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CONTINUED


227


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Lights


LowBeamHeadlight


BULB


HOLDING CLIPS


TAB


6-cylinder models


5.


Push the electrical connector onto the bulb.


1.


6.


Turn on the headlights to test the new bulb.


7.


(Passenger’s side) Reinstall the air intake cover. Reinstall the two fasteners and secure them by pushing on the heads until they lock.


228


To change the passenger’s side bulb, start the engine, turn the steering wheel all the way to the left, and turn off the engine. To change the driver’s side bulb, turn the steering wheel to the right.


2.


Use a flat-tipped screwdriver to remove the two holding clips from the inner fender.


BULB


3.


Pull the inner fender cover away from the fender and bumper.


4.


5.


Remove the bulb by turning it approximately one-quarter turn counterclockwise.


Remove the electrical connector from the bulb by squeezing the connector to unlock the tab, then slide the connector off the bulb.


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6.


Install the new bulb and turn it one-quarter turn clockwise to lock it in place.


Replacing the Front Side Marker/ Turn Signal and Parking Light Bulb


Lights


7.


Push the electrical connector onto the bulb.


8.


Turn on the headlights to test the new bulb.


9.


Put the inner fender cover in place. Install the two holding clips. Lock each one in place by pushing on the center.


HOLDING CLIPS


1.


To change the passenger’s side bulb, start the engine, turn the steering wheel all the way to the left, and turn off the engine. To change the driver’s side bulb, turn the steering wheel to the right.


2.


Use a flat-tipped screwdriver to remove the two holding clips from the inner fender.


BULB


3.


Pull the inner fender cover away from the fender and bumper.


4.


Remove the socket from the headlight assembly by turning it one-quarter turn counterclockwise.


CONTINUED


229


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Lights


5.


To remove the burned out bulb, push it in and turn it counterclockwise until it unlocks.


6.


Install the new bulb and turn it clockwise to lock it in place.


7.


Insert the socket into the headlight assembly. Turn it clockwise to lock it in place.


8.


Test the new bulb to make sure it works.


9.


Put the inner fender cover in place. Install and lock each holding clip by pushing on the center.


230


Replacing Rear Bulbs (in Fenders)


BULBS


4.


Push a new bulb straight into the socket until it bottoms, and reinstall the socket into the light assembly by turning it clockwise until it locks.


5.


Test the new bulb to make sure it works.


6.


Reinstall the light assembly cover.


SOCKETS


COVER


1.


Open the trunk.


2.


Remove the light assembly cover by pulling its outside edge.


3.


Remove the socket by turning it one-quarter turn counterclockwise, and pull the bulb straight out of its socket.


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Replacing Rear Bulbs (in Trunk Lid)


Lights


TRIM CLIP


1.


Open the trunk.


2.


6-cylindermodels Remove the trim clips from the right or left corner of the trunk lid trim by carefully prying them using a small, flat-tip screwdriver wrapped with tape.


3.


4.


SOCKETS


BULBS


SOCKETS


BULBS


Carefully bend back the corner of the trunk lid trim to expose the bulbs.


5.


Install a new bulb into the socket, and reinstall the socket into the light assembly.


Remove the socket by turning it one-quarter turn counterclockwise, and pull the bulb straight out of its socket.


6.


Test the lights.


7.


Push the trunk lid trim back into position.


8.


Press the trim clips back into their holes. CONTINUED


231


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Lights


Replacing a High-mount Brake Light Bulb


BULB


SOCKET


1.


Open the trunk and remove the socket from the light assembly by turning it one-quarter turn counter- clockwise.


2.


Remove the burned-out bulb by pulling it straight out of the socket.


3.


Install the new bulb and reinstall the socket.


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Seat Belts


Floor Mats


LOOP


Seat Belts, Floor Mats, Dust and Pollen Filter


If you use an aftermarket floor mat, make sure it fits properly and that it can be used with the floor mat anchor. Do not put additional floor mats on top of the anchored mat.


Dust and Pollen Filter This filter removes the dust and pollen that is brought in from the outside through the heating and cooling system/climate control system.


Have your Honda dealer replace this filter every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) under normal conditions. It should be replaced every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) if you drive primarily in urban areas that have high concentrations of soot in the air, or if the flow from the climate control system becomes less than usual.


233


Clean dirty seat belts with a soft brush and a mixture of mild soap and warm water. Do not use bleach, dye, or cleaning solvents that can weaken the belt material. Let the belts air dry before you use the vehicle. Dirt build-up in the loops of the seat belt anchors can cause the belts to retract slowly. Wipe the insides of the loops with a clean cloth dampened in mild soap and warm water or isopropyl alcohol.


The driver’s and right rear floor mats that came with your vehicle hook over the floor mat anchors. This keeps the floor mats from sliding forward and possibly interfering with the pedals or marking the front passenger’s weight sensors ineffective.


If you remove the floor mats, make sure to re-anchor them when you put them back in your vehicle.


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Wiper Blades


Check the condition of the wiper blades at least every six months. Look for signs of cracking in the rubber, or areas that are getting hard. Replace the blades if you find these signs, or if they leave streaks and unwiped areas when used.


WIPER ARMS


To replace a wiper blade:


1.


Raise the wiper arm off the windshield. Raise the driver’s side first, then the passenger’s side.


2.


Disconnect the blade assembly from the wiper arm by pushing in the lock tab. Hold the lock tab in while you push the blade assembly toward the base of the arm.


LOCK TAB


Do not open the hood when the wiper arms are raised, or you will damage the hood and wiper arms.


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BLADE


BLADE


5.


Slide the new wiper blade into the holder until the tabs lock.


Wiper Blades


3.


Remove the blade from its holder by grasping the tabbed end of the blade. Pull firmly until the tabs come out of the holder.


REINFORCEMENT


4.


Examine the new wiper blades. If they have no plastic or metal reinforcement along the back edge, remove the metal reinforcement strips from the old wiper blade, and install them in the slots along the edge of the new blade.


6.


7.


Slide the wiper blade assembly onto the wiper arm. Make sure it locks in place.


Lower the wiper arm down against the windshield. Lower the passenger’s side first, then the driver’s side.


235


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Tires


To safely operate your vehicle, your tires must be the proper type and size, in good condition with adequate tread, and correctly inflated.


The following pages give more detailed information on how to take care of your tires and what to do when they need to be replaced.


Using tires that are excessively worn or improperly inflated can cause a crash in which you can be seriously hurt or killed.


Follow all instructions in this owner’s manual regarding tire inflation and maintenance.


Inflation Guidelines Keeping the tires properly inflated provides the best combination of handling, tread life, and riding comfort.


Underinflated tires wear unevenly, adversely affect handling and fuel economy, and are more likely to fail from being overheated.


Overinflated tires can make your vehicle ride more harshly, are more prone to damage from road hazards, and wear unevenly.


We recommend that you visually check your tires every day. If you think a tire might be low, check it immediately with a tire gauge.


Use a gauge to measure the air pressure in each tire at least once a month. Even tires that are in good condition may lose one to two psi (10
to 20 kPa, 0.1 to 0.2 kgf/cm ) per month. Remember to check the spare tire at the same time.


Check the air pressures when the tires are cold. This means the vehicle has been parked for at least three hours, or driven less than 1
mile (1.6 km). Add or release air, if needed, to match the recommended cold tire pressures on the next page.


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If you check air pressures when the tires are hot (driven for several miles), you will see readings 4 to 6
psi (30 to 40 kPa, 0.3 to 0.4 kgf/cm ) higher than the cold readings. This is normal. Do not let air out to match the recommended cold air pressure. The tire will be underinflated.


You should get your own tire pressure gauge whenever you check your tire pressures. This will make it easier for you to tell if a pressure loss is due to a tire problem and not due to a variation between gauges.


While tubeless tires have some ability to self-seal if they are punctured, you should look closely for punctures if a tire starts losing pressure.


Recommended Tire Pressures The following chart shows the recommended cold tire pressures for most normal driving conditions.


LX model


Tire Size


P205/65R15 92H


All models except LX


Tire Size


P195/65R15 89H P205/60R16 91V




Cold Tire Pressure for Normal Driving Front:


32 psi (220 kPa , 2.2 kgf/cm )


Rear:


30 psi (210 kPa , 2.1 kgf/cm )


* *


DX model EX and V6 models


Tires


Cold Tire Pressure for Normal Driving Front:


30 psi (210 kPa , 2.1 kgf/cm )


Rear:


29 psi (200 kPa , 2.0 kgf/cm )


The compact spare tire pressure is: 60 psi (420 kPa , 4.2 kgf/cm )


For convenience, the recommended tire sizes and cold air pressures are on a label on the driver’s doorjamb.


For additional information about your tires, see page


276


237


Main MenuTable of Contentsst Tires


Tire Inspection Every time you check inflation, you should also examine the tires for damage, foreign objects, and wear. You should look for


Bumps or bulges in the tread or side of the tire. Replace the tire if you find either of these conditions. Cuts, splits, or cracks in the side of the tire. Replace the tire if you can see fabric or cord. Excessive tread wear.


INDICATOR LOCATION MARKS


TREAD WEAR INDICATORS Your tires have wear indicators molded into the tread. When the tread wears down, you will see a band 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) wide across the tread. This shows there is less than 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) of tread left on the tire. A tire this worn gives very little traction on wet roads. You should replace the tire if you can see three or more tread wear indicators.


Tire Maintenance In addition to proper inflation, correct wheel alignment helps to decrease tire wear. If you find a tire is worn unevenly, have your dealer check the wheel alignment. Have your dealer check the tires if you feel a consistent vibration while driving. A tire should always be rebalanced if it is removed from the wheel. When you have new tires installed, make sure they are balanced. This increases riding comfort and tire life. For best results, have the installer perform a dynamic balance. U.S. LX, EX and EX-V6 models


Improper wheel weights can damage your vehicle's aluminum wheels. Use only genuine Honda wheels weights f or balancing.


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Tire Rotation Front


Front


Move the tires to the positions shown in the illustration each time they are rotated. If you purchase directional tires, rotate only front-to- back.


(For Directional Tires and Wheels)


(For Non-directional Tires and Wheels) To help increase tire life and distribute wear more evenly, rotate the tires at these intervals:


4-cylinder models 6-cylinder models


Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)


Tires


Replacing Tires and Wheels Replace your tires with radial tires of the same size, load range, speed rating, and maximum cold tire pressure rating (as shown on the tire’s sidewall).


Mixing radial and bias-ply tires on your vehicle can reduce braking ability, traction, and steering accuracy. Using tires of a different size or construction can cause the ABS to work inconsistently.


It is best to replace all four tires at the same time. If that is not possible or necessary, replace the two front tires or two rear tires as a pair. Replacing just one tire can seriously affect your vehicle’s handling.


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Tires


If you ever replace a wheel, make sure that the wheel’s specifications match those of the original wheels. Replacement wheels are available at your dealer.


Installing improper tires on your vehicle can affect handling and stability. This can cause a crash in which you can be seriously hurt or killed.


Always use the size and type of tires recommended in this owner’s manual.


Wheels and Tires Wheel: DX and LX models


15 x 6 1/2 JJ


All EX models 16 x 6 1/2 JJ


LX-V6 model


16 x 6 1/2 JJ


Tire: DX model


P195/65R15 89H


LX model


P205/65R15 92H


All EX and V6 models


P205/60R16 91V


277


for DOT tire quality


See page grading information, and page for tire size information. 279


240


Winter Driving Tires marked ‘‘M S’’ or ‘‘All Season’’ on the sidewall have an all- weather tread design suitable for most winter driving conditions.



For the best performance in snowy or icy conditions, you should install snow tires or tire chains. They may be required by local laws under certain conditions.


SnowTires If you mount snow tires on your vehicle, make sure they are radial tires of the same size and load range as original tires. Mount snow tires on all four wheels. The traction provided by snow tires on dry roads may be lower than your original tires. Check with the tire dealer for maximum speed recommendations.


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TireChains Mount snow chains on your tires when required by driving conditions or local laws. Install them only on the front tires.


Because your vehicle has limited tire clearance, Honda strongly recommends using the chains listed below, made by Security Chain Company (SCC).


DX Link-type: SCC Quick Grip QG1130
Cable-types: SCC Radial Chain CH2311T or SCC SC Cable SC1030


LX Link-type: SCC Quick Grip QG1134
Cable-types: SCC Radial Chain CH2311T or SCC SC Cable SC1030


EXandV6
Cable-types: SCC Radial Chain CH2311T or SCC SC Cable SC1030


Tires


When installing cables, follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and mount them as tight as you can. Make sure they are not contacting the brake lines or suspension. Drive slowly with them installed. If you hear them coming into contact with the body or chassis, stop and investigate. Remove them as soon as you begin driving on cleared roads.


Using the wrong chains, or not properly installing chains, can damage the brake lines and cause a crash in which you can be seriously injured or killed.


Follow all instructions in this owner’s manual regarding the selection and use of tire chains.


241


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Checking the Battery


TEST INDICATOR WINDOW


TEST INDICATOR WINDOW


4-cylinder models


6-cylinder models


Check the condition of the battery monthly by looking at the test indicator window. The label on the battery explains the test indicator’s colors.


Check the terminals for corrosion (a white or yellowish powder). To remove it, cover the terminals with a solution of baking soda and water. It will bubble up and turn brown. When this stops, wash it off with plain water. Dry off the battery with a cloth or paper towel. Coat the terminals with grease to help prevent future corrosion.


242


If additional battery maintenance is needed, see your dealer or a qualified technician.


Battery posts,


WARNING: terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds. Wash your hands after handling.


If you need to connect the battery to a charger, disconnect both cables to prevent damaging your vehicle’s electrical system. Always disconnect the negative ( − reconnect it last.


) cable first, and


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The battery gives off explosive hydrogen gas during normal operation.


A spark or flame can cause the battery to explode with enough force to kill or seriously hurt you.


Wear protective clothing and a face shield, or have a skilled mechanic do the battery maintenance.


Checking the Battery, Vehicle Storage


Vehicle Storage If you need to park your vehicle for an extended period (more than one month), there are several things you should do to prepare it for storage. Proper preparation helps prevent deterioration and makes it easier to get your vehicle back on the road. If possible, store your vehicle indoors.


Fill the fuel tank.


Change the engine oil and filter.


Wash and dry the exterior completely.


Clean the interior. Make sure the carpeting, floor mats, etc., are completely dry.


243


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Vehicle Storage


Leave the parking brake off. Put the transmission in Reverse (5-speed manual) or Park (automatic).


Block the rear wheels.


If the vehicle is to be stored for a longer period, it should be supported on jackstands so the tires are off the ground.


Leave one window open slightly (if the vehicle is being stored indoors).


Disconnect the battery.


244


If you store your vehicle for 1 year or longer, have your dealer perform the maintenance inspections as soon as you take it out of storage (see pages 202 and 204 ). The 6-cylinder model needs the inspections called for in the 2 years/30,000 miles (48,000 km) maintenance schedule (Normal Conditions) and the 4- cylinder model needs the inspections called for in the 2 years/40,000 miles (64,000 km) maintenance schedule (Normal Conditions). The replacements called for in the maintenanceschedule are not needed unless the vehicle has actually reached that time or mileage.


Support the front wiper blade arms with a folded towel or rag so they do not touch the windshield.


To minimize sticking, apply a silicone spray lubricant to all door and trunk seals. Also, apply a vehicle body wax to the painted surfaces that mate with the door and trunk seals.


Cover the vehicle with a ‘‘breathable’’ cover, one made from a porous material such as cotton. Non-porous materials, such as plastic sheeting, trap moisture, which can damage the paint.


If possible, periodically run the engine until it reaches full operating temperature (the cooling fan cycles twice). Preferably, do this once a month.


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Taking Care of the Unexpected


This section covers the more common problems that motorists experience with their vehicles. It gives you information about how to safely evaluate the problem and what to do to correct it. If the problem has stranded you on the side of the road, you may be able to get going again. If not, you will also find instructions on getting your vehicle towed.


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


Compact Spare Tire Changing a Flat Tire If


. 246
. 247
the Engine Won’t Start ............ 251
Nothing Happens or the Starter Motor Operates Very Slowly


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


. 251


The Starter Operates


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


. 252
Normally Jump Starting . 253
If the Engine Overheats ............... 256
Low Oil Pressure Indicator .......... 258
Charging System Indicator . 259
. 259
Malfunction Indicator Lamp . 260
. 261
. 262
. 263
. 265
. 265


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


Brake System Indicator Closing the Moonroof Emergency Towing Fuses


Checking and Replacing


Readiness Codes


245


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Compact Spare Tire


Use the compact spare tire as a temporary replacement only. Get your regular tire repaired or replaced, and put it back on your vehicle as soon as you can.


Do not mount snow chains on the compact spare tire.


Do not use the compact spare tire if you are towing a trailer.


INDICATOR LOCATION MARK


Check the inflation pressure of the compact spare tire every time you check the other tires. It should be inflated to: 60 psi (420 kPa , 4.2 kgf/cm )


Follow these precautions:


Never exceed 50 mph (80 km/h).


This tire gives a harsher ride and less traction on some road sur- faces. Use greater caution while driving.


Do not use your compact spare tire on another vehicle unless it is the same make and model.


OnLX-V6andEX-V6models Turn off the TCS (see page 188
Driving with the compact spare tire may activate the TCS.


).


On models with manual transmission, do not drive for a long period with the compact spare tire mounted on a front wheel; it will damage the limited slip differential.


TREAD WEAR INDICATOR BAR


Replace the tire when you can see the tread wear indicator bars. The replacement should be the same size and design tire, mounted on the same wheel. The spare tire is not designed to be mounted on a regular wheel, and the spare wheel is not designed for mounting a regular tire.


246


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If you have a flat tire while driving, stop in a safe place to change it. Drive slowly along the shoulder until you get to an exit or an area that is far away from the traffic lanes.


TRUNK FLOOR


The vehicle can easily roll off the jack, seriously injuring anyone underneath.


Follow the directions for changing a tire exactly, and never get under the vehicle when it is supported only by the jack.


TOOL KIT


SPARE TIRE


JACK


1.


2.


Park the vehicle on firm, level and non-slippery ground. Put the transmission in Park (automatic) or Reverse (manual). Apply the parking brake.


Turn on the hazard warning lights, and turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0). Have all the passengers get out of the vehicle while you change the tire.


Changing a Flat Tire


3.


The tools are in the trunk. Open the trunk and raise the trunk floor by lifting up on the back edge.


4.


Take the tool kit out of the trunk.


5.


Unscrew the wing bolt and take the spare tire out of its well.


CONTINUED


247


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Changing a Flat Tire


6.


The jack is behind a cover in the right fender. Remove the cover by turning the handle counterclock- wise, then pulling on the cover.


JACK


JACKING POINT


7.


Turn the jack’s end bracket counterclockwise to loosen it, then remove the jack.


8.


Loosen each wheel nut 1/2 turn with the wheel wrench.


9.


Place the jack under the jacking point nearest the tire you need to change. Turn the end bracket clockwise until the top of the jack contacts the jacking point. Make sure the jacking point tab is resting in the jack notch.


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EXTENSION


11.


Remove the wheel nuts and flat tire. Place the flat tire on the ground with the outside surface of the wheel facing up.


Changing a Flat Tire


WHEEL WRENCH


BRAKE HUB


10.


Use the extension and the wheel nut wrench as shown to raise the vehicle until the flat tire is off the ground.


U.S.DX,LXandDX,LX-Gmodelin Canada: Do not attempt to forcibly pry the wheel cover off with a screwdriver or other tool. The wheel cover cannot be removed without first removing the wheel nuts.


12.


Before mounting the spare tire, wipe any dirt off the mounting surface of the wheel and hub with a clean cloth. Wipe the hub carefully; it may be hot from driving.


CONTINUED


249


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Changing a Flat Tire


WING BOLT


For spare tire


For normal tire


SPACER CONE


13.


Put on the spare tire. Put the wheel nuts back on finger-tight, then tighten them in a crisscross pattern with the wheel nut wrench until the wheel is firmly against the hub. Do not try to tighten them fully.


15.


Tighten the wheel nuts securely in the same crisscross pattern. Have the wheel nut torque checked at the nearest automotive service facility. Tighten the wheel nuts to: 80 lbf·ft (108 N·m , 11 kgf·m)


14.


Lower the vehicle to the ground and remove the jack.


250


16.


Remove the center cap before storing the flat tire in the trunk well.


17.


Place the flat tire face down in the spare tire well.


18.


Remove the spacer cone from the wing bolt, turn it over, and put it back on the bolt.


19.


Secure the flat tire by screwing the wing bolt back into its hole.


20.


Store the jack in its holder. Turn the jack’s end bracket to lock it in place. Replace the cover. Store the tools.


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Loose items can fly around the interior in a crash and could seriously injure the occupants.


Store the wheel, jack, and tools securely before driving.


21.


Store the wheel cover or center cap in the trunk. Make sure it does not get scratched or damaged.


Changing a Flat Tire, If the Engine Won’t Start


If the Engine Won’t Start Diagnosing why the engine won’t start falls into two areas, depending on what you hear when you turn the key to START (III):


You hear nothing, or almost nothing. The engine’s starter motor does not operate at all, or operates very slowly.


You can hear the starter motor operating normally, or the starter motor sounds like it is spinning faster than normal, but the engine does not start up and run.


Nothing Happens or the Starter Motor Operates Very Slowly When you turn the ignition switch to START (III), you do not hear the normal noise of the engine trying to start. You may hear a clicking sound or series of clicks, or nothing at all.


Check these things:


Check the transmission interlock. If you have a manual transmission, the clutch pedal must be pushed all the way to the floor or the starter will not operate. With an automatic transmission, it must be in Park or Neutral.


Turn the ignition switch to ON (II). Turn on the headlights, and check their brightness. If the headlights are very dim or do not come on at all, the battery is discharged. See Jump Starting


on page


253


CONTINUED


251


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The Starter Operates Normally In this case, the starter motor’s speed sounds normal, or even faster than normal, when you turn the ignition switch to START (III), but the engine does not run.


Are you using the proper starting Starting the procedure? Refer to Engine 175


on page


Are you using a properly coded key? An improperly coded key will cause the immobilizer system indicator in the instrument panel to blink rapidly (see page


77


).


Do you have fuel? Check the fuel gauge; the low fuel indicator may not be working.


There may be an electrical problem, such as no power to the fuel pump. Check all the fuses (see page


265


).


If you find nothing wrong, you will need a qualified technician to find the problem. See Towing on page


Emergency 263


If the Engine Won’t Start


Turn the ignition switch to START (III). If the headlights do not dim, check the condition of the fuses. If the fuses are OK, there is probably something wrong with the electrical circuit for the ignition switch or starter motor. You will need a qualified technician to determine the Emergency Towing problem (see ). on page 263


If the headlights dim noticeably or go out when you try to start the engine, either the battery is dis- charged or the connections are corroded. Check the condition of the battery connections (see page 242
starting the vehicle from a booster battery (see page


). You can then try jump


253


).


252


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Although this seems like a simple procedure, you should take several precautions.


A battery can explode if you do not follow the correct procedure, seriously injuring anyone nearby.


Keep all sparks, open flames, and smoking materials away from the battery.


You cannot start your vehicle by pushing or pulling it.


To jump start your vehicle:


1.


Open the hood, and check the physical condition of the battery. In very cold weather, check the condition of the electrolyte. If it seems slushy or frozen, do not try jump starting until it thaws.


If a battery sits in extreme cold, the electrolyte inside can f reeze. Attempting to jump start with a f rozen battery can cause it to rupture.


2. Turn off all the electrical acces-


sories: heater, A/C, climate control, stereo system, lights, etc. Put the transmission in Neutral (M/T) or Park (A/T), and set the parking brake.


Jump Starting


4-cylinder models


BOOSTER BATTERY


The numbers in the illustration show the order to connect the jumper cable.


CONTINUED


253


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) terminal on your


Connect one jumper cable to the positive ( battery. Connect the other end to the positive ( ) terminal on the + booster battery.


Jump Starting


3.


6-cylinder models


BOOSTER BATTERY


254


4-cylinder models


4.



Connect the second jumper cable to the negative ( ) terminal on the booster battery. Connect the other end to the grounding strap as shown. Do not connect this jumper cable to any other part of the engine.


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Jump Starting


7.


Once your vehicle is running, disconnect the negative cable from your vehicle, then from the booster battery. Disconnect the positive cable from your vehicle, then from the booster battery.


Keep the ends of the jumper cables away from each other and any metal on the vehicle until everything is disconnected. Otherwise, you may cause an electrical short.


6-cylinder models


5.


6.


If the booster battery is in another vehicle, have an assistant start that vehicle and run it at a fast idle.


Start the vehicle. If the starter motor still operates slowly, check that the jumper cables have good metal-to-metal contact.


255


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If the Engine Overheats


The pointer of the vehicle’s temperature gauge should stay in the midrange. If it climbs to the red mark, you should determine the reason (hot day, driving up a steep hill, etc.).


If your vehicle overheats, you should take immediate action. The only indication may be the temperature gauge climbing to or above the red mark. Or you may see steam or spray coming from under the hood.


Driving with the temperature gauge pointer at the red mark can cause serious damage to your engine.


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Steam and spray from an overheated engine can seriously scald you.


Do not open the hood if steam is coming out.


1.


2.


Safely pull to the side of the road. Put the transmission in Neutral or Park, and set the parking brake. Turn off all accessories, and turn on the hazard warning indicators.


If you see steam and/or spray coming from under the hood, turn off the engine. Wait until you see no more signs of steam or spray, then open the hood.


3.


If you do not see steam or spray, leave the engine running, and watch the temperature gauge. If the high heat is due to overloading, the engine should start to cool down almost immediately. If it does, wait until the temperature gauge comes down to the midpoint, then continue driving.


4.


If the temperature gauge stays at the red mark, turn off the engine.


5.


Look for any obvious coolant leaks, such as a split radiator hose. Everything is still extremely hot, so use caution. If you find a leak, it must be repaired before you Emergency continue driving (see Towing ). 263


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If the Engine Overheats


6.


7.


If you do not find an obvious leak, check the coolant level in the radiator reserve tank. Add coolant if the level is below the MIN mark.


If there was no coolant in the reserve tank, you may need to add coolant to the radiator. Let the engine cool down until the pointer reaches the middle of the tempera- ture gauge, or lower, before check- ing the radiator.


Removing the radiator cap while the engine is hot can cause the coolant to spray out, seriously scalding you.


Always let the engine and radiator cool down before removing the radiator cap.


8.


9.


Using gloves or large heavy cloth, turn the radiator cap counterclockwise, without pushing down, to the first stop. After the pressure releases, push down on the cap, and turn it until it comes off.


Start the engine and set the temperature control dial to maximum (climate control to FULL AUTO at 90°F/32°C). Add coolant to the radiator up to the base of the filler neck. If you do not have the proper coolant mixture available, you can add plain water. Remember to have the cooling system drained and refilled with the proper mixture as soon as you can.


10.


Put the radiator cap back on tightly. Run the engine, and watch the temperature gauge. If it goes back to the red mark, the engine needs repair (see Towing on page


Emergency 263


).


11.


If the temperature stays normal, check the coolant level in the radiator reserve tank. If it has gone down, add coolant to the MAX mark. Put the cap back on tightly.


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Main MenuTable of Contentsst Start the engine and watch the oil pressure indicator. If it does not go out within 10 seconds, turn off the engine. There is a mechanical problem that needs to be repaired before you can continue driving (see 263


Emergency Towing ).


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Low Oil Pressure Indicator


LOW OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR


4.


Running the engine with low oil pressure can cause serious mechanical damage almost immediately Turn of f the engine as soon as you can saf ely get the vehicle stopped.


Safely pull off the road, and shut off the engine. Turn on the hazard warning indicators.


Let the vehicle sit for a minute. Open the hood, and check the oil level (see page ). An engine very low on oil can lose pressure during cornering and other driving maneuvers.


165


If necessary, add oil to bring the level back to the full mark on the dipstick (see page


212


).


1.


2.


3.


This indicator should never come on when the engine is running. If it starts flashing or stays on, the oil pressure has dropped very low or lost pressure. Serious engine damage is possible and you should take immediate action.


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Charging System Indicator


CHARGING SYSTEM INDICATOR


If the charging system indicator comes on brightly when the engine is running, the battery is not being charged.


Charging System Indicator, Malfunction Indicator Lamp


Malfunction Indicator Lamp


MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP


Immediately turn off all electrical accessories. Try not to use other electrically operated controls such as the power windows. Keep the engine running; starting the engine will discharge the battery rapidly. Go to a service station or garage where you can get technical assistance.


If the indicator comes on while driving, it means one of the engine’s emission control systems may have a problem. Even though you may feel no difference in your vehicle’s performance, continued operation may cause serious damage.


CONTINUED


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Malfunction Indicator Lamp


If you have recently refueled your vehicle, the cause of this indicator coming on could be a loose or missing fuel fill cap. Check the cap or replace it. Tightening the cap will not make the indicator turn off immediately; it takes at least three days of normal driving.


If the indicator remains on or the fuel cap was not loose or missing, have the vehicle checked by the dealer as soon as possible.


Readiness Codes Your vehicle has certain ‘‘readiness codes’’ that are part of the on-board diagnostics for the emissions systems. In some states, part of the emissions testing is to make sure these codes are set. If they are not set, the test cannot be completed.


If your vehicle’s battery has been disconnected or gone dead, these codes are erased. It takes at least three days of driving under various conditions to set the codes again.


If you keep driving with the Malf unction Indicator Lamp on, you can damage your vehicle’s emissions controls and engine. Those repairs may not be covered by your vehicle’s warranties. This indicator may also come on with the ‘‘D’’ indicator.


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To check if they are set, turn the ignition to ON (II), without starting the engine. The Malfunction Indicator Lamp will come on for 20
seconds. If it then goes off, the readiness codes are set. If it blinks 5
times, the readiness codes are not set. If possible, do not take your vehicle for a state emissions test until the readiness codes are set. Refer to State Emissions Testing for more information (see page


285


).


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Brake System Indicator


BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR



However, if the brake pedal does not feel normal, you should take immediate action. A problem in one part of the system’s dual circuit design will still give you braking at two wheels. You will feel the brake pedal go down much farther before the vehicle begins to slow down, and you will have to press harder on the pedal.


U.S. indicator shown *


If the brake system indicator comes on while driving, the brake fluid level is probably low in the reservoir. Press lightly on the brake pedal to see if it feels normal. If it does, check the brake fluid level the next time you stop at a service station (see page ). If the fluid level is low, take your vehicle to the dealer and have the brake system inspected for leaks or worn brake pads.


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Slow down by shifting to a lower gear, and pull to the side of the road when it is safe. Because of the long distance needed to stop, it is hazardous to drive the vehicle. You should have it towed and repaired as soon as possible (see Towing 263


Emergency ).


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If you must drive the vehicle a short distance in this condition, drive slowly and carefully.


If the ABS indicator comes on with this indicator, have the vehicle inspected by your Honda dealer immediately.


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Closing the Moonroof


OnEXandEX-V6models If the electric motor will not close the moonroof, do the following:


1.


2.


Check the fuse for the moonroof motor (see page ). If the fuse is blown, replace it with one of the same or lower rating.


265


Try closing the moonroof. If the new fuse blows immediately or the moonroof motor still does not operate, you can close the moonroof manually.


3.


Get the moonroof wrench out of the tool kit in the trunk.


262


ROUND PLUG


SOCKET


If you need to close the moonroof manually, it means the moonroof opening/closing function is developing a problem. Have your vehicle checked by a dealer.


4.


5.


Use a screwdriver or coin to remove the round plug in the center of the headliner.


Insert the moonroof wrench into the socket behind this plug. Turn the wrench until the moonroof is fully closed.


6.


Remove the wrench. Reinstall the round plug.


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If, due to damage, your vehicle must be towed with the front wheels on the ground, do the following:


ManualTransmission


Release the parking brake. Shift the transmission to Neutral.


AutomaticTransmission:


Release the parking brake. Start the engine. Shift to D, then to N. Turn off the engine.


If your vehicle needs to be towed, call a professional towing service or

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