the car when it is sold.
The information and specifications included

ADDRESS in this publication were in effect at the time
STREET 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
CITY STATE/PROVINCE ZIP CODE/ with out incurring any obligation whatsoever.
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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Main Menu
Introduction
Congratulations! Your selection of a 1993 Honda Civic was a wise investment. It will give you years of
driving pleasure.
To enhance the enjoyment of your new car, take time to study this manual. In it, you will leam about your car's
many conveniences and useful features. Following the service interval and maintenance recommendations will
help keep your driving trouble-free while preserving your investment.
Keep this owner's manual in your car so you can refer to it at any time. Please make sure the manual stays with
the car if you sell it. The next owner will find it just as helpful.
Several other booklets in the glove box explain the warranties that protect your Honda. We suggest you read
them carefully so you understand the coverages and the responsibilities of ownership.
When your car needs scheduled maintenance, keep in mind that your Honda dealer's service staff is specially-
trained in the service and maintenance of the many systems unique to your Honda. Your Honda dealer is
dedicated to your satisfaction and will be pleased to answer any questions and concerns.
Best wishes and happy motoring.
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

Honda Canada Inc.

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Main Menu
Safety Messages
Your safety and the safety of others is very important. We have provided You will also see another
many important safety messages in this manual and on the vehicle. Please important symbol:
read these messages carefully.
NOTICE
A safety message alerts you to potential hazards that could hurt you or
others. Each safety message is preceded by a safety alert symbol and Your Honda or other property can
one of three words, DANGER, WARNING or CAUTION. These mean: be damaged if you don't follow
instructions.
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.
Each safety message tells you what the hazard is, what can happen and
what you can do to avoid or reduce injury.

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Main Menu
Driver and Passenger Safety
This section gives you important Your Occupant Protection Storing Cargo Safely . . . . . . . . 17
information about occupant System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Driving With Pets . . . . . . . . . . 17
protection. It shows how to use The Seat Belt System Child Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
seat belts properly. It explains the and How It Works . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Where Should Children Sit? . 18
Supplemental Restraint System Why Wear Seat Belts . . . . . . . . 5 Important Safety Reminders 19
that is standard in most Civics. Important Safety Reminders . 5 General Guidelines for
And it gives useful information Seat Belt System Components 6 Restraining Children Under
about how to protect infants and Lap/Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . 6 40 Ibs. (18 kg) . . . . . . . . . . . 19
children in your car. Lap Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Restraining an Infant
Wearing Seat Belts Properly .. 7 Who Weighs Less Than
Wearing a Lap/Shoulder Belt . 7 20 Ibs. (9 kg) . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Wearing the Lap Belt . . . . . . . . 9 Restraining a Child Who
Advice for Pregnant Women . 10 Weighs Between 20 and 40
Seat Belt Maintenance . . . . . . 10 Ibs. (9 and 18 kg) . . . . . . . . . 20
Supplemental Restraint System 11 Restraining a Child Who
Important Safety Reminder . 12 Weighs Over 40 Ibs. (18 kg) 21
How the Driver's Airbag Using a Seat Belt
Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Locking Clip . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
How the Passenger's Airbag Using Child Restraints
Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 With Tethers . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
How the SRS Indicator Light Storing a Child Seat . . . . . . . . 23
Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Alcohol and Drugs . . . . . . . . . . . 24
System Service . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Carbon Monoxide Hazard . . . . . 25
System Service Precautions . 15 Reporting Safety Defects
Additional Safety Information . 16 (U.S.Cars) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Seat-back Position . . . . . . . . . 16 Safety Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

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Main Menu Table of Contents
Your Occupant Protection System
Your Honda is equipped with seat Two indicator lights are also part To get the maximum protection
belts and other features that work of your safety system. One from your occupant protection
together to protect you and your reminds you to make sure you and system, check the following before
passengers during a crash. your passengers wear your seat you drive away:
belts. The other alerts you to a
possible problem with your Everyone in the car is wearing a
Seat belts are the most important seat belt properly (see page 7).
part of your occupant protection supplemental restraint system
system. When worn properly, seat (see page 14). Infants or small children are
belts can reduce the chance of properly secured in a child
serious injury or death in a crash. The seats, head restraints, and safety seat (see page 18).
door locks also play a role in Both doors are closed and
For added protection during a occupant safety. For example, locked (see page 16).
severe frontal collision, all Civics reclining the seat-back can
sold in the U.S. and Canada have a decrease the effectiveness of your Seat-backs are upright (see
Supplemental Restraint System seat belt. Head restraints can help page 16).
(SRS) with a driver's airbag. The protect your neck and head, There are no loose items that
U.S. EX with option package also especially during rear-end could be thrown around and
includes an airbag for the impacts. Door locks help keep hurt someone during a crash or
front-seat passenger. your doors from being sudden stop (see page 17).
accidentally opened during a
crash. By following these guidelines, you
can reduce injuries to yourself and
your passengers in many crash
situations. Remember, however,
that no safety system can prevent
all injuries or deaths that can
occur in severe crashes.

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The Seat Belt System and How It Works
Why Wear Seat Belts A pregnant woman needs to wear

Wearing seat belts, and wearing a seat belt to protect herself and
them properly, is fundamental to her unborn child (see page 10).
Not wearing a seat belt in-
your safety and the safety of your creases the chance of being
passengers. Two people should never use the
killed or seriously hurt in a same seat belt. If they do, they
crash. could be very seriously injured in
During a crash or emergency stop,
seat belts can help keep you from a crash.
being thrown against the inside of Be sure you and your passen-
the car, against other occupants or gers always wear seat belts and Do not place the shoulder portion
out of the car. wear them properly. of a lap/shoulder belt under your
arm or behind you back. This
Of course, seat belts cannot could increase the chance of
completely protect you in every serious injuries in a crash.
crash. But, in most cases, seat
belts reduce your chance of Important Safety Reminders Do not put shoulder belt pads or
serious injury: They can even save other accessories on seat belts.
Seat belts are designed for adults They can reduce the effectiveness
your life. That is why many states and larger children. All infants and
and all Canadian provinces require of the belts and increase the
small children must be properly chance of injury.
you to wear seat belts. restrained in child safety seats
(see page 18).

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Seat Belt System Components Lap/Shoulder Belt Lap Belt

Your Honda has seat belts in all SHOULDER UPPER SEAT
five seating positions. The front PORTION BELT ANCHOR
seats and the outside positions of
the rear seat have lap/shoulder LATCH
belts. The center position of the PLATE To Retractor
BUCKLE
rear seat has a lap belt.
LAP PORTION
Your seat belt system also
includes a light on the instrument
panel to remind you to fasten your BUCKLE
LATCH
seat belt and to make sure your PLATE
passengers fasten theirs. This light
comes on when you turn on the This style of seat belt has a single The lap belt has one manually-
ignition if you have not fastened belt that goes over your shoulder, adjusted belt that fits across the
your seat belt. A beeper also across your chest and across your hips. It is similar to safety belts
sounds for several seconds (see hips. used in airplanes.
page 32).
Each lap/shoulder belt has an
The following pages cover more emergency locking retractor. In
about the seat belt components normal driving, the retractor lets
and how they work. 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.

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Wearing Seat Belts Properly Wearing a Lap/Shoulder Belt

You can increase the effectiveness
of your seat belts if you take a
little time to read the following
pages and make sure you know
how to wear seat belts properly.
Not wearing a seat belt properly

increases the chance of serious
injury or death in a crash.
Before putting on a front seat belt, 3. Position the lap portion of the
Be sure you and your passen- be sure your seat is adjusted belt as low as possible across
gers always wear seat belts and forward or backward to a good your hips, not across your
wear them properly. driving or riding position and the stomach. This lets your strong
back of your seat is upright (see pelvic bones take the force of a
page 51). crash.
1. Pull the latch plate across your
body, and insert it into the
buckle. Tug on the belt to make
sure the latch is securely
locked.
2. Check to see that the belt is
not twisted.
continued

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5. If the shoulder belt crosses

your neck while you are sitting
in one of the outside rear
seating positions, you need to
adjust your seating position.
Move toward the center of the
seat until the belt fits over your
collarbone.
4. Pull up on the shoulder part of To unlatch the seat belt, push the
the belt to remove any slack. red PRESS button on the buckle.
Make sure the belt goes over Guide the belt across your body to
your collarbone and across the door pillar. If the belt doesn't
your chest. retract easily, pull it out and check
for twists or kinks.

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Wearing the Lap Belt
1. Pull the latch plate across your 2. Position the belt so it fits as To unlatch the belt, push the red
hips, and insert it into the low as possible across your PRESS button on the buckle.
buckle marked CENTER. hips and pelvic bones, not
across your stomach. Pull the
If the belt is too short, hold the loose end of the belt to adjust
latch plate at a right angle and for a snug but comfortable fit.
pull to extend the belt. Insert
the latch plate into the buckle.

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Advice for Pregnant Women If possible, use the lap/shoulder Seat Belt Maintenance
seat belt, remembering to keep the For safety, you should check the
lap portion as low as possible (see condition of your seat belts
page 7). regularly.
Each time you have a check-up, Pull out each belt fully and look for
ask your doctor if its okay for you frays, cuts, burns and wear. Check
to drive and how you should to see that the latches work
position a lap/shoulder seat belt. smoothly and the lap/shoulder
belts retract easily. Any belt not in
good condition or not working
properly should be replaced.
Protecting the mother is the best If a seat belt is worn during a

way to protect her unborn child. crash, have your dealer replace
Therefore, a pregnant woman the belt and check the anchors for
should wear a properly-positioned damage.
seat belt whenever she drives or
rides in a car. For information on how to clean
your seat belts, see page 151.

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Supplemental Restraint System
Your Civic is equipped with a Sup- DRIVER'S INDICATOR PASSENGER'S A diagnostic system that, when
plemental Restraint System (SRS) AIRBAG CONTROL AIRBAG the ignition is ON 00,
to help protect your head and UNIT continually monitors the
chest during a severe frontal colli- sensors, control unit, airbag
sion. This system does not replace activator and all related wiring.
your seat belt. It supplements, or
adds to, the protection offered by An indicator light to warn you of
your seat belt. a possible problem with the
system.
Emergency power backup in
case your car's electrical
SENSORS system is disconnected in a
Not wearing a seat belt in- crash.
creases the chance of serious The main components in your
injury or death in a crash, even SRS are:
if you have airbags. An airbag in the steering wheel
Be sure you and your passen- for the driver and another in the
gers always wear seat belts and dashboard for the front
wear them properly. passenger (in the U.S. EX with
option package model).

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An airbag inflates and deflates How the Driver's

FRONTAL COLLISION RANGE very quickly. It cannot protect Airbag Works
you during any additional
impacts that can occur during a
crash.
A seat belt helps keep you in the
proper position when an airbag
inflates. An airbag opens with
considerable force and can
hurt you if you are not in the
proper position.
Important Safety Reminder

Even with an airbag, you need to
wear a seat belt. The reasons are: If you ever have a severe frontal
Airbags only inflate in severe collision, your airbag will instantly
frontal collisions. They offer no inflate to help protect your head
protection in rear impacts, side and chest.
impacts, rollovers or moderate
frontal collisions. When the airbag inflates, you may
hear a fairly loud noise and you
might see smoke and powder. This
is normal; it is caused by the
inflation of the airbag.

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To do its job, the airbag inflates The airbag is stored in the center How the Passenger's
with considerable force. So, while of the steering wheel. For safety, Airbag Works
it can reduce serious injuries and do not attach any items to the
even save your life, the airbag steering wheel. They could inter-
might cause some facial or other fere with the proper operation of
abrasions. the airbag. Or, if the airbag
inflates, the items could be pro-
pelled inside the car and hurt
someone.
On the US. EX with option

package model.
If you have a severe frontal
collision, the passenger's airbag
will inflate at the same time as the
After the bag completely inflates, driver's airbag.
it immediately starts deflating so it
won't interfere with your visibility,
ability to steer or ability to
operate other controls.

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The airbag is quite large and The passenger's airbag is stored Have the system checked if:
inflates with considerable force. It near the top of the dashboard, The light does not come on
can seriously hurt an adult who is under a lid marked SRS (see
not in the proper position and page 11). Do not place any objects when you turn the ignition
wearing the seat belt properly. The on top of this lid. If the airbag ON (II).
bag's force could also hurt a small inflates, those objects can be The light stays on after the
child who is not properly propelled inside the car and engine starts.
restrained in a child seat. possibly hurt someone.
The light comes on or flashes
Because of the airbag, we strongly while you are driving.
recommend that you do not put an SRS How the SRS Indicator
infant seat in the front passenger's Light Works
seat. If the airbag inflates, it can The purpose of the SRS light
dislodge the infant seat and on your instrument panel is
seriously injure the infant. to alert you of a potential
problem with your supplemental
restraint system.

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System Service System Service Precautions Scrapping an entire car that has
Your supplemental restraint Do not modify your steering wheel uninflated airbags can be danger-
system is virtually maintenance- or any other part of the ous. Get assistance from a
free. There are no parts you can supplemental restraint system. Honda dealer if your car must
safely service. Modifications could make the be scrapped.
system ineffective.
You must have the system serviced If you sell your car, please be sure
by an authorized Honda dealer: Do not tamper with the system to tell the new owner that the car
components or wiring. This could has a supplemental restraint
If your airbag ever inflates. The cause the airbag to inflate system. Alert them to the
bag must be replaced. Do not inadvertently, possibly injuring information and precautions in
try to remove or discard the someone very seriously. this part of the Owner's Manual.
airbag by yourself. This must be
done by a Honda dealer. Tell anyone who works on your car
If the SRS indicator light alerts that you have a supplemental
you of a problem. Have the restraint system. Failure to follow
supplemental restraint system the procedures and precautions in
checked as soon as possible. the official Honda service manual
Otherwise, your airbag might could result in personal injury or
not inflate when you need it. damage to the system.
When the car is 10 years old.

Have the dealer inspect the
system. The production date is
on the driver's doorjamb for
your convenience.

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Additional Safety Information
The seat belts and airbags are Seat-back Position Door Locks
obviously important parts of your The seat-backs should be in an It is not safe to leave your car
occupant protection system. upright position for you and your doors unlocked. A passenger,
passengers to get the most especially a child, could open a
In addition, you should know that protection from the seat belts. door and accidentally fall out.
sitting upright, locking the doors, Also, there is a greater chance of
and stowing things properly can If you recline a seat-back, you being thrown out of the car during
also increase your safety and reduce the protective capability of a crash when the doors are not
possibly even save your life. your seat belt. The farther a seat- locked.
back is reclined, the greater the
risk that you will slide under the
belt in a severe crash and be very
seriously injured.
For information on how to adjust

the seat-back, see page 51.

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Additional Safety Information
Storing Cargo Safely Driving With Pets A small dog, cat, or other small
Before you drive, make sure you Loose pets can be a hazard while animal will be safest in a pet
first securely store or tie down any you are driving. An unrestrained carrier with rigid sides. Choose a
items that could be thrown around pet can interfere with your ability style that allows you to secure it
the car and hurt someone or to drive the car. In a crash or to the car's seat by routing a seat
interfere with your ability to sudden stop, loose pets or cages belt through the carrier's handle.
operate the controls. can be thrown around inside the
car and hurt you or your For further information, contact
Do not put any items on top of the passengers. It is also for their your veterinarian or local animal
rear shelf. They can block your safety that pets should be protection society.
view and they could be thrown properly restrained in your car.
about the car in a crash.
The recommended way to restrain
Be sure to keep compartment a medium-sized or larger dog is
doors closed when the car is with a special traveling harness.
moving. If a front passenger hits This harness can be secured to the
the door of an open glove box, for rear seat with a seat belt. Travel
example, he could injure his knees. harnesses are available at pet
stores.

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Child Safety
For cars with passenger airbags,

we strongly recommend that you
do not put an infant seat in the
An Infant or child who is not front passenger seat. If the airbag
properly restrained can be killed inflates, it can hit the seat with
or seriously injured in a crash. great force. The infant seat can be
Be sure any child too small for dislodged and the baby seriously
seat belts is properly secured in injured.
a child restraint.
We also recommend that any child
who is too large to use an infant or
toddler seat ride in one of the out-
side positions of the rear seat. The
Children depend on adults to Where Should Children Sit? child should then wear the lap/
protect them. To help make sure According to accident statistics, shoulder belt properly for
we do, every state and Canadian children of all sizes and ages are protection.
province has laws requiring safer when they are properly
infants and young children to be restrained in the rear seat rather
properly restrained whenever they
ride in a car. than the front seat.
We recommend that, whenever

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

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Child Safety
Important Safety Reminders General Guidelines for To properly route a seat belt
Never hold a baby or child on your Restraining Children Under through a child seat, follow the
lap when riding in a car. If you are seat-maker's instructions. If you
40 Ibs. (18kg) use a lap/shoulder belt, be sure
wearing your seat belt, the violent Use an approved child seat. The
forces created during a crash will you install a locking clip on the
seat must meet Federal Motor belt (see page 22).
tear the child from your arms. Vehicle Safety Standard 213
The child could be seriously hurt (FMVSS-213) or Canadian Motor
or killed. Secure the child in the child seat.
Vehicle Safety Standards. Look for
Make sure the infant or child is
the manufacturer's statement of
If you are holding a child and not firmly secured to the child seat.
compliance on the box and seat.
wearing a seat belt in a crash, you Use the straps provided, and
could crush the child against the carefully follow the manufacturer's
Use a seat of the right size. Make instructions.
car's interior. sure the seat fits your child. Check
the seat's instructions and labels
Never put your seat belt over for height and weight limits.
yourself and a child. During a
crash, the belt could press deep
Secure the child seat to the car.
into the child causing serious
All approved child seats are de-
internal injuries.
signed to be secured in the car
seat by the lap belt or the lap belt
Two children should never use the portion of a lap/shoulder belt. A
same seat belt. If they do, they child whose seat is not properly
could be very seriously injured in secured to the car can be endan-
a crash. gered in a crash.

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Child Safety
Restraining an Infant We recommend that, whenever Restraining a Child Who

Who Weighs Less Than possible, you put the infant seat in Weighs Between 20 and
the center position of the rear seat
20 Ibs. (9 kg) and secure it to the car with the
40 Ibs. (9 and 18 kg)
lap belt.
Special precaution for U.S. EX with

option package model.
We strongly recommend that you
do not put an infant seat in the
front passenger's seat. In a severe
frontal collision, the inflating
airbag can hit the infant seat with
considerable force. The infant seat
can be dislodged, causing serious
injury to the infant.
An infant up to about 20 Ibs. (9 kg) Toddler seats are designed for
must be restrained in an infant If you decide to put an infant seat
children who weigh between 20
seat or a convertible seat designed in an outside position of the rear
and 40 Ibs. (9 and 18 kg).
for a baby. Because infants of that seat, you must use a locking clip
size must ride in a reclining on the car's lap/shoulder belt (see
position, be sure the infant seat page 22).
always faces the REAR of the car
as shown.
continued

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Child Safety
The preferred place to put a Restraining a Child Who Put the lap/shoulder belt on your
toddler seat is in the center Weighs Over 40 Ibs. (18 kg) child and check its fit. The
position of the rear seat. Use the shoulder belt should fit over
car's lap belt to secure the seat to the collarbone and across the
the car. chest. The lap belt should sit low
on your child's hips, not across
If you decide to put a toddler seat the stomach.
in an outside position of the rear
seat, you must use a locking clip If the shoulder belt crosses the
on the car's lap/shoulder belt (see neck, have your child move
page 22). toward the center of the rear seat
until the belt fits properly. If the
belt still crosses the child's neck,
you should use a booster seat.
We recommend that, whenever Several styles of booster seats are

possible, a child who has outgrown available. We recommend a design
a toddler seat ride in one of the that allows the child to use the
outside positions of the rear seat car's lap/shoulder belt.
and use a lap/shoulder belt.
Whichever style you select, follow
the booster seat manufacturer's
instructions.

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Child Safety
Using a Seat Belt 3. Tightly grasp the belt near the repeat these steps until the
Locking Clip latch plate. Pinch both parts of restraint is secure.
Always use a seat belt locking clip the belt together so they won't
when you secure a child seat to slip through the latch plate.
your car with a lap/shoulder belt. Unbuckle the seat belt. Using Child Restraints
This helps prevent the seat from with Tethers
shifting position or overturning.
A locking clip is usually included 4.2 In
with the child seat. If you need a (106.0 mm)
clip, contact the seat's
3.2 In
manufacturer or a store that sells (86.0 mm)
child restraints.
To install a locking clip, do the
following:
1. Place the child restraint in the 10.4 In 4.2 In
desired position. Route the (264.0 mm) (106.0 mm)
lap/shoulder belt through the
restraint according to the seat 4. Install the locking clip as
manufacturer's instructions. shown. Position the clip as Your Honda has three attachment
2. Insert the latch plate into the close as possible to the points for tether-style child seats.
buckle. Pull on the shoulder latch plate. Use the dimensions in the above
part of the belt to make sure 5. Insert the latch plate into the illustration to locate the
there is no slack in the lap buckle. Push and pull on the attachment point you want to use.
portion. child seat to verify that it is Cut a 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) diameter
held firmly in place. If it is not,

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Child Safety
hole in the rear shelf, then install Canadian Cars Storing a Child Seat
the tether hardware that came When you are not using an infant
with the child seat. TOOTHED WASHER seat or other child restraint, either
Tighten the bolt to: remove it or make sure it is
16 Ib-ft (2.2 kg-m, 22 N.m) properly secured so it cannot be
thrown around the car during
If you are not sure how to install a crash.
the bracket, have it installed by
your authorized Honda dealer.
If you need an anchor plate and

mounting hardware, you can
obtain them by writing to:
The anchor plate and mounting
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. hardware for a top tether are
Consumer Affairs supplied with the car. When
1919 Torrance Blvd. installing, make sure the
Torrance, CA 90501-2746 toothed washer is on the bottom
of the bolt.
The supplied anchor plate is

designed only for mounting a child
restraint. Do not use it for any
other purpose.

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Alcohol and Drugs
Driving a car requires your full The safest thing you can do is If you have no choice but to drive,
attention and alertness. Traffic never drink and drive. This can be stop drinking and give yourself
conditions change rapidly. You done if you plan ahead. If you lots of time to sober up. Time
must be able to react just as know you are going to be drinking, is the only thing that can make
rapidly. Alcohol or drugs directly make plans to ride with a friend you sober. Things like coffee or
affect your alertness and ability to who will not be drinking. a cold shower don't speed up
react. Even prescription and the process.
non-prescription medicines can What if you find that you've been
have this effect. drinking and cannot get a ride If you see friends trying to get
from a friend? Find alternative behind the wheel after drinking,
There are laws that deal with transportation. Call a taxi. Take stop them. Drive them yourself
drunken driving. These laws define a bus. Many communities have or arrange other transportation.
how much alcohol it takes in your transportation services devoted If you think you are interfering,
system to be legally "drunk." How- to shuttling people who have remember that your interference
ever, your judgment and reaction been drinking. will keep them from sharing the
time get worse with every drink - road with you.
even the first one.

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Carbon Monoxide Hazard
Your car's exhaust contains With the trunk lid open, air flow
carbon monoxide gas. You should can pull exhaust gas into the
have no problem with carbon trunk. This can get into your car's
monoxide entering the car in Carbon monoxide gas is toxic. interior and create a hazardous
normal driving if you maintain Breathing it can cause uncon- condition. If you must drive with
your car properly. Have the sciousness and can even kill the trunk lid open, open all the
exhaust system inspected for you. windows and set the heating and
leaks whenever: Avoid any enclosed areas or ac- cooling system as shown below.
tivities that expose you to
The car is raised for an oil carbon monoxide. If you must sit in your parked car,
change. even in an unconfined area, with
the engine running, adjust the
You notice a change in the heating and cooling system as
sound of the exhaust. follows:
High levels of carbon monoxide
The car was in an accident that can collect rapidly in enclosed
may have damaged the under- areas, such as a garage. Do not run 1. Push the button.
side. the engine with the garage door
closed. Even with the door open, 2. Select the mode.
run the engine only long enough to
move the car out of the garage. 3. Turn the fan on high speed.
4. Set the temperature control to

a comfortable setting.

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Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Cars)
If you believe that your vehicle has If NHTSA receives similar To contact NHTSA, you may either
a defect that could cause a crash complaints, it may open an call the Auto Safety Hotline
or could cause injury or death, investigation, and if it finds that a toll-free at (800) 424-9393 (or
you should immediately inform safety defect exists in a group of (202) 366-0123 in Washington D.C.
the National Highway Traffic vehicles, it may order a recall and area) or write to: NHTSA, U.S.
Safety Administration (NHTSA) in remedy campaign. However, Department of Transportation,
addition to notifying American NHTSA cannot become involved in Washington, D.C. 20590. You can
Honda Motor Co., Inc. individual problems between you, also obtain other information
your dealer, or American Honda about motor vehicle safety from
Motor Co., Inc. the Hotline.

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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
and don't remove them.
If a label comes off or becomes

hard to read, contact your Honda
dealer for a replacement.

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Main Menu
Instruments and Controls
This section gives information Control Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Keys and Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

about the controls and displays Indicator Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
that contribute to the daily Gauges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Ignition Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
operation of your Honda. All the Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
essential controls are within easy Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Power Door Locks . . . . . . . . . 49
reach. Odometer................. 36 Trunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Trip Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Seat Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Front S e a t . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . 37 Folding Rear Seat . . . . . . . . . . 52
Controls Near the Power Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Moonroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Sunshade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Daytime Running Lights . . . . 39 Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Instrument Panel Brightness 40 Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Turn S i g n a l s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Windshield Wipers . . . . . . . . . 41 Digital C l o c k . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Windshield Washers . . . . . . . 41
Hazard Warning . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Beverage Holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Rear Window Defogger . . . . . 42 Vanity Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Steering Wheel Adjustment . 43 Cigarette Lighter . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Steering Wheel Controls . . . . . . 44 Ashtrays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Cruise C o n t r o l . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Interior Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

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Control Locations
HEATING/
MIRROR COOLING AUDIO SYSTEM
DOOR LOCK CONTROLS CONTROL
SWITCH
DIGITAL CLOCK
POWER
WINDOW
SWITCH
FUEL
FILL DOOR
RELEASE
TRUNK RELEASE
HANDLE

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Indicator Lights
The instrument panel has many

indicators to give you important HIGH BEAM INDICATOR PARKING BRAKE AND
information about your car. BRAKE SYSTEM LIGHT*
CHARGING SYSTEM
LIGHT
Lamp Check
LOW OIL
Many of the indicator lights come CRUISE CONTROL
PRESSURE
on when you turn the ignition LIGHT INDICATOR
switch ON (II), allowing you to see
that they are working. The
instrument panel should look like
the illustration. If an indicator
does not light during this test, it
cannot alert you if that system
develops a problem. Have the
dealer check your car for
burned-out bulbs or other
problems.
* The U.S. instrument panel is

shown. Differences for the Cana- MALFUNCTION
dian model are noted in the text. INDICATOR
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT LAMP* TRUNK-OPEN
SYSTEM INDICATOR INDICATOR
SEAT BELT REMINDER LIGHT

Automatic Transmission Shown

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Indicator Lights
Seat Belt Reminder

CHARGING SYSTEM HIGH BEAM INDICATOR Light
LIGHT
This indicator lights when you
LOW OIL PARKING BRAKE AND turn the ignition ON (II). It is a
PRESURE BRAKE SYSTEM LIGHT
reminder to you and your
LIGHT
passengers to protect yourselves
SEAT BELT by fastening the seat belts. A
REMINDER beeper also sounds if you have not
LIGHT 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.

shown. Differences for the Cana-
MALFUNCTION
INDICATOR dian model are noted in the text.
LAMP*
TRUNK-OPEN SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT

INDICATOR SYSTEM INDICATOR
Automatic Transmission Shown

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Indicator Lights
Charging U.S. Canada Parking Brake Supplemental

System Light BRAKE
and Brake S R S Restraint System
This light indicates the battery is System Light Indicator
not being charged. It should come This light has two functions: The SRS light normally comes on
on when the ignition is ON (II), and for a few seconds when you turn
1. It lights as a reminder that you
go out after the engine starts. If the ignition ON (II). If it doesn't, or
have set the parking brake.
this light comes on while driving, it stays on after the engine starts,
Driving with the parking brake
the battery is not being charged. set can damage the brakes and something is wrong with the
Turn to page 168 for information tires. Supplemental Restraint System. It
about what to do. may also flash on and off to
indicate a problem.
2. It can indicate the brake fluid
Low Oil level is low if it remains lit after
Pressure light you release the parking brake If you see any of these indications,
This indicator lights when the oil or comes on while driving. This the airbag may not work when
pressure in the engine drops low is normally due to worn brake needed in an accident. Take the
enough to cause damage. It should pads. Have your dealer check car to your dealer promptly for
light when the ignition is ON (II) the braking system for worn diagnosis and service.
and go out after the engine starts. pads or fluid leaks.
If this light comes on when the
engine is running, there is a
possibility of serious engine
damage. Safely pull to the side of
the road and shut off the engine as
soon as you can. Turn to page 167
for instructions and precautions
on checking the engine.

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Indicator Lights
U.S.: Malfunction Turn Signal and High Beam Indicator

Indicator Lamp Hazard Warning This light comes on with the
Indicators high beam headlights. See page 39
Canada: Check for information on the
The left or right turn signal light
Engine Light blinks when you signal a lane headlight controls.
This light comes on for a few change or turn. If the light does
seconds when you turn the not blink or blinks rapidly, it
ignition switch ON (II). If it comes usually means one of the turn Cruise Control
on at any other time, it indicates signal bulbs is burned out (see Indicator
one of the engine's emission page 141). Replace it as soon as Only on cars equipped with cruise
control systems may have a possible, since other drivers
problem. Turn to page 169 for control system.
cannot see that you are signaling. This lights when you set the cruise
information about what to do.
control. See page 44 for
When you turn on the Hazard information on operating the
Warning switch, both turn signal cruise control.
Trunk-open Indicator lights blink. All turn signals on the
This light comes on if the trunk lid outside of the car should flash.
is not closed tightly.

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Indicator Lights
Shift Lever Position Indicator

(Automatic Transmission only)
This indicator shows which shift

position the lever is in.

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Gauges
TACHOMETER SPEEDOMETER FUEL GAUGE TEMPERATURE Odometer

GAUGE
The odometer shows the total
distance your car has been driven.
It measures miles in U.S. models
and kilometers in Canadian
models. It is illegal under federal
law (in the U.S.) and provincial
regulations (in Canada) to alter the
odometer with the intent to
change the number of miles or
kilometers indicated.
TRIP METER
ODOMETER TRIP METER RESET BUTTON
Automate Transmission Shown Trip Meter
This meter shows the number of
Speedometer Tachometer miles (U.S.) or kilometers
U.S. Models On EX and EX with option package (Canada) driven since you last
This shows your speed in miles in U.S., and Si model in Canada. reset it. To reset it, push the trip
per hour. The smaller inner The tachometer shows the engine meter reset button.
numbers are the speed in speed in revolutions per minute
kilometers per hour. (rpm). To protect the engine from
Canadian Models damage, never drive with the
This shows your speed in tachometer needle in the red zone.
kilometers per hour. The smaller
inner numbers are the speed in
miles per hour.

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Gauges
TEMPERATURE GAUGE SPEEDOMETER FUEL GAUGE 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 mark. If it
reaches the red (Hot) mark, pull
safely to the side of the road. Turn
ODOMETER TRIP METER TRIP METER to page 165 for instructions and
RESET BUTTON precautions on checking the
Automatic Transmission Shown engine's cooling system.
Fuel Gauge The gauge stays at the same fuel

This shows how much fuel you level reading after you turn off the
have. It is most accurate when the ignition. When you add fuel, the
car is on level ground. It may show gauge slowly changes to the new
slightly more or less than the reading after you turn the ignition
actual amount when you are back ON (II).
driving on curvy or hilly roads.

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Controls Near the Steering Wheel
The two levers on the steering

column contain controls for
HAZARD WARNING LIGHTS REAR WINDOW
driving features you use most DEFOGGER
CRUISE
often. The left lever controls the CONTROL
turn signals, headlights, and high
INSTRUMENT PANEL
beams. The right lever controls BRIGHTNESS
the windshield wipers.
The rear window defogger switch

is on the dashboard to the right of
the steering column.
MOONROOF
The controls under the left air vent
are for the moonroof, mirrors,
cruise control and instrument
panel brightness.
The lever on the underside of the MIRROR

steering column allows you to tilt CONTROLS
the steering wheel.
HEADLIGHTS/ TILT ADJUSTMENT WINDSHIELD

TURN SIGNALS WIPERS/WASHERS

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Headlights The high beams will stay on for as

long as you hold the lever, 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.
The rotating switch on the left To change between low beams and They remain on until you turn the
lever controls the lights. Turning high beams, pull the turn signal ignition off, even if you set the
lever toward you until you hear a parking brake.
this switch to the first position " "
turns on the parking lights, tail click, then let go. The high beam
lights, instrument panel lights, indicator will light (see page 34). The headlights revert to normal
side-marker lights, and rear license operation when you turn them on
plate lights. Turning the switch to To flash the high beams, pull back with the switch.
the second position " " turns on and hold the turn signal lever.
the headlights. Release the lever and the high
beams will go off.

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Instrument Panel Brightness Turn Signals 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.
TURN SIGNAL LEVER
The dial on the dashboard to the Signal a turn or lane change with
left of the instrument panel this lever. Push down on the lever
controls the brightness of the to signal a left turn, and up to
instrument panel lights. Turn the signal a right turn. If you push it
dial to adjust the brightness. 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.

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Windshield Wipers Windshield Washers
The right lever controls the wind- To operate the wipers in mist U.S. Models
shield wipers and washers. The mode, push the control lever To clean the windshield, pull the
rotary switch at the end of the down. The wipers run at high wiper control lever toward you.
lever has three positions: speed until you release the lever. The washers spray until you
INT— intermittent This gives you a quick way to clear release the lever.
LO — low speed the windshield.
HI — high speed Canadian Models
The wipers run at low speed while
In intermittent, the wipers operate you're pulling the lever, then
every few seconds. In low speed complete one more sweep of the
and high speed, the wipers run windshield after you release it.
continuously.

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Hazard Warning Rear Window Defogger 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.
Push the red button under the The rear window defogger will
clock to turn on the hazard warn- clear fog, frost, and thin ice from
ing lights (four-way flashers). This the window. Push the defogger
causes all four outside turn signals button to turn it on and off. The
and both indicators in the light in the button lights to show
instrument panel to flash. Use the the defogger is on. If you do not
hazard warning lights if you need turn it off, the defogger will shut
to park in a dangerous area near itself off after about 25 minutes. It
heavy traffic, or if your car is also shuts off when you turn off
disabled. the ignition. You have to turn it on
again when you restart the car.

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Steering Wheel Adjustment 3. Move the steering wheel up or

You can adjust the steering wheel down to the desired position.
height to suit your preference. Do Position the wheel so you can
this before you begin driving. see all the instrument panel
gauges and warning lights.
Push the lever up to lock the
steering wheel in that position.
Adjusting the steering wheel 4. Make sure you have securely

position while driving may locked the steering wheel in
cause you to lose control of the place by trying to move it up
car and be seriously injured in a and down.
crash.
1. Adjust the seat so you are a
Adjust the steering wheel when comfortable distance from the
the car is stopped. pedals.
2. The lever to tilt the steering

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

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Steering Wheel Controls
Cruise Control NOTICE Using the Cruise Control

Available only on EX and EX with
option package in the U.S., and Si The cruise control, as it operates,
model in Canada. moves the accelerator pedal. You
can damage your car's accelerator
Cruise control allows you to mechanism by resting your foot
maintain a set speed above 25 under the pedal and blocking the
mph (40 km/h) without keeping movement.
your foot on the accelerator pedal.
It is 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 car 1. Push in the Cruise Control
under those conditions. Master Switch to the left of the
steering column. The indicator
in the switch will light.
2. Accelerate to the desired

Improper use of the cruise cruising speed above 25 mph
control can lead to a crash. (40 km/h).
Use the cruise control only
when traveling on open high-
ways in good weather.

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Changing the Set Speed Tap the brake or clutch pedal

You can increase the set cruising lightly with your foot. The
speed in either of two ways: CRUISE CONTROL light on the
instrument panel will go out.
Press and hold the When the car slows to the
RESUME/accel button. The car desired speed, press the SET/
will accelerate slowly. When you decel button. The car will then
reach the desired cruising maintain the desired speed.
speed, release the button.
Even with the cruise control
RESUME/ Push on the accelerator pedal. turned on, you can still use the
accel Accelerate to the desired accelerator pedal to speed up for
SET/decel cruising speed and press the passing. After completing the pass,
SET/decel button. take your foot off the accelerator
3. Press and hold the SET/decel pedal. The car will return to the
button on the steering wheel You can decrease the set cruising
speed in either of two ways: set cruising speed.
until the CRUISE CONTROL
light on the instrument panel Press and hold the SET/decel
button. The car will decelerate. Resting your foot on the brake or
comes on. This shows the clutch pedal will cause the cruise
system is now activated. Release the button when you
reach the desired speed. control to cancel.
The set speed may vary
slightly, particularly on hills.

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Canceling the Cruise Control If you use the brake or clutch

Any of these actions cause the pedal to cancel cruise control, the
cruise control to cancel. system retains the previously-set
cruising speed. To return to that
Tap the brake or clutch pedal. speed, accelerate to above 25 mph
Press the SET/decel and (40 km/h) and press the
RESUME/accel buttons at the RESUME/accel button until the
same time. CRUISE CONTROL light comes on.
The car will accelerate to the same
Press the Cruise Control Master cruising speed as before.
Switch
If you cancel CRUISE CONTROL by
pressing the SET and RESUME
When you tap the brake or clutch BUTTONS at the same time, the
pedal, or press the SET and previously-set cruising speed is
RESUME buttons at the same time, erased. To use the cruise control,
the CRUISE CONTROL light on the accelerate to the desired cruising
instrument panel will go out and speed and press the SET/decel
the car will begin to slow down. button.
You can use the accelerator pedal
in the normal way. 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.

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Steering Wheel Controls, Keys and Locks
Horn Keys The valet key only works the

ignition and the door locks. You
can keep the trunk, trunk release
handle and rear seat trunk access
locked when you leave your car
and valet key at a parking facility.
(See Trunk, page 50.)
Each key has a number stamped

on a separate plate that comes
with your key. You will need this
number if you have to get a lost key
VALET KEY MASTER KEYS replaced. Record this number and
keep the plate in a safe place.
Press either of the buttons on the Your car comes with two kinds of
steering wheel spokes to sound keys: a master key and a valet key.
the horn. The master key fits all locks on
your car.
Ignition
Doors
Trunk
Trunk release handle
Rear seat trunk access

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Keys and Locks
Ignition Switch LOCK (0) — You can insert or ACCESSORY (I) — In this position,
remove the key only in this you can operate the audio system
position. When you turn the key and cigarette lighter.
from LOCK to ACCESSORY, you
may have to turn the steering ON (II) — This is the normal key
wheel to release the anti-theft lock. position when driving. All
To switch from ACCESSORY to features and accessories on the
LOCK, you must push the key in car are usable. Several of the lights
slightly as you turn it. If your car on the instrument panel come on
has an automatic transmission, it as a test when you turn the
must also be in Park. The anti-theft ignition switch from ACCESSORY
lock will lock the steering column to ON (see page 31).
when you remove the key.
START (III) — Use this position
The ignition switch is on the right only to start the engine. The
side of the steering column. It has switch returns to ON when you let
four positions: go of the key.
Removing the key from the
LOCK (0) ignition switch while driving You will hear a reminder beeper if
locks the steering. This can you open either front door with
ACCESSORY (I) cause you to lose control. the key in the LOCK or
ON (II) Remove the key from the igni- ACCESSORY position. Remove the
tion switch only when parked. key to turn it off.
START (III)

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Keys and Locks
Door Locks Power Door Locks Both doors lock when you push
the lock tab on the driver's door.
Only the driver's door unlocks
when you use the key or lock tab.
To unlock the passenger's door,
use the master door lock switch or
the lock tab on each door.
Each door has a lock tab next to Available on on EX and EX with

the inside door handle. Push the option package models in the U.S.
tab forward to lock the door and This allows control of both door
pull it backward to unlock. locks from the driver's door. Push
To lock the passenger's door when the master door lock switch down
getting out of the car, push the to lock both doors, and up to
unlock them. The doors can also be locked and
lock tab forward and close the unlocked from the outside with
door. To lock the driver's door, the key.
pull the outside door handle and
push the lock tab forward. Release
the handle then close the door.

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Keys and Locks
Trunk
MASTER KEY
TRUNK RELEASE HANDLE

You can open the trunk in two To close the trunk, press down on To protect items in the trunk when
ways: the trunk lid. you need to give the key to some-
Pull the trunk release handle to one else, lock the trunk release
the left of the driver's seat. See page 88 for cargo loading and handle with the master key and
weight-limit information. Keep the give the other person the valet
Use the master key to open the trunk lid closed at all times while key.
trunk lock. The valet key does driving to avoid damaging the lid
not work in this lock. and getting exhaust gas in the
interior. See Carbon Monoxide
Hazard on page 25.

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Seat Adjustments
Adjust the seat before you start

driving.
Reclining the seat-back can
decrease the protection you get
Front Seat Adjustments from your seat belt in a crash.
You can slide under the seat belt
and be seriously injured.
Adjust the seat-back to an
upright position and sit well
back in the seat.
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.
To adjust the seat forward and Let the seat-back latch in the
backward, pull up on the lever new position.
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.

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Folding Rear Seal
Folding Rear Seat Make sure all items in the trunk, or

items extending through the
opening into the back seat, are
tied down. Loose items can fly
forward and cause injury if you
have to brake hard. See Loading
Cargo on page 88.
Never drive with the seat-back

folded down and the trunk lid
open. See Carbon Monoxide
Hazard on page 25.
The back of the rear seat folds To release the seat-back from
down, giving you direct access to inside the trunk, pull the release
the trunk. The seat-back can be loop under the rear shelf, push
released from inside the car or down the seat back then release
inside the trunk. the loop.
To fold down the seat-back from To lock the seat-back upright,

inside the car, insert the master push it firmly against the rear
key in the lock on the rear shelf. shelf. Make sure it is latched in
Turn the key clockwise, pull down place by pulling on the top of the
the top of the seat-back, then seat.
release the key.

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Power Windows
Only on EX and EX with option The master control panel also

package in the U.S. MAIN SWITCH contains these extra features:
Your car's windows are electrically-
powered. Turn the ignition switch DRIVER'S WINDOW AUTO — To open the driver's
to ON (II) to raise or lower SWITCH window fully, push the window
a window. switch firmly down and release it.
The window automatically goes all
Each door has a switch that the way down. To stop the window
controls its window. To open the from going all the way down, push
window, push the switch down the window switch up briefly.
and hold it. Release the switch
when you want the window to To open the driver's window only
stop. Close the window by pushing partially, push the window switch
the switch up and holding it. The driver's armrest has a master down lightly and hold it. The
power window control panel. To window will stop as soon as you
open the passenger's window, release the switch.
push down on the appropriate
switch and hold it down until the The AUTO function only works to
window reaches the desired lower the driver's window. To
position. To close the window, raise the window, you must push
push up on the window switch. the window switch up and hold it
Release the switch when the until the window reaches the
window gets to the position desired position.
you want.

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Power Windows, Moonroof
The MAIN switch controls power Moonroof moonroof reaches the desired
to the passenger's windows. With position, then release the switch.
this switch off, the passenger's
window cannot be raised or To close the moonroof, press and
lowered. The MAIN switch does hold the switch.
not affect the driver's window.
Keep the MAIN switch off when
you have children in the car so
they do not injure themselves by
operating the window Closing the moonroof on some-
unintentionally. one's hands or fingers can
cause serious injury.
Make sure passengers are clear
of the moonroof before closing
Only on EX and EX with option it.
Closing a power window on a package in the U.S. and Si model in
child's hands or fingers can Canada.
cause serious injury. Use the switches on the dash- NOTICE
Make sure children are away board under the left vent to If you try to open the moonroof in
from the windows before operate the moonroof. The below-freezing temperatures, or
closing them. ignition must be ON (II)- when it is covered with snow or
ice, you can damage the moonroof
To lift the rear of the moonroof for panel or motor.
ventilation, push the button.
To slide the moonroof back, push
the switch. Hold it until the

▲
▼
Sunshade, Mirrors
Sunshade Mirrors Manual Door Mirrors
TAB
You can slide the sunshade to any Keep the inside and outside mir- Only on DX models.
position when the moonroof is rors clean and adjusted for best The outside mirror on the driver's
closed. The sunshade slides open visibility. Be sure to adjust the mir- door can be adjusted by moving
with the moonroof. You must close rors before you start driving. the knob on the inside of the door.
it manually.
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.

▲
▼
Power Mirrors
Adjusting the Power Mirrors

SELECTOR SWITCH
Only on EX and EX option package 3. Push the appropriate edge of The outside mirror on the
in the U.S. the adjustment switch to move passenger's side has curved glass.
Adjust the outside mirrors with the mirror right, left, up, or Objects look farther away than
the adjustment switch on the left down. they are. Use this mirror to get a
side of the dashboard: "wide view." Don't use it to judge
4. When you finish, move the the distance of things behind you.
1. Turn the ignition switch ON (II). selector switch to the center
(OFF) position. This turns off
2. Move the selector switch to L the adjustment switch so you
(driver's side) or R (passen- can't move a mirror out of
ger's side). position by accidentally
bumping it.

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▼
Parking Brake, Glove Box
Parking Brake Glove Box
An open glove box can cause

serious injury to your pas-
senger in a crash, even if the
passenger is wearing the seat
belt.
Always keep the glove box
closed while driving.
GLOVE BOX
To apply the parking brake, pull the Open the glove box by pulling the
lever up fully. To release it, pull up handle. Close it with a firm push.
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 33).
NOTICE
Driving the car with the parking
brake applied can damage the rear
brakes and axles.

▲
▼
Digital Clock
Digital Clock 3. Press and hold the HOUR

MIN RESET
button until the hour advances
HOUR
to the desired time.
4. Press and hold the MIN. 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
RESET sets the clock back to the
previous hour. If the displayed
All models except DX To set the clock: time is after the half hour, pressing
The digital clock displays the time RESET sets the clock forward to
1. Turn the ignition switch ON (II)
with the ignition switch ON (II). To the beginning of the next hour.
to display the time.
see the time with the ignition off,
press and hold the wide button 2. Swing down the front cover of For example:
under the clock. the wide button under the 1:06 would RESET backward
clock display. You will see to 1:00.
HOUR, MIN., and RESET
buttons. 1:52 would RESET forward
to 2:00.

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▼
Beverage Holder, Vanity Mirror
Beverage Holder Vanity Mirror
To open the beverage holder, push Use the beverage holder only when Only on EX and EX with option
on the top. The beverage holder the car is parked. If you place cups package in the U.S. and Si model
lid is spring-loaded and will pop in the holder while driving, the in Canada.
open. To close it, push it down liquid may spill when you go over To use the vanity mirror, pull
until it latches. bumps or around corners. down the sun visor and swing
down the cover.
Be careful when you are using the
beverage holder. Spilled liquids can
damage the upholstery, carpeting,
and electrical components in the
interior. If the liquid is very hot, it
can scald you or your passengers.

▲
▼
Cigarette lighter, Ashtrays
Cigarette Lighter Ashtrays
The rear ashtray is at the rear end

The ignition switch must be in Open the front ashtray by pulling of the center console. Open the
ACCESSORY (I) or ON (II) for the on the bottom edge. Push it in to ashtray by swinging the upper
cigarette lighter to work. To heat close it. edge of the lid down. To remove
up the lighter, push it in. It will pop the ashtray for emptying, open it
out when it is ready for use. Do not To remove the ashtray for empty- then lift up and out.
hold the lighter in while it is ing, push down on the metal plate
heating up, you could cause it to inside, then pull the ashtray out NOTICE
overheat. completely. Use the ashtray only for cigarettes,
cigars and other smoking mate-
rials. To prevent a possible fire
and damage to your car, don't put
paper or other things that can
burn in the ashtrays.

▲
▼
Interior Light
Interior Light
DOOR ACTIVATED
The interior light has a three-

position switch. In the OFF
(forward) position, the light does
not come on. In the center
position, the interior light comes
on when you open either front
door. In the ON (rearward)
position, the interior light stays on
continuously.

▲
▼
Main Menu
Comfort and Convenience Features
The heating/ventilation system in Heating and Cooling . . . . . . . . . . 64

your car, when combined with the What Each Control Does . . . . 66
optional air conditioner, provides How to Use the System . . . . . 67
a comfortable driving environment Controlling Air
in all weather conditions. Flow Direction . . . . . . . . 67
Ventilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
U.S. EX with option package. To Cool with A/C . . . . . . . . 68
The standard audio system is very To Dehumidify and Defog
versatile. To get the most benefit with A/C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
from this system, read its To Heat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
description in this manual. To Defrost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
To Turn Everything Off . . . 70
For other models Audio System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Refer to the operating instructions Operating the R a d i o . . . . . . . . 71
that came with the optional audio Presetting................. 72
system you selected. Adjusting the Sound . . . . . . . 74
Radio Frequencies . . . . . . . . . 75
Operating the
Cassette Player . . . . . . . . . . 75
Cassette Player . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

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▼
Heating and Cooling
This system has full heating,

ventilation, and air conditioning CENTER VENT SIDE VENT
(optional) capabilities. You can
adjust the system controls to mix
these in various combinations.
The air flows into the interior at
three possible levels that you can
select.
A Genuine Honda air conditioning

system is available from your
dealer. It meets Honda's high
quality standards and is designed
to fit your car. If you purchased The direction of air flow from the The heating and cooling system
your car without air conditioning, vents in the center and each side draws air through the exterior
it can be installed at a later time. of the dashboard is adjustable. vents at the bottom of the wind-
Please contact your dealer for Move the tab in the center of each shield. Keep these vents clear of
more information. vent up and down and side to side. leaves and other debris.
The side and upper vents can be

opened and closed with the dials
next to them.

▲
▼
Heating and Cooling
UPPER VENT
OPEN
CLOSE

▲
▼
Heating and Cooling
What Each Control Does MODE BUTTONS RECIRCULATED AIR AIR CONDITIONING
ON/OFF SWITCH
Fan Control Lever FRESH AIR
Sliding this lever to the right
increases the fan speed, which
increases air How.
Temperature Control Lever

Sliding this lever to the right
increases the temperature of air
flowing through the system.
TEMPERATURE
Mode Buttons CONTROL LEVER FAN CONTROL LEVER
These buttons control the
direction of air flow. The indicator
light shows which button is Fresh Air and
controlling air flow. Recirculation Buttons
These two buttons control the
Air Conditioning (A/C) Switch source of air going into the
This switch turns the air system. In Fresh Air mode, air
conditioner ON and OFF. The comes from outside the car. In
indicator in the switch lights when Recirculation mode, the interior
the A/C is ON. air recycles through the system.

▲
▼
Heating and Cooling
How to Use the System The engine must be running for Ventilation
This section covers the best way the heater and air conditioning Your car has a flow-through
to use the system for ventilation, system to provide hot and cold air. ventilation system. Air enters the
cooling, dehumidifying, defrosting The heater uses engine coolant to car through vents in front of the
and heating. In most cases, the warm the air. If the engine is cold, windshield. It circulates through
mode and air source selections are it will be several minutes before the interior then exits through
only recommendations. You may you feel warm air circulating. vents near the rear window. This
prefer different settings. system provides fresh air even
Air conditioning does not depend when the car is standing still. To
Use mode to heat or cool the on engine temperature. It can bring in outside air, press the
interior more quickly, or to keep produce cold air almost button. Set the fan at a
out smoke and dust. Leaving the immediately. comfortable speed.
system in recirculation mode with
the air conditioning off can cause Controlling Air Flow Direction
the windows to fog up. Switch to Air flows into the interior at three
mode as soon as the interior levels: Toward the floor
reaches a comfortable through the dash vents and
temperature or the outside smoky, toward the windshield and side
dusty condition clears. windows You select the air
flow level or combination of levels
with the five mode buttons.
continued

▲
▼
Heating and Cooling
To Cool with A/C MODE BUTTONS

AIR CONDITIONING
To operate the air conditioning ON/OFF SWITCH
system, press the air conditioning
switch. Set the fan to the desired
speed. You can also use the
mode button to direct air out of
the dash and heater vents.
To cool the interior down rapidly

after the car has been sitting in the
sun:
1. Start the engine. TEMPERATURE

CONTROL LEVER FAN CONTROL LEVER
2. Turn on the A/C by pressing

the switch. The air conditioning places an
extra load on the engine. Watch
3. Set the fan to maximum speed. the coolant temperature gauge
(see page 37 ) when using the A/C
4. Open the windows partially. in heavy traffic or driving up long
Select and hills. If it moves near the red zone,
turn off the air conditioning until
When the interior reaches a the gauge reads normally.
comfortable temperature, close
the windows and set the system
for cooling as described above.

▲
▼
Heating and Cooling
To Dehumidify and Defog

with A/C
Air conditioning removes moisture
from the air as it operates. You can
use it to defog the windows
quickly in cool or damp weather.
Used in combination with the
heater, it also makes the interior MODE BUTTONS
AIR CONDITIONING
warm and dry. This setting is best ON/OFF SWITCH
for all driving conditions whenever
the outside temperature is above
32° F (0° C).
1. Set the fan to a medium speed.
2. Turn on the air conditioning.
3. Select any desired mode

button; is usually best. TEMPERATURE
CONTROL LEVER FAN CONTROL LEVER
4. Adjust the temperature control
lever so the mixture of heated
and cooled air is at a
comfortable temperature.

▲
▼
Heating and Cooling
To Heat To Defrost To Turn Everything Off

To warm the interior, press To remove frost or ice from the To shut off the system temporarily,
and Set the fan to the windshield and side windows after slide the fan speed and
desired speed. Adjust the warmth the car has been sitting out in cold temperature control levers all the
of the air with the temperature weather. way to the left.
control lever.
1. Start the engine. You should only shut the system
To warm the interior rapidly after 2. Select and completely off for the first few
the car has been sitting out in cold minutes of driving in cold weather,
weather: 3. Set the fan and temperature until the engine coolant warms up
controls to maximum. enough to operate the heater.
1. Start the engine. These settings direct all the air Keep the fan on at all other times
flow to the defroster vents at the so stale air does not build up in
2. Select and the interior.
base of the windshield and the
3. Slide the temperature control side window defroster vents. The
lever to maximum heat. air flow will get warmer and clear
4. Leave the fan OFF for the first the windows faster as the engine
few minutes. When the warms up. You can close the side
temperature gauge rises above and upper vents with the dial
the bottom white mark, set the beside each vent. That will send
fan to medium speed. more warm air to the windshield
defroster vents.
5. When the interior warms up,
switch to fresh air mode and
adjust the temperature control For safety, make sure you have a
lever to a comfortable setting. clear view through all the windows
before driving away.

▲
▼
Audio System
AM/FM/Cassette Stereo ON/OFF/VOL CASSETTE SLOT

KNOB
Audio System
U.S. EX with option package.
Your Honda audio system is easy to
use, and will give clear AM/FM
reception. The preset buttons allow
you to select six stations on AM
and twelve stations on FM. FF/REW/TMS
BUTTON
The cassette system uses Dolby B*
noise reduction to give excellent
sound reproduction. The system SEEK/TUNE BAR TONE CONTROL
also senses when a metal (CrO2) AM/FM PRESET FADER/BALANCE
tape is being played and adjusts BUTTON BUTTONS CONTROL
accordingly.
*Dolby noise reduction manufac- Operating the Radio Select the band you want to listen
tured under license from Dolby The ignition switch must be in to by pressing the AM or FM1/FM2
Laboratories Licensing Corpora- ACCESSORY (I) or ON (II) to button. You will see the selected
tion. "Dolby" and the symbol operate the audio system. Turn band and the frequency in the
the system on by turning the display.
are trademarks of Dolby Laborato-
ries Licensing Corporation. ON/OFF/VOL knob clockwise. The
ST will be displayed next to the
radio comes on and displays the
frequency if the station is
frequency of the station it was last
broadcasting in FM stereo. The AM
tuned to.
stereo feature is not available.
Adjust the volume by turning the
ON/OFF/VOL knob.

▲
▼
Audio System
You can use any of three methods

to find radio stations on the ON/OFF/VOL
KNOB STEREO INDICATOR
selected band: TUNE, SEEK, or the
Preset buttons.
The TUNE function lets you find a
desired frequency. Push the
TUNE/SEEK switch up to change to
a higher frequency, and down to
change to a lower frequency.
To change the frequency up or
down a single increment, push and
release the TUNE/SEEK switch. SEEK/TUNE BAR
AM/FM PRESET
The SEEK function searches the BUTTON BUTTONS
band for stations with a strong 2. Use the TUNE or SEEK function
signal. Depending on which way Presetting
The preset buttons allow you to to tune the radio to a desired
you push the TUNE/SEEK switch,
store radio frequencies for later station.
the system searches up or down
from the current frequency. Push selection. Each button will store 3. Pick the Preset button you
the switch until you hear a beep, one frequency on the AM band, want for that station. Press the
then release it. The system and two on the FM band. To store button and hold it until you
searches until it finds a station a frequency: hear a beep.
with a strong signal, then stops. 1. Select the desired band, AM
If you do not want to listen to that 4. Repeat steps 1 to 3 to store a
or FM. FM1 and FM2 allow you total of six stations on AM and
station, push TUNE/SEEK again. to store two frequencies with twelve on FM.
each Preset button.

▲
▼
Audio System
Once that station's frequency is

stored, simply press and release AUTO SELECT LIGHT
the proper Preset button to tune STEREO INDICATOR
to it. If you want to change any
Preset button's selection, store
another frequency as described.
The frequencies you preset will be
lost if your car's battery goes dead AUTO
SELECT
or is disconnected. BUTTON
The AUTO SELECT function allows

you to find stations easily when
you are in an unfamiliar area.
Press the AUTO SELECT button.
The system automatically scans
both bands to find six strong If you are in a remote area, AUTO AUTO SELECT does not erase the
stations on AM and twelve on FM, SELECT may not find enough stations you have manually preset.
and stores their frequencies in the stations to fill all the available Turn off AUTO SELECT when you
Preset buttons. You can then use presets. If this is the case, you will return to your normal reception
the Preset buttons in the normal see "O" displayed when you press area by pressing the button again.
manner to select those stations. any Preset button that does not The light goes out and the Preset
"AUTO SELECT" stays displayed have a station stored. buttons can then select the
next to the frequency as a
stations you originally set.
reminder.

▲
▼
Audio System
You cannot manually store radio

station frequencies in the Preset
buttons when AUTO SELECT is
ON. If you do not like the stations
found by AUTO SELECT, you can
still use the TUNE or SEEK
function to find other stations.
Adjusting the Sound

Use the Balance and Fader
SEEK/TUNE
controls to adjust the sound BAR AM/FM
"direction." The Balance control BUTTON FADER/BALANCE BASS/TREBLE
moves sound left to right. The CONTROL CONTROL
Fader control moves it front to
back. The illumination for the radio Use the Bass and Treble controls
controls comes on with the to adjust the tone quality to your
To use either control, push on the instrument panel lights, even if the liking. Push on the knob to get the
knob to get it to pop out. Adjust radio is off. You can use the Balance controls to pop out. Adjust the
the front-to-back sound to your control to turn off the radio panel bass level with the outer ring and
liking with the outside ring. illumination even with the radio on. the treble level with the knob.
Adjust the side-to-side sound Push the control knob so it pops When finished, push the knobs
balance with the knob. Push the out, then pull it out slightly further. back in so there is less chance of
knob back in when you are done. Check this control if the control accidentally changing your
panel lights do not come on with settings.
the instrument panel lights.

▲
▼
Audio System
Radio Frequencies
Your Honda's radio can tune in all
frequencies in both the AM and FM
bands. Those bands cover these
frequencies:
AM band
530 kilohertz to 1710 kilohertz
FM band
87.7 megahertz to 107.9 megahertz
Radio stations on the AM band are

assigned frequencies at least 10
kilohertz apart (530, 540, 550).
Those on the FM band are
assigned frequencies at least 0.2
megahertz apart (87.9, 88.1, 88.3). Operating the Cassette Player playing. The indicates the side
Turn the system ON. Insert the you inserted facing upward is now
Stations must use these exact cassette into the slot with the tape playing. To play the other side of
frequencies. It is fairly common for opening to the right. Push the the tape, press the PROG/PLAY
stations to round-off the frequency cassette in most of the way. The button.
in their advertising, so your radio drive will pull it in the rest of the
will show a frequency of 100.9 way and begin to play. The system also has an Auto-
even though the announcer may reverse feature. It will automati-
call the station "FM101." The or will light to show you cally reverse direction when it
which side of the cassette is reaches the end of the cassette.

▲
▼
Audio System
If the cassette is a metal tape

(chromium-dioxide or Cr02), you
will see "MTL" displayed. The
system automatically adjusts for
the special frequency
characteristics of metal tape.
Dolby 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.
To remove the cassette from the
drive, press the EJECT button. The
system automatically ejects the
cassette whenever you turn off the To rewind the tape, push the FF/ automatically stops that function,
system or the ignition switch. REW/TMS button down then reverses direction, and begins to
release it. You will see REW in the play.
display. To fast forward the tape,
Cassette Search Functions push the button up then release it. Press the REPEAT button to replay
Once a cassette is playing, you can You will see FF displayed. To stop the current passage. The light in
use the FF, REW, TMS, or REPEAT rewind or fast forward, press the the button illuminates as a
function to look for desired songs PROG/PLAY button. If the system reminder. When the system
or passages. reaches the end of the cassette reaches the end of the song or
while in fast forward or rewind, it passage that is being played, it

▲
▼
Audio System
automatically goes into rewind.

When it senses the beginning of
that passage, it goes back to play.
The system will continue repeating

this passage until you turn off
REPEAT by pressing the button
again.
The TMS function lets you skip to

the beginning of a song or other
passage. The tape skips forward or
backward, depending on which
direction you push the
FF/REW/TMS switch.
Activate TMS by pushing the The REPEAT and TMS functions

use silent periods on the tape to
FF/REW/TMS button and holding it
find the end of a selection. These
until you hear a beep. If you push
features may not work satisfac-
the button down, you will see REW torily on tapes that have almost no
blinking in the display as the tape gap between songs, a high noise
rewinds. If you push the button up, level between songs, or silent
you will see FF blinking in the periods in the middle of songs.
display as the tape fast forwards.
When the system senses a silent
period on the tape, it goes back to
PLAY mode.

▲
▼
Audio System
Caring for the Cassette Player To remind you, a small red light Use 100-minute or shorter
labelled CLEAN comes on every 30 cassettes. Cassettes longer than
CLEAN LIGHT hours of tape use. If you are 100 minutes use thinner tape that
already regularly cleaning the tape may break or jam the drive.
drive at least every 30 hours,
simply push the CLEAN light for Look at a cassette before you
VOL five seconds to turn it off. insert it. If the tape is loose,
tighten it by turning one of the
If you do not clean the cassette hubs with a pencil or your finger.
drive regularly, it may eventually If the label is peeling off, do not
EJECT PRO become impossible to remove put it in the player. It may cause
ON the deposits with a normal the cassette to jam in the drive
TUNE/SEEK mechanism when you try to
FF/REW/TMS cleaning kit.
eject it.
The cassette drive picks up dirt The cassette player automatically
and oxides whenever you play a ejects cassettes that do not play Do not leave cassettes sitting
tape. This builds up over time and normally. If it ejects a cassette where they are exposed to high
causes the sound quality to before it begins to play, it is heat or humidity, such as on top of
degrade. To prevent this, you probably defective and should not the dashboard or in the player. If a
should clean the cassette drive be inserted again. You may have a cassette is exposed to extreme
after every 30 hours of use. Your cassette suddenly stop playing, heat or cold, let it reach a
Honda dealer has a cleaning kit reverse directions once or twice moderate temperature before
available for this purpose. and then eject. This is normally an putting it in the player.
indication the tape is wound
unevenly. It should play normally
after being manually rewound.

▲
▼
Main Menu
Before Driving
Before you begin driving your Break-in Period . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Honda, you should know what Gasoline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
gasoline to use, and how to check Oxygenated Fuels . . . . . . . 80
the levels of important fluids. You Driving in Foreign
also need to know how to properly Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
stow luggage or packages. This Service Station Procedures . 82
section will help you. If you plan to Filling the Fuel Tank . . . . . 82
add any accessories to your car, Opening the Hood . . . . . . . 83
please read the information in this Fuel Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
section first. Vehicle C o n d i t i o n . . . . . . . . 86
Driving Habits . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Loading Cargo . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
Before Driving

▲
▼
Break-in Period, Gasoline
Break-in Period Gasoline Oxygenated Fuels

Help assure your car's future Your Honda is designed to operate Some conventional gasolines are
reliability and performance by most effectively on unleaded being blended with alcohol or an
paying extra attention to how you gasoline with a pump octane ether compound. These gasolines
drive during the first 1,000 km (600 number of 86 or higher. Use of are collectively referred to as
miles). During this period: a lower octane gasoline can oxygenated fuels. To meet clean
cause a persistent, heavy metallic air standards, some areas of the
Avoid full-throttle starts and rapping noise that can lead to United States and Canada use
rapid acceleration. engine damage. oxygenated fuels to help reduce
Gasolines containing detergent emissions.
If you need to add oil, use the
engine oil recommended in this additives designed to help prevent
fuel system and engine deposits If you use an oxygenated fuel, be
owner's manual. sure it is unleaded and meets the
are recommended. Using gasoline
Avoid hard braking. New brakes containing lead will damage your minimum octane rating
need to be broken-in by car's emission controls. This requirement.
moderate use for the first 300 contributes to air pollution and
km (200 miles). can void certain parts of your Before using an oxygenated fuel,
warranty. try to confirm the fuel's contents.
You should follow these same re- Some states/provinces require this
commendations with an information to be posted on the
overhauled or exchanged engine, pump.
or when the brakes are relined.
Before Driving

▲
▼
Gasoline
The following are the EPA- If you notice any undesirable Driving in Foreign Countries
approved percentages of operating symptoms, try another Using any type of leaded gasoline
oxygenates: service station or switch to in your Honda will affect
another brand of gasoline. performance and damage its
ETHANOL (ethyl or grain alcohol)
You may use gasoline containing emission controls. Unleaded
Fuel system damage or gasoline may not be available in
up to 10% ethanol by volume. performance problems resulting
Gasoline containing ethanol other countries. If you are
from the use of an oxygenated fuel planning to take your car outside
may be marketed under the containing more than the
name "Gasohol". the U.S. or Canada, write to Honda
percentages of oxygenates given at the address shown for
MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl previously are not covered information about any
Ether). You may use gasoline under warranty. modifications your car may need.
containing up to 15% MTBE by Be sure to include the year and
volume. model of your car.
METHANOL (methyl or wood U.S. Owners:

alcohol) You may use gasoline
containing up to 5% methanol by American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
volume as long as it also contains Consumer Affairs
cosolvents and corrosion 1919 Torrance Blvd.
inhibitors to protect the fuel Torrance, CA 90501-2746
system. Gasoline containing more
than 5% methanol by volume may Canadian Owners:
cause starting and/or performance Honda Canada Inc.
problems. It may also damage 715 Milner Ave.
metal, rubber, and plastic parts of Scarborough, Ontario M1B2K8
your fuel system.
Before Driving

▲
▼
Service Station Procedures
Filling the Fuel Tank 3. Remove the fuel fill cap slowly.
You may hear a hissing sound
as pressure inside the tank
Handling gasoline improperly escapes.
can cause it to ignite or explode,
causing you to be seriously or 4. Stop filling the tank after the
fatally injured. gas pump automatically clicks
Always put out cigarettes and off. Do not try to "top off" the
other smoking materials, and tank, leave some room for the
keep all sparks and open flames fuel to expand with
away when you are around temperature changes.
gasoline.
5. Screw the fuel fill cap back on,
tighten it until it clicks.
FUEL FILL CAP
1. The fuel fill is on the driver's
side of the car. Park with that 6. Push the fuel fill door until it
side closest to the service latches.
station pumps.
2. Open the fuel fill door by

pulling on the handle to the left
of the driver's seat.
Before Driving

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Opening the Hood

LATCH
HOOD RELEASE HANDLE SUPPORT ROD
CLIP
1. Shift to Park or Neutral and set 2. Standing in front of the car, put 3. Pull the support rod out of its
the parking brake. Pull the your fingers under the front clip and insert the end into the
hood release handle located edge of the hood to the right of hole on the left side of the
under the left lower corner of center. Slide your hand to the hood.
the dashboard. The hood will left until you feel the hood To close the hood, lift it up
pop up slightly. latch handle. Push this handle slightly to remove the support
to the left until it releases the rod from the hole. Put the
hood. Lift the hood. support rod back into its
holding clip. Lower the hood to
about a foot above the fender,
then let it drop.
Before Driving

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Oil Check
DIPSTICK
Check the engine oil level every 2. Wipe the dipstick with a clean 3. Insert it all the way back in its
time you fill the car with fuel. Wait cloth or paper towel. tube.
at least two minutes after turning
the engine off before you check
the oil.
1. Remove the dipstick (orange

handle).
Before Driving

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Engine Coolant Check Refer to Periodic Checks on page

109 for information on checking
RESERVE TANK other items in your Honda.
UPPER MARK MAX
LOWER MARK MIN
4. Remove it again and check the Look at the coolant level in the
level. It should be between the radiator reserve tank. Make sure it
upper and lower marks. is between the MAX and MIN lines.
If it is below the MIN line, see
If it is near or below the lower Adding Coolant on page 115 for
mark, see page 111 for information on adding the proper
information on the proper oil coolant.
and how to add it.
Before Driving

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Fuel Economy
The condition of your car and your Driving Habits A cold engine uses more fuel than
driving habits are the two most You can improve fuel economy by a warm engine. It is not necessary
important things that affect the driving moderately. Rapid to "warm-up" a cold engine by
fuel mileage you get. acceleration, cornering, and hard letting it idle for a long time. You
braking use more fuel. Always can drive away within thirty
Vehicle Condition drive in the highest gear that seconds, no matter how cold it is
allows the engine to run and outside. The engine will warm up
Always maintain your car accord- faster, and you get better fuel
ing to the maintenance schedule. accelerate smoothly. Maintain a
constant speed while cruising, economy. To cut down on the
This will keep it in top operating number of "cold starts," try to
condition. depending on traffic conditions.
Every time you slow down and combine several short trips into
speed up, your car uses extra fuel. one.
An important part of that Use the cruise control, when
maintenance is the Periodic appropriate, to increase fuel Air conditioning puts an extra load
Checks (see page 109). For economy. on the engine which makes it use
example an underinfiated tire
more fuel. Turn off the A/C to cut
causes more "rolling resistance,"
down on air conditioning use. Use
which uses fuel. It also wears out
the flow-through ventilation when
faster, so check the tire pressure
the outside air temperature is
at least monthly. In winter the
moderate.
build-up of snow on your car's
underside adds weight and rolling
resistance. Frequent cleaning
helps your fuel mileage and
reduces the chance of corrosion.
Before Driving

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Accessories
Your Honda dealer has many Some non-Honda accessories you Electronic communications
accessories available to can buy in the "aftermarket" are equipment, such as cellular
personalize your car. Some of designed for universal telephones and two-way radios are
these are audio systems, alloy applications. Although they may regulated by the FCC (CRTC in
wheels, air conditioning, and fit your Honda, they may not be Canada) and should not interfere
color-coordinated carpet floor within factory specifications. For with your car's systems. Improper
mats. All Genuine Honda example, after-market wheels may installation, or using electrical
Accessories have been approved not meet Honda's specifications equipment not intended for mobile
by our engineers for installation for width and offset. They could use may interfere with your car's
and use on your car, and are cause suspension problems which operation. If you want to install a
covered by warranty. For a would not be covered by your cellular telephone, other mobile
complete guide to the Genuine warranty. Improperly-designed communications equipment, or
Honda Accessories available, see accessories can adversely affect even add-on stereo amplifiers,
your dealer for a 1993 Accessories your car's handling and stability. please discuss it first with your
brochure. Honda dealer.
Your car has several computer-
controlled systems, including the In many cases, improper
SRS system and the engine's fuel installation is the real cause of
injection system. Strong electronic problems with after-market
interference can affect their opera- accessories. Have these
tion. accessories installed by qualified
technicians who are familiar
with your Honda. If possible, have
your Honda dealer inspect the
final installation.
Before Driving

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Loading Cargo
The maximum load you can carry This final number is the total If you must carry large objects
in your Honda is 850 Ibs (385 kg). weight of cargo you can load in or that prevent you from closing the
It includes the total weight of all on the car. With five occupants trunk lid, be aware that exhaust
passengers and their belongings, (driver and four passengers), the gas can enter the interior. See
and any accessories. This 850 Ibs maximum recommended weight Carbon Monoxide Hazard on
(385 kg) figure is shown as the for cargo is 100 Ibs (45 kg). page 25.
Vehicle Capacity Weight on the tire
information label attached to the Where you store this cargo, and Never place items on the shelf
inside of the glove box. how well you secure it are just as behind the back seat. Those items
important as how much it weighs. can fly forward and injure you or
To figure out how much cargo you Make sure you load cargo so it will your passengers if you brake hard
can carry: not shift while driving. Items or are involved in a collision.
Figure the total "occupant stored in the trunk should be
weight" you will be placed as far forward as possible.
transporting. To do this, You could store additional items
multiply the number of people on the floor behind the front seats.
(driver and all passengers) by Make sure they cannot roll under
150 Ibs (70 kg). the front seat and interfere with
the pedals.
Subtract this number from the
Vehicle Capacity Weight
(850 lbs/385 kg).
Before Driving

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Main Menu
Driving
This section gives you tips on Preparing to Drive . . . . . . . . . . . 90

starting the engine under various Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . 91
conditions, and how to operate 5-speed Manual
the 5-speed manual and automatic T r a n s m i s s i o n . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
transmissions. It also includes Automatic Transmission . . . . 91
important, information on your Starting in Cold Weather at
car's braking system. High Altitude . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
5-speed Manual
T r a n s m i s s i o n . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Recommended Shift Points . 94
Maximum Speeds . . . . . . . . . . 94
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 95
Shift Lever Positions . . . . . . . 95
Maximum Speeds . . . . . . . . . . 98
Shift Lock Release . . . . . . . . . 98
The Braking System . . . . . . . . . . 99
Brake Wear Indicators . . . . . . 99
Brake System Design . . . . . . 100
Driving in Bad Weather . . . . . . 101
Towing a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Driving

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Preparing to Drive
You should do the following 4. Check the adjustment of the 8. Fasten your seat belt. Check
checks and adjustments every day seat (see page 51). that your passengers have
before you drive your car. fastened their seat belts (see
5. Check the adjustment of the page 7).
1. Make sure all windows, inside and outside mirrors (see
mirrors, and outside lights are page 56). 9. Turn the ignition ON (II). Check
clean and unobstructed. the indicator lights in the
Remove frost, snow, or ice. 6. Check the adjustment of the instrument panel.
steering wheel (see page 43).
2. Check that the hood and trunk 10. Start the engine.
are fully closed. 7. Make sure the doors are
securely closed and locked. 11. Check the gauges and indicator
3. Check that any items you may lights in the instrument panel
be carrying with you inside are (see page 31).
stored properly or fastened
down securely.
Driving

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Starting the Engine
5-Speed Manual Transmission 5. If the engine does not start Automatic Transmission
1. Apply the parking brake. within 15 seconds, or starts but 1. Apply the parking brake.
stalls right away, repeat step 4
2. In cold weather, turn off all with the accelerator pedal 2. In cold weather, turn off all
electrical accessories to reduce pressed half-way down. If the electrical accessories to reduce
the drain on the battery. engine starts, release pressure the drain on the battery.
on the accelerator pedal so the
3. Push the clutch pedal down all engine does not race. 3. Make sure the shift lever is in
the way. START (III) does not Park: Press on the brake pedal.
function unless the clutch 6. If the engine still does not
pedal is depressed. start, press the accelerator 4. Without touching the
pedal all the way down and accelerator pedal, turn the
4. Without touching the hold it there while starting in ignition key to the START (III)
accelerator pedal, turn the order to clear flooding. As position. If the engine does not
ignition key to the START (III) before, keep the ignition key in start right away, do not hold
position. If the engine does not the START (III) position for no the key in START (III) for more
start right away, do not hold more than 15 seconds. Return
than 15 seconds at a time.
the key in START (III) for more to step 5 if the engine does not
Pause for at least 10 seconds
than 15 seconds at a time. start. If it starts, lift your foot
off the accelerator pedal so the before trying again.
Pause for at least 10 seconds
before trying again. engine does not race.
continued
Driving

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Starting the Engine
5. If the engine does not start Starting in Cold Weather at 3. If the engine fails to start in
within 15 seconds, or starts but High Altitude (Above 8,000 step 2, push the accelerator
stalls right away, repeat step 4 pedal to the floor and hold it
with the accelerator pedal feet/2,400 meters) there while you try to start the
pressed half-way down. If the An engine is harder to start in cold engine for no more than 15
engine starts, release pressure weather. The thinner air found at seconds. If the engine does not
on the accelerator pedal so the high altitude above 8,000 feet start, return to step 2.
engine does not race. (2,400 meters) adds to the
problem. Use the following
6. If the engine still does not procedure:
start, press the accelerator
pedal all the way down and 1. Turn off all electrical
hold it there while starting in accessories to reduce the drain
order to clear flooding. As on the battery.
before, keep the ignition key in
the START (Iff) position for no 2. Push the accelerator pedal
more than 15 seconds. Return half-way to the floor and hold it
to step 5 if the engine does not there while starting the engine.
start. If it starts, lift your foot Do not hold the ignition key in
off the accelerator pedal so the START (III) for more than 15
engine does not race. seconds. When the engine
starts, release the accelerator
pedal gradually as the engine
speeds up and smooths out.
Driving

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5-Speed Manual Transmission
Come to a full stop before you

shift into reverse. You can damage
the transmission by trying to shift
into reverse with the car moving. Rapid stowing or speeding up
Depress the clutch pedal and can cause loss of control on
pause for a few seconds before slippery surfaces. If you crash,
putting it in reverse, or shift into you can be injured.
one of the forward gears for a Use extra care when driving on
moment. This stops the gears so slippery surfaces.
they won't "grind."
You can get extra braking from the

engine when slowing down by
The manual transmission is shifting to a lower gear. This extra
synchronized in all forward gears braking can help you maintain a
for smooth operation. It has a safe speed and prevent your
lockout so you cannot shift brakes from overheating while
directly from Fifth to Reverse. going down a steep hill. Before
When shifting up or down, make downshifting, make sure engine
sure you push the clutch pedal speed will not go into the red zone
down all the way, shift to the next in the lower gear. Refer to the
gear, and let the pedal up Maximum Speeds chart.
gradually. When you are not
shifting, do not rest your foot on
the clutch pedal. This can cause
your clutch to wear out faster.
Driving

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5-Speed Manual Transmission
Recommended Shift Points Maximum Speeds DX

Drive in the highest gear that lets The speeds in these tables are the
the engine run and accelerate maximums for the given gears. If
smoothly. This will give you the you exceed these speeds, the
best fuel economy and effective engine speed will enter into the
emissions control. The following tachometer's red zone. If this
shift points are recommended: 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 U.S.: EX, EX with option package,
RPM below the red zone. Canada: Si
Driving

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Automatic Transmission
Automatic Transmission Shift Lever Shift Lever Positions

Your Honda's transmission has Position Indicator
four forward speeds, and is RELEASE BUTTON
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
This display is on the instrument The shift lever has seven

panel. It shows you the position of positions. It must be in Park or
the shift lever. Neutral to start the engine. When
you are stopped in D4, D3, 2,1 or R,
press firmly on the brake pedal
and keep your foot off the
accelerator pedal.
Driving

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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. Press the
release button 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
position if you need to leave the
car for any reason. Press on the
You must also press the release brake pedal when you are moving
button to shift into Park. To avoid the shift lever from Neutral to
transmission damage, come to a another gear.
complete stop before shifting into
Park (P) —This position mechani- Park. The shift lever must be in Drive (D4) — Use this position for
cally locks the transmission. Use Park before you can remove the your normal driving. The
Park whenever you are turning off key from the ignition switch. transmission automatically selects
or starting the engine. To shift out a suitable gear for your speed and
of Park, you must press on the If you have done all of the above acceleration. You may notice the
brake pedal and have your foot off and still cannot move the lever out transmission shifting up at higher
the accelerator pedal. Press the of Park, see Shift Lock Release on speeds when the engine is cold.
release button on the side of the page 98. This helps the engine warm up
shift lever to move it. faster.
Driving

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Drive (D3) - This position is Second (2) - To shift to Second, First (1) - To shift from Second to
similar to D4, except only the first press the release button on the First, press the release button on
three gears are selected. Use D3 to side of the shift lever. This the side of the shift lever. With the
provide engine braking when going position locks the transmission in lever in this position, the
down a steep hill. D3 can also keep second gear. It does not downshift transmission locks in First gear. By
the transmission from cycling to first gear when you come to a upshifting and downshifting
between third and fourth gears in stop. Second gives you more through 1, 2, D3, and D4, you can
stop-and-go driving. power when climbing, and operate this transmission much
increased engine braking when like a manual transmission without
For faster acceleration when in D3 going down steep hills. Use second
or D4, you can get the transmission .a clutch pedal.
gear when starting out on a
to automatically downshift by slippery surface or in deep snow.
pushing the accelerator pedal to It will help reduce wheel spin.
the floor. The transmission will
shift down one or two gears, Whenever you move the shift lever
depending on your speed. to a lower gear, the transmission
downshifts only if the engine's
redline will not be exceeded in the
lower gear.
Driving

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Maximum Speeds U.S.: EX, EX with option package 4. Push down on the key while
The speeds in these tables are the Canada: Si you press the release button
maximums for the given position. and move the shift lever out
If you exceed these speeds, the of Park to Neutral.
engine speed will enter into the
tachometer's red zone. If this
occurs, you will 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. Shift Lock Release
This allows you to move the shift
DX lever out of Park if the normal
method of pushing on the brake
pedal and pressing the release SHIFT LOCK
RELEASE BUTTON
button does not work. RELEASE SLOT
1. Set the Parking brake. 5. Remove the key from the Shift
2. Remove the key from the Lock Release slot. Return the
ignition switch. key to the ignition switch,
depress the brake pedal, and
3. Insert the key in the Shift Lock restart the engine.
Release slot next to the shift
lever. If you need to use the Shift Lock
Release, it could mean your car is
developing a problem. Have the
car checked by your Honda dealer.
Driving

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The Braking System
All Civics are equipped with front Check your brakes after driving Your brakes may sometimes
disc brakes. The brakes on the through deep water. Apply the squeal or squeak when you apply
rear wheels are drum-type. The brakes moderately to see if they them lightly. Do not confuse this
braking system is power-assisted feel normal. If not, apply them with the brake wear indicators.
to reduce the effort needed on the gently and frequently until they They make a very audible
brake pedal. do. Since a longer distance is "screeching."
needed to stop with wet brakes,
Put your foot on the brake pedal be extra cautious and alert in
only when you intend to brake. your driving.
Resting your foot on the pedal
keeps the brakes applied lightly,
causing them to build up heat. Brake Wear Indicators
Heat build up can reduce how well The front disc brakes on all cars
your brakes work. It also keeps have audible brake wear
your brake lights on all the time, indicators. When the brake pads
confusing drivers behind you. need replacing, you will hear a
distinctive metallic "screeching"
Constant application of the brakes sound when you apply the brakes.
when going down a long hill builds If you do not have the brake pads
up heat and reduces their replaced, they will begin
effectiveness. Use the engine to screeching all the time.
assist the brakes by downshifting
to a lower gear and taking your
foot off the accelerator pedal.
Driving

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The Braking System
Brake System Design If this happens, you will notice

The hydraulic system that that the brake pedal goes down
operates the brakes has two much farther and you need to
separate circuits. Each circuit press on it much harder. A much
works diagonally across the car longer distance will be needed to
(the left-front brake is connected stop the car.
with the right-rear brake, etc.). If
one circuit should develop a Slow the car by downshifting to a
problem, you will still have lower gear and removing your foot
braking at two wheels. from the accelerator pedal. Pull to
the side of the road as soon as it is
safe. Because of the longer stopping
distance needed, brake system
failure is very hazardous. It is best
to have your car towed, but if you
must drive the car in this condi-
tion, be extremely cautious. Have
your car repaired as soon
as possible.
Driving

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Driving in Bad Weather
Driving in Bad Weather Driving Technique - Always drive Visibility - Being able to see
slower than you would in dry clearly in all directions and being
weather. It takes your car longer to visible to other drivers are
react, even in conditions that may important in all weather
seem just barely damp. Apply conditions. This is more difficult
smooth, even pressure to all the in bad weather. To be seen more
controls. Abrupt steering wheel clearly during daylight hours, turn
movements or sudden, hard on your headlights.
application of the brakes can
cause loss of control in wet Inspect your windshield wipers
weather. Be extra cautious for the and washers frequently. Keep the
first few miles of driving while you windshield washer reservoir full of
adjust to the change in driving the proper fluid. Replace the
conditions. This is especially true windshield wiper blades if they
in snow. A person can forget some start to streak the windshield or
Rain, fog, and snow conditions re- snow-driving techniques during leave parts unwiped. Use the
quire a different driving technique the summer months. Practice is defrosters and air conditioning to
because of reduced traction and needed to relearn those skills.
visibility. Keep your car well- keep the windows from fogging up
maintained and exercise greater on the inside (see page 69).
caution when you need to drive Exercise extra caution when
in bad weather. The cruise control driving in rain after a long dry
should not be used in these spell. After months of dry weather,
conditions. the first rains bring oil to the
surface of the roadway, making
it slippery.
Driving

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Driving in Bad Weather, Towing a Trailer
Traction — Check your tires Towing a Trailer

frequently for wear and proper Your car is not designed to tow a
pressure. Both are important in trailer. Attempting to do so can
preventing "hydroplaning" (loss of void your warranties.
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
slippery as ice. "Clear" roads can
have patches of ice. Driving
conditions can be very hazardous Be very cautious when passing, or
when the outside temperature is being passed by, other vehicles.
near freezing. The road surface The spray from large vehicles
can become covered with areas of reduces your visibility, and the
water puddles mixed with areas of wind buffeting can cause you to
ice, so your traction can change lose control.
without warning.
Be careful when downshifting. If

traction is low, you can lock up the
drive wheels for a moment and
cause a skid.
Driving

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Main Menu
Maintenance
Regularly maintaining your Honda Maintenance Schedule....... 104 Spark Plugs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
is the best way to protect your Maintenance Record . . . . . . . . 107 Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
investment. You will be rewarded Periodic Checks . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
with safer, more economical, Fluid Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
trouble-free driving. This section Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111 Windshield Wipers . . . . . . . . . . 131
lists items that need to be checked Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Checking Engine Oil . . . . . . . 111
regularly and explains how to
Adding......................... 111 Engine Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
check them. It also details some
simple maintenance tasks you can Recommended Oil . . . . . . . . 112 Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
do yourself. The maintenance Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112 Inflation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
schedules for normal and severe Oil and Filter Changes . . . . . 113 Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
driving conditions show you when Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
these things need to be done. Checking the Coolant Level 115 Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Adding Engine Coolant . . . . 115 Replacing Tires . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Replacing Coolant . . . . . . . . 116 Wheels and Tires . . . . . . . . . 137
If you are interested in how to DOT Tire Quality Grading .. 137
perform more complex Windshield Washers . . . . . . . . . 119
Transmission O i l . . . . . . . . . . . . 120 Treadwear . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
maintenance on your Honda, you
Automatic Transmission... 120 Traction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
can purchase the Service Manual.
See page 191 for information on 5-speed Manual Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . 138
how to obtain a copy, or see your T r a n s m i s s i o n . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121 Winter D r i v i n g . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Honda dealer. Brake and Clutch Fluid . . . . . . 122 Snow T i r e s . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Brake System . . . . . . . . . . . . 122 Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Clutch System . . . . . . . . . . . . 123 Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Power Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124 Replacing Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Air Cleaner Element . . . . . NO TAG Storing Your Car . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Fuel Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Maintenance

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Maintenance Schedule
The Required Maintenance Drive your car regularly over a We recommend the use of Genuine
Schedule specifies how often you distance of several miles Honda parts and fluids or their
should have your car serviced, (kilometers). equivalent whenever you have
and what things need attention. It maintenance done. These are the
is essential that your car be Always use unleaded gasoline same high-quality items that went
serviced as scheduled to retain its with a pump octane number of into your car when it was new, so
high level of safety, dependability, 86 or higher. you can be sure they fit and
and emission control performance. perform flawlessly.
Your authorized Honda dealer
knows your car best, and can U.S. Care:
The services and time or mileage
provide competent, efficient Maintenance, replacement or repair
intervals shown in the
service. However, service at a of emission control devices and sys-
maintenance schedule assume you
dealer is not mandatory to keep tems may be done by any automo-
will use your car as normal
your warranties in effect. tive repair establishment or individ-
transportation for passengers and
Maintenance may be done by any ual using parts that are "certified" to
their possessions. You should:
qualified service facility or person EPA standards.
who is skilled in this type of
Avoid exceeding your car's load automotive service. Keep all the
limit. This puts excess strain on Vehicles sold in California have
receipts as proof of completion, slightly different maintenance
the engine, brakes, and many and have the person who does the
other parts of your car. The load requirements. These are noted in
work fill out the maintenance the Required Maintenance
limit is shown on the label in record on page 105. Check your
the glove box. Schedule. Other maintenance
warranty booklet for more operations are required by
Operate your car on reasonable information. California regulations, and
roads within the legal speed condition the emission warranty.
limit.
Maintenance

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▼
R — Replace I — Inspect After inspection, clean, adjust, repair or replace if necessary.
: ChecK oil and coolant level at each fuel stop. *1: For cars sold in California, this service is recommended only: other areas, it is required.
: Under severe driving conditions, service these items more often. *2 : Thereafter, replace every 2 years or 30,000 mites (48,000 km), whichever comes first.
*3: This service is recommended only.

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Maintenance Schedule
R - Replace I - Inspect After inspection, clean, adjust, repair or replace if necessary.
page 15).
Severe Driving Conditions:

Items with an or an in the chart will need service The services are:
more often, if you drive under these conditions: — Replace the air cleaner element every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or
A. Repeated short distance driving. 12 months under condition B or E.
B. Dusty conditions. — Replace engine oil and oil filter every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or
C. Severe cold weather. 3 months under condition A or B.
D. Areas with road salt or other corrosive materials. — Inspect front brake discs and calipers every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or
6 months under condition A, B, D, or E.
E. Rough or muddy roads.
— Inspect the power steering system every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or
6 months under condtion B, C, or E.
Maintenance

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▼
Required Maintenance Record
Have your servicing dealer record all Required Maintenance below. Keep receipts for all work done on your car.
Maintenance

▲
▼
Non-Scheduled Maintenance Record
Record additional maintenance for severe driving conditions or non-scheduled maintenance on this page (see page 104).
Maintenance

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Periodic Checks
You should check the following Engine oil level - Check every Brakes, clutch and power
items at the specified intervals. If time you fill the fuel tank. See steering - Check the fluid level
you are unsure of how to perform page 84. monthly. See pages 122
any check, turn to the page given. through 124.
Engine coolant level - Check the
radiator reserve tank every time Tires - Check the tire pressure
you fill the fuel tank. See page monthly. Examine the tread for
85. wear and foreign objects. See
page 135.
Windshield washer fluid - Check
the level in the reservoir Battery - Check its condition
monthly. If weather conditions and the terminals for corrosion
cause you to use the washers monthly. See page 128.
frequently, check the reservoir
each time you stop for fuel. See Air conditioning - Check its
page 119. operation weekly. See page 133.
Automatic transmission - Check Lights - Check the operation of

the fluid level monthly. See page the headlights, parking lights,
120. taillights, high-mount brake
light, turn signals, brake lights,
and license plate lights monthly.
See page 140.
Maintenance

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Fluid Locations
BRAKE FLUID
(Gray cap.)
(5-Speed Manual
Transmission only.)
CLUTCH FLUID
(Gray cap.)
ENGINE OIL
FILLER CAP
AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
FLUID DIPSTICK
(Yellow loop.)
POWER STEERING
FLUID (Red cap.)
COOLANT
RESERVOIR WASHER FLUID
(Blue cap.)
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK

(Orange loop.)
Maintenance

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Engine Oil
Checking Engine Oil Adding

OIL FILL CAP
UPPER MARK
LOWER MARK
DIPSTICK
Check the engine oil a couple of 3. Pull it out again and look at the To add oil, unscrew and remove
minutes after shutting off the oil level at the end of the dip- the engine oil fill cap on top of the
engine. This will allow the oil to stick. If it is between the upper valve cover. Pour in the oil, and
drain down to the bottom of the and lower marks, the level is replace the fill cap. Tighten it
engine. Make sure the car is correct. Add oil if the level is at securely. Wait a few minutes and
parked on level ground. or below the lower mark. recheck the oil level. Do not fill
1. Pull out the dipstick (orange above the upper mark; you could
loop) and wipe it with a cloth damage the engine.
or paper towel.
2. Insert it all the way back in
its tube.
Maintenance

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Engine Oil
Recommended Oil The numbers in the middle tell A fuel-efficient oil is recommended
Oil is a major contributor to your you the oil's SAE viscosity or for your Honda. This is shown on
engine's performance and longev- weight. Select the oil for your car the API Service label by the words
ity. Always use a premium-grade according to this chart: "Energy Conserving II." This oil is
detergent oil. You can determine formulated to help your engine use
an oil's SAE viscosity and Service less fuel.
Classification from the API Service
label on the oil container. It should The API Service label also tells you
look like this: the service classification of the oil.
Ambient temperature Always use an oil that says "API
Service SG." This service rating
may also include other
designations, such as CD. These
additional classifications are not a
problem, as long as the label also
carries the SG classification. An oil
that is only classified SF is not
recommended.
An oil with a viscosity of 5W-30 is

preferred for improved fuel Additives
economy and year-round protection Your Honda does not need any oil
in your Honda. You may use a additives. Purchasing additives for
10W-30 oil if the temperature in your the engine or transmission will not
area never goes below 20°F (-7°C). increase your car's performance
or longevity. It only increases the
cost of operating your car.
Maintenance

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Engine Oil
Oil and Filter Changes

Always change the oil and filter
according to the time and distance Repeated, prolonged exposure
(miles, kilometers) recommen- to used motor oil may cause
dations on the maintenance skin cancer.
schedule. The oil and filter collect
contaminants that can damage Wash your hands thoroughly
your engine if they are not with strong soap as soon as
removed regularly. possible after handling used oil.
Changing the oil and filter requires
special tools and access from OIL DRAIN BOLT
underneath the car. The car 1. Run the engine until it reaches
should be raised on a service normal operating temperature,
station-type hydraulic lift for this then shut it off. 2. Open the hood and remove the
service. Unless you have the oil fill cap. Remove the oil drain
knowledge and proper equipment, bolt from the bottom of the
you should have this maintenance engine. Drain the oil into an
done by a skilled mechanic. appropriate container.
The oil, engine components and
the exhaust system are hot and
can burn you.
Use caution and wear protective
clothing while working in the
engine compartment.
continued
Maintenance

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Engine Oil
5. Put a new washer on the drain NOTICE

OIL FILTER bolt, then reinstall the drain
bolt. Tighten it to 40 N.m (4.0 If you change your own oil, please
kg-m 29 Ib-ft). dispose of the used oil properly.
Put it in a sealed container and
6. Refill the engine with the
take it to a recycling center. Do not
recommended oil. Engine oil
discard it in a trash bin or dump it
capacity (including filter): on the ground.
3.5 U.S. qt (2.9 Imp. qt. 3.3 ).
7. Replace the oil fill cap. Start the The oil and filter should be
engine. The indicator light changed every 6 months or 7,500
should go out within five se- miles (12,000 km), whichever
conds. If it does not, turn off the comes first. Under severe driving
engine and inspect your work. conditions, they should be
3. Remove the oil filter and let the
remaining oil drain. A special 8. Let the engine run for several changed every 3 months or 3,750
wrench (available from your minutes and check the drain miles (6,000 km). See page 106 for
Honda dealer) is required to bolt and oil filter for leaks. a description of severe driving
remove the filter. conditions.
9. Turn off the engine, let it sit for
4. Install a new oil filter according several minutes, then check
to the instructions that come the oil level. If necessary, add
with it. oil to bring the level to the
upper mark on the dipstick.
Maintenance

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Cooling System
Checking the Engine Always use Genuine Honda Adding Engine Coolant
Coolant Level Antifreeze/Coolant. The cooling If the reserve tank is completely
system contains many aluminum empty, you should also check the
RESERVE TANK components that can corrode if an coolant level in the radiator.
improper antifreeze is used. Some
antifreeze, even though labeled as
safe for aluminum parts, may not
provide adequate protection.
Removing the radiator cap while
the engine is hot can cause the
coolant to spray out, seriously
MAX scalding you.
MIN Always let the engine and ra-
diator cool down before re-
moving the radiator cap.
Check the level of the engine
coolant by looking at the radiator
reserve tank next to the air cleaner 1. Make sure the engine and
element box. If the level is at or radiator are cool.
below the MIN line, add coolant to
bring it up to the MAX line. This
coolant should always be a
mixture of 50% antifreeze and 50%
water. Never add straight
antifreeze or plain water.
Maintenance

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Cooling System
cooling system. They may not be

compatible with the coolant or
engine components.
Replacing Engine Coolant

The cooling system should be
completely drained and refilled
with new coolant according to the
time and mileage recommenda-
tions in the maintenance schedule.
RESERVE TANK Only use recommended antifreeze.
2. Turn the radiator cap counter- 4. The coolant level should be up Draining the coolant requires
clockwise, without pressing to the base of the filler neck. access to the underside of the car.
down on it, until it stops. This Add coolant if it is low. Unless you have the tools and
relieves any pressure re- knowledge, you should have this
5. Put the radiator cap back on.
maining in the cooling system. maintenance done by a skilled
Tighten it fully.
mechanic.
3. Remove the radiator cap by 6. Pour coolant into the reserve
pushing down and turning tank. Fill it to halfway between
counterclockwise. the MAX and MIN marks. Put the
cap back on the reserve tank.
Do not add any rust inhibitors or

other additives to your car's
Maintenance

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Cooling System
RESERVE TANK
RESERVE
TANK CAP
DRAIN
BOLT
HOLDER
1. Slide the heater temperature 3. Loosen the drain plug in the 4. Remove the reserve tank from
control lever to maximum heat. bottom of the radiator. The its holder by pulling it straight
Open the hood. Make sure the coolant will drain through the up. Drain the coolant, then put
engine and radiator are cool to splash guard. Remove the drain the tank back in its holder.
the touch. bolt from the engine block.
5. When the coolant stops
2. Remove the radiator cap. draining, tighten the drain plug
in the bottom of the radiator.
Apply non-hardening sealant to
the drain bolt threads and
reinstall the bolt in the engine
block. Tighten it securely.
continued
Maintenance

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Cooling System
BLEEDER BOLT
RESERVE TANK
6. Mix the recommended 7. Pour coolant into the radiator 10. Turn off the engine. Check the
antifreeze with an equal up to the base of the filler neck. level in the radiator, add
amount of purified or distilled 8. Loosen the bleeder bolt on top coolant if needed. Install the
water in a clean container. The of the engine. Tighten it again radiator cap, tighten it fully.
cooling system capacity is: when coolant comes out in a 11. Fill the reserve tank to the MAX
With 5-speed manual steady stream with no bubbles. mark. Install the reserve tank
transmission: cap.
0.95 U.S. gal (0.79 Imp. gal, 3.6 ) 9. Refill the radiator to the base
With automatic transmission: of the filler neck. Put the cap
DX: on the radiator, only tighten it
0.92 U.S. gal (0.77 Imp. gal, 3.5 ) to the first stop. Start the
U.S.: EX, EX w/option package engine and let it run until it
Canada: Si warms up (the radiator cooling
1.00 U.S.gaI (0.841mp. gal, 3.8 ) fan comes on at least twice).
Maintenance

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Windshield Washers
WINDSHIELD
Check the level in the windshield WASHER Antifreeze can damage your car's
washer reservoir at least monthly RESERVOIR paint, while a vinegar/water
during normal usage. In bad solution can damage the
weather, when you use the windshield washer pump.
washers often, check the level
every time you stop for gas. Use only commercially-available
windshield washer fluid.
The windshield washer reservoir
is located behind the left
headlight. Check the reservoir's
fluid level by removing the cap
and looking inside.
Fill the reservoir with a good-

quality windshield washer fluid. NOTICE
This increases the cleaning Do not use engine antifreeze or a
capability and prevents freezing in vinegar/water solution in the
cold weather. windshield washer reservoir.
Maintenance

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Transmission Oil
Automatic Transmission 5. If the level is below the lower

mark, add fluid into the tube to
DIPSTICK bring it to the upper mark. Use
Honda Premium Formula
Automatic Transmission Fluid
or an equivalent DEXRON® II
(ATF) only.
6. Insert the dipstick all the way
back in the transmission.
UPPER MARK
LOWER MARK The transmission should be drained
and refilled with new fluid every 24
months or 30,000 miles (48,000
Check the fluid level with the 3. Insert the dipstick into the km), whichever comes first.
engine at normal operating transmission.
temperature. 4. Remove the dipstick and check
1. Park the car on level ground. the fluid level. It should be
Shut off the engine. between the upper and lower
2. Remove the dipstick (yellow marks.
loop) from the transmission
and wipe it with a clean cloth.
Maintenance

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Transmission Oil
5-Speed Manual Transmission Check the oil level a couple of Only use an SF or SG grade motor
minutes after shutting off the oil with viscosity of SAE 10W-30or
engine. Make sure the car is on 10W-40.
level ground. Remove the
transmission filler bolt. The oil The transmission should be drained
FILLER BOLT level should be up to the edge of and refilled with new oil every 24
the bolt hole. Feel inside the bolt months or 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
hole with your finger. If you do not whichever comes first.
feel any oil, slowly add oil until it
Correct starts to run out of the hole.
level Reinstall the filler bolt and tighten
it securely.
Maintenance

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Brake and Clutch Fluid
Brake and Clutch Fluid Brake System If you add brake fluid to bring it up
Check the fluid level in the to the MAX mark, use Genuine
MAX Honda Brake Fluid or an equivalent
reservoirs monthly. There are two
reservoirs, depending on which from a sealed container that is
model. They are: marked DOT 3 or DOT 4 only.
Brake fluid marked DOT 5 is not
Brake fluid reservoir (all compatible with your car's braking
models). system.
Clutch fluid reservoir (5-speed
manual transmission only).
The brake fluid should be replaced
every 2 years or 30,000 miles
(48,000km). MIN
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, it is an
indication that your brake system
needs attention. Have the brake
system inspected for leaks or
worn brake pads.
Maintenance

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Brake and Clutch Fluid
Clutch System
MAX
MIN
The fluid level should be between

the M1N 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 DOT 3 or
DOT 4 brake 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.
Maintenance

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Power Steering
Using automatic transmission fluid

or another brand of power
steering fluid will damage the
UPPER system. Use only genuine Honda
LEVEL power steering fluid.
A low power steering fluid level

can indicate a leak in the system.
LOWER Check the fluid level frequently
LEVEL
and have the system inspected as
soon as possible.
You should check the fluid level in
the power steering reservoir
monthly. 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.
Maintenance

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Air Cleaner Element
The air cleaner element should be

replaced every 2 years or 30,000
miles (48,000 km), whichever
comes first. Under severe driving
conditions, it should be replaced
every 12 months or 15,000 miles
(24,000 km), whichever comes
first.
BOLTS AIR CLEANER ELEMENT

The air cleaner element is inside 3. Place the new air cleaner
the box on the passenger's side of element in the housing.
the engine compartment. To 4. Reinstall the housing cover,
replace it: tighten the four bolts.
1. Loosen the four bolts and
remove the air cleaner housing
cover.
2. Remove the old air cleaner
element. Clean the inside of the
housing with a damp rag.
Maintenance

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Fuel Filter, Spark Plugs
Fuel Filter Spark Plugs Replacement

The fuel filter should be replaced The original spark plugs in your SPARK PLUG CAP
every 4 years or 60,000 miles car need to be replaced every 2
(96,000 km), whichever comes years or 48,000 km (30,000 miles),
first. whichever comes first.
Have a qualified technician change

the fuel filter. Since the fuel system
is under pressure, gasoline can
spray out and create a hazard if all
fuel line connections are not
handled correctly.
The filter may require replacement

sooner if you happen to buy one
1. Clean up any dirt and oil that
or more tankfuls of contaminated
have collected around the
gasoline. Have the filter tested or
spark plug caps.
replaced if you suspect it has been
clogged by contaminants. 2. Remove the spark plug cap by
pulling it straight out.
3. Remove the spark plug, using
a 16 mm (5/8 inch) spark
plug socket.
Maintenance

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Spark Plugs
NOTICE
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.
7. Install the spark plug cap.
8. Repeat this procedure for the
other three spark plugs.
4. Set the gap on the new spark 6. Torque the spark plug. (If you
plug with a wire-type spark do not have a torque wrench,
plug gapping tool. Do not use a tighten the spark plug
blade-type feeler gauge. Plug one-quarter turn after it
gap should be: 0.04 in (1.1 mm). contacts the cylinder head.)
5. Put the new spark plug into the Tightening torque:
socket, then thread it into the 13 Ib-ft (18 Nm, 1.8 kg-m).
hole. Screw it in by hand so
you do not crossthread it.
continued
Maintenance

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Spark Plugs, Battery
Spark Plugs Specifications: Battery

DX Check the condition of your car's
Normal driving conditions battery monthly. You should check The battery contains sulfuric
NGK: ZFR5F-11 for proper electrolyte level and acid (electrolyte) which Is highly
Nippondenso: KJ16CR-L11 corrosion on the terminals. corrosive and poisonous.
Getting electrolyte in your eyes
Hot climates, or continuous high
speed driving or on your skin can cause
NGK: ZFR6F-11 serious burns. Wear protective
The battery gives off explosive clothing and eye protection
Nippondenso: KJ2OCR-L11 hydrogen gas during normal when working near the battery.
operation. A spark or open
U.S.: EX, EX with option package flame can cause the battery to Swallowing electrolyte can
Canada: Si explode with enough force to kill cause fatal poisoning if
Normal driving conditions or seriously hurt you. immediate action is not taken.
NGK: ZFR5J-11
Nippondenso: KJ16CR-L11 Wear protective clothing and a KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF
face shield, or have a skilled CHILDREN.
Hot climates, or continuous high mechanic do the battery
speed driving maintenance.
NGK: ZFR6J-11
Nippondenso: KJ20CR-L11
Maintenance

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Battery
Emergency Procedures TEST INDICATOR WINDOW Check the battery terminals for
Eyes — Flush with water from a corrosion (a white or yellowish
cup or other container for at powder). To remove it, cover the
least 15 minutes. (Water under terminals with a solution of baking
pressure can damage the eye.) soda and water. It will bubble up and
Immediately call a physician turn brown. When this stops, wash it
or 911. off with plain water. Dry off the
battery with a cloth or paper towel.
Skin — Remove contaminated Coat the terminals with grease to
clothing. Flush the skin with large help prevent future corrosion.
quantities of water. Call a
physician immediately.
Swallowing — Drink water or milk. Check the battery condition by

Call your local Poison Control looking at the test indicator
Center or a physician immediately. window on the battery.
Maintenance

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Battery
If the terminals are severely NOTICE

corroded, clean them with baking
soda and water. Then use a Charging the battery with the
wrench to loosen and remove the cables connected can seriously
cables from the terminals. Always damage your car's electronic
disconnect the negative (-) cable controls. Detach the battery
first and reconnect it last. Clean cables before connecting the
the battery terminals with a battery to a charger.
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
car's electrical system.
Maintenance

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Windshield Wipers
Check the condition of the

windshield 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.
LOCK TAB
To replace: 2. Disconnect the blade assembly

1. Raise the wiper arm off the from the wiper arm by pushing
windshield. 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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▼
Windshield Wipers
6. Slide the blade assembly onto

METAL SUPPORT the wiper arm. Make sure it
locks in place.
Pull out 7. Lower the wiper arm down
against the windshield.
RETAINERS
TASS
3. Remove the blade from its 4. Examine the new wiper blades.
holder by grasping the tabbed If they have no plastic or metal
end of the blade. Pull firmly reinforcement along the back
until the tabs come out of the edge, remove the metal
holder. 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.
Maintenance

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Air Conditioning System (Optional)
Your car's air conditioning is a condenser for leaves, insects, and If the air conditioning does not get
sealed system. Any major mainte- dirt stuck to the front surface. as cold as before, it is probably
nance, such as recharging, should These block the air flow and because some of the refrigerant
be done by a qualified technician. reduce cooling efficiency. Use a has leaked from the system. Have
There are a couple of things you light spray from a hose or a soft your dealer check the system for
can do to make sure the air condi- brush to remove them. leaks and recharge the system
tioning works efficiently. with Refrigerant 12 (R-12).
Charging quantity:
AIR CONDITIONING NOTICE 21-23 oz (600-650 g).
CONDENSER
The condenser and radiator fins
This system uses SUNISO 5GS
bend easily. Only use a low-
refrigerant oil.
pressure spray or soft-bristle
brush to clean them.
NOTICE
Run the air conditioning at least Whenever you have the air
once a week during the cold conditioning system serviced,
weather months. Run it for at least make sure the service facility uses
10 minutes while you are driving at a refrigerant recycling system.
a steady speed with the engine at This system captures the
normal operating temperature. refrigerant for reuse. Releasing
Periodically check the engine's This circulates the lubricating oil
radiator and air conditioning refrigerant into the atmosphere
contained in the refrigerant. can damage the environment.
Maintenance

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Engine Belts, Tires
Engine Belts The belts should have the If you check the pressure when the
following "play" or deflection. tires are hot (the car has been
ALTERNATOR BELT driven several miles), you will see
Alternator belt:
0.28-0.41 in (7.0-10.5 mm) readings 4 to 6 psi (0.3 to
0.4 kg/cm2, 28 to 41 kPa) higher
Power steering belt: than the cold reading. This is
0.31-0.47 in (8.0-12.0 mm) normal. Do not let air out to match
the specified cold pressure. The
If you see signs of wear or tire will be underinflated.
looseness, have your dealer adjust
or replace the belts.
The correct cold tire pressures
are:
POWER STEERING BELT
Tires DX
Check the inflation and condition
of your car's tires at least once a 32 psi (2.2 kg/cm2,220 kPa)
Check the condition of the two
engine belts. Examine the edges of month. U.S.: EX, EX with option package
each belt for cracks or fraying. Canada: Si
Check the tension of each belt by Inflation 29 psi (2.0 kg/cm2,200 kPa)
pushing on it with your thumb Check the pressure in the tires
midway between the pulleys. when they are cold. This means Compact spare
the car has been parked for at 60 psi (4.15 kg/cm2,415 kPa)
least three hours. If you have to
drive the car before checking the
tire pressure, the tires can still be
considered "cold" if you drive less
than one mile.
Maintenance

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Tires
TIRE INFORMATION LABEL- Keeping the tires properly inflated Inspection

U.S.:EX with option package. provides you with the best combi- Every time you check inflation, you
nation of riding comfort, handling should also examine the tires for
and tread life. Underinflated tires damage, foreign objects, and wear.
wear unevenly, reduce you car's
handling, and are more likely to You should look for:
fail because of higher
temperatures. Overinflated tires Bumps or bulges in the tread
make your car ride more harshly, or side of the tire. Replace
are more prone to damage from the tire if you find either of
road hazards, and wear unevenly. these conditions.
TIRE INFORMATION LABEL - DX,EX, Si Cuts, splits, or cracks in the

side of the tire. Replace the tire
These pressures are also given on if you can see fabric or cord.
the tire information label in the Excessive tread wear.
glove box. Remember to check the
pressure in the spare tire at the
same time.
You should get your own tire

pressure gauge and use it at all
times. That makes it easier for you
to tell if a pressure loss is caused
by a tire problem and not a
variation between gauges.
Maintenance

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Tires
Maintenance Tire Rotation

In addition to proper inflation, FRONT
correct wheel alignment helps to
decrease tire wear. You should get
your car's wheel alignment check-
INDICATOR TREAD WEAR ed every 12 months or 15,000
LOCATION INDICATORS miles (24,000 km).
MARKS
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
Your car's tires have wear consistent vibration while driving.
indicators molded into the tread. A tire should always be rebalanced To help increase tire life and
When the tread wears down to if it is removed from the wheel. distribute wear more evenly, you
that point, you will see a 1/2 inch Make sure the installer balances should have the tires rotated
(12.7 mm) wide band running the wheels when you have new every 7,500 miles (12,000 km).
across the tread. This shows there tires installed. This increases Move the tires to the positions
is less than 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) of riding comfort and tire life. shown in the chart each time they
tread left on the tire. A tire that is are rotated.
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

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Tires
Replacing Tires Wheels and Tires (DOT) standards. The following

The tires that came with your Wheel: explains these gradings.
Honda were selected to match the DX
performance capabilities of the car 13 x 5J Treadwear
and provide the best combination The treadwear grade is a compara-
of handling, ride comfort, and long U.S.: EX, EX with option package tive rating based on the wear rate of
life. You should replace them with Canada: Si the tire when tested under con-
radial tires of the same size, load 14 x 5J trolled conditions on a specified
range, and speed rating. Mixing ra- government test course. For ex-
dial and bias-ply or bias-belted Tire: ample, a tire graded 150 would wear
tires on your car can reduce its DX one and one half (1-1/2) times as
braking ability, traction, and steer- P 175/70 R13 well on the government course as
ing accuracy. a tire graded 100. The relative per-
U.S.: EX, EX with option package formance of tires depends upon
It is best to replace all four tires at the actual conditions of their use,
Canada: Si
the same time. If that is not however, and may depart signifi-
P 185/60 R14
possible or necessary, then cantly from the norm due to varia-
replace the two front tires or the tions in driving habits, service
two rear tires as a pair. Replacing practices and differences in road
just one tire can seriously affect DOT Tire Quality Grading
characteristics and climate.
your car's handling. (U.S. Cars)
If you ever need to replace a The tires on your car meet all U.S.
wheel, make sure you use the Federal Safety Requirements. All
same style of wheel that originally tires are also graded for treadwear,
came on your Honda. Replacement traction, and temperature
wheels are available at your performance according to
Honda dealer. Department of Transportation
Maintenance

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Tires
Traction Temperature Warning: The temperature grade

The traction grades, from highest The temperature grades are A for this tire is established for a tire
to lowest, are A, B, and C, and they (the highest), B, and C, that is properly inflated and not
represent the tire's ability to stop representing the tire's resistance overloaded. Excessive speed,
on wet pavement as measured to the generation of heat and its underinflation, or excessive
under controlled conditions on ability to dissipate heat when loading, either separately or in
specified government test surfaces tested under controlled conditions combination, can cause heat
of asphalt and concrete. A tire on a specified indoor laboratory build-up and possible tire failure.
marked C may have poor traction test wheel. Sustained high
performance. temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate
Warning: The traction grade and reduce tire life, and excessive
temperature can lead to sudden
assigned to this tire is based on tire failure. The grade C
braking (straight ahead) traction corresponds to a level of
tests and does not include performance which all passenger
cornering (turning) traction. 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.
Maintenance

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Tires
Winter Driving Snow Tires When installing chains, follow the

Tires that are marked "M + S" or If you mount snow tires on your manufacturer's instructions and
"All Season" on the sidewall have Honda, make sure they are radial mount them as tightly as you can.
an all-weather tread design. They tires of the same size and load Drive slowly with chains installed.
should be suitable for most winter range as the original tires. Mount If you hear the chains contacting
driving conditions. Tires without snow tires on all four wheels to the body or chassis, stop and
these markings are designed for balance your car's handling in tighten them. If they still make
optimum traction in dry conditions. all weather conditions. Keep in contact, slow down until it stops.
They may not provide adequate mind the traction provided by Remove the chains as soon as you
performance in winter driving. For snow tires on dry roads may not begin driving on cleared roads.
the best performance in snowy or be as high as your car's original
icy conditions, you should install equipment tires. You should drive NOTICE
snow tires or tire chains. They may cautiously even when the roads
be required by local laws under are clear. Check with the tire Chains of the wrong size or that
certain conditions. dealer for maximum speed are improperly installed can
recommendations. damage your car's brake lines,
suspension, body, and wheels.
Tire Chains Stop driving if you hear the chains
Mount snow chains on your car hitting any part of the car.
when warranted by driving
conditions or required by local
laws. Make sure the chains are the
correct size for your tires. Install
them only on the front tires. If
metal chains are used, they must
be SAE class "S." Cable type
traction devices can also be used.
Maintenance

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▼
Lights
Check the operation of your car's Replacing a Headlight Bulb

exterior lights at least once a BULB
Your car has halogen headlight
month. A burned out bulb can bulbs, one on each side. When
create an unsafe condition by replacing a bulb, handle it by its
reducing your car's visibility and steel base and protect the glass
the ability to signal your from contact with your skin or
intentions to other drivers. Check hard objects. If you touch the
the following: glass, clean it with denatured
Headlights (low and high beam). alcohol and a clean cloth.
Parking lights.
Taillights. NOTICE
Brake lights. Halogen headlight bulbs get very
Turn signals. hot when lit. Oil, perspiration, or a 1. Open the hood. If you need to
scratch on the glass can cause the change the headlight bulb on
Back-up lights. bulb to overheat and shatter. the passenger's side, remove
Hazard light function. the air intake tube by pulling it
License plate light. straight up.
Side marker lights. 2. Remove the electrical connec-
tor from the bulb by squeezing
If you find any bulbs are burned the connector to unlock the tab
out, replace them as soon as on each side. Pull the connec-
possible. Refer to the chart on tor straight back.
page 179 to determine what type
of replacement bulb is needed.
Maintenance

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▼
Lights
3. Remove the rubber weather Replacing the Front Side

seal by pulling on the tab. Marker/Turn Signal and
4. Unclip the end of the
Parking Light Bulb
hold-down wire from its slot. SCREW
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. Push the rubber weather seal

over the bulb. Make sure the
tab is on the top.
1. Use a Phillips® head screw- 2. Move the side marker light
7. Push the electrical connector driver to remove the screw assembly forward until it slides
onto the tabs of the new bulb. from the top of the fender. out of the body.
Turn on the headlights to test 3. Turn the socket one-quarter
the new bulb. turn counterclockwise to
remove it from the lens.
8. (Passenger's side)
Reinstall the air intake tube.
continued
Maintenance

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▼
Lights
4. Remove the bulb by pushing it Replacing Rear Bulbs 4. To remove either the
in slightly and turning it (in Fenders) tail/stoplight bulb or the turn
counterclockwise. signal bulb, push it in slightly
and turn it counterclockwise.
5. Install the new bulb in the
To remove the side marker
socket. Turn it clockwise to
bulb, pull it straight out of
lock it in place. the socket.
6. Insert the socket back into the LOCK TABS
lens. Turn it clockwise to lock 5. Install the new bulb in the
it in place. socket. Insert the socket back
in the taillight assembly and
7. Turn on the parking lights to turn it clockwise to lock it
make sure the new bulb works. in place.
8. To reinstall the light assembly 6. Test the new bulb. Reinstall the
in the fender, line up the guide COVER cover over the taillight
on the assembly with the metal assembly.
tab next to the headlight and 1. Open the trunk.
line up the fingers on the light
assembly with the holes in the 2. Remove the cover from the
fender. Push the light assembly inside of the taillight assembly
straight back. by pushing on the tab.
3. Determine which of the three
9. Install the mounting screw and
bulbs is burned out:
tighten it securely. tail/stoplight, turn signal, or
side marker. Remove the
socket for that bulb by turning
it counterclockwise.
Maintenance

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▼
Lights
Replacing Rear Bulbs (in 3. Use a Phillips® head screw- High-Mount Brake Light
Trunk Lid) driver to remove the two screws
from the bulb holder. Remove
the holder from the taillight as-
sembly.
4. Try the taillights and back-up
lights to verify which bulb
needs replacing. Remove that
bulb from the socket by
pushing it in slightly and
turning it counterclockwise.
5. Install the new bulb in the
socket. Test it to make sure it
works.
1. Open the trunk and remove the
6. Reinstall the bulb holder socket from the light assembly
1. Open the trunk. assembly. Install the two by turning it one-quarter turn
2. Remove the electrical screws and tighten them counterclockwise.
connector from its hold-down securely.
clip by sliding it sideways 2. Remove the bulb by turning it
toward the center of the car. one-quarter turn counterclock-
wise.
3. Install the new bulb and
reinstall the socket. Make sure
the new bulb is working.
Maintenance

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▼
Lights
Replacing a Rear 3. Turn on the parking lights and Replacing Interior and Trunk
License Bulb check that the new bulb is Light Bulbs
working.
4. Reinstall the lens. Reinstall the INTERIOR LIGHT
two screws and tighten them
securely.
1. Remove the two screws and 1. Remove the lens by carefully

remove the lens. prying on the edge of the lens
2. Pull the bulb straight out of its in the middle with a fingernail
file or a small flat-tip screwdriv-
socket. Push the new bulb in
er. Do not pry on the edge of
until it bottoms in the socket.
the housing around the lens.
Maintenance

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▼
Lights
TRUNK LIGHT
2. Remove the bulb by pulling it

straight out of its metal tabs.
3. Push the new bulb into the

metal tabs. Snap the Jens back
in place.
Maintenance

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▼
Storing Your Car
If you need to park your car for an Block the rear wheels. If you store your ear for 12 months
extended period (more than 1 or longer, have your Honda dealer
month), there are several things If the car is to be stored for a perform the inspections called for
you should do to prepare it for longer period, it should be in the 24 months/30,000 miles
storage. Proper preparation helps supported on jackstands so the (48,000 km) maintenance schedule
prevent deterioration and makes it tires are off the ground. as soon as you take it out of
easier to get your car back on the Leave one window open slightly storage (see page 104). The
road. It is best to store your car (if the car is being stored replacements called for in the
indoors if at all possible. indoors). maintenance schedule are not
needed unless the car has actually
Fill the fuel tank. Disconnect the battery. reached that time or mileage.
Change the engine oil and filter Cover the car with a
(see page 111). "breathable" car cover, one
made from a porous material
Wash and dry the exterior
completely. such as cotton. Nonporous
materials, such as plastic
Clean the interior. Make sure the sheeting, trap moisture which
carpeting, floor mats, etc. are can damage the paint.
completely dry.
If possible, run the engine for a
Leave the parking brake off. while periodically (preferably
Put the transmission in Reverse once a month).
(5-speed manual) or Park
(automatic).
Maintenance

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Main Menu
Appearance Care
Regular cleaning and polishing of Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148

your Honda helps to keep it "new" Washing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
looking. This section gives you Waxing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
hints on how to clean and Paint Touch-up . . . . . . . . . . . 149
preserve your car's appearance: Interior C a r e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
the paint, brightwork, wheels and Carpeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
interior. Also included are several Fabric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
things you can do to help prevent Vinyl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
corrosion. Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Air Fresheners . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Corrosion Protection . . . . . . . . 152
Body Repairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Appearance Care

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▼
Exterior Care
Washing Rinse the car thoroughly with When you have washed and
Frequent washing helps preserve cool water to remove loose dirt. rinsed the whole exterior, dry it
your car's beauty. Dirt and grit can with a chamois or soft towel.
Fill a bucket with cool water. Letting it air-dry will cause
scratch the paint, while tree sap Mix in a mild detergent, such as
and bird droppings can dulling and water spots.
dishwashing liquid or a product
permanently ruin the finish. made especially for car As you dry the car, inspect it for
washing. chips and scratches that could
Wash your car in a shady area, not allow corrosion to start. Repair
in direct sunlight. If the car is Wash the car, using the water them with touch-up paint (see
parked in the sun, move it into the and detergent solution and a page 149).
shade and let the exterior cool soft-bristle brush, sponge or
down before you start. soft cloth. Start at the top and
work your way down. Rinse
frequently.
NOTICE
Chemical solvents and strong Check the body for road tar, tree
cleaners can damage the paint, sap, etc. Remove these stains
metal and plastic on your car. Only with tar remover or turpentine.
use the solvents and cleaners Rinse it off immediately so it
recommended in this Owner's does not harm the finish.
Manual. Remember to rewax these areas,
even if the rest of the car does
not need waxing.
Appearance Care

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▼
Exterior Care
Waxing Polishes — Polishes and cleaner/ Paint Touch-up

Always wash and dry the whole waxes can restore the shine to Your dealer has touch-up paint to
car before waxing it. You should paint that has oxidized and lost match your car's color. The color
wax your car, including the metal some of its shine. They normally code is printed on a sticker on the
trim, whenever water sits on the contain mild abrasives and driver's doorjamb. Take this code
surface in large patches. It should solvents that remove the top layer to your dealer so you are sure to
form into beads or droplets after of the finish. You should use a get the correct color.
waxing. polish on your Honda if the finish
does not have its original shine
You should use a quality liquid or after using a wax.
paste wax. Apply it according to
the instructions on the container. Cleaning tar, insects, etc. with
In general, there are two types of removers also takes off the wax.
products: Remember to re-wax those areas,
even if the rest of the car does not
Waxes — A wax coats the finish and need waxing.
protects it from damage by
exposure to sunlight, air pollution,
etc. You should use a wax on your
Honda when it is new.
Appearance Care

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▼
Exterior Care
Examine the chip or scratch

closely before repairing it. If it
does not go down to bare metal,
clean it with soap and water and
apply the touch-up paint. If it does
go to the metal, apply a coat of
primer first. After this dries, apply
the touch-up paint. Build up the
paint in the damaged area to the
level of the surrounding paint.
TOUCH-UP Several thin coats of paint are
PAINT better than one thick coat.
Inspect your car for chipped or

scratched paint every time you
wash it. Repair it as soon as
possible to prevent corrosion. Use
the touch-up paint on small chips
and scratches. More extensive
damage should be repaired by a
professional.
Appearance Care

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▼
Interior Care
Carpeting Vinyl
Vacuum the carpeting frequently Remove dirt and dust with a
to remove dirt. Ground-in dirt will vacuum cleaner. Wipe the vinyl
make the carpet wear out faster. with a soft cloth dampened in a
Periodically shampoo the carpet solution of mild soap and water.
to keep it looking new. Use one of Use the same solution with a soft-
the foam-type carpet cleaners on bristle brush on more difficult
the market: Follow the spots. You can also use
instructions that come with the commercially-available spray or
cleaner, applying it with a sponge foam-type vinyl cleaners.
or soft brush. Keep the carpeting
as dry as possible by not adding Seat Belts
water to the foam. METAL LOOP
If your seat belts get dirty, you can
use a soft brush to clean them Dirt build-up in the metal loops of
Fabric with a mixture of mild soap and the seat belt anchors can cause the
Vacuum dirt and dust out of the warm water. Do not use bleach, belts to retract slowly. Wipe the
material frequently. For general dye, or cleaning solvents. They inside of the loops with a clean cloth
cleaning, use a solution of mild can weaken the belt material. Let dampened in mild soap and warm
soap and lukewarm water, letting it the belts air-dry before you use water or isopropyl alcohol.
air dry. To clean off stubborn the car.
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.
Appearance Care

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▼
Interior Care, Corrosion Protection
Windows Air Fresheners Corrosion Protection

Clean the windows, inside and out, If you want to use an air freshener/ Two factors normally contribute to
with a commercially-available deodorizer in the interior of your causing corrosion in your car:
glass cleaner. You can also use a Civic, it is best to use a solid type. 1. Moisture trapped in body
mixture of one part white vinegar Some liquid air fresheners contain cavities. Dirt and road salt that
to ten parts water. This will chemicals that may cause parts of collects in hollows on the
remove the haze that builds up on the interior trim and fabric to underside of the car stays
the inside of the windows. Use a crack or discolor. damp, promoting corrosion in
soft cloth or paper towels to clean that area.
all glass and clear plastic surfaces. If you use a liquid air freshener,
make sure you fasten it securely so 2. Removal of paint and protective
it does not spill as you drive. coatings from the exterior and
NOTICE underside of the car.
The rear window defogger wires
are bonded to the inside of the Many corrosion-preventive
glass. Wiping vigorously up and measures are built into your
down can dislodge and break the Honda. You can help keep your car
defogger wires. When cleaning the from corroding by performing
rear window, use gentle pressure some simple periodic
and wipe side to side. 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.
Appearance Care

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▼
Corrosion Protection, Body Repairs
Check the floor coverings for Body Repairs When reporting your collision to
dampness. Carpeting and floor Body repairs affect your car's resis- the insurance company, tell them
mats may remain damp for a long tance to corrosion. If your car needs you want genuine Honda parts
time, especially in winter. This repairs after a collision, pay close used in the repair. Although most
dampness can eventually cause attention to the parts used in the insurers recognize the higher
the floor panels to corrode. repair and the quality of the work. quality of original parts, some may
try to specify that the repairs be
Use a high-pressure spray to done with the "lowest cost" parts
clean the underside of your car. Make sure the repair facility uses
genuine Honda replacement body available. You should investigate
This is especially important in this before any repairs are begun.
areas that use road salt in parts. Some companies make
winter. It is also a good idea in sheetmetal pieces that seem to
duplicate the original Honda body Take your car to your authorized
humid climates and areas sub-
ject to salt air. parts, but are actually inferior in Honda dealer for inspection after
fit, finish, and quality. Once the repairs are completed. He can
Have the corrosion-preventive installed, they do not give the make sure that quality materials
coatings on the underside of same high-quality appearance and were used, and that corrosion-
your car inspected and repaired level of corrosion resistance. preventive coatings were applied
periodically. to all repaired and replaced parts.
Appearance Care

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▼
Main Menu
Taking Care of the Unexpected
This section covers the more Compact Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . 156

common problems that motorists Changing a Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . 157
experience with their cars. It gives If Your Engine Won't Start . . . . 162
you information about how to Nothing Happens . . . . . . . . . 162
safely evaluate the problem and The Starter Operates
what to do to correct it. If the Normally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
problem has stranded you on the Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
side of the road, you may be able If Your Engine Overheats . . . . . 165
to get going again. If not, you will
also find instructions on getting Low Oil Pressure L i g h t . . . . . . . 167
your car towed. Charging System Indication .. 168
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Check Engine Light) . . . . . . 169
Closing the Moonroof . . . . . . . 170
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Checking and Replacing . . . 172
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174

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Compact Spare Tire
Your car has a compact spare tire Follow these precautions INDICATOR
that takes up less space. Use this whenever you are using the LOCATION
spare tire as a temporary replace- compact spare tire: MARK
ment only. Get your regular tire
repaired or replaced and put back Do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h)
on your car as soon as you can. under any circumstances.
This tire gives a harsher ride
Check the inflation of the compact and less traction on some road
spare tire every time you check surfaces than the regular tire.
the other tires. It should be Use greater caution while
inflated to: driving on this tire. TREAD WEAR
60 psi (4.15 kg/cm2,415 kPa). INDICATOR
Do not mount snow chains on BAR
the compact spare. The compact spare tire has a
The wheel of the compact spare shorter tread life than a regular
tire is designed especially to fit tire. Replace it when you can see
your car. Do not use your spare the tread wear indicator bars. The
tire on another car unless it is replacement should be the same
the same make and model. size and design tire, mounted on
the same wheel. The compact
spare tire is not designed to be
mounted on a regular wheel, and
the compact wheel is not designed
for mounting a regular tire.

▲
▼
Changing a Flat Tire
If you have a flat tire while driving, SPARE TIRE TRUNK FLOOR
stop in a safe place to change it. JACK
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 TOOL
from the traffic lanes. KIT
JACK
The car can easily roll off the
jack, seriously injuring anyone 2. Put the transmission in Park 6. Turn the jack's end bracket
underneath. (automatic) or Reverse counterclockwise to loosen it,
(5-speed). Set the parking brake. then remove the jack.
Follow the directions for
changing a tire exactly, and 3. Open the trunk. Raise the trunk
never get under the car when it floor by lifting up on the back
is supported only by the jack. edge.
4. Take the tool kit out of the trunk.
1. Park the car on firm, level ground 5. Unscrew the wing bolt and take
away from traffic. Turn on the the spare tire out of
hazard warning lights and turn the trunk.
the ignition to LOCK (0).
continued

▲
▼
EXTENSION
JACKING
POINT
WHEEL WRENCH
7. Loosen the four wheel nuts 1/2 8. Locate the jacking point 9. Use the extension and wheel
turn with the wheel wrench. nearest the tire you need to wrench as shown to raise the
change. It is pointed to by an car until the flat tire is off
arrow molded into the under- the ground.
side 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.

▲
▼
BRAKE HUB
10. Remove the wheel nuts and flat 11. Before mounting the spare tire, 12. Put on the spare tire. Put the
tire. Temporarily place the flat wipe any dirt off the mounting wheel nuts back on finger-
tire on the ground. surface of the wheel and hub tight, then tighten them in a
with a cloth. crisscross pattern with the
wheel wrench until the wheel is
firmly against the hub. Do not
try to tighten them fully.
continued

▲
▼
WING BOLT
SPACER
CONE
13. Lower the car to the ground 14. Tighten the wheel nuts 15. Remove the wheel cover or
and remove the jack. securely in the same crisscross center cap. Place the flat tire
pattern. Have the wheel nut face down in the trunk well.
torque checked at the nearest
automotive service facility. 16. Remove the spacer cone from
Tighten the wheel nuts to: the wing bolt, turn it over, and
110 N.m (11 kg-m, 80 Ib-ft). put it back on the bolt.
17. Secure the flat tire by screwing

the wing bolt back into its hole.

▲
▼
18. Store the jack in the trunk with

the end bracket on the left
side. Turn the jack's end
bracket to lock it in place.
Store the tool kit.
19. Store the wheel cover or center

cap in the trunk.

▲
▼
If Your Engine Won't Start
Diagnosing why your engine won't Nothing Happens or the Turn the ignition switch to START
start falls into two areas, Starter Motor Operates (HI). If the headlights do not dim,
depending on what you hear when check the condition of the fuses.
you turn the key to START (III):
Very Slowly If the fuses are OK, there is prob-
When you turn the ignition switch ably something wrong with the
You hear nothing, or almost to START (III), you do not hear the electrical circuit for the ignition
nothing. The engine's starter normal noise of the engine trying switch or starter motor. You will
motor does not operate at all, or to start. You may hear a clicking need a qualified technician to
operates very slowly. sound or series of clicks, or determine the problem. (See
nothing at all. Check these things: Towing on page 174.)
You can hear the starter motor
operating normally, but the Check the transmission If the headlights dim noticeably or
engine does not start up and run. interlock. If you have a 5-speed, go out when you try to start the
the clutch pedal must be engine, either the battery is
pushed all the way to the floor discharged or the connections are
or the starter will not operate. corroded. Check the condition of
With an automatic transmission, the battery and terminal
it must be in Park or Neutral. connections (see page 129).
Turn the ignition switch to ON You can then try jump starting the
(II). Turn on the headlights and car from a booster battery (see
check their brightness. If the page 163).
headlights are very dim or don't
light at all, the battery is
discharged. See Jump Starting
on page 163.

▲
▼
If Your Engine Won't Start, Jump Starting
The Starter Operates Normally Jump Starting To jump start your car:
In this case, the starter motor If your car's battery has run down, 1. Open the hood and check the
sounds normal when you turn the you may be able to start the physical condition of the
ignition switch to START (III), but engine by using a booster battery. battery (see page 126 ). In
the engine does not run. Although this seems like a simple very cold weather, check the
procedure, there are several condition of the electrolyte.
Are you using the proper precautions you should take.
starting procedure? Refer to Follow the directions closely. If it seems slushy or like ice,
Starting the Engine on page 91. do not try jump starting until
it thaws.
Do you have gas? Turn the
ignition switch to ON (II) for a
minute and watch the fuel NOTICE
gauge. A battery can explode if you do
If a battery sits in extreme cold,
not follow the correct proce-
the electrolyte inside can
There may be an electrical dure, seriously injuring anyone
problem, such as no power to freeze. Attempting to jump
nearby.
the fuel pump. Check all the start with a frozen battery can
fuses (see page 171). Keep all sparks, open flames, cause it to rupture or explode.
and smoking materials away
If you find nothing wrong, you will from the battery. 2. Turn off all the electrical
need a qualified technician to accessories: heater, A/C, stereo
find the problem. See Towing on system, lights, etc. Put the
page 174. transmission in Neutral or Park
You cannot start a Honda with an and set the parking brake.
automatic transmission by
pushing or pulling it.
continued

▲
▼
Jump Starting
BOOSTER BATTERY
3. Connect one jumper cable to 4. Connect the second jumper 6. Start your car. If the starter motor
the positive (+) terminal on the cable to the negative (-) still operates slowly, check the
booster battery. Connect the terminal on the booster jumper cable connections to
other end to the positive battery. Connect the other end make sure they have good
terminal on your Honda's to the grounding strap as metal-to-metal contact.
battery. shown. Do not connect this
7. Once your car is running,
jumper cable to any other part
disconnect the negative cable
of the engine.
from your car, then from the
5. If the booster battery is in booster battery. Disconnect the
another car, have an assistant positive cable from your car, then
start that car and run it at a the booster battery.
fast idle.

▲
▼
If Your Engine Overheats
The pointer of your car's Your car can overheat for several 1. Safely pull to the side of the
temperature gauge should stay in reasons, such as lack of coolant or road. Put the transmission in
the midrange under most a mechanical problem. The only Neutral or Park and set the
conditions. It may go higher if you indication may be the temperature parking brake. Turn off the
are driving up a long steep hill on gauge climbing to or above the red climate control and all other
a very hot day. If it climbs to the mark. Or you may see steam or accessories. Turn on the
red mark, you should determine spray coming from under the hazard warning indicators.
the reason. hood. In either case, you should
take immediate action. 2. If you see steam and/or spray
coming from under the hood,
NOTICE turn off the engine.
Driving with the temperature gauge 3. If you do not see steam or
pointer at the red mark can cause spray, leave the engine running
serious damage to your engine. Steam and spray from an over- and watch the temperature
heated engine can seriously gauge. If the high heat is due to
scald you. overloading (climbing a long,
steep hill on a hot day with the
Do not open the hood if steam is A/C running, for example), the
coming out. engine should start to cool
down almost immediately. If it
does, wait until the
temperature gauge comes
down to the midpoint then
continue driving.
continued

▲
▼
If Your Engine Overheats
4. If the temperature gauge stays at Let the engine cool down 10. Start the engine and set the
the red mark, turn off the engine. until the pointer reaches the heater control lever to
5. Wait until you see no more signs middle of the temperature maximum. Add coolant to the
of steam or spray, then open gauge, or lower, before checking radiator up to the base of the
the hood. the radiator fill neck. If you do not have the
proper coolant mixture
6. Look for any obvious available, you can add plain
coolant leaks, such as a split water. Remember to have the
radiator hose. Everything is Removing the radiator cap while cooling system drained and
still extremely hot, so use the engine is hot can cause the refilled with the proper
caution. If you find a leak, it coolant to spray out, seriously mixture as soon as you can.
must be repaired before you scalding you.
continue driving (see Towing 11. Put the radiator cap back on
on page 174). Always let the engine and tightly. Run the engine and
radiator cool down before watch the temperature gauge.
7. If you don't find an obvious leak, removing the radiator cap.
check the coolant level in the If it goes back to the red mark,
radiator reserve tank (see page the engine needs repair. (See
115). If the level is below the 9. Using gloves or a large heavy Towing on page 174.)
MIN mark, add coolant to half- cloth, turn the radiator cap
way between the MIN and counterclockwise, without 12. If the temperature stays
MAX marks. pushing down, to the first normal, check the coolant
stop. This releases any level in the radiator reserve
8. If there was no coolant in the remaining pressure in the tank. If it has gone down, add
reserve tank, you may also have cooling system. After the coolant to the MAX mark. Put
to add coolant to the radiator. pressure releases, push down the cap back on tightly.
on the cap and turn it until it
comes off.

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▼
Low Oil Pressure Light
NOTICE 3. If necessary, add oil to bring

the level back to the full mark
LOW OIL PRESSURE LIGHT Running the engine with low oil on the dipstick (see page 111).
pressure can cause serious 4. Start the engine and watch the
mechanical damage almost oil pressure light. If the light
immediately. Turn off the engine as does not go out within 10
soon as you can safely get the car seconds, turn off the engine.
stopped. There is a mechanical problem
1. Safely pull off the road and that needs to be repaired before
shut off the engine. you can continue driving. (See
Towing on page 174.)
2. Let the car sit for a minute.
Open the hood and check the
oil level (see page 111).
The low oil pressure light should Although oil level and oil
never come on when the engine is pressure are not directly
running. If this light conies on with connected, an engine that is
the engine running, take very low on oil can lose
immediate action. pressure during cornering and
other driving maneuvers.

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Charging System Indication
Immediately turn off all electrical By eliminating as much of the

accessories: radio, heater, A/C, electrical load as possible, you can
CHARGING SYSTEM LIGHT
rear defogger, cruise control, etc. drive several miles before the
Try not to use other electrically- battery is too discharged to keep
operated controls such as the the engine running. Drive to a
power windows. Keep the engine service station or garage where
running and take extra care not to you can get technical assistance.
stall it. Starting the engine will
discharge the battery rapidly.
The charging system light should

go out after the engine starts. If it
comes on brightly with the engine
running, the alternator is no longer
charging the battery.

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▼
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
If this indicator comes on safely

MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP*
pull off the road and turn off the NOTICE
engine. Restart the engine and If you keep driving with the
watch the indicator. If it stays on, malfunction indicator lamp/check
have your car checked by the engine light on, you can damage
dealer as soon as possible. Drive your car's emission controls and
moderately until the dealer has engine. Those repairs may not be
inspected the problem. Avoid covered by your car's warranties.
full-throttle acceleration and
driving at high speed.
You should also have the dealer

inspect your car if the indicator
If this indicator comes on while comes on frequently, even though
driving, there is a problem with it goes off when you follow the
your engine or its emission control above procedure.
systems. Even though you may
feel no difference in your car's
performance, it can reduce your
fuel economy and cause your car
to put out excessive emissions.
Continued operation may cause
serious damage.
shown. Differences for the Cana-
dian model are noted in the text.

▲
▼
Closing the Moonroof
If the electric motor will not close

the moonroof, do the following: ROUND PLUG
1. Check the fuse for the
moonroof motor (see page
171). If the fuse is blown,
replace it with one of the same
or lower rating.
2. Try closing the moonroof. If the
new fuse blows immediately or
the moonroof motor still does
not operate, you can close the
moonroof manually.
3. Get the tool kit out of the trunk. 4. Use a screwdriver or coin to 5. Insert the moonroof wrench
remove the round plug into the socket behind this
between the sun visors. plug. Turn the wrench until the
moonroof is fully closed.
6. Remove the wrench. Replace
the round plug.

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▼
Fuses
All the electrical circuits in your

car have fuses to protect them UNDER- INTERIOR
HOOD
from a short circuit or overload.
These fuses are located in two
fuse boxes.
The underhood fuse box is located The interior fuse box is

in the engine compartment next to underneath the dashboard on the
the battery. To open, push the tab driver's side. Remove the fuse box
as shown. lid by swinging the lid down and
pulling it straight out of its hinges.

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▼
Fuses
Checking and Replacing

If something electrical in your car FUSE PULLER
stops working, the first thing you
should check for is a blown fuse.
Determine from the chart on the
fuse box cover or inside the fuse
box which fuse or fuses control
that component. Check those
fuses first, but check all the fuses
before deciding that is not the
cause. Replace any blown fuses BLOWN
and check the component's
operation.
3. Check each of the large fuses in 4. Check the smaller fuses in the
1. Turn the ignition switch to the underhood fuse box by underhood fuse box and all the
LOCK (0). Make sure the looking through the top at the fuses in the interior fuse box
headlights and all other by pulling out each fuse with
accessories are off. wire inside. Removing these
fuses requires a Phillips the fuse puller provided in the
2. Remove the cover from the head screwdriver. interior fuse box.
fuse box.

▲
▼
Fuses
If you replace the burned out fuse

BLOWN with a spare fuse that has a lower
NOTICE
rating, it might blow out again. Replacing a fuse with one that has
This does not indicate anything a higher rating greatly increases
wrong. Replace the fuse with one the chances of damaging the
of the correct rating as soon as electrical system. If you do not
you can. have a replacement fuse with the
proper rating for the circuit, install
one with a lower rating.
6. If the replacement fuse of the
same rating burns out in a
short time, there is probably a
serious electrical problem in
5. Look for a burned wire inside your car. Leave the burned out
the fuse. If it is burned out, fuse in that circuit and have
replace it with one of the your car checked by a qualified
spare fuses of the same rating technician.
or lower.
If you cannot drive the car 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
cigarette lighter or radio).

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▼
Towing
If your car needs to be towed, call Sling-type Equipment - The tow NOTICE
a professional towing service or, if truck uses metal cables with
you belong to one, an organization hooks on the ends. These hooks Improper towing preparation will
that provides roadside assistance. go around parts of the frame or damage the transmission. Follow
Never tow your car behind suspension and the cables lift that the above procedure exactly. If you
another car with just a rope or end of the car off the ground. Your cannot shift the transmission or
chain. It is very dangerous. car's suspension and body can be start the engine (automatic
seriously damaged if this method transmission), your car must be
of towing is attempted. transported on a flat-bed.
Emergency Towing If your Honda cannot be trans- It is best to tow the car no
There are three popular methods ported by a flat-bed truck, it farther than 50 miles (80 km),
of towing a car: should be towed with the front and keep the speed below
wheels off the ground. If, due to 35 mph (55 km/h).
Flat-bed Equipment - The damage, your car must be towed
operator loads your car on the with the front wheels on the NOTICE
back of a truck. This is the best ground, do the following:
way of transporting your Honda. 5-Speed Manual Transmission Trying to lift or tow your car by
the bumpers will cause serious
Release the parking brake. damage. The bumpers are not
Wheel Lift Equipment - The tow
truck uses two pivoting arms that Shift the transmission to designed to support the car's
go under the tires (front or rear) Neutral. weight.
and lift them off the ground. Automatic Transmission
The other two wheels remain on Release the parking brake.
the ground.
Start the engine.
Shift to D4, then to N.
Turn off the engine.

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▼
Main Menu
Technical Information
The diagrams in this section give Identification Numbers . . . . . . 176

you the dimensions and capacities Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
of your Honda, and the locations Supplemental Restraint
of the identification numbers. The System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
explanations of several electronic Emission Controls . . . . . . . . . . . 181
and mechanical systems on your The Clean Air Act . . . . . . . . . 181
Honda are for the more Crankcase Emission
technically-oriented owner. Control System . . . . . . . . . 181
Evaporative Emission
Control System . . . . . . . . . 181
Exhaust Emission Controls . 182
PGM-FI System . . . . . . . . . 182
Ignition Timing
Control System . . . . . . . 182
Three-way Catalytic
Converter . . . . . . . . . . . 182
Replacement Parts . . . . . 182
Three-way Catalytic
Converter................ 183

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▼
Identification Numbers
Your car has several identifying

numbers located in various places. VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER
The Vehicle Identification Number

(VIN) is the 17-digit number your
Honda dealer uses to register your
car for warranty purposes. It is
also necessary for licensing and
insuring your car. 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 attached to
the driver's doorjamb, and is
stamped on the engine compart-
ment bulkhead. The VIN is also
provided in bar code on the
Certification Label.
CERTIFICATION LABEL

▲
▼
Identification Numbers
The Engine Number is stamped TRANSMISSION NUMBER

into the engine block.
The Transmission Number is on a

label on top of the transmission.
ENGINE NUMBER

▲
▼
Specifications
page 126.
*1:DX * 1: Including the coolant in the reserve tank and that remaining in the engine.
* 2: US: EX, EX w/option pkg., Canada: Si Reserve tank capacity:
0.4 (0.11 US gal, 0.09 Imp gal)
*2: DX
*3: US: EX, EX w/option pkg., Canada: Si
*4: Excluding the oil remaining in the engine.

▲
▼
Specifications
* 1: DX
* 2: US: EX, EX w/option pkg., Canada: Si

▲
▼
The Honda Supplemental Restraint When the control unit receives The airbag unit can inflate only
System (SRS) is standard on all trigger signals from at least two one time. After use, your Honda
Civic 2-doors sold in the U.S. and sensors, it sends voltage to the dealer must check the complete
Canada. The SRS includes the airbag. The control unit stores this Supplemental Restraint System
steering wheel airbag assembly, charge in capacitors to insure and replace the airbag assembly.
sensors in the dashboard, and a reliability even if a severe impact
control unit with sensors behind damages the car's battery or To ensure long-term reliability, the
the center console. electrical connections. SRS uses gold-plated electrical
connections throughout. Exposed
US. EX with option package. The electrical charge sent to the components are sealed with
Your car also has a dashboard- airbag assembly ignites its epoxy. The control unit monitors
mounted airbag assembly for the propellant, which burns the SRS circuitry whenever the
front seat passenger. instantaneously. The gas produced ignition is ON (II). If the control
by the burning propellant inflates unit senses any faults, it turns on
The sensors are decelerometers, the airbag instantly. the SRS indicator light on the
set to trigger in a severe frontal instrument panel. Take the car
impact that generates more force The airbag is vented so it stays to your Honda dealer to diagnose
than a 25 mile per hour crash into inflated for only an instant and and repair the system as soon
a parked vehicle of similar weight. does not block the driver's vision. as possible.
For the SRS to activate, one or Smoke from the burned propellant
both dash sensors and one or both comes out of the airbag and into The SRS needs no regular
control unit sensors must activate. the car's interior. This is normal maintenance other than an
This duplication is to prevent and does not mean there is a fire. inspection by your Honda dealer
accidental activation. The airbag collapses onto the 10 years after manufacture.
driver's lap.

▲
▼
Emission Controls
The burning of gasoline in your The Clean Air Act Crankcase Emission
car's engine produces several by- The Clean Air Act* sets standards Control System
products. Some of these are for automobile emissions. It also Your car has a Positive Crankcase
carbon monoxide (CO), oxides of requires that automobile Ventilation (PCV) System. This
nitrogen (NOx), and hydrocarbons manufacturers explain to owners keeps gasses that build up in the
(HC). Gasoline evaporating from how their emission controls work engine's crankcase from going into
the tank also produces and what to do to maintain them. the atmosphere. The PCV valve
hydrocarbons. Controlling the This section summarizes how the routes them from the crankcase
production of NOx, CO, and HC is emission controls work. Scheduled back to the intake manifold. They
important to the environment. maintenance is on page 104. are then drawn into the engine
Under certain conditions of and burned.
sunlight and climate, NOx and HC * In Canada, Honda vehicles
react to form photochemical comply with the Canadian Motor
"smog." Carbon monoxide does Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS)
not contribute to smog creation, Evaporative Emission
for Emissions valid at the time
but it is a poisonous gas. they are manufactured. Control System
As fuel evaporates in the fuel tank,
an evaporative emission 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.

▲
▼
Emission Controls
Exhaust Emission Controls Ignition Timing Control System Replacement Parts

The exhaust emission controls This system constantly adjusts The emission control systems are
include three systems: PGM-FI, the ignition timing, reducing designed and certified to work
Ignition Timing Control, and the amount of HC, CO and together in reducing emissions to
Three-way Catalytic Converter. NOx produced. levels that comply with the Clean
These three systems work together Air Act. To make sure the
to control the engine's combustion Three-way Catalytic Converter emissions remain low, you should
and minimize the amount of HC, use only new genuine Honda
CO, and NOx that comes out the The Three-way Catalytic Converter
replacement parts or their
tailpipe. The exhaust emission is in the exhaust system. Through
equivalent for repairs. Using lower
control systems are separate from chemical reactions, it converts HC,
quality parts may increase the
the crankcase and evaporative CO, and NOx in the engine's
emissions from your car.
emission control systems. exhaust to carbon dioxide (CO2),
dinitrogen (N2), and water vapor.
The emissions control systems
PGM-FI System are covered by warranties
The PGM-FI System on this model separate from the rest of your
is a sequential multiport fuel car. Read your warranty manual
injection. The PGM-FI System on for more information.
your car has three sub systems:
Air Intake, Engine Control, and
Fuel Control: The Engine Control
Module (ECM) uses various
sensors to determine how much
air is going into the engine. It then
controls how much fuel to inject
under all operating conditions.

▲
▼
Three-way Catalytic Converter
The Three-way Catalytic Converter Always use unleaded gasoline.

contains platinum and rhodium. Even a small amount of leaded
These metals serve as catalysts, gasoline can contaminate the
promoting chemical reactions to catalyst metals, making the
convert the exhaust gasses converter ineffective.
without affecting the metals. The
catalytic converter is referred to Keep the engine tuned-up.
as a three-way catalyst, since it Have your car diagnosed and
acts on HC, CO, and NOx. A re- repaired if it is misfiring, back-
placement unit must be an original firing, continuing to run after
Honda part or its equivalent. you turn off the engine,
THREE-WAY CATALYTIC CONVERTER stalling, or otherwise not
The Three-way Catalytic Converter running properly.
must operate at a high A defective catalytic converter
temperature for the chemical contributes to air pollution, and
reactions to take place. It can set can impair your engine's
on fire any combustible materials performance. Follow these,
that come near it. Park your car guidelines to protect your car's
away from high grass, dry leaves, Three-way Catalytic Converter.
or other flammables.

▲
▼
Main Menu
Warranty and Customer Relations
Warranty Coverages . . . . . . . . . 186

Customer Relations
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
U.S. Zone Office Map . . . . . . . . 188
Canada Zone Office Map . . . . . 189
Authorized Manuals . . . . . . . . . 191

▲
▼
Warranty Coverages
U.S. Cars properly is covered for the useful Replacement Muffler Lifetime
Your new Honda is covered by life of the car. Limited Warranty - provides
these warranties: coverage for as long as the
Rust Perforation Limited purchaser of the muffler owns
Warranty — body panels that rust the car.
New Car Limited Warranty — through from the inside will be
provides coverage for defects in repaired or replaced for up to 36
materials and workmanship for There are restrictions and exclu-
months. There is no mileage limit. sions which apply to all these war-
3 years or 36,000 miles.
Accessory Limited Warranty — ranties. Please read the 1993
Emission Control Systems Genuine Honda Accessories are Honda Warranties booklet that
Defects Warranty and Emissions covered under this warranty. Time came with your car for precise in-
Performance Warranty — these and mileage limits depend on the formation on warranty coverages.
two warranties cover your car's type of accessory and other Your Honda's original tires are cov-
emission control systems. Time, factors. Please read your warranty ered by their manufacturer. Tire
mileage, and coverage are manual for details. warranty information is in a
conditional. Please read the separate booklet.
warranty manual for exact Replacement Parts Limited
information. Warranty — provides coverage for
defects in materials and workman- Canada Cars
Original Equipment Battery ship for 12 months or 12,000 miles. Please refer to the 1993 Warranty
Limited Warranty — provides Replacement Battery Limited and Maintenance Guide that came
coverage for 36 months, with 100% Warranty — provides coverage for with your car.
coverage for the first 24 months. up to 36 months, with 100%
coverage for the first 12 months.
Seat Belt Limited Warranty —
A seat belt that fails to function

▲
▼
Customer Relations Information
Honda dealership personnel are If you are dissatisfied with the When you call or write, please give
trained professionals. They should decision made by the dealership's us this information:
be able to answer all your management, contact your Honda
questions. If you encounter a Customer Relations Zone Office. Vehicle Identification Number
problem that your dealership does Refer to the U.S. and Canadian (see page 176).
not solve to your satisfaction, Zone Office maps on the
please discuss it with the following pages. Name and address of the dealer
dealership's management. The who services your car.
Service Manager or General Date of purchase.
Manager can help. Almost all
problems are solved in this way. Mileage on your car.
Your name, address, and
telephone number.
A detailed description of the
problem.
Name of the dealer who sold the
car to you.

▲
▼
U.S. Zone Office Map
Western Zone Mid-Atlantic Zone

P.O. Box 2260 902 Wind River Ln., Suite 200
700 Van Ness Avenue Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878
Torrance, California (301) 990-2020
90509-2260
(310)781-4565 Southeastern Zone
1500 Morrison Parkway
Northwestern Zone
P.O. Box 20186 Alpharetta, Georgia 30201
12439 N.E. Airport Way (770) 442-2045
Portland, Oregon 97230 North Central Zone
(503) 256-0943 601 Campus Drive, Suite A-9
(also includes Arlington Heights, Illinois 60004
Alaska and Hawaii) (847) 870-5600
South Central Zone New England Zone
4529 Royal Lane 555 Old County Road
Irving, Texas 75063 Windsor Locks, Connecticut 060%
(972) 929-5481
(860) 623-3310
Central Zone See Zone 5 for: NYC Metro area
101 South Stanfield Road and Fairfield County, CT area
Troy, Ohio 45373 West Central Zone
(937) 332-6250 1600 South Abilene Street, Suite D
Northeastern Zone Aurora, Colorado 80012
P.O. Box 337 (303) 696-3935
Eastgate Industrial Park
115 Gaither Drive Puerto Rico and U.S. V.I.
Moorestown, New Jersey 08057 Bella International
(609) 235-5533 P.O. Box 190816
Includes: NYC Metro area and San Juan, PR 00919-0816
Fairfield County, CT area (787) 250-4318
The above addresses and telephone numbers are subject to change. If you cannot reach your Zone office, ask your Honda
dealer for the current information.
Customer Relations

▲
▼
Canada Zone Office Map
Western Zone Quebec Zone

Honda Canada Inc. Honda Canada Inc.
13240 Worster Court 1750 rue Eiffel
Richmond, B.C. Boucherville, Quebec
V6V 2B8 J4B 7W1
(604)278-7121 (514) 655-6161
Central Zone Atlantic Zone

Honda Canada Inc. Honda Canada Inc.
715 Milner Avenue 800 Windmill Road
Scarborough, Ontario Dartmouth, N.S.
M1B 2KB B3B1L1
(416) 299-3400 (902) 468-4416
Customer Relations

▲
▼
Authorized Manuals
Purchasing Factory-Authorized Manuals Valid only for sales within the U.S. Canadian owners should
(U.S. only) contact their authorized Honda dealer.
The following publications covering the operation and

servicing of your vehicle can be obtained from Helm
Incorporated, either by filling out the form or, for
credit card holders, by calling toll-free. For manuals
prior to the year shown below, contact Helm By completing this form you can order the materials desired. You can pay by check
Incorporated, P.O. Box 07280, Detroit, MI 48207 or call or money order or charge to your credit card. Mail to Helm, Incorporated at the
(313)-883-1430. address shown on the back of the order form.
61SR301
61SR301EL
61SR331
31SR8600
HON-R

▲
▼
Authorized Manuals
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 understand.
Electrical Troubleshooting Manual:

This manual complements the Service Manual by
providing in-depth troubleshooting information for
each electrical circuit in your car.
Body Repair Manual:

This manual describes the procedures involved in the
replacement of damaged body parts.
P.O. BOX 07280 DETROIT, Ml 48207 (313) 883-1430

▲
▼
Main Menu
Index
Steering W h e e l . . . . . . . . . . . . 38, 43 Audio S y s t e m . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Airbag(SRS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Automatic Speed Control . . . . . . . 44
Accessories
Driver's Side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . 95
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Passenger's Side . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Capacity, Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
ACCESSORY
(Ignition Key Position) . . . . . . . . 48 Air Cleaner Element . . . . . . . . . . . 125 Checking Fluid Level . . . . . . . . 120
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Shift Lever Position Indicator .. 35
Adding Shift Lever Positions . . . . . . . . . 95
Automatic Transmission Fluid 120 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Shift Lock Release . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122 Usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Shifting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Clutch Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123 Air Filter. See Air Cleaner Element
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Manual Transmission Fluid . . . 121 Air Outlets (Vents) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Power Steering Fluid . . . . . . . . 124 Air Pressure, Tires . . . . . . . . 179, 202
Radiator Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Alcohol and Drugs . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Charging System Light . . . . . . . . 33
Windshield Washer Fluid . . . . . 119
Alcohol in Gasoline . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Jump S t a r t i n g . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Additional Safety Information . . . 16 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Alternator Belt. See Engine Belts
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Driving with Pets . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Anchor Plate, Child Seat . . . . . . . . 23
Seat-back Position . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Before Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Storing Cargo Safely . . . . . . . . . . 17 Antifreeze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Belts, S e a t . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Additives, Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . 112 Anti-theft Steering Column Lock . 49
Beverage Holder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Adjustments Appearance Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Body Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40, 55 Ashtrays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

▲
▼
Main Menu
Index
Brakes Check Engine Light (Canada) . . . . 34

Break-in, New Linings . . . . . . . . . 80 Checking
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122 Cables, Jump Starting with . . . . . 163
Automatic Transmission Fluid 120
Light, Burned out . . . . . . . . . . . 140 Capacities Chart . . . . . . . . . . . : . . 178 Battery Condition . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
System Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Carbon Monoxide Hazard . . . . . . . 25
Clutch Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Wear Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 Cargo, Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 Engine Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Braking System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 CAUTION, Explanation of . . . . . . . . ii Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Break-in, New Car . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Certification Label . . . . . . . . . . . . 166 Engine Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Brightness Control, Cruise Control Operation . . . . . . . 44 Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Cassette Player Manual Transmission Fluid . . . 121
Brights, Headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Power Steering Fluid . . . . . . . . 124
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Radiator Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Bulb Replacement
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Back-up Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143 Catalytic Converter, Three-Way . 183 Windshield Wipers . . . . . . . . . . 131
Brake Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Certification Label . . . . . . . . . . . . 176 Checklist, Before Driving . . . . . . . 90
Front Parking Lights . . . . . . . . . 141
Front Side Marker Lights . . . . . 141 Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139 Child Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140 Change Oil Guidelines for Restraining
High-mount Brake L i g h t . . . . . . 143 How t o . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113 Infants/Children . . . . . . . . . . 19
License Plate Lights . . . . . . . . . 144 When . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 Important Safety Reminders . . . 19
Rear Side Marker Lights . . . . . 142 Where Should Children Sit? . . . 18
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179 Changing a Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Turn Signal Lights . . . . . . . . . . . 141 Cigarette Lighter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Changing Engine Coolant . . . . . . 116
Bulbs, Halogen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140 CLEAN light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Charging System L i g h t . . . . . . 33, 168

▲
▼
Main Menu
Index
Cleaner, Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125 Windshield Washers . . . . . . . . . . 41 Dead Battery, What to Do . . . . . . 163

Cleaning Windshield Wipers . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Defects, Reporting Safety . . . . . . . 26
Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148 Coolant Defogger, Rear Window . . . . . . . . . 42
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151 A d d i n g . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151 Capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178 Defrosting the Windows . . . . . . . . 70
Vinyl....................... 151 Checking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 DEXRON® II Automatic
Proper Solution . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Clock, Setting the . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . 120
Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . 37
Clutch Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123 Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Corrosion Protection . . . . . . . . . . 152
CO in the E x h a u s t . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182 Dimming the Headlights . . . . . . . . 39
Crankcase Emission
Cold Weather, Starting in . . . . . . . 92 Dipstick
Control System . . . . . . . . . . . 181 Automatic Transmission . . . . . 120
Compact Spare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156 Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Cruise Control Operation . . . . . . . 44
Consumer Information . . . . . . . . 187 Directional Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Cup Holder. See Beverage Holder
Control Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Disabled, Towing Your Car If . . . 174
Customer Relations Information 187
Controls, Instruments and . . . . . . 29 Disc Brake Wear Indicators . . . . . 99
Customer Relations Office . . . . . 187
Controls Near the Steering Wheel Disposal of Used O i l . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Daytime Running Lights . . . . . . 39
Hazard Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Doors
Headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Locking and Unlocking . . . . . . . 49
DANGER, Explanation of . . . . . . . . . ii Power Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Instrument Panel Brightness .. 40
Rear Window Defogger . . . . . . . 42 Dashboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 DOT Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . 137
Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . 43 Daytime Running Lights . . . . . . . . 39
Turn Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

▲
▼
Main Menu
Index
Downshifting, 5-speed Emissions Control . . . . . . . . . . . . 181

Manual Transmission . . . . . . . 93
Engine Fabric, Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Driving Check Light (Canada) . . . . . . . . 34
Fuel Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . 37 Fan, Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
In Bad Weather . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 Identification Number . . . . . . . 177 Fan, Radiator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
In Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . 81 Malfunction Indicator
Lamp (U.S.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Features, Comfort and
Oil Convenience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . 178, 200 Filling the Fuel Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
What Kind to Use . . . . . . . . . . 200 Filters
Economy, Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Air. See Air Cleaner Element
Emergencies on the Road . . . . . . 155 Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166 Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105, 126
Battery, Jump Starting . . . . . . . 163 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178 O i l . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105, 113
Changing a Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . 157
Engine Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134 First Gear, Shifting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . 33
Check Engine Light (Canada) .. 34 Ethanol in Gasoline . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 5-Speed Manual Transmission
Checking the Fuses . . . . . . . . . . 172 Evaporative Emission Controls . 181 Checking Fluid
Low Oil Pressure L i g h t . . . . . . . . 33 Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105, 121
Malfunction Indicator Exhaust Fumes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Shifting the . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Lamp (U.S.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Expectant Mothers,
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . . 34
Manually Closing Moonroof . . 1 7 0 Use of Seat Belts by . . . . . . . . . . 10
Overheated Engine . . . . . . . . . . 165 Flat Tire, Changing a . . . . . . . . . . 157
Exterior, Cleaning the . . . . . . . . . 148
Emergency Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Emergency Flashers . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

▲
▼
Main Menu
Index
Fluids Tank Gearshift Lever Positions

Automatic Transmission . 120, 200 Capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178, 200 5-Speed Transmission . . . . . . . . 93
Capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178, 200 Filling the . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 95
Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122 Fuses, Checking the . . . . . . . . . . . 172 Glass Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . 200 Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178, 200
Power Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Windshield Washer . . . . . . . . . . 119 Gas Mileage, Improving . . . . . . . . . 86
Capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178 G a s o h o l . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Halogen Headlight Bulbs . . . . . . . 140
FM Stereo Radio Reception . . . . . 71 Gasoline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80, 200 Hazard Warning Flashers . . . . . . . 42
Folding Rear Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 See also Fuel Headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Foreign Countries, Driving in . . . . 81 Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126 Daytime Running Lights . . . . . . 39
G a u g e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 High Beam I n d i c a t o r . . . . . . . . . . 34
Four-way Flashers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Octane Requirement . . . . . . . . 200 High Beams, Turning on . . . . . . 39
Front End, Towing by Tank, Filling the . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Low Beams, Turning on . . . . . . . 39
Emergency Wrecker . . . . . . . 174 Gas Station Procedures . . . . . . . . . 82 Replacing Halogen Bulbs . . . . . 140
Fuel Gauges Turning on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Fill Door and Cap . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Engine Coolant Temperature .. 37 Heating and Cooling . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Filling the . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126 High Altitude, Starting a t . . . . . . . . 92
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
G a u g e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 High-Low Beam Switch . . . . . . . . . 34
Oxygenated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Hood, Opening the . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
Octane Requirement . . . . . . . . 200 Trip Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

▲
▼
Main Menu
Index
Hot Coolant, Warning about . . . . 115 Seat Belt Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Hydraulic Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123 Shift Lever Position Indicator .. 35
Supplemental Restraint System 33 Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
H y d r o p l a n i n g . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102 Trunk-open . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Turn Signal & Hazard Warning . 34
Infant Restraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Label, Certification . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Inflation, Proper Tire . . . . . . . . . . 134
Identification Number, Vehicle .. 176 Labels, Safety, Location of . . . . . . 27
Inside Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
If Your Car Has to Be Towed . . . . 174 Lane Change, Signaling . . . . . . . . . 40
Inspection, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Ignition, Lap B e l t . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Lap/Shoulder Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Instrument Panel Brightness . . . . 40
Timing Control System . . . . . . 182 Leaking of Exhaust into Car . . . . . 25
Interior Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Indicator Lights, Instrument Panel Lighter, Cigarette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . 33 Interior Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Check Engine (Canada) . . . . . . . 34 Lights
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Bulb Replacement........... 140
Engine Malfunction Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Indicator (U.S.) . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
High Beam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Turn Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Lamp Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Jack, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157 Loading Cargo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Low Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Jacking up the Car . . . . . . . . . . . . 158 LOCK (Ignition Key Position) . . . . 48
Parking Brake and
Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Brake System Light . . . . . . . 33

▲
▼
Main Menu
Index
Locking Clip, Seat Belt . . . . . . . . . . 22 Manual Transmission

Locks Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105, 121
Occupant Protection System . . . . . 4
Anti-theft Steering Column . . . . 48 Maximum Shift Speeds . . . . . . . . . 94
Fuel Filler Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82 Octane Requirement, Gasoline .. 80
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Meters, Gauges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Power Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Methanol in Gasoline . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Odometer, Trip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Trunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Mirror, V a n i t y . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Oil
Low Coolant Level . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 Mirrors, Adjusting the . . . . . . . 40, 55 Change, How to . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Low Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Moonroof Change, When to . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Closing M a n u a l l y . . . . . . . . . . . . 170 Checking Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Low Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . 167
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Lower Gear, Downshifting to a . . . 93 Selecting Proper
Lubricant Specifications Chart 178 Viscosity C h a r t . . . . . . . . . . 112
Luggage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 ON (Ignition Key Position) . . . . . . 48

Neutral Gear Position . . . . . . . . . . 96 Opening the Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
New Vehicle Break-in . . . . . . . . . . . 80 Opening the Trunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Normal Shift Speeds . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 Operation in Foreign Countries .. 81
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Periodic Items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 NOTICE, Explanation o f . . . . . . . . . . ii Outside M i r r o r s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 - 108 Numbers, I d e n t i f i c a t i o n . . . . . . . . 176 Overheating, Engine . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105 - 106
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (U.S.) 34
Manual T r a n s m i s s i o n . . . . . . . . . . . 93

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▼
Main Menu
Index
Spark P l u g s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
T i r e s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Panel Brightness Control, . . . . . . . 40 Radiator Overheating . . . . . . . . . 165 Wiper Blades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Park Gear Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96 Radio/Cassette Sound System . . . 71 Replacing Seat Belts
Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Rear End Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174 After a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Parking Brake and Brake System Rear Lights, Bulb Replacement . 142 Reporting Safety Defects . . . . . . . . 26
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Rear Seat, Folding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Reserve Tank, C o o l a n t . . . . . . . . . 115
Parking Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Rear View Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Restraint, Child . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Parking Over Things that Burn . 183 Between 20 and 40 Ibs
Rear Window Defogger . . . . . . . . . 42
PGM-FI S y s t e m . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182 (9 and 18 kg) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Reclining the Seat-backs . . . . . 16, 51 Less Than 20 Ibs (9 kg) . . . . . . . 20
Polishing and Waxing . . . . . . . . . . 149
Recommended Shift Speeds . . . . . 94 Over 40 Ibs (18 kg) . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Power Under 40 Ibs (18 kg) . . . . . . . . . . 19
Reminder Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Reverse Gear Position . . . . . . . . . . 96
Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Replacement
Rotation, T i r e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124 Air Cleaner Element . . . . . . . . . 125
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Engine Oil and Filter . . . . . . . . . 113
Power Steering Belt.
Fuel Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
See Engine Belts
Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172 Safety Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts . . . . . 10 Light Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Safety Defects, Reporting . . . . . . . 26
Proper Seat Belt Usage . . . . . . . . . . 7 Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105 - 106

▲
▼
Main Menu
Index
Safety Labels, Location of . . . . . . . 27 Shift Lever Position Indicator 35, 95 Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Safety Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii Shifting SRS I n d i c a t o r . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Seat Belts The 5-Speed Transmission . . . . 93 START (Ignition Key Position) . . . 48
The Automatic Transmission .. 95
Advice for Pregnant Women . . . 10 Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Child Seat Anchor Plate . . . . . . . 23 Side Marker Lights,
In Cold Weather
Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151 Bulb Replacement in . . . . . . . 141 at High Altitude . . . . . . . . . . 92
Frayed or Torn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 With a Dead Battery . . . . . . . . . 163
Locking Clip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Signaling Turns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Snow Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139 Steam Coming from Engine . . . . . 165
Reminder Light and Beeper . . . 32 Steering Wheel
Snow Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 A d j u s t m e n t . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
System C o m p o n e n t s . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Solvent-type Cleaners . . . . . . . . . 148 Anti-theft Column Lock . . . . . . . 48
Tether Attachment Points . . . . . 22 Sound System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Steering Wheel Controls,
Use During Pregnancy . . . . . . . . 10 Spare Tire
Wearing a Lap/Shoulder Belt . . . 7 Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Inflating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Wearing the Lap Belt . . . . . . . . . . 9 Inflating (Pressure) . . . . . . . . . . . 200 Stereo Sound System . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Seats, Adjusting the . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . 179, 200 Storing Your Car . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Serial Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176 Spark Plugs Sunshade (Moonroof) . . . . . . . . . . 55
Replacing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126, 105 Supplemental Restraint System
Service Intervals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128 Service Precautions . . . . . . . . . . 15
Service Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Specifications Charts . . . . . . . . . . 178 Servicing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Service Station Procedures . . . . . 82 SRS Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Speed Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Setting the Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

▲
▼
Main Menu
Index
System C o m p o n e n t s . . . . . . . . . . 11 Checking Wear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135 5-Speed Manual

Technical Description . . . . . . . 180 Compact Spare . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156 Transmission . . . . . . . . . 121
DOT Tire Quality Grading . . . . 137 Fluid Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Inflation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134 Identification Number . . . . . . . 177
Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135 Shifting the 5-Speed Manual . . . 93
Replacing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137 Shifting the Automatic . . . . . . . . 95
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Rotating.................... 136 Treadwear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Taillights, Changing Bulbs in . . . . 42 Snow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . 179, 200 Trip Meter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Taking Care of the Unexpected . 155
Tools, Tire Changing . . . . . . . . . . 157 Trunk-open Indicator Light . . . . . 34
Tape Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Torn Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Turn Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Technical Descriptions
Three-way Catalytic Converter 183 Towing
Emission Control Systems . . . . 181 A Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Supplemental Restraint Emergency Wrecker
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180 (Tow Truck) . . . . . . . . . . . . 174 Underside, Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Transmission Unexpected, Taking Care of the . 155
Tether Attachment Points . . . . . . . 22 Checking Fluid Level Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . 137
Automatic Transmission . . . 120
Time, Setting the . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Unleaded Gasoline . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139 Upholstery Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . 151
Tire, How to Change a Flat . . . . . 157 Used Oil, How to Dispose o f . . . . 114
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
See also label in glove box
Air Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . 134, 200

▲
▼
Main Menu
Index
Windows
Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Vanity Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Warning Beepers Operating the Power . . . . . . . . . 53
Vehicle Capacity Load . . . . . . . . . . 88 Key in Ignition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Rear, Defogger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Vehicle Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . 178 Windshield, Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 41
WARNING, Explanation of . . . . . . . . ii
Vehicle Identification Number .. 176 Windshield, Defroster . . . . . . . . . . 70
Warning Labels, Location of . . . . . 27
Vehicle Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146 Wipers, Windshield
Warranty Coverages . . . . . . . . . . . 186 Changing Blades . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Ventilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Warning Labels, Location of . . . . . 27
VIN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176 Worn Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Washer, Windshield
Vinyl Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151 Checking the Fluid Level . . . . . 119 Wrecker, Emergency Towing . . . 174
Viscosity, Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112 Fluid Capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Washing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Waxing and Polishing . . . . . . . . . . 149
Wheels
Adjusting the Steering . . . . . . . . 43
Alignment and Balance . . . . . . 136
Compact Spare . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Wrench . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158

▲
▼
Main Menu
Gas Station Information
Gasoline Tire Pressure Other Tire Size Information

UNLEADED gasoline (measured cold): See label in the glove box.
Pump octane of 86 or higher DX:
32 psi (2.2 kg/cm 2, 220 kPa)
Fuel Tank Capacity 5 Speed Manual
U.S.: EX, EX w/option package, Transmission Oil:
11.9 US gal (45 l, 9.9 Imp gal) Canada: SI SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 viscosity
29 psi, (2.0 kg/cm 2, 200 kPa) API SF or SG grade recommended
Recommended Engine Oil
API SG grade Spare Tire Pressure Capacity:
"Energy Conserving I I " oil 60 psi (4.15 kg/cm 2 , 415 kPa) 1.9 US qt (1.8 ,1.6 Imp qt)
SAE 5W-30 viscosity
Tire Size (Front and Rear):
Engine Oil Capacity DX: Automatic
including filter P175/70R13 Transmission Fluid:
3.5 US qt (3.3 l, 2.9 Imp qt)
U.S.: EX, EX w/option package,
without filter Canada: SI Automatic Transmission Fluid or
3.2 US qt (3.0 l, 2.6 Imp qt) P185/60R14 an equivalent DEXTRON® II type
(ATF)
Spare Tire:
DX: Capacity:
T105/80D13 3.0 US qt (2.8 l, 2.5 Imp qt)
U.S.: EX, EX w/option package,
Canada: SI
T105/70D14

1993 Civic Coupe Online Reference Owner's Manual

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1993 Civic Coupe Online Reference Owner's Manual

Accord Value Package Audio System

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OWNER This Owner's Manual should be considered

The information and specifications included

DEALER NAME DEALER NO.

CITY STATE/PROVINCE ZIP CODE/

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Best wishes and happy motoring.

American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

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YOU CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY

You CAN be HURT if you don't follow

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Driver and Passenger Safety

Driver and Passenger Safety

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Your Occupant Protection System

Driver and Passenger Safety

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The Seat Belt System and How It Works

Why Wear Seat Belts A pregnant woman needs to wear

Driver and Passenger Safety

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The Seat Belt System and How It Works

Seat Belt System Components Lap/Shoulder Belt Lap Belt

Driver and Passenger Safety

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The Seat Belt System and How It Works

Wearing Seat Belts Properly Wearing a Lap/Shoulder Belt

Not wearing a seat belt properly

Driver and Passenger Safety

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The Seat Belt System and How It Works

5. If the shoulder belt crosses

Driver and Passenger Safety

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The Seat Belt System and How It Works

Wearing the Lap Belt

Driver and Passenger Safety

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The Seat Belt System and How It Works

Protecting the mother is the best If a seat belt is worn during a

Driver and Passenger Safety

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Supplemental Restraint System

Driver and Passenger Safety

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Supplemental Restraint System

An airbag inflates and deflates How the Driver's

Important Safety Reminder

Driver and Passenger Safety

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Supplemental Restraint System

On the US. EX with option

Driver and Passenger Safety

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Supplemental Restraint System

Driver and Passenger Safety

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Supplemental Restraint System

When the car is 10 years old.

Driver and Passenger Safety