2001 Honda Accord Coupe Owners Manual

airbag. Carrying hard or sharp objects on your lap, or driving with a pipe or other sharp object in your mouth, can result in injuries if your front airbag inflates.

Do not attach or place objects on the front airbag covers. Any object attached to or placed on the covers marked "SRS AIRBAG" in the center of the steering wheel and on top of the dashboard could interfere with the proper operation of the airbags. Or, if the airbags inflate, the objects could be propelled inside the car and hurt someone.

Protecting Adults

On the models with side airbags, do not attach hard objects on or near a door. If a side airbag inflates, a cup holder or other hard object attached on or near the door could be propelled inside the car and hurt someone.

Keep your hands and arms away from the airbag covers. If your hands or arms are close to the airbag cover in the center of the steering wheel or on top of the dashboard, they could be injured if the front airbags inflate.

Driver and Passenger Safety

Main MenuTable of ContentsstProtecting Children

Children depend on adults to protect them. However, despite their best intentions, many parents and other adults may not know how to properly protect young passengers.

So if you have children, or if you ever need to drive with a grandchild or other children in your car, be sure to read this section.

Driver and Passenger Safety

Children who are unrestrained or improperly restrained can be seriously injured or killed in a crash.

Any child too small for a seat belt should be properly restrained in a child seat. A larger child should be properly restrained with a seat belt.

All Children Must Be Restrained Each year, many children are injured or killed in vehicle crashes because they are either unrestrained or not properly restrained. In fact, vehicle accidents are the number one cause of death of children ages 12 and under.

To reduce the number of child deaths and injuries, every state and Canadian province requires that infants and children be restrained whenever they ride in a vehicle.

Any child who is too small to wear a seat belt should be properly restrained in a child seat. (See page 25.)

A larger child should always be restrained with a seat belt. (See page 36.)

Main MenuTable of ContentsstAdditional Precautions to Parents Never hold an infant or child on your lap. If you are not wearing a seat belt in a crash, you could be thrown forward into the dashboard and crush the child.

If you are wearing a seat belt, the child can be torn from your arms during a crash. For example, if your car crashes into a parked vehicle at 30 mph (48 km/h), a 20- Ib (9 kg) infant will become a 600- Ib (275 kg) force, and you will not be able to hold on.

Never put a seat belt over yourself and an infant or child. During a crash, the belt could press deep into the child and cause very serious injuries.

Children Should Sit in the Back Seat According to accident statistics, children of all ages and sizes are safer when they are restrained in the back seat, not the front seat. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Transport Canada recommend that all children ages 12 and under be properly restrained in the back seat.

In the back seat, children are less likely to be injured by striking hard interior parts during a collision or hard braking. Also, children cannot be injured by an inflating airbag when they ride in the back.

Protecting Children

The Passenger's Front Airbag Poses Serious Risks to Children Front airbags have been designed to help protect adults in a moderate to severe frontal collision. To do this, the passenger's front airbag is quite large, and it inflates with tremendous speed.

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Driver and Passenger Safety

Main MenuTable of ContentsstProtecting Children

Infants Never put a rear-facing child seat in the front scat of a vehicle equipped with a passenger's front airbag. If the airbag inflates, it can hit the back of the child seat with enough force to kill or very seriously injure an infant.

Small Children Placing a forward-facing child seat in the front seat of a vehicle equipped with a passenger's front airbag can be hazardous. If the vehicle seat is too far forward, or the child's head is thrown forward during a collision, an inflating front airbag can strike the child with enough force to kill or very seriously injure a small child.

Larger Children Children who have outgrown child seats are also at risk of being injured or killed by an inflating passenger's front airbag. Whenever possible, larger children should sit in the back seat, properly restrained with a seat belt. (See page 36 for important information about protecting larger children.)

Driver and Passenger Safety

Main MenuTable of ContentsstU.S. Models To remind yon of the passenger's front airbag hazards, and that children must be properly restrained in the back seat, your car has warning labels on the dashboard and on the driver's and front passenger's visors. Please read and follow the instructions on these labels.

Protecting Children

Canadian Models To remind you of the front airbag hazards, your car has warning labels on the driver's and front passenger's visors. Please read and follow the instructions on these labels.

CAUTION TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY: FOR MAXIMUM SAFETY PROTECTION IN ALL TYPES OF CRASHES, YOU MUST ALWAYS WEAR YOUR SAFETY BELT. DO NOT INSTALL REARWARD-FACING CHILD SEATS IN ANY FRONT PASSENGER SEAT POSITION. DO NOT SIT OR LEAN UNNECESSARILY CLOSE TO THE AIR BAG DO NOT PLACE ANY OBJECTS OVER THE AIR BAG OR BETWEEN THE AIR BAG AND YOURSELF. SEE THE OWNER'S MANUAL FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND EXPLANATIONS.

PRECAUTION: POUR EVITER DES BLESSURES GRAVES: POUR PROFITER D'UNE PROTECTION MAXIMALE LORS D'UNE COLLISION BOUCLEZ TOUJOURS VOTRE CEINTURE DE SECURITE. N'lNSTALLEZ JAMAIS UN SIEGE POUR ENFANTS FAISANT FACE A L'ARRIERE SUR LE SIEGE DU PASSAGER AVANT. NE VOUS APPUYEZ PAS ET NE VOUS ASSEYEZ PAS PRES DU COUSSIN GONFLABLE NE DEPOSEZ AUCUN OBJET SUR LE COUSSIN GONFLABLE OU ENTRE LE COUSSIN GONFLABLE ET VOUS. LISEZ LE GUIDE UTILISATEUR POUR DE PLUS AMPLES RENSEIGNEMENTS.

Driver and Passenger Safety

Main MenuTable of ContentsstProtecting Children

If You Must Drive with Several Children Your car has three seating positions in the back seat where children can be properly restrained.

If you ever have to carry more than three children in your car:

Place the largest child in the front seat, provided the child is large enough to wear a seat belt properly (see page 36).

Move the vehicle seat as far to the rear as possible (see page 13).

Have the child sit upright and well back in the seat (see page 17).

Make sure the seat belt is properly positioned and secured (see page 15).

Driver and Passenger Safety

Additional Safety Precautions

Do not leave children alone in your vehicle. Leaving children without adult supervision is illegal in most states and Canadian provinces, and can be very hazardous. For example, infants and small children left in a vehicle on a hot day can die from heatstroke. And children left alone with the key in the ignition can accidentally set the vehicle in motion, possibly injuring themselves or others.

If a Child Requires Close Attention Many parents say they prefer to put an infant or small child in the front passenger seat so they can watch the child, or because the child requires attention.

Placing a child in the front seat exposes the child to hazards from the passenger's front airbag, and paying close attention to a child distracts the driver from the important tasks of driving, placing both of you at risk.

If a child requires physical attention or frequent visual contact, we strongly recommend that another adult ride with the child in the back seat. The back seat is far safer for a child than the front.

Main MenuTable of ContentsstLock both doors and the trunk when your vehicle is not in use. Children who play in cars can accidentally get trapped inside the trunk. Teach your children not to play in or around cars. Know how to operate the emergency trunk opener (U.S. models only) and decide if your children should be shown how to use this feature (see page 87).

Keep car keys and remote transmitters out of the reach of children. Even very young children learn how to unlock vehicle doors, turn on the ignition, and open the trunk, which can lead to accidental injury or death.

General Guidelines for Using Child Seats The following pages give general guidelines for selecting and installing child seats for infants and small children.

Selecting a Child Seat To provide proper protection, a child seat should meet three requirements:

1.The child seat should meet safety standards. The child seat should meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 (FMVSS 213) or Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 (CMVSS 213). Look for the manufacturer's statement of compliance on the box and seat.

Protecting Children

2. The child seat should be of the

proper type and size to fit the child.

Infants: Children up to about one year old should be restrained in a rear-facing, reclining child seat. Only a rear-facing seat provides the proper support to protect an infant's head, neck, and back. See page 29 for additional information on protecting infants.

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Driver and Passenger Safety

Main MenuTable of ContentsstBefore purchasing a child seat, we recommend that parents test the child seat in the specific vehicle seating position (or positions) where they intend to use the seat. If a previously purchased child seat does not fit, you may need to buy a different one that will fit.

3. The child seat should fit the vehicle seating position (or positions) where it will be used.

Due to variations in the design of child seats, vehicle seats, and seat belts, all child seats will not fit all vehicle seating positions.

However, Honda is confident that one or more child seat models can fit and be properly installed in all recommended seating positions in your car.

Protecting Children

Small Children: A child who is too large for a rear-facing child seat, and who can sit up without support, should be restrained in a forward- facing child seat. See page 33 for additional information on protecting small children.

Driver and Passenger Safety

Main MenuTable of ContentsstPlacing a Child Seat This page briefly summarizes Honda's recommendations on where to place rear-facing and forward- facing child seats in your car.

Airbags Pose Serious

Risks to Children

The passenger's front airbag inflates with enough force to kill or seriously injure an infant in a rear-facing child seal.

A small child in a forward-facing child seat is also at risk. If the vehicle seat is too far forward, or the child's head is thrown forward during a collision, an inflating front airbag can kill or seriously injure the child.

If a small child must ride in the front, follow the instructions provided in this section.

Protecting Children

Front Passenger's Seat Infants: Never in the front seat, due

to the front airbag hazard.

Small children: Not recommended,

due to the front airbag hazard. If a small child must ride in front, move the vehicle seat to the rear- most position and secure a front- facing child seat with the seat belt (see page 34).

Back Seats Infants: Recommended positions. Secure a rear-facing child seat with the seat belt (see page 30).

Small children: Recommended

positions. Secure a front-facing child seat with the seat belt (see page 34).

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Driver and Passenger Safety

Main MenuTable of ContentsstProtecting Children

Installing a Child Seat After selecting a proper child seat, and a good position to install the seat, there are three main steps in installing the seat:

To provide security during normal driving maneuvers as well as during a collision, we recommend that parents secure a child seat as firmly as possible.

1. Secure the child seat to the car with a seat belt. All child seats must be secured to the car with the lap part of a lap/shoulder belt. A child whose seat is not properly secured to the car can be endangered in a crash. See pages 30 and 34 for instructions on how to secure child seats in this car.

2. Make sure the child seat is firmly

secured. After installing a child seat, push and pull the seat forward and from side to side to verify that it is secure.

However, a child seat does not need to be "rock solid." In some vehicles or seating positions, it may be difficult to install a child seat so that it does not move at all. Some side-to- side or back-and-forth movement can be expected and should not reduce the child seat's effectiveness.

If the child seat is not secure, try installing it in a different seating position, or use a different style of child seat that can be firmly secured in the desired seating position.

3. Secure the child in the child seat.

Make sure the child is properly strapped in the child seat according to the child seat maker's instructions. A child who is not properly secured in a child seat can be thrown out of the seat in a crash and be seriously injured.

Storing a Child Seat When you are not using a child seat, either remove it and store it in a safe place, or make sure it is properly secured. An unsecured child seat can be thrown around the car during a crash or sudden stop and injure someone.

Driver and Passenger Safety

Main MenuTable of ContentsstPlacing a rear-facing child seat in the front seat can result in serious injury or death if the passenger's front airbag inflates.

Always place a rear-facing child seat in the back seat, not the front.

We recommend that an infant be restrained in a rear-facing child seat until the infant reaches the seat maker's weight or height limit and is able to sit up without support.

Protecting Infants

Child Seat Type Only a rear-facing child seat provides proper support for a baby's head, neck, and back. Infants up to about one year of age must be restrained in a rear-facing child seat.

Two types of seats may be used: a seat designed exclusively for infants, or a convertible seat used in the rear- facing, reclining mode.

Protecting Children

Rear-Facing Child Seat Placement In this car, a rear-facing child seat can be placed in any seating position in the back seat, but not in the front seat.

Never put a rear-facing child seat in the front seat. If the passenger's front airbag inflates, it can hit the back of the child seat with enough force to kill or seriously injure an infant. If an infant must be closely watched, we recommend that another adult sit in the back seat with the baby.

Do not put a rear-facing child seat in a forward-facing position. If placed facing forward, an infant could be very seriously injured during a frontal collision.

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Driver and Passenger Safety

Main MenuTable of ContentsstProtecting Children

Rear-Facing Child Seat Installation The lap/shoulder belts in the back seats have a locking mechanism that must be activated to secure a child seat.

The following pages provide instructions and tips on how to secure a rear-facing child seat with this type of seat belt.

Driver and Passenger Safety

1. With the child seat in the desired

back seating position, route the belt through the child seat according to the seat maker's instructions, then insert the latch plate into the buckle.

2. To activate the lockable retractor, slowly pull the shoulder part of the belt all the way out until it stops, then let the belt feed back into the retractor (you might hear a clicking noise as the belt retracts).

3. After the belt has retracted, tug on it. If the belt is locked, you will not be able to pull it out. If you can pull the belt out, it is not locked and you will need to repeat these steps.

Main MenuTable of ContentsstProtecting Children

To deactivate the locking mechanism and remove a child seat, unlatch the buckle, unroute the seat belt, and let the belt fully retract.

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Driver and Passenger Safety

4. After confirming that the belt is locked, grab the shoulder part of the belt near the buckle and pull up to remove any slack from the lap part of the belt. Remember, if the lap part of the belt is not tight, the child seat will not be secure. To remove slack, it may help to put weight on the child seat, or push on the back of the seat, while pulling up on the belt.

5. Push and pull the child seat

forward and from side to side to verify that it is secure enough to stay upright during normal driving maneuvers. If the child seat is not secure, unlatch the belt, allow it to retract fully, then repeat these steps.

Main MenuTable of ContentsstProtecting Children

Rear-Facing Child Seat Installation Tips

For proper protection, an infant must ride in a reclined, or semi-reclined position. To determine the proper reclining angle, check with the baby's doctor or follow the seat maker's recommendations.

To achieve the desired reclining angle, it may help to put a rolled up towel under the toe of the child seat, as shown.

Driver and Passenger Safety

When properly installed, a rear- facing child seat may prevent the driver or a front-seat passenger from moving the seat as far back as recommended (see page 13). Or it may prevent them from locking the seat-back in the desired upright position (see page 14).

In either case, we recommend that you place the child seat directly behind the front passenger seat, move the front seat as far forward as needed, and leave it unoccupied. Or you may wish to get a smaller child seat that allows you to safely carry a front passenger.

Additional Precautions for Infants Never hold an infant on your lap. If you are not wearing a seat belt in a crash, you could be thrown forward into the dashboard and crush the infant.

If you are wearing a seat belt, the infant can be torn from your arms during a crash. For example, if your car crashes into a parked vehicle at 30 mph (48 km/h), a 20-lb (9 kg) infant will become a 600-lb (275 kg) force, and you will not be able to hold on.

Never put a seat belt over yourself and an infant. During a crash, the belt could press deep into the infant and cause very serious injuries.

Main MenuTable of ContentsstProtecting Small Children

Child Seat Type A child who can sit up without support, and who fits within the child seat maker's weight and height limits, should be restrained in a forward-facing, upright child seat.

Of the different seats available, we recommend those that have a five- point harness system as shown.

Protecting Children

We also recommend that a small child stay in the child seat as long as possible, until the child reaches the weight or height limit for the seat.

Child Seat Placement In this car, the best place to install a forward-facing child seat is in one of the seating positions in the back seat.

Placing a forward-facing child seat in the front seat of a vehicle equipped with a passenger's front airbag can be hazardous. If the vehicle seat is too far forward, or the child's head is thrown forward during a collision, an inflating front airbag can strike the child with enough force to cause very serious or fatal injuries. If a small child must be closely watched, we recommend that another adult sit in the back seat with the child.

Improperly placing a forward- facing child seat in the front seat can result in serious injury or death if the front airbags inflate.

If you must place a forward- facing child seat in front, move the vehicle seat as far back as possible and properly restrain the child.

If it is necessary to put a forward- facing child seat in the front, move the vehicle seat as far to the rear as possible, be sure the child seat is firmly secured to the car, and the child is properly strapped in the seat.

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Driver and Passenger Safety

Main MenuTable of ContentsstProtecting Children

Child Seat Installation The lap/shoulder belts in the back and front passenger seating positions have a locking mechanism that must be activated to secure a child seat.

The following pages provide instructions on how to secure a forward-facing child seat with this type of seat belt.

Driver and Passenger Safety

1. With the child seat in the desired

seating position, route the belt through the child seat according to the seat maker's instructions, then insert the latch plate into the buckle.

2. To activate the lockable retractor, slowly pull the shoulder part of the belt all the way out until it stops, then let the belt feed back into the retractor (you might hear a clicking noise as the belt retracts).

3. After the belt has retracted, tug on it. If the belt is locked, you will not be able to pull it out. If you can pull the belt out, it is not locked and you will need to repeat these steps.

Main MenuTable of ContentsstProtecting Children

To deactivate the locking mechanism in order to remove a child seat, unlatch the buckle, unroute the seat belt, and let the belt fully retract.

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Driver and Passenger Safety

4. After confirming that the belt is locked, grab the shoulder part of the belt near the buckle and pull up to remove any slack from the lap part of the belt. Remember, if the lap part of the belt is not tight, the child seat will not be secure. It may help to put weight on the child seat, or push on the back of the seat, while pulling up on the belt.

5. Push and pull the child seat

forward and from side to side to verify that it is secure enough to stay upright during normal driving maneuvers. If the child seat is not secure, unlatch the belt, allow it to retract fully, then repeat these steps.

Main MenuTable of ContentsstAllowing a larger child to sit improperly in the front seat can result in injury or death if the passenger's front airbag inflates.

If a larger child must sit in front, make sure the child moves the seat as far back as possible and wears the seat belt properly.

Protecting Children

Additional Precautions for Small Children

Never hold a small child on your lap. If you are not wearing a seat belt in a crash, you could be thrown forward into the dashboard and crush the child.

If you are wearing a seat belt, the child can be torn from your arms during a crash. For example, if your car crashes into a parked vehicle at 30 mph (48 km/h), a 30-lb (14 kg) child will become a 900-lb (410 kg) force, and you will not be able to hold on.

Never put a seat belt over yourself and a child. During a crash, the belt could press deep into the child and cause very serious injuries.

Protecting Larger Children When a child reaches the recommended weight or height limit for a forward-facing child seat, the child should sit in the back seat and wear a lap/shoulder belt.

If a child is too short for the shoulder part of the belt to properly fit, we recommend that the child use a booster seat until the child is tall enough to use the seat belt without a booster.

The following pages give instructions on how to check proper seat belt fit, what kind of booster seat to use if one is needed, and important precautions for a child who must sit in the front seat.

Driver and Passenger Safety

Main MenuTable of ContentsstChecking Seat Belt Fit

To determine if a lap/shoulder belt properly fits a child, have the child put on the seat belt. Follow the instructions on page 15 . Then check how the belt fits.

If the shoulder part of the belt rests over the child's collarbone and against the center of the chest, as shown, the child is large enough to wear the seat belt.

Protecting Children

Do not put any accessories on a seat belt. Devices intended to improve occupant comfort or reposition the shoulder part of a seat belt, severely compromise the protective capability of the seat belt and increase the chance of serious injury in a crash.

Two children should never use the same seat belt. If they do, they could be very seriously injured in a crash.

However, if the belt touches or crosses the child's neck, the child needs to use a booster seat.

Do not let a child wear a seat belt across the neck. This could result in serious neck injuries during a crash.

Do not let a child put the shoulder part of a seat belt behind the back or under the arm. This could cause very serious injuries during a crash. It also increases the chance that the child will slide under the belt in a crash and be injured.

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Driver and Passenger Safety

Main MenuTable of ContentsstProtecting Children

Using a Booster Seat

If a child needs a booster seat, we recommend choosing a style that allows the child to use the lap/ shoulder belt directly, without a shield, as shown.

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

Driver and Passenger Safety

A child may continue using a booster seat until the tops of the ears are even with the top of the seat-back. A child of this height should be tall enough to use the lap/shoulder belt without a booster.

When Can a Larger Child Sit in Front The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Transport Canada recommend that all children ages 12 and under be properly restrained in a back seat.

The back seat is the safest place for a child of any age or size.

In addition, the passenger's front airbag poses serious risks to children. If the seat is too far forward, or the child's head is thrown forward during a collision, or the child is unrestrained or out of position, an inflating front airbag can kill or seriously injure the child.

The side airbag also poses risks. If any part of a larger child's body is in the path of a deploying airbag, the child could receive possibly serious injuries.

Main MenuTable of ContentsstProtecting Children

If you decide that a child can safely ride up front, be sure to:

Check that the child's seat belt is properly positioned and secured.

Carefully read the owner's manual and make sure you understand all seat belt instructions and all safety information.

Supervise the child. Even mature children sometimes need to be reminded to fasten the seat belts or sit properly.

Move the vehicle seat to the rear- most position.

Have the child sit up straight, back against the seat, and feet on or near the floor.

Of course, children very widely. And while age may be one indicator of when a child can safely ride in the front, there are other important factors you should consider.

Physical Size Physically, a child must be large enough for the lap/shoulder belt to properly fit over the hips, chest, and shoulder (see pages 15 and 36). If the seat belt does not fit properly, the child should not sit in the front.

Maturity To safely ride in front, a child must be able to follow the rules, including sitting properly and wearing the seat belt properly throughout a ride.

Driver and Passenger Safety

Main MenuTable of ContentsstProtecting Children

Using Child Seats with Tethers

COVER

Your car has three tether anchorage points under the rear window for securing a tether-style child seat to the car.

The tether anchorage points are located under plastic covers. Pivot the cover backward to access the anchorage point.

Since a tether can provide additional security, we recommend using a tether whenever one is required or available.

Attach the tether strap hook to the tether anchorage point as shown in the illustration, then tighten the strap according to the child seat maker's instructions.

Driver and Passenger Safety

Main MenuTable of ContentsstSeat Belt System Components Your seat belt system includes lap/ shoulder belts in all five seating positions. The front seat belts are also equipped with automatic seat belt tensioners.

The seat belt system also includes a light on the

instrument panel to remind you and your passengers to fasten your belts. If the driver's seat belt is not fastened before the ignition is turned ON (II), the light will come on and a beeper will also sound. The beeper will stop after a few seconds, but the light will stay on until the driver's seat belt is fastened.

Additional Information About Your Seat Belts

Lap/Shoulder Belt

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

Guide the belt across your body to the door pillar. After exiting the car, be sure the belt is out of the way and will not get closed in the door.

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

To fasten the belt, insert the latch plate into the buckle, then tug on the belt to make sure the buckle is latched.

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Driver and Passenger Safety

Main MenuTable of ContentsstSee page 15 for instructions on how to wear the lap/shoulder belt properly.

Additional Information About Your Seat Belts

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

The seat belts in all seating positions except the driver's have an additional locking mechanism that must be activated to secure a child seat. (See pages 30 and 34 for instructions on how to secure child seats with this type of seat belt.)

If the shoulder part of the belt is pulled all the way out, the locking mechanism will activate. The belt will retract, but it will not allow the passenger to move freely.

To deactivate the locking mechanism, unlatch the buckle and let the seat belt fully retract. To refasten the belt, pull it out only as far as needed.

Driver and Passenger Safety

Main MenuTable of ContentsstAdditional Information About Your Seat Belts

S R S

The SRS indicator light will come on if there is a

problem with your automatic seat belt tensioners (see page 48).

Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners

For added protection, the front seat belts are equipped with automatic seat belt tensioners. When activated, the tensioners immediately tighten the belts to help hold the driver and a front passenger in place.

The tensioners are designed to activate primarily in frontal collisions. The tensioners are independent of the airbag system, so they can be activated during a collision that might not cause the airbags to deploy. In this case, the airbags would not be needed but the additional seat belt tension can be helpful.

The tensioners will be activated in a collision severe enough to cause the front airbags to inflate.

When the tensioners are activated, the seat belts will remain tight until they are unbuckled in the normal way.

Driver and Passenger Safety

Main MenuTable of ContentsstAdditional Information About Your Seat Belts

Not checking or maintaining seat belts can result in serious injury or death if the seat belts do not work properly when needed.

Check your seat belts regularly and have any problem corrected as soon as possible.

If a seat belt is worn during a crash, you should have your dealer inspect the belt, and replace it if necessary. A belt that has been worn during a crash may not provide the same level of protection in a subsequent crash. The dealer should also inspect the anchors for damage and replace them if needed.

Automatic seat belt tensioners that deployed during a crash must be replaced.

For information on how to clean your seat belts, see page 289.

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

Pull each belt out fully and look for frays, cuts, burns, and wear. Check that the latches work smoothly and that the lap/shoulder belts retract easily. Any belt not in good condition or not working properly will not provide good protection and should be replaced as soon as possible.

U.S. Models Honda provides a lifetime warranty on seat belts. Honda will repair or replace any seat belt component that fails to function properly during normal use. Please see your Honda Warranty Information booklet for details.

Driver and Passenger Safety

Main MenuTable of ContentsstAdditional Information About Your Airbags

SRS Components Your Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) includes:

Two front airbags. The driver's airbag is stored in the center of the steering wheel; the front passenger's airbag is stored in the dashboard. Both are marked "SRS AIRBAG."

Automatic seat belt tensioners (see page 43).

Sensors that can detect a moderate to severe frontal collision.

A sophisticated electronic system that continually monitors and records information about the sensors, the control unit, the airbag activators, and driver and passenger seat belt use when the ignition is ON (II).

An indicator light on the instrument panel that alerts you to a possible problem with the system (see page 48).

Emergency backup power in case your car's electrical system is disconnected in a crash.

How Your Front Airbags Work

If you ever have a moderate to severe frontal collision, the sensors will detect the vehicle's rapid deceleration. If the rate of deceleration is high enough, the control unit will instantly inflate the front airbags.

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Driver and Passenger Safety

Main MenuTable of ContentsstAdditional Information About Your Airbags

During a frontal crash, your seat belts help restrain your lower body and torso. Your airbag provides a cushion to help restrain and protect your head and chest.

Since both airbags use the same sensors, both airbags normally inflate at the same time. However, it is possible for only one airbag to inflate.

This can occur when the severity of a collision is at the margin, or threshold, that determines whether or not the airbags will deploy. In such cases, the seat belt will provide sufficient protection, and the supplemental protection offered by the airbag would be minimal.

Driver and Passenger Safety

After inflating, the front airbags immediately deflate, so they won't interfere with the driver's visibility, or the ability to steer or operate other controls.

The total time for inflation and deflation is approximately one-tenth of a second, so fast that most occupants are not aware that the airbags deployed until they see them lying in their laps.

After a crash, you may see what looks like smoke. This is actually powder from the airbag's surface. Although the powder is not harmful, people with respiratory problems may experience some temporary discomfort. If this occurs, get out of the car as soon as it is safe to do so.

U.S. Owners For additional information on how your airbags work, see the booklet titled SRS: What You Need to Know About Airbags that came with your owner's manual.

Canadian Owners For additional information on how your airbags work, ask your dealer for a copy of the booklet titled SRS: What You Need to Know About Airbags.

Main MenuTable of ContentsstHow Your Side Airbags Work Some models are equipped with side airbags for the driver and a front seat passenger. The airbags are stored in the outer edges of the front seat-backs, and both are marked "SIDE AIRBAG."

Additional Information About Your Airbags

To get the best protection from the side airbags, front seat occupants should wear their seat belts and sit upright and well back in their seats.

If you ever have a moderate to severe side impact, the sensors will detect rapid deceleration and signal the control unit to instantly inflate either the driver's or the passenger's side airbag.

Only one airbag will deploy during a side impact. If the impact is on the passenger's side, the passenger's side airbag will deploy even if there is no passenger.

Driver and Passenger Safety

Main MenuTable of ContentsstAdditional Information About Your Airbags

How the SRS Indicator Light Works The SRS indicator light S R S alerts you to a potential problem with your front airbags. This light will also alert you to a potential problem with your automatic seat belt tensioners (page 43).

On models with side airbags, this light will also alert you to a potential problem with your side airbags or passenger's side airbag automatic cutoff system (see page 49).

When you turn the ignition ON (II), this indicator will light briefly then go out. This tells you that the system is working properly.

If the light comes on at any other time, or does not come on at all, you should have the system checked by your dealer. For example:

If the SRS indicator light does not come on after you turn the ignition ON (II).

If the light stays on after the engine starts.

If the light comes on or flashes on and off while you drive.

If you see any of these indications, your front or side airbags may not deploy, your passenger's side airbag automatic cutoff system may not work properly, or your seat belt tensioners may not work when you need them. See your Honda dealer as soon as possible.

Driver and Passenger Safety

Ignoring the SRS indicator light can result in serious injury or death if the airbags, cutoff system, or tensioners do not work properly.

Have your vehicle checked by a dealer as soon as possible if the SRS light alerts you to a potential problem.

Main MenuTable of ContentsstAdditional Information About Your Airbags

If a small-statured adult leans sideways, or larger adult slouches and leans sideways into the deployment path of the side airbag, the system may also shut off the side airbag.

If the side airbag indicator light comes on, you should have the passenger sit upright. Once the passenger is out of the deployment path of the side airbag, the system will turn the airbag back on and the light will go out.

A front seat passenger should not use a cushion or other object as a backrest. It may prevent the cutoff system from working properly.

When you turn the ignition ON (II), the indicator should light briefly and go out (see page 60 ). If it doesn't light, stays on, or comes on while driving without a passenger in the front seat, have the system checked.

How The Side Airbag Indicator Light Works Only on models equipped with side airbags SIDE AIRBAG has been automatically shut off.

This light alerts you that the passenger's side airbag

To reduce the risk of injury from an inflating side airbag, your car has an automatic cutoff system for the passenger's side airbag.

Although Honda does not encourage children to ride in the front, this system is designed to shut off the side airbag if a child leans sideways and the child's head is in the side airbag deployment path.

Driver and Passenger Safety

Main MenuTable of ContentsstAdditional Information About Your Airbags

The SRS indicator light alerts you to a problem. Take your car to an authorized Honda dealer as soon as possible. If you ignore this indication, the airbags might not inflate when you need them.

Additional Safety Precautions

Do not attempt to deactivate your airbags. Together, airbags and seat belts provide the best protection.

Do not tamper with airbag components or wiring for any reason. Tampering could cause the airbags to deploy, possibly causing very serious injury.

Do not expose the front seat-backs to water. If rain or spilled water soaks into a seat-back, it can prevent the side airbag system from working properly.

Airbag Service Your front and side airbag systems (if equipped) are virtually maintenance-free, and there are no parts you can safely service. However, you must have your car serviced if:

Your airbags ever inflate. Any airbag that has deployed must be replaced along with the control unit and other related parts. Do not try to remove or replace any airbag by yourself. This must be done by a Honda dealer or a knowledgeable body shop.

Driver and Passenger Safety

Main MenuTable of ContentsstAdditional Information About Your Airbags

Do not cover or replace front seat- back covers without consulting a Honda dealer. Improperly replacing or covering front seat- back covers can prevent your side airbags from inflating during a collision.

See page 183 for further information and precautions relating to your airbags.

Driver and Passenger Safety

Main MenuTable of ContentsstCarbon Monoxide Hazard

Your car's exhaust contains carbon monoxide gas. You should have no problem with carbon monoxide entering the car in normal driving if you maintain your car properly. Have the exhaust system inspected for leaks whenever:

The car is raised for an oil change. You notice a change in the sound of the exhaust. The car was in an accident that may have damaged the underside.

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

Avoid any enclosed areas or activities that expose you to carbon monoxide.

High levels of carbon monoxide can collect rapidly in enclosed areas, such as a garage. Do not run the engine with the garage door closed. Even with the door open, run the engine only long enough to move the vehicle out of the garage.

Driver and Passenger Safety

With the trunk lid open, air flow can pull exhaust gas into your car's interior and create a hazardous condition. If you must drive with the trunk lid open, open all the windows and set the heating and cooling system/climate control system as shown below.

If you must sit in your parked car, even in an unconfined area, with the engine running, adjust the heating and cooling system/climate control system as follows:

1. Select the Fresh Air mode. 2. Select the 3. Turn the fan on high speed. 4. Set the temperature control to a

mode.

comfortable setting.

Main MenuTable of ContentsstThese labels are in the locations shown. They warn you of potential hazards that could cause serious injury. Read these labels carefully.

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

DASHBOARD U.S. models only

RADIATOR CAP

Safety Labels

SUN VISOR U.S. models

Canadian models

HOOD On cars without Side Airbags

Driver and Passenger Safety

Main MenuTable of ContentsstThis section gives information about the controls and displays that contribute to the daily operation of your Honda. All the essential controls are within easy reach.

Control Locations............................ 56
Indicator Lights................................ 57
Gauges.............................................. 63
Speedometer................................ 63
Tachometer.................................. 63
Odometer...................................... 63
Trip Meter.................................... 64
Temperature Gauge.................... 64
Fuel Gauge................................... 64
Maintenance Required

Indicator.................................... 65

Controls Near the Steering

Wheel........................................66
Headlights.................................... 67
Automatic Lighting Off

Feature...................................... 68
Daytime Running Lights............. 68
Instrument Panel Brightness..... 69
Turn Signals................................. 69

Windshield Wipers...................... 70
Windshield Washers................... 71
Hazard Warning........................... 71
Rear Window Defogger.............. 72
Steering Wheel Adjustment....... 73
Steering Wheel Controls ................ 74
Cruise Control.............................. 74
Remote Audio Controls .............. 77
Keys and Locks................................ 77
Keys...............................................77
Immobilizer System..................... 78
Ignition Switch............................. 80
Power Door Locks....................... 81
Lockout Prevention................. 82
Remote Transmitter.................... 83
Trunk............................................ 86
Emergency Trunk Opener......... 87
Glove Box..................................... 88

HomeLink Universal

Transmitter.................................. 89
Seat Adjustments............................. 94
Front Seat Adjustments.............. 94
Driver's Seat Manual Height

Adjustment............................... 95

Driver's Seat Power Height

Adjustment............................... 95

Instruments and Controls

Driver's Seat Power

Adjustments............................. 96
Driver's Lumbar Support............ 97
Rear Seat Access......................... 98
Head Restraints........................... 99
Folding Rear Seat...................... 100
Seat Heaters................................... 102
Power Windows............................. 103
Moonroof........................................ 105
Mirrors............................................ 106
Adjusting the Power Mirrors... 106
Parking Brake................................ 108
Digital Clock................................... 109
Sunglasses Holder......................... 109
Beverage Holder............................ 110
Console Compartment.................. 111
Sun Visor......................................... 112
Vanity Mirror................................. 112
Coin Box......................................... 113
Center Pocket................................ 113
Accessory Power Socket.............. 113
Interior Lights................................ 114
Ceiling Light............................... 114
Spotlights.................................... 114
Courtesy Lights......................... 115

Instruments and Controls

Main MenustControl Locations

POWER DOOR LOCKS (P.81)

MIRROR CONTROLS (P.106)

DIGITAL CLOCK (P.109)

HEATING/COOLING CONTROLS (P.118) CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM (P.125)

POWER WINDOW SWITCHES (P.103)

FUEL FILL DOOR/TRUNK RELEASE HANDLE (P.175/86)

HOOD RELEASE HANDLE (P.176)

AUDIO SYSTEM (P.133, 148)

Instruments and Controls

Main MenuTable of ContentsstIndicator Lights

HIGH BEAM INDICATOR (P. 62)

SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM INDICATOR (P. 60)

CRUISE CONTROL INDICATOR (P. 62)

IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM INDICATOR (P. 59)

TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM INDICATOR (P. 60)

MAINTENANCE REQUIRED INDICATOR (P. 65)

MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (P. 311)

ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR (P. 59)

PARKING BRAKE AND BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR* (P. 59)

SIDE AIRBAG INDICATOR (P. 60)

LOW OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR (P. 58, 309)

LOW FUEL INDICATOR (P. 62)

SEAT BELT REMINDER LIGHT (P. 58)

U.S. V-6 model is shown.

CHARGING SYSTEM INDICATOR (P. 58, 310)

DOOR AND BRAKE LAMP MONITOR (P. 61)

* The U.S. instrument panel is shown. Differences for the Canadian models are noted in the text.

Instruments and Controls

Main MenuTable of ContentsstSeat Belt Reminder Light

This indicator lights when you turn the ignition switch ON (II). It is a reminder to you and your passengers to protect yourselves by fastening the seat belts. A beeper also sounds if you have not fastened your seat belt.

If you do not fasten your seat belt, the beeper will stop after a few seconds but the light stays on until you do. Both the light and the beeper stay off if you fasten your seat belt before turning on the ignition.

Low Oil Pressure Indicator

The engine can be severely damaged if this light flashes or stays on when the engine is running. For complete information, see page 309.

Charging System Indicator

If this light comes on when the engine is running, the battery is not being charged. For complete information, see page 310.

Indicator Lights

The instrument panel has many indicators to give you important information about your car.

Instruments and Controls

Main MenuTable of ContentsstIndicator Lights

Canada

U.S. BRAKE

Parking Brake and Brake System Indicator This light has two functions:

1. This indicator comes on when you turn the ignition switch ON (II). It is a reminder to check the parking brake. Driving with the parking brake not fully released can damage the brakes and tires.

2. If the indicator remains lit after

you have fully released the parking brake while the engine is running, or if it comes on while driving, it can indicate a problem in the brake system. For complete information, see page 313.

Canada

U.S. A B S

Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Indicator Only on models equipped with ABS (see page 200) This light normally comes on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition switch ON (II), and when the ignition switch is turned to START (III). If this light comes on at any other time, there is a problem in the ABS. If this happens, take the car to your dealer to have it checked. With the light on, your car still has normal braking ability but no anti- lock. For complete information, see page 201.

Immobilizer System Indicator

This indicator comes on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition switch ON (II). It will then go off if you have inserted a properly-coded ignition key. If it is not a properly- coded key, the indicator will blink and the engine will not start (see page 78).

This indicator also blinks several times when you turn the ignition switch from ON (II) to ACCESSORY (I) or LOCK (0).

Malfunction Indicator Lamp

See page 311.

Instruments and Controls

Main MenuTable of ContentsstSupplemental Restraint System Indicator

S R S This indicator lights when you turn the ignition switch ON (II). If it comes on at any other time, it indicates a potential problem with your front airbags or automatic seat belt tensioners. On models equipped with side airbags, this light will also alert you to a potential problem with your side airbags or passenger's side airbag automatic cutoff system. For complete information, see page 48.

Side Airbag Indicator

SIDE AIRBAG Only on models equipped with side airbags This indicator lights when you turn the ignition switch ON (II). If it comes on at any other time, it indicates that the passenger's side airbag has automatically shut off. For complete information, see page 49.

Indicator Lights

Traction Control System (TCS) Indicator

T C S On all V6 models This indicator has three functions:

1. It comes on as a reminder that you

have turned off the Traction Control System.

2. It flashes when the TCS is

regulating wheelspin.

3. If it comes on and stays on when

the Traction Control System is on, it indicates that there is a problem in the TCS.

This light also comes on when you turn the ignition ON (II) and goes off after the engine starts. See page 202 for more information on the TCS.

Instruments and Controls

Main MenuTable of ContentsstDoor and Brake Lamp Monitor

The appropriate light comes on in this display if the trunk or either door is not closed tightly. If a brake light does not work, the BRAKE LAMP indicator comes on when you push the brake pedal with the ignition switch ON (II).

A burned out brake light is a hazard when drivers behind you cannot tell you are braking. Have your brake lights repaired right away.

All the lights in the monitor display come on when you turn the ignition switch ON (II). The lights go off after the engine starts and the trunk and both doors are closed tightly.

Indicator Lights

"Daytime Running Lights" Indicator

D R L Canadian models only This indicator lights when you turn the ignition switch to ON (II) with the headlight switch off and the parking brake set. It should go off if you turn on the headlights or release the parking brake. If it comes on at any other time, it means there is a problem with the DRL. There may also be a problem with the high beam headlights.

Turn Signal and Hazard Warning Indicators

The left or right turn signal light blinks when you signal a lane change or turn. If the light does not blink or blinks rapidly, it usually means one of the turn signal bulbs is burned out (see page 274). Replace the bulb as soon as possible, since other drivers cannot see that you are signalling.

When you turn on the Hazard Warning switch, both turn signal lights blink. All turn signals on the outside of the car should flash.

Instruments and Controls

Main MenuTable of ContentsstIndicator Lights

High Beam Indicator

Washer Level Indicator

Canadian models only This light comes on when the washer fluid level is low. Add washer fluid when you see this light come on (see page 242).

This light comes on with the high beam headlights. See page 67 for information on the headlight controls.

On Canadian models, this indicator comes on with reduced brightness when the Daytime Running Lights (DRL) are on (see page 68).

Cruise Control Indicator

CRUISE CONTROL This lights when you set the cruise control. See page 74 for information on operating the cruise control.

Low Fuel Indicator

This light comes on as a reminder that you must refuel soon.

Instruments and Controls

Main MenuTable of ContentsstU.S. Model shown

TACHOMETER

SPEEDOMETER

FUEL GAUGE

TEMPERATURE GAUGE

MAINTENANCE REQUIRED INDICATOR

TRIP METER

ODOMETER TRIP METER SELECT/RESET BUTTON

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

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

Gauges

Tachometer The tachometer shows the engine speed in revolutions per minute (rpm). To protect the engine from damage, never drive with the tachometer needle in the red zone.

Odometer The odometer shows the total dis- tance your car has been driven. It measures miles in U.S. models and kilometers in Canadian models. The total number is displayed when you turn the ignition switch ON (II). It is illegal under U.S. federal law and Canadian provincial regulations to disconnect, reset, or alter the odometer with the intent to change the number of miles or kilometers indicated.

Instruments and Controls

Main MenuTable of ContentsstGauges

Trip Meter This meter shows the number of miles (U.S.) or kilometers (Canada) driven since you last reset it.

There are two trip meters: Trip A and Trip B. Switch between these displays by pressing the Select/ Reset button repeatedly. Each trip meter works independently, so you can keep track of two different distances.

To reset a trip meter, display it, and then press and hold the Select/Reset button until the number resets to "0.0".

6-cylinder models Both trip meters will reset if the car's battery goes dead or is disconnected.

Instruments and Controls

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 near the upper red mark. If it reaches the red (Hot) mark, pull safely to the side of the road. Turn to page 306 for instructions and precautions on checking the engine's cooling system.

Fuel Gauge This shows how much fuel you have. It is most accurate when the car is on level ground. It may show slightly more or less than the actual amount when you are driving on curvy or hilly roads.

4-cylinder models The gauge stays at the same fuel level reading after you turn off the ignition. When you add fuel, the gauge slowly changes to the new reading after you turn the ignition switch back ON (II).

6-cylinder models The needle returns to the bottom after you turn off the ignition. The gauge shows the fuel level reading immediately after you turn the ignition switch back ON (II).

Main MenuTable of ContentsstMaintenance Required Indicator

MAINTENANCE REQUIRED INDICATOR

This indicator reminds you that it is time to take your car in for scheduled maintenance. Refer to the Maintenance Schedules for Normal and Severe Driving Conditions on pages 220 — 224.

For the first 6,000 miles (9,600 km) after the Maintenance Required Indicator is reset, it will come on for two seconds when you turn the ignition switch ON (II).

Between 6,000 miles (9,600 km) and 7,500 miles (12,000 km) this indicator will light for two seconds when you first turn the ignition switch ON (II), and then flash for ten seconds.

If you exceed 7,500 miles (12,000
km) without having the scheduled maintenance performed, this indicator will remain on as a constant reminder.

Your dealer will reset this indicator after completing the scheduled maintenance. If this maintenance is done by someone other than your Honda dealer, reset the indicator as follows.

1. Turn off the engine.

Gauges

SELECT/RESET BUTTON

2. Press and hold the select/reset button in the instrument panel, then turn the ignition switch ON (II).

3. Hold the button until the indicator

resets (approximately ten seconds).

Instruments and Controls

Main MenuTable of ContentsstControls Near the Steering Wheel

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

The switches for the hazard warning lights and rear window defogger are located to the right of the steering column.

The controls under the left air vent are for the moonroof, cruise control, and the TCS.

The tilt adjustment lever on the underside of the steering column allows you to tilt the steering wheel.

HEADLIGHTS/ TURN SIGNALS

WINDSHIELD WIPERS/WASHERS

REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER

MOONROOF SWITCH

TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM ON/ OFF SWITCH

CRUISE CONTROL

REMOTE AUDIO CONTROLS

TILTADJUSTMENT

HORN*

HAZARD WARNING LIGHTS

*: To use the horn, press the pad

around the "H" logo.

EX-V6 model is shown.

Instruments and Controls

Main MenuTable of ContentsstHeadlights

Controls Near the Steering Wheel

If you leave the lights on with the ignition switch in ACCESSORY (I) or LOCK (0), you will hear a reminder chime when you open the driver's door.

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

The high beams will stay on for as long as you hold the lever back, no matter what position the headlight switch is in.

position turns

The rotating switch on the left lever controls the lights. Turning this switch to the on the parking lights, taillights, instrument panel lights, side-marker lights, and rear license plate lights. Turning the switch to the position turns on the headlights.

To change between low beams and high beams, pull the turn signal lever until you hear a click, then let go. The blue high beam indicator will light (see page 62).

Instruments and Controls

Main MenuTable of ContentsstControls Near the Steering Wheel

The lights will turn on again when you unlock or open the driver's door. If you unlock the door, but do not open it within 15 seconds, the lights will go off. With the driver's door open, you will hear a lights-on reminder chime.

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

The headlights revert to normal operation when you turn them on with the switch.

Automatic Lighting Off Feature On EX and EX-V6 models The Automatic Lighting Off feature turns off the headlights, parking lights, taillights, side marker lights, license plate lights and instrument panel lights within 15 seconds of removing the key from the ignition switch and closing the driver's door.

This feature activates if you leave the headlight switch in the or open, then close the driver's door.

position, remove the key,

If you remove the key from the ignition switch with the headlight switch on, but do not open the door and get out, the lights will turn off after ten minutes.

Instruments and Controls

Main MenuTable of ContentsstInstrument Panel Brightness

Turn Signals

Controls Near the Steering Wheel

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.

KNOB

TURN SIGNAL LEVER

Turn the knob on the left side of the instrument panel to adjust the brightness of the instrument panel lights.

Signal a turn or lane change with this lever. Push down on the lever to signal a left turn, and up to signal a right turn. If you push it up or down all the way, the turn signal continues to blink even when you release the lever. It shuts off automatically as you complete the turn.

Instruments and Controls

Main MenuTable of ContentsstControls Near the Steering Wheel

Windshield Wipers

In intermittent, the wipers operate every few seconds. The sweep interval will change slightly with speed; getting shorter as you drive faster. In low speed and high speed, the wipers run continuously.

The right lever controls the wind- shield wipers and washers. The rotary switch at the end of the lever has three positions: INT: intermittent

: low speed : high speed

Instruments and Controls

You can vary how often the wipers sweep the windshield by turning the INT TIME ring next to the rotary switch.

If you turn the INT TIME ring to the