1990 Honda Accord Coupe Owners Manual

Your original tires were properly balanced before the car left the factory, but may need rebalancing at some time during the life of the tire. Tire balancing for the COMPACT spare is not necessary. CAUTION: Use only genuine Honda aluminum wheel weights if your car is equipped with aluminum wheels. Non genuine Honda wheel weights may corrode and damage the aluminum wheel.

Tire Rotation

Tires may wear unevenly when used for a long time in the same position on the car. To avoid this, rotate the tires every 7,500 miles (12,000 km). If abnormal or uneven wear develops between rotations, the cause should be found and corrected as soon as possible. The illustration shows how tires can be rotated. The COMPACT spare tire must not be included in tire rotation. (cont'd)

Tires (cont'd)

NOTE: Brake pads should be inspected for wear whenever the tires are rotated.

Front

Tire Traction

Worn tires or slippery road surfaces can reduce driving, cornering and braking traction. To reduce the possibili- ty of losing traction, slow down when the road gets slippery, replace tires when wear indicators are visible, and KEEP TIRES PROPERLY INFLATED.

Tire Replacement

The original tires on your car have tread wear indicators to indicate when they should be replaced. The indicators appear as bands about 12.7 mm (1/2
in) wide when the tire tread depth than 1.6 mm (1/16 in). When indicators ap- pear across two or more grooves in a row, you should replace the tire.

less

is

INDICATOR LOCATION MARKS

TREAD WEAR INDICATORS

Driving on worn-out tires is very hazardous, and will reduce braking effectiveness, steering accuracy and traction.

When replacing tires, use only the recommended tire size. Wheel rim widths and offsets must be those recommended by American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Contact the Zone Office nearest you as shown on the inside of the back cover.

Tires and wheels other than those recommended may be unsafe. Do not mix radial and bias ply tires on the same car.

Air Conditioner Care

Condenser and Radiator

Check the engine radiator and the air conditioner condenser (in front of the radiator) for accumulated dirt, insects or leaves. Carefully brush or hose them off to assure maximum cooling performance. CAUTION: Radiator and condenser fins are very thin and easi- ly damaged; do not bend them with high water pressure or brush.

Compressor Drive Belt

Check the compressor belt tension monthly, during periods when you use the air conditioner a lot.

If the engine has been running some engine com-

ponents may be hot enough to burn you.

When properly tensioned, the belt should have 10 to 12 mm (0.4 to 0.5 in) "play" or deflection when pushed with 98N (22
Ib) of force midway between the alternator pulley and the engine crankshaft pulley. Have the belt adjusted whenever necessary.

ALTERNATOR DRIVE PULLEY

COMPRESSOR DRIVE PULLEY

CRANKSHAFT PULLEY

(cont'd)

Air Conditioner Care (cont'd)

System Maintenance

Run your air conditioner at least once a week for about ten minutes, even during the off season, to lubricate the seals and the inside of the compressor and, to verify that the system is functional.

If the air conditioner is not cooling properly, it may indicate an undercharged system. Have your dealer check the system for leaks, then evacuate and charge the system with 900 — 950 g (31 - 34 oz) of Refrigerant 12. CAUTION: Prolonged use of an undercharged system may damage the compressor.

Appearance Care

Interior Trim

Remove dust and loose dirt with a vacuum cleaner. Wipe the vinyl with a clean, damp cloth or sponge. Stains can be removed with a commercially available vinyl cleaner. CAUTION: Do not use thinner, gasoline, kerosene, naphtha or other solvents on the interior. They are toxic, flammable and hazardous and could damage the material you're cleaning.

Windows

A 10 to 1 mix of water and white vinegar, or a commercially available glass cleaner may be used to clean windows and to remove the dust film sometimes caused by the ingredients used in interior vinyls and plastics.

NOTE: Do not put this solution in the windshield washer reservoir, it will damage the windshield washer pump.

Be careful not to scratch or damage the defogger wires when cleaning the inside of the rear window; wipe the window horizontally along the wires, not up and down. Dry the win- dows with a lint-free cloth or paper towel. Keep all the win- dows clean for maximum visibility. Exterior Care

Washing

Rinse all loose dirt off the car by spraying it with lukewarm or cold water. Do not use hot water. Wash using a soft-bristle brush, sponge or cloth with water containing a mild detergent such as a liquid dishwashing detergent. Remove oil, tar, tree sap, etc., with tar remover or turpentine. Remove road salt, insects, etc., with mild detergent and lukewarm water. Any of these substances may damage the finish if left on painted surfaces. Rinse the car well. Promptly wipe with a chamois or soft towel to prevent water-spotting. Do not let water or soap air-dry on painted surfaces. During wiping, inspect the surface for stone chips and scrat- ches; paint them with touch-up paint so they won't rust (touch-up paint is available through your Honda dealer). For further instructions on corrosion protection, refer to the Rust Prevention section on the next pages.

(cont'd)

Appearance Care (cont'd)

Waxing

Wax the car when water will no longer "bead" on the paint. Always wash and dry the car before you wax it. Use a good quality liquid or paste wax, and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Wax all the metal trim to keep its luster. NOTE: Removing oil, tar, etc., with a spot remover will usual- ly strip the wax from the surrounding finish. Be sure to re-wax these areas even if the rest of the car does not yet need waxing. Aluminum Alloy Wheels (EX) CAUTION:

Wash the wheels after driving on snowy or icy roads where salt has been applied. Avoid off-road driving. Brush, rocks, dirt and severe impact may damage the wheels. Install tire chains carefully. Improperly installed chains can cause damage to the wheels. Honda aluminum wheels are treated with a protective finish. Wash them with a low-phosphate detergent and sponge. Do not use abrassive cleaners or stiff brushes. Always install aluminum wheels in sets of four. If mixed with other types, the car's handling may be affected.

Rust Prevention

Rusting is likely to occur in parts of the car where water is trap- ped or where there is continual dampness.

Water will collect inside doors and body panels if drain holes become clogged. Water which seeps under or soaks floor mats will subject floor sections to prolonged wetness or dampness. Road dirt or sand, which collects and fills recesses on the underside of the car, retains moisture long after the rest of the car has dried.

The removal of paint and undercoating by stones, gravel, and minor accidents immediately exposes metal to air and mois- ture. Rusting is increased by high humidity and by the presence of corrosive substances in the air or on the roads.

Salt used for road de-icing will coat the bottom of the car and hasten rusting. Localities with high humidity have greater potential for rust problems, especially where salt is also present on the road or in moist sea air. Industrial pollution will accelerate the deterioration of paint finishes and promote rusting.

Preventive Service

Check all drain holes in the doors and body panels for clogging and clear if necessary. When washing your car, also clean the above underside of the car by using high pressure water; subframe, rear suspension, inside rear wheel housing, and After washing your car or after heavy rain, check for leaks. Dry any wet areas of your car's interior. Have leaks repaired as soon as possible.

inside front fender,

under rear bumper.

Body Repair

Replacement Body and Fender Parts

If your vehicle incurs body damage and requires replacement parts, we encourage you to use only Genuine Honda sheet metal body and fender parts. Many insurance companies are specifying imitation sheet metal parts for collision repairs in an effort to reduce claim costs; however, if imitation parts are us- ed the following conditions may apply:

There is no assurance that imitation parts will equal the fit and finish of Genuine Honda sheet metal parts; and in our experience they often do not. There is no assurance that imitation parts will resist corro- sion as well as Genuine Honda sheet metal parts. Imitation sheet metal parts are not covered by the Honda Limited Warranty.

To ensure your continued satisfaction with your Honda vehicle in the event of an accident, contact your insurance adjuster and insist on Genuine Honda parts in the repair of your vehicle.

Spare Tire

COMPACT Spare Tire

Your car is supplied with a COMPACT spare tire and wheel for temporary use only in the event of a flat tire. Use the COM- PACT spare only when you have to, and only to go as far as the next garage or dealer to have the regular tire repaired and reinstalled.

Because you will rarely use the COMPACT spare, be sure to regularly check its condition and air pressure (415 kPa, 60 psi), so it will be ready when you need it. This type of tire holds less air at higher pressure than a regular tire, so it will inflate (or deflate if there is a leak) more rapidly; check its pressure often and add air gradually if it needs any.

The COMPACT spare tire has a different tire size, air pressure requirement, tread life and maximum speed rating than the four regular tires on your car. Disregard- ing these warnings may result in tire failure, loss of vehicle control and possible injury to vehicle occupants: Do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) under any circumstances when using the COMPACT spare. Do not mount snow chains on the COMPACT spare. They will not fit properly and will damage the tire and possibly your car. If you must use the COMPACT spare when driving on roads covered with snow or ice, use it as one of the rear tires and mount chains only on the front two regular tires.

(cont'd)

Spare Tire (cont'd)

INDICATOR LOCATION MARK

TREAD WEAR INDICATOR

The COMPACT spare tire has a much shorter tread life than regular tires. Replace the tire as soon as tread wear indicators appear as solid bands across the tread. Replace with a tire of exactly the same size and construc- tion. The COMPACT spare tire and wheel set was designed especially for your car; do not use it on any other vehicle; do not install any other tire on this wheel which is not identical to the original in size and construction, and do not use the COMPACT spare tire on any other wheel. Because the COMPACT spare is smaller in size and higher in air pressure than a regular tire, it will ride more harshly with less ground clearance and may have less traction on some road surfaces. Drive cautiously.

Changing a Fiat Tire

Do not attempt to change a tire unless the car is on

firm, level ground and well out of the flow of traffic.

Park the car on a firm, level surface, apply the parking brake, turn on the hazard warning switch and put the transmission in gear, (Park for automatic). 1. Remove the cover. 2. Remove the jack. NOTE: Turn the connector on the end of the jack counter- clockwise to loosen it from its mount.

COVER

JACK

TOOL BAG

COMPACT SPARE

3. Remove the lug wrench/jack handle and jack handle exten-

sion from the tool bag. 4. Remove the spare tire. 5. Place blocks in front and back of the wheel diagonally op-

posite the tire you are changing.

6. Use the lug wrench to loosen the wheel lug nuts counter- clockwise one-half turn. On the EX model, first remove the center cap from the wheel by prying it out with the flat screwdriver (not provided in the tool bag).

CAUTION: Hold the center cap with your hand then pry it off using a rag to protect the cap and the wheel.

CENTER CAP

SCREWDRIVER

(cont'd)

Changing a Flat Tire (cont'd)

Follow tire changing preparations and procedures carefully to reduce the possibility of injury. The jack is design- ed for changing tires only. STAND CLEAR, DO NOT get under the car and DO NOT run the engine when the car is supported only by the jack.

7. Place the jack under the car as shown and raise the car by turning the handle clockwise until the tire is slightly off the ground.

To reduce the possibility of injury, be sure to use the jack provided with the car and the correct jacking points; never use any other part of the car for jack support.

JACK HANDLE EXTENSION

LUG WRENCH/JACK HANDLE

8. Remove the lug nuts, wheel cover (DX, LX) and wheel. 9. Install the spare, and lug nuts hand tight.

WHEEL COVER

LUG NUT

VALVE

10. Lower the car, remove the jack, then tighten the lug nuts securely in an " X" pattern as shown.

11. Tighten

the

lug nuts securely. The recommend- ed torque is: 110 N.m (80
Ib. ft). If a torque wrench was not used, ask an authorized Honda dealer to verify the torque as soon as possible.

12. Repair or replace the dam- aged tire as soon as you can, reinstall it in its ori- ginal position, then put the spare back in the car.

TIGHTENING TORQUE 110 N.m (80 lb-ft)

CAUTION: Always stow the jack, tools and tire securely to prevent them from becoming dangerous projectiles in an accident.

13. Secure the tire as shown in the illustration.

SPACER

COMPACT SPARE TIRE

NORMAL TIRE

Jump Starting

To start a car with a dead battery, use another battery of the same voltage, and the proper jumper cables.

Procedures other than those below could cause injury or damage from battery acid spray, explosion or charging system overload. Never connect the jumper cable directly to the negative post of the "dead" battery. Never allow the two cars to touch each other. Never allow the jumper cable clamps to touch each other. Never lean over the battery when making connections. Never attempt to jump start a vehicle with a frozen battery. The battery could rupture and explode. If you suspect a frozen battery, remove the vent caps and check the fluid, if there seems to be no fluid, or if you see ice, do not attempt a jump start until the fluid thaws.

CAUTION: If jumper cables are connected backwards, the car's main fuse may blow.

1. Turn off all lights, heater and other electrical loads, set park-

ing brake, and shift transmission to Neutral or Park.

2. Use one cable to connect the positive terminal of the booster battery to the positive terminal of the "dead" battery.

DEAD BATTERY

Positive to positive

Do not attach cable here

Negative to the engine, not to the battery

BOOSTER BATTERY

3. Use the other cable to connect the negative terminal of the booster battery to the engine at the ground cable as shown. the above procedures

the cables,

remove

reverse

4. To

exactly.

DO NOT push or tow a car to start it. The forward surge when the engine starts could cause a collision. Also, under some conditions, the catalytic converter could be damaged. A car equipped with an automatic transmission can- not be started by pushing or towing.

Towing

If towing is necessary, contact a professional towing service. Your authorized Honda dealer can assist you with detailed towing instructions.

Never use tow chains or rope to tow a car; your

ability to safely control the car may be adversely affected.

We recommend the following: Flat Bed Equipment — Entire car is winched on a flat bed vehi- cle. This is the best way of transporting your Honda. Wheel Lift Type — Tow with the front wheels off the ground.

If the car can only be towed with the front wheels on the ground: make sure the transmission is full of fluid (see pages 88 — 89) and tow with the transmission in neutral (N) and the ignition key in the I position. CAUTION: To avoid serious damage on automatic transmis- sion cars, first start the engine and shift to D4, then to N and shut the engine off. If the engine does not run or the transmis- sion cannot be shifted while the engine is running, the car must be transported on flat bed equipment.

Check local regulations for towing. CAUTION:

Do not exceed 35 mph (55 km/h) or tow for distances of more than 50 miles (80 km). If a sling type tow is used, the tow truck driver should posi- tion wood spacer blocks between your car's frame and the chains and lift straps to avoid damaging the bumper and the body. Do not use the bumpers to lift the car or to support the car's weight while towing.

If Your Car Gets Stuck

If your car gets stuck in sand, mud, or snow, call a professional towing service for assistance in getting your car out.

CAUTION:

Do not rev up the engine and allow the wheels to spin freely at high speed. Severe transmission damage may result if the wheels are allowed to spin for more than a few seconds. DO NOT try to free a car with automatic transmission from snow etc. by rocking the car alternately between forward and reverse gears. Severe transmission damage may result from shifting into gear with the wheels moving.

Shoulder Belt Buckle

Proceed as follows if the shoulder belt buckle stalls.

1. Lift the hood and remove the cover from the engine com-

partment fuse box.

2. Remove the fuse for the automatic ("passive") shoulder

belt buckle motor that does not work.

LEFT MOTOR

RIGHT MOTOR

BLOWN

3. If the fuse has blown, replac- ing it with a new fuse of the same amperage should allow the shoulder belt buckle motor to work. However, if the fuse hasn't blown, or if a new fuse did not solve the problem, remove the fuse and operate the motor man- ually.

CAUTION: Always remove the fuse before manually operating the shoulder belt buckle motor, otherwise the motor may suddenly activate.

4. Remove the cover located on the side panel.

COVER

5. Set the wrench extension into the wrench grip (both provid- ed in the tool bag) then insert the wrench into the socket and turn it counterclockwise until the shoulder belt buckle reaches its rear locked position.

WRENCH EXTENSION

WRENCH

WRENCH GRIP

NOTE: After the manual operation, make sure that the seat belt warning light is off and the shoulder belt buckle is seated properly in its locked position.

6. Replace the cover on the side panel. 7. Reinstall the fuse, the fuse remover and both fuse box

covers.

Specifications

* 1: Including the coolant in reserve tank (0.6 * 2: Excluding the oil remaining in the engine, but including that in the oil filter.

/0.6 US qt) and that remaining in the

engine.

page 97.

Identification Numbers

The Vehicle Identification Number (V.I.N.) is stamped on a plate attached to the top left side of the dashboard. It also appears on the Certification label attached to the door jamb, as well as under the hood on the body, directly behind the engine.

NOTE: The V.I.N. is also provided in bar code on the Certifica- tion label.

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

CERTIFICATION LABEL

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

ENGINE NUMBER

TRANSMISSION NUMBER

The Engine Number is stamped on the right front side of the engine block. The Transmission Number appears on a label on top of the transmission.

DOT Tire Quality Grades

The tires on all Honda cars meet Federal Safety Requirements. All tires on the ACCORD are also "graded" according to Department of Transportation (DOT) standards for tread wear, traction and temperature.

Three grades are shown on the tire sidewall

TIRE

WHEEL RIM

Tread Wear

The tread wear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one half (1-1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual con- ditions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the norm due to variations in driving habits, service prac- tices and differences in road characteristics and climate. Traction

The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are A, B, and C, and they represent the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions on specified govern- ment test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction performance.

The traction grades assigned are based on braking (straight ahead) traction tests and do not include cornering (turning) traction.

(cont'd)

DOT Tire Quality Grades (cont'd)

Temperature

The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C represen- ting the tire's resistance to the generation of heat and its abili- ty to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of per- formance which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law.

The tire temperature grade is established for a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.

Emission Controls

Sources of Emissions The combustion process produces carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen and hydrocarbons. The evaporation of fuel in the fuel tank also produces hydrocarbons. Control of oxides of nitrogen and hydrocarbons is very important since, under cer- tain conditions, when subjected to sunlight, they react to form photochemical smog. Carbon monoxide does not react to form smog, but it is toxic. Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has developed a number of systems which are highly effective in reducing carbon monoxide, ox- ides of nitrogen and hydrocarbons. The Clean Air Act The Clean Air Act requires all vehicle manufacturers to explain in writing, the operation and maintenance of their emission control systems. Maintenance instructions are included on pages 78 — 80; the operation of each system is explained on the following. Replacement Parts The emission control systems on your new Honda were designed, built and certified to conform with the Federal regulations implementing the Clean Air Act. Honda recom- mends only the use of new, genuine Honda parts or their equivalent. The use of other replacement parts which are not of equivalent quality may impair the effectiveness of your car's emission control systems. Crankcase Emission Control System To prevent crankcase emissions, your car is equipped with a Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) System which routes blowby gases from the crankcase, through the PCV valve and intake manifold, into the combustion chamber. Evaporative Emission Control System The Evaporative Emission Control System is designed to pre- vent fuel vapors from escaping into the atmosphere. Fuel vapors from the fuel tank are directed into the charcoal canister where they are adsorbed and stored while the engine is stopped or idling. When the coolant temperature rises to a certain value, the vapors are drawn into the engine through the throttle body and the intake manifold during normal engine operation. (cont'd)

Emission Controls (cont'd)

Engine Exhaust Controls

The engine exhaust emission control systems are designed to control combustion during idle, acceleration, cruise, and decel- eration. These systems are entirely separate the crankcase and evaporative emission control systems describ- ed previously.

from

PGM-FI System

The PGM-FI system consists of three independent sub- systems; Air Intake, Electronic Control and Fuel Control, thus allowing more accurate control of air/fuel ratios under all operating conditions. The Electronic Control Unit (ECU) detects the amount of air drawn into the cylinders and deter- mines the amount of fuel to be injected to provide the optimum air/fuel ratio for all engine needs.

Ignition Timing Control System

This system automatically controls the ignition timing to reduce the amount of HC and NOx.

Catalytic Converter

The catalyst is used to convert hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) in the exhaust gas, to carbon dioxide (CO2), dinitrogen (N2) and water vapor.

Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR)

The EGR system is designed to control the formation of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) caused when fuel mixture burns at high temperature. It works by recirculating exhaust gas through the EGR valve and intake manifold into the combustion chambers where it reduces peak temperature by diluting the air/fuel mixture.

Catalytic Converter

A catalytic converter is installed in the exhaust system to help clean-up the harmful exhaust gases that can cause air pollution. To be effective, the converter must work at high temperature, so don't park your car over dry grass, leaves or anything else that could burn easily. To stay effective, the converter must not be contaminated by leaded gasoline; use only unleaded gas as explained on page 57.

CATALYTIC CONVERTER

CAUTION: The converter can be overheated and damaged if it's fed too much unburned fuel mixture from the engine, so: — Don't push or tow the car to start it; if the battery is dead,

jump start the car as shown on page 118.

— Don't turn the key off while the engine is running above idle

speed.

control parts.

— Don't change the ignition timing, or remove any emission

— Use only the spark plugs specified in this manual. — Don't keep driving your car if it isn't running properly, or if its CHARGE warning light comes on; have it checked by your Honda dealer.

Warranty Service

Warranty

The following warranties are provided with every new vehicle.

1. New Car Limited Warranty 2. Emission Control Systems Warranty 3. Emission Controls Performance Warranty 4. Battery Limited Warranty 5. Rust Perforation Limited Warranty 6. Accessory Limited Warranty 7. Replacement Parts Limited Warranty 8. Replacement Muffler Lifetime Limited Warranty 9. Replacement Engine Limited Warranty 10. Seat Belt Limited Warranty All warranty details pertaining to your car can be found in the Warranty booklet provided with your new car except the re- quired maintenance schedule which is contained here in the Owner's Manual. If you are unable to obtain warranty service or are dissatisfied with the warranty decision or service you received at an authorized Honda dealership, you should review the matter with that dealership's Service Manager. This will normally resolve your problem. If it does not resolve your problem you should appeal the decision with the owner of the dealership. Please bear in mind that your problem will likely be resolved in the dealership, using the dealer's facilities, equipment and per- sonnel. So it is very important that your initial contact be with the dealer or his management. After following these steps, if you wish to have the matter reviewed by American Honda you should contact the Zone Of- fice serving your area, as shown on the map on the inside of the back cover. When contacting American Honda, please pro- vide the Zone Office with the following information:

Vehicle Identification Number Servicing Dealer Name and Address Date of Purchase Mileage on your Car Your Name, Address, and Phone Number Nature of Problem Selling Dealer

After a review of the facts, you will be advised of what can be done.

Reporting Safety Defects

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

toll-free at 1-800-424-9393

(or 366-0123

Service Manuals

A Honda Service Manual is available for your car. It is writ- ten for the Journeyman me- chanic, but it is simple enough for most mechanically inclined owners to understand.

An Electrical Troubleshooting Manual is also available for your car. This manual comple- ments the Service Manual by providing in-depth trouble- shooting information for each electrical circuit in your car.

You can purchase these manuals through your Honda dealer's Parts Department.

Index

Bulb

Replacement .................. 102
Specification .................. 125
Buzzer ..... See "Beeper System"

Capacities .......................... 124
Care and Cleaning ............... 109
Catalytic Converter ............. 131
Certification Label ............... 126
Chains, Tires ...................... 105
Check Engine Warning

Light ............................. 23
Child Restraint System ......... 16
Cigarette Lighter ................. 38
Clock ................................ 36
Clutch Fluid ........................ 94
COMPACT Spare Tire .......... 113
Coolant Temperature

Gauge ........................... 20
Cooling (with A/C) ............... 44
Cooling System .................. 90
Crankcase Emission Control

System ......................... 129

Cruise Control

Indicator ........................ 21
Operation ...................... 32

Defogger ........................... 27
Defroster ........................... 47
Dimmer Switch,

Headlights ..................... 29

Doors

Locks ............................ Power Door Locks ........... Warning Light ................. 24

Emergency

Changing a Flat Tire ......... 115
Hazard Warning System ... 30

(cont'd)

Air Conditioner

Care ............................. 107
Operation ...................... 44
Air Filter ............................ 96
Air Pressure, Tires ............... 104
Aluminum Alloy Wheels ....... 110
Antenna ............................ 51
Antifreeze

......... See "Radiator Coolant"

Anti-theft Steering Column Lock

System ......................... 61
Appearance Care ................ 109
Ashtrays ........................... 38
Audio System ..................... 51
Automatic Seat Belt ............ 10
Automatic Transmission

Driving Technique ........... 69
Fluid ............................. 89
Operation ...................... 68
Shift Lever Position

Indicator .................... 21

Battery

Charging System Warning

Light ......................... 23
Jump Starting ................118
Maintenance .................. 99
Specification .................. 125

Beeper System

Fasten Seat Belt Beeper .... 15
Key Reminder ................. 61
Light Reminder Chime ...... 29
Belts, Seat ...... See "Seat Belts" Beverage Holder ................. 37
BodyRepair........................ 112
Brake Warning Light ............ 22
Brakes

Brake Failure Warning

Light ......................... 22
BrakeFluid ..................... 94
Brake System Design....... 93
BrakeWear .................... 93
Brake Wear Indicators ...... 93
Parking Brake ................. 34
Parking Brake Warning

Light ......................... 22

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

Index (cont'd)

..... 121
If Your Car Gets Stuck Jump Starting ................ 118
Shoulder Belt Buckle ........ 122
Towing ......................... 120
Warning and Indicator

Lights

.......................

21
............... 129

Emission Controls Engine

Gasoline Gas Station

................. See "Fuel"

Information ......... Back cover ............................. 20
37

Gauges Glove Box ..........................

Coolant Coolant Temperature

.........................

90

Gauge ....................... 20
Exhaust Controls ............ 130
Identification Number ...... 126
Oil and Filter ................... 85
Oil Pressure Warning

Light .........................

22
.................. 125

Specification

Engine Exhaust Gas

Warning

........................ Evaporative Emission Control

64

System

Exhaust Gas Recirculation ExteriorCare

......................... 129
.... 130
...................... 109

Hazard Warning System ....... Headlights

30

Flasher .......................... 29
High Beam Indicator 21
High Beam/Low Beam

........

Switch ...................... 29
Reminder Chime ............. 29
Switch .......................... 29

Headlight High Beam Indicator Light ............................. Head Restraints .................. Heating High Beam

21
............................. 45

21
Indicator Light Switch .......................... 29
Hood Latch ........................ 34

................

Filters

Air ................................ 96
Engine Oil ...................... 86
Fuel .............................. 96
Fluid ......................... See "O i l" Foreign Countries,

Operation in

...................

58

Front Seat

Adjustment ....................

Fuel

59
Filler Door and Cap .......... Filter ............................. 96
Gasohol ......................... 57
Gasoline ........................ 57
Gauge ........................... 20
57
Requirement Reserve Warning Light 21

.................. .....

Fuse

Checking and Replacing ...100
Specification .................. 125

Identification Numbers Ignition

......... 126

Keys ............................. Switch .......................... 61
Ignition Switch Light ............ 30
Indicator Lights ................... 21
Inflation Pressures, Tire ........ 104
Instrument Panel ................. 19
Instrument Panel Brightness

Control .......................... ......................

30
31
................ 109

Interior Light Interior Trim Care

Jack ................................. 115
Jump Starting .................... 118

Keys

Door Locks .................... Glove Box ...................... 37
Ignition .......................... 61
Key Reminder Beeper ....... 61
Keys ............................. Trunk Lock .....................

Lap/Shoulder

Lights

Belts

.......... See "Seat Belts"

Bulb Replacement ........... 102
Fuse Replacement ........... 100
Light Reminder Chime ...... 29
Operation ...................... 29
Warning and Indicator

Lights

........................ 21

Locks

Anti-theft Steering Column

Lock

......................... 61
Doors ............................ Fuel Filler Door ................ 59
Glove Box ...................... 37
Power Door Locks ........... Trunk ............................ Lumbar Support ..................

Maintenance

Record .......................... 81
Schedule ....................... 78

Manual Transmission

Maximum Allowable

Speeds ....................... 66
Oil ................................ 88
Recommended Shift

Speeds ....................... 66
Shifting ......................... 65
Meters, Gauges ... See "Gauges " Mirrors

Power Mirrors ................. 28
Rearview Mirrors ............. 28

Numbers, Identification ........ 126

Octane Rating,

Gasoline ............. See "F u e l" Odometer .......................... 20
Oil

Clutch Fluid .................... 94
EngineOil ...................... 85
Fluid Locations ............... 84
Oil Pressure Warning

Light .......................... 22
Power Steering Fluid ........ 95
Transmission Oil/Fluid ...... 88

Operation In Foreign

Countries ....................... 58

Panel Brightness Control ...... 30
Parking Brake ..................... 34
Passive Belt ....................... 10
PGM-FI

Check Engine Warning

Light .......................... 23
......................... 130

System

Power

Door Locks .................... Mirrors .......................... 28
Steering ........................ 95
Windows ....................... 35
Pregnant Women ................ 17
Pressures, Tire Inflation ........ 104
Preventive Service .............. 111

Radiator Coolant ................. 90
Radio ................................ 51
Rear Quarter Windows ......... 36
Rearview Mirrors ................. 28
Rear Window Defogger ........ 27
Reminder

Lights .. See "Warning Lights"

(cont'd)

Index (cont'd)

Replacement

Air Filter ........................ 96
Bulbs ............................ 102
Engine Oil ...................... 86
Fuel Filter ....................... 96
Fuses ............................ 100
Oil Filter ......................... 86
Radiator Coolant ............. 91
Spark Plugs .................... 97
Tires ............................. 106
Wiper Blades .................. 98
Rust Prevention .................. 110

Safety Defects, Reporting ....133
Safety Indicator Lights ......... 24
Safety Items ...................... 63
Seat Belt Reminder Light and

Beeper .......................... 15

Seat Belts

Anchor Points ................. 17
Automatic Belt ............... 10
Buckling the Front

Seat Belts .................. 10

Buckling the Rear

Seat Belts .................. 13
Child Restraint ................ 16
Cleaning ........................ 18
Fasten Seat Belt Reminder

Light and Beeper ......... 15
Inspection ...................... 18
Passive Belt ................... 10
Pregnant Women ............ 17
Rear Center Seat Belt ....... 14
Replacement .................. 18
Shoulder Belt Buckle ........ 122

Seats

Driver's Lumbar

Support ..................... Front Seat ...................... Head Restraints .............. Trunk Access from

Rear Seat ...................

Shift Lever Position

Indicator ........................ 21

Shifting

Automatic ..................... 67
5-Speed ........................ 65

Spare Tire

Changing a Flat Tire ......... 115
COMPACT Spare Tire ...... 113
................ 124
Specifications Spark Plugs ........................ 97
Specifications .................... 124
Speedometer ...................... 20
Starting the Engine .............. 62
Steering

Anti-theft Column Lock .... 61
Power Steering ............... 95
Tilt Steering ................... 25

Stereo Sound System

Operation ...................... 51
Stuck Car .......................... 121
Sunroof

If the Sunroof Won't

Close ........................ 50
Maintenance .................. 50
Operation ...................... 49
Sunshade .......................... 49

Tachometer ....................... 20
Temperature Gauge,

Coolant ......................... 20
Tilt Steering ....................... 25
Tire

Air Pressure ................... 104
Balancing ....................... 105
Chains .......................... 105
Changing a Flat Tire ......... 115
COMPACT Spare ............113
DOT Tire Quality Grades ... 127
Inflation Pressures ........... 104
Requirement .................. 127
Rotation ........................ 105
Snow Tire ...................... 104
Spare Tire ...................... 113
Specification .................. 124
Tools ................................ 115
Towing ............................. 120
Towing a Trailer .................. 71
Trailer ............................... 71

Transmission

Capacity ........................ 124
Identification Number ...... 126
Oil/Fluid ......................... 88
Shifting the Automatic ..... 67
Shifting the 5 Speed ........ 65
Tread Wear ........................ 127
TripMeter .......................... 20
Trunk

Access From Rear Seat .... Lid ................................ Lid Warning Light ............ 24
Turn Signals ....................... 29

Vehicle Identification Number

.................................... 126
39

Ventilation .........................

Warning Lights Warranty Service Washer

................... 21
................ 132

Reservoir Capacity .......... Windshield Washer ..........

26
26
Washing ............................ 109
Waxing ............................. 110
Wheels .............................. 110
Windows

Appearance Care ............ 109
Power Windows ............. 35
Rear Quarter Windows ..... 36
27
Windshield Defogger ........... 26
Windshield Washer .............. 26
Windshield Wipers .............. Wiper Blades ...................... 98
.............................. 26
Wipers

Automobile Zone Office Locations

Western Zone P.O. Box 2260

700 Van Ness Avenue Torrance, California 90509-2260
(213) 781-4565

Central Zone 101 South Stanfield Road

Troy, Ohio 45373
(513) 332-6250

North Central Zone 601 Campus Drive, Suite A-9

Arlington Heights, Illinois 60004
(312) 870-5600

Northwestern Zone P.O. Box 20186

12439 N.E. Airport Way Portland, Oregon 97220
(503) 256-0943
(also includes Alaska and Hawaii)

South Central Zone 4529 Royal Lane

Irving, Texas 75063
(214) 929-5481

Northeastern Zone P.O. Box 337

Eastgate Industrial Park 115 Gaither Drive Moorestown, New Jersey 08057
(609) 235-5533

Mid-Atlantic Zone 209 Perry Parkway, Suite 10

Gaithersburg, Maryland 20877
(301) 990-2020

Southeastern Zone 1500 Morrison Parkway

Alpharetta, Georgia 30201
(404) 442-2045

New England Zone 555 Old County Road

Windsor Locks, Connecticut 06096
(203) 623-3310

West Central Zone 1600 South Abilene Street, Suite D

Aurora, Colorado 80012
(303) 696-3935

Puerto Rico and U.S. V.I. Bella International

P.O. Box 816
Hato Rey, Puerto Rico 00919
(809) 765-8070

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.

Gas Station Information

Gasoline: UNLEADED only

Pump octane of 86 or higher

Gas Tank-Capacity: 64.5

(17.0 US gal)

Tire Pressure (measured cold): front/rear DX, LX: 200/200 kPa (29/29 psi) EX: 195/195 kPa (28/28 psi) COMPACT spare tire, 415 kPa (60 psi) Other Tire Information: Label on driver's door jamb Hood Release: Pull handle under left side of dash. Engine Oil: An "Energy Conserving II" SG grade oil is recommended.

See page 85 for viscosity recommendations. Capacity (Including filter): 3.8 (4.0 US qt)

5 Speed Transmission Oil:

Recommended type — SAE 10W — 30 or 10W — 40 weight, grade SE or SF. Capacity (Including differential): 1.9

(2.0 US qt)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

Use DEXRON® II type Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF). Remove dipstick from right end of transmission, wipe off, reinsert, remove, and read fluid level - do not force the rubber plug in when reading fluid level or replacing dipstick. Capacity (Including differential): 2.4

(2.5 US qt)

Power Steering Fluid:

Use only Honda power steering fluid: do not use ATF or any other brand of power steering fluid because it will damage the system.

AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 1919 Torrance Blvd., Torrance California 90501

1989 American Honda Motor Co., Ltd. - All Rights Reserved

2D

31SM2602 00X31-SM2-6020

CRE 5009502
PRINTED IN U.S.A.

1990 Accord 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 Form Features & Safety ................................................................................................................................ What you should know before driving your car. Starting & Driving............................................................................................................................. What gas to use, how to change gears, etc. Maintenance ...................................................................................................................................... 78
The Required Maintenance Schedule and some items you can service. Emergency Service .......................................................................................................................... 113
Changing a flat, jump starting, towing. Specifications ................................................................................................................................... 124
Dimensions, weights and capacities. Consumer Information .................................................................................................................... 126
Reporting Safety Detects, warranty service, vehicle identification numbers, etc. Index ................................................................................................................................................ 135
Gas Station Information

57

This Owner's Manual should be considered a permanent part of the vehicle, and must remain with the vehicle at time of resale.

OWNER'S I.D.

STATE

ZIP CODE

(Date sold to original retail purchaser)

DEALER NO.

STATE

ZIP CODE

OWNER

ADDRESS

CITY

V.I.N.

DELIVERY DATE

DEALER NAME

ADDRESS

CITY

OWNER'S SIGNATURE

DEALER'S SIGNATURE

The information and specifications included in this publication were in effect at the time of approval for printing. Honda Motor Co., Ltd. reserves the right however, to discontinue or change specifications or design at any time without notice and without incurring any obligation whatever.

Introduction

This manual contains important information about the safe operation and maintenance of your car.

We urge you to read it carefully, become familiar with the con- trols it describes, and follow its recommendations, to help make your driving trouble-free and enjoyable.

Statements or labels on the product preceded by the following words are of special significance:

indicates severe personal injury or death will

result if instructions are not followed.

indicates a strong possibility of severe personal

injury or death if instructions are not followed.

means hazards or unsafe practices which could cause minor personal injury or product or property damage.

NOTE: gives helpful information.

Break-in Period

During the first 600 miles (1,000 km) of driving, avoid full throttle starts and cruising for extended periods at a constant speed.

NOTE:

This break-in procedure also applies to exchanged or over- hauled engines. During and after the break-in period, drive the car at moder- ate speeds until the engine is fully warmed up.

During the first 200 miles (300 km), try to avoid severe braking. Brake misuse during this period will reduce future braking efficiency.

Remember, your Honda Automobile dealer knows your car best, and should be consulted for service assistance and advice.

Keys and Locks

Keys

VALET KEY

MASTER KEY

Your car is supplied with a master key that fits the ignition and all locks, and a valet key that fits the ignition and doors but not the trunk, trunk remote release, rear seat trunk access or glove box. The valet key is provided for times when you must leave the key with a park- ing attendant or repair person, but still want to keep valuables safely locked-up. Write down the numbers stamped on both keys and keep the information in your wallet or purse in case you ever need to have duplicates made. Both the master and valet keys are double-edged, so you can insert them in the locks with either side up.

Door Locks

You can lock the doors by pushing the tab forward. The doors must be unlocked before you can open them. The passenger door can be locked when open, and will stay locked when you close it; the driver's door cannot be locked when open unless you hold the door handle open. Both doors can be locked and unlocked from the outside with the key.

Unlock

Lock

(cont'd)

Keys and Locks (cont'd)

Power Door Locks (LX, EX)

Both doors can be simultaneously locked and unlocked by operating the master door lock switch located on each door.

Unlock

Lock

MASTER DOOR LOCK SWITCH

In addition, the passenger door will lock automatically when the tab on the driver's door is pushed forward, or when the driver's door is locked from the outside with the key.

Lock

Unlock

Lock

Trunk

The trunk can be opened by pulling up the lever at the left side of the driver's seat. To open the trunk lid from outside, put the master key in the lock and turn clockwise. The trunk lid opener lever is lockable with the master key.

Pull up

Lock

Open

MASTER KEY

MASTER KEY

Keep the trunk lid closed while driving, to keep poisonous carbon monoxide exhaust fumes out of the interior; prolonged exposure can cause unconsciousness that may lead to death.

Seats

Front Seat

Adjust the seat position by pulling up on the adjustment lever under the front edge of the seat cushion, and sliding the seat to the desired position. Then release the lever and make sure the seat is locked in position by moving it back and forth.

Pull up

Pull up

ADJUSTMENT LEVER

RELEASE LEVER

The angle of the seat-back can be changed by pulling up on the lever at the outside edge of the seat and leaning forward or back. Release the lever and let the seat lock into place when it reaches the desired angle. Seat belts are most effective when the driver and passenger are sitting up straight and well back in each seat.

Do not adjust the driver's seat while the car is moving; the seat could move suddenly, causing loss of vehicle control. To reduce the risk of sliding under the seat belts in a colli- sion, the seat-backs should be reclined no more than is necessary for comfort.

Driver's Lumbar Support (EX)

Support of the lower back can be adjusted by the knob on the inner side of the seat-back to give more or less support.

turning

Do not try to adjust lumbar support while driving. Make the adjustment while sitting in your normal driving posi- tion before driving away.

To Get In/Out of Rear Seat

to swing

For easier access to or from the rear seat, pull up the angle ad- justment lever on each front seat the seat-back forward. The front passenger seat has an additional conve- nience: pulling up the lever on the the passenger seat-back will swing the seat- back and slide the entire seat forward.

inside of

Push up

(cont'd)

Seats (cont'd)

Head Restraints

The head restraints are designed to help reduce injuries due to whiplash. They are located at the top of each front seat-back and have several height positions. They can be adjusted by pulling up to the recommended position. To lower them, slide the button next to the restraint's height bar, while pushing the restraint down. Adjust so the top of the restraint is approx- imately level with the tops of your ears. That position may reduce injury due to whiplash in an accident. If a head restraint must be removed (for cleaning, fabric repair, etc.) pull the restraint up to its highest position, then slide the button while pulling the restraint out. To reinstall, reverse the above procedure.

Slide

Do not drive the car with head restraints removed. Do not try to adjust head restraints while driving.

Trunk Access From Rear Seat

The rear seat-back can be opened by turning the lock on the rear shelf with the master key and pulling down the top of the seat-back. This allows access to the trunk and makes it possi- ble to carry long objects inside the car. The rear seat-back can also be released from inside the trunk by pulling the release. When closing the rear seat trunk access, push the seat-back firmly into place, then pull on the top of the seat-back to make sure it is secure.

RELEASE

Pull

MASTER KEY

Passengers or pets must not sit on the folded portion of the rear seat. Make sure any luggage or cargo within the trunk, or extend- ing through the rear seat trunk access is secured. Make sure the seat-back latches engage securely when the seat-back is returned to its normal position. Weight limits shown on the label on the driver's door jamb must be observed. The total weight of passengers and cargo must not exceed the total weight limit on the label. Do not store any items on the shelf behind the rear seat; they may become dangerous projectiles in a collision. Store any luggage or cargo in the trunk. If you are carrying more items than will fit in the trunk, use the floor space bet- ween the front and rear seats.

Seat Belts

Your Honda automobile is provided with seat belts to minimize the chance of injury to yourself and your passengers in a sud- den stop or accident. See pages 16 and 17 for precautions on using seat belts for children, babies, and pregnant women. Seat belts are most ef- fective when the driver and passengers are sitting up straight and well back in their seats.

In the event of a collision, occupants not wearing seat belts could be seriously or fatally injured. Make sure you and all your passengers ALWAYS put on the seat belts before driving away. CAUTION: Be careful the seat belts are not damaged by catching or entangling in the door or seat mechanism. Front Seat Belts The front seats have an automatic ("passive") restraint system consisting of a shoulder belt and knee bolsters. To enhance the protection provided by the automatic system, you should also wear the manual lap belt. The shoulder belt should remain permanently latched. The manual lap belt must be put on for maximum protection in the event of a collision. The automatic and manual belts have emergency locking retractors designed to lock only during a sudden stop or im- pact. Otherwise, they allow some freedom of movement in the seat. Operation 1. Enter the car and close the door completely. Move the seat a comfortable distance from the steering wheel, sit as straight up as possible and well back in the seat.

Never drive the car with the doors ajar. The front doors must be closed com- pletely for the front seat belts to function properly.

2. Turn the ignition ON. The shoulder belt buckle will move to its rear locked position. The length of the shoulder belt will adjust automatically to your body and seating position.

Normal movement of the shoulder belt buckle may cause injury. Be sure all parts of your body, especially fingers and hands, are clear of the shoulder buckle while it is moving.

NOTE:

If the door is not closed completely, the shoulder belt buckle will not move and the door warning light will come on (see page 24). If the door is opened with the ignition on, the buckle will release itself from its locked position and move forward. If the shoulder belt buckle stops halfway or does not move at all, see page 122 for shoulder belt buckle operation.

3. Take hold of the tongue plate of the lap belt and pull it from its retractor. Be sure the belt is not twisted or caught on anything.

If pulled too fast, the belt will lock. If this happens,

NOTE: allow the belt to retract then pull it out more slowly. 4. Push the tongue plate into the buckle until it clicks locked. Position the belt across your lap, not your abdomen, as low on your hips as possible.

Pull the belt across your lap

Keep below hip bone

TONGUE PLATE

Avoid placing the lap belt across your abdomen. In the event of a collision, the pressure of the belt on the abdomen may increase the extent of injury. Never use one belt for more than one person, child or adult. Comfort clips sold on the open market are not recommended since they could impair the function and safety of the belts.

(cont'd)

Seat Belts (cont'd)

Make sure the strap of the shoulder belt and the lap belt are not crossed. Do not wear the shoulder portion of the belt under your arm or out of position. Such use could increase the chance and amount of injury in an accident.

Releasing the Seat Belts

1 .To release the manual lap belt, push the "PRESS" button in the buckle, the belt should retract automatically when released.

2. The driver's shoulder belt buckle will release and travel to its

off position when the key is removed from the ignition.

3. The shoulder belt buckle will also release and travel to its off

position when the door is opened.

Push

Emergency Belt Release

The shoulder belt should al- ways remain buckled. In case of an emergency, however, the shoulder belt can be released from the shoulder belt buckle by pushing the button.

Relatch the shoulder belt before operating the car, making sure the belt is not twisted.

Driving with a twisted seat belt can increase your chance and extent of injury during a collision. Be sure the shoulder belt is not twisted before driving the car.

Buckling the Rear Seat Combination Lap/Shoulder Belts

there are

the rear seat,

two one-piece combination In lap/shoulder belts and a center lap belt. The seat-backs and seat belts provide best restraint when the occupant is sitting well back and straight up in the seat. The combination lap/shoulder belts with emergency locking retractors are designed to lock only during a sudden stop or im- pact. Otherwise, they allow you some freedom of movement in the seat. NOTE: The emergency locking system of the rear seat belts will also be activated if you pull the belt too fast. If this hap- pens, release the belt slightly then pull it out more slowly. 1. Take hold of the tongue plate and pull the belt across your lap. Be sure the belt is not twisted or caught on anything. Pull the belt across your lap

Take up slack

Too high

TONGUE PLATE

Keep below hip bone 2. Push the tongue plate into the buckle until it clicks locked. Position the belt across your lap, not your abdomen, as low on your hips as possible.

Avoid placing the lap belt across your abdomen.

In the event of a collision, the pressure of the belt on the ab- domen may increase the extent of injury. 3. To release the seat belt, push the "PRESS" button in the buckle; the belt should retract automatically when released. If the belt does not fully retract, pull it out and check for kinks or twists.

CAUTION: Make sure both rear shoulder belts are positioned in front of the rear seat-backs whenever the seat-backs are in their upright position.

(cont'd)

Seat Belts (cont'd)

Rear Center Seat Belt

Adjust the center lap belt length to fit snugly but comfortably when buckled. A slack belt will greatly reduce the protection afforded to the wearer. Hold the tongue plate perpendicular to the belt as shown. * To shorten, pull the end of the belt away from the tongue

plate.

* To lengthen, pull the tongue plate. Push the tongue plate into the buckle until it clicks locked and position the belt across your lap, not your abdomen, as low on your hips as possible. If worn across your abdomen, pressure of the seat belt on your abdomen may increase the extent of injury in the event of an accident.

TONGUE PLATE

To lengthen

To shorten

BUCKLE

Fasten Seat Belt Warning Light and Warning Beeper

Lap Belt Warning Indicator: Both the light and the warning beeper will go on for about six seconds if the igni- tion switch is turned on when the driver's lap belt is not fast- ened. The beeper will not go on if the driver's lap belt is fasten- ed, but the warning light will come on for about six seconds each time, to remind the driver to have passengers put their belts on.

Automatic Shoulder Belt Warning Indicator: The warning light will come on if either of the automatic shoulder belts is unlatched with the ignition ON. The beeper will sound for approximately six seconds while the warning light is ON. Relatch the belt: the light should go off when the belt is latched. The warning light will also come on while the shoulder belt buckle moves from its front off position to its rear locked position.

Automatic Shoulder Belt Malfunction Indicator: The warning light will flash and the beeper will sound rapidly if either shoulder belt buckle stops before completing its full cy- cle (see page 122 for manual operation).

NOTE: If the shoulder belt's tensioner mechanism locks and prevents the buckle from moving fully forward when you want to get out, recycle the system by closing the door and reopen- ing it. The buckle should move fully forward; if it does not, recline the seat-back and use Emergency Belt Release (see page 12). When the system does not function by either method, have the system checked by an authorized Honda dealer.

If the light and beeper do not function at all, or if they come on even with the belts latched and doors fully clos- ed, it indicates a malfunction in the seat belt system. In the event of a collision, severe personal injury could result. The system should be checked immediately by an authorized Honda dealer. (cont'd)

Seat Belts (cont'd)

Child Restraint

Children riding in the car should be restrained to minimize the risk of injury in an accident, sudden stop or sudden maneuver. According to accident statistics provided to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seat. Larger children should use one of the seat belts provided. For smaller children, we strongly recommend the use of a com- mercially available child restraint system that meets the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) because it of- fers the most protection against injury. All states now have laws which require that small children must be seated in a child passenger seat restraint system. Check local laws. Before buying a particular child restraint system, make sure it fits your car seat and seat belts, and fits your child. Follow all the instructions that come with the system.

Children should never ride unrestrained in an automobile. Never use an infant carrier or child safety seat that "hooks" over a seat-back; it may not provide adequate security in an accident. Never allow a child to be held in a person's arms while they are in the moving vehicle. Holding a child in a moving vehicle does not provide the child with any means of protection dur- ing an accident, even if the person holding the child is wear- ing a seat belt.

Installation of Child Seat

All child restraint systems are designed to be secured by lap belts or the lap belt portion of a lap-shoulder belt. The auto- matic shoulder belt system at the front passenger seat should not be used to secure the child restraint system. If a child seat must be installed on the front seat, do the following: If the seat is installed facing forward, place the shoulder belt behind the child seat and secure the child seat with the lap belt only. If the seat is installed facing the rear of the car, place the shoulder belt between the car's seat-back and the base of the child seat and secure the child seat with the lap belt only. Children could be endangered in a crash, if their child restraints are not properly secured. Follow the child seat manufacturer's instructions when installing the seat.

Your Honda automobile is equipped with attachment points specifically for a rear seat mounted child restraint system which uses a top tether. The tether attachment points are located on the rear tray, just behind the rear seat-back.

When the child restraint system is not in use, remove it from the car or secure it with the seat belt to keep it from becoming a projectile in the event of an accident.

NOTE: See your Honda dealer for installation of the child restraint system.

Pregnant Women

A pregnant woman should use the shoulder and lap belts to help lessen the chance of injury and/or the amount of injury in an accident.

It is desirable that a pregnant woman ask her doc- tor at each medical check-up if she can drive, and also ask about the most appropriate way of wearing the lap/shoulder belt. If a rear seat lap belt is used, it should be worn as low and snugly as possible over the hips.

(cont'd)

Seat Belts (cont'd)

Inspection

All parts of the seat belts, including the belt fabric, should be regularly inspected for fraying, loosening, wear and other damage. Keep the belts in good condition at all times to reduce the chance of being injured in an accident, and to minimize any injuries that do occur. Make sure the buckles, retractors, tongue plates, guides and anchors all work properly.

Don't let anything get inside the buckle or the retractor; it could cause latch or retractor failure. Cleaning

The belts should always be kept clean and dry; wet or damp belts can cause rewinding problems. To clean the belts, pull them all the way out of their retractors and use warm water and a mild soap; then let them air-dry fully extended, in the shade, with the car windows open.

Never bleach, dye or clean the belts with chemical solvents; it will weaken the fabric. Do not remove the seat belts from the car to wash them.

Replacement

Replace the seat belt if: 1.The belting is cut, punctured, burned, etc. 2. The buckle or retractor does not work properly. 3. It was being worn at the time of a collision (also check for

damage at the seat belt anchor points).

4. Its condition is questionable.

Instrument Panel

CRUISE CONTROL MASTER SWITCH

WIPER/ WASHER SWITCH

HAZARD WARNING SWITCH

DIGITAL CLOCK

LIGHT SWITCH

SUNROOF SWITCH

REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER SWITCH

COIN BOX

HOOD RELEASE HANDLE

IGNITION SWITCH

FUSE BOX

TILT STEERING ADJUSTMENT LEVER

ASHTRAY

PANEL BRIGHTNESS CONTROL KNOB

HEATING/ COOLING CONTROL PANEL

CIGARETTE LIGHTER

GLOVE BOX

TACHOMETER

SPEEDOMETER

FUEL GAUGE

SHIFT LEVER POSITION INDICATOR (Automatic Trans. only)

COOLANT TEMPERATURE GAUGE

ODOMETER

TRIP METER

SAFETY INDICATOR LIGHTS

TRIP METER RESET BUTTON

Gauges