1995 Honda Accord Wagon Owners Manual

SWITCH

AM/FM BUTTON

PRESET BUTTONS

from the car's battery. To get the system working again, you must enter a code number. See page 75.

Operating the Radio The ignition switch must be in ACCESSORY (I) or ON (II) to operate the audio system. Turn the system on by turning the ON/OFF/VOL knob clockwise.

The radio comes on and displays the frequency of the station it was last tuned to.

Adjust the volume by turning the ON/OFF/VOL knob.

Select the band you want to listen to by pressing the AM or FM1/FM2 button. You will see the selected band and the frequency in the display.

Comfort and Convenience Features

STEREO will be displayed next to the frequency if the station is broadcasting in FM stereo. The AM stereo feature is not available.

Finding the Radio Station You can use any of three methods to find radio stations on the selected band: TUNE, SEEK, or the Preset buttons. The TUNE function lets you find a desired frequency. Push the TUNE/SEEK switch up to change to a higher frequency and down to change to a lower frequency.

To change the frequency up or down a single increment, push and release the TUNE/SEEK switch.

The SEEK function searches the band for a station with a strong signal. Depending on which way you push the TUNE/SEEK switch,

the system searches up or down from the current frequency. Push the switch until you hear a beep, and then release it. The system searches until it finds a station with a strong signal and then stops.

Presetting Radio Stations The Preset buttons allow you to store radio frequencies for later selection. Each button will store one frequency on the AM band and two on the FM band. To store a frequency, do this:

1. Select the desired band, AM

or FM. FM1 and FM2 allow you to store two frequencies with each Preset button.

2. Use the TUNE or SEEK

function to tune the radio to a desired station.

Audio System

3. Pick the Preset button you want for that station. Press the button and hold it until you hear a beep. The light in the indicator will come on and the station selected will show in the display.

4. Repeat steps 1 through 3 to

store a total of six stations on AM and 12 on FM.

Once a station's frequency is stored, simply press and release the proper Preset button to tune to it. If you want to change any Preset button's selection, store another frequency as described. The frequencies you preset will be lost if your car's battery goes dead or is disconnected.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Audio System

FADER CONTROL

BALANCE CONTROL

BASS CONTROL

TREBLE CONTROL

Adjusting the Sound Use the Balance and Fader controls to adjust the sound "direction." The Balance control moves sound left to right. The Fader control moves it front to back.

To use either control, push on the knob to get it to pop out.

Adjust the front-to-back sound with the outer ring.

Adjust the side-to-side sound balance with the knob. Push the knob back in when you are done.

The illumination for the radio controls comes on with the instrument panel lights, even if the radio is off. You can use the

Comfort and Convenience Features

Balance control to turn off the radio panel illumination even with the radio on. Push the control knob so it pops out, and then pull it out slightly farther. Check this control if the control panel lights do not come on with the instrument panel lights.

Use the Bass and Treble controls to adjust the tone quality to your liking. Push on the knob to get the controls to pop out. Adjust the bass level with the outer ring and the treble level with the knob.

When finished, push the knob back in to prevent accidentally changing your settings.

Radio Frequencies Your Honda's radio can tune in all frequencies in both the AM and FM bands. Those bands cover these frequencies:

AM band 530 to 1710 kilohertz FM band 87.7 to 107.9 megahertz

Radio stations on the AM band are assigned frequencies at least 10
kilohertz apart (530, 540, 550). Those on the FM band are assigned frequencies at least 0.2
megahertz apart (87.9, 88.1, 88.3).

Stations must use these exact frequencies. It is fairly common for stations to round-off the frequency in their advertising, so your radio will show a frequency of 100.9 even though the announcer may call the station "FM101."

Audio System

U.S.: EX

CASSETTE SLOT

TAPE DIRECTION INDICATOR

FF/REW/TMS SWITCH

EJECT BUTTONS

PROG BUTTON

PLAY BUTTON

DOLBY BUTTON

REPEAT BUTTON

Operating the Cassette Player Turn the system ON. Insert the cassette into the slot with the tape opening to the right. Push the cassette in most of the way. The drive pulls it in the rest of the way and begins to play.

The which side of the cassette is

lights to show you

or

indicates the

playing. The side you inserted facing upward is now playing. To play the other side of the tape, press the PROG button.

The system also has an auto-reverse feature. It automatically reverses direction when it reaches the end of the cassette.

continued

Comfort and Convenience Features

Audio System

Dolby noise reduction turns on when you insert a cassette. If the tape was not recorded with Dolby "B" noise reduction, turn it off by pressing the

button.

To remove the cassette from the drive, press one of the EJECT buttons (AM/CD or FM1/FM2). If the AM/CD button is pushed, the system returns to the function last selected with that button. If the FM1/FM2 button is pushed, the system returns to the FM band last selected.

A cassette automatically ejects whenever you turn off the system or the ignition switch.

Cassette Search Functions Once a cassette is playing, you can use the FF, REW, or TMS, or REPEAT function to look for desired songs or passages.

To rewind the tape, push the FF/ REW/TMS switch down and then release it. You will see REW in the display. To fast forward a tape, push the switch up and then release it. You will see FF in the display. To stop rewind or fast forward, press the PLAY button. If the system reaches the end of the cassette while in fast forward or rewind, it automatically stops that function, reverses direction, and begins to play.

Press the REPEAT button to replay the current passage. You will see RPT in the display. When the system reaches the end of the song or passage that is being played, it automatically goes to rewind.

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

turn off REPEAT by pressing the button again. The TMS function lets you skip to the beginning of a song or other passage. The tape skips forward or backward, depending on which direction you push the FF/REW/TMS switch.

Activate TMS by pushing the FF/REW/TMS switch and holding it until you hear a beep. If you push the switch down, you will see REW blinking in the display as the tape rewinds. If you push the switch up, you will see FF blinking in the display as the tape fast forwards. When the system senses a silent period on the tape, it goes back to PLAY mode.

The REPEAT and TMS functions use silent periods on the tape to find the end of a selection. These features may not work satisfactorily on tapes that have

Comfort and Convenience Features

almost no gap between songs, a high noise level between songs, or silent periods in the middle of songs.

Caring for the Cassette Player The cassette drive picks up dirt and oxides whenever you play a tape. This builds up over time and causes the sound quality to degrade. To prevent this, you should clean the cassette drive after every 30 hours of use. Your Honda dealer has a cleaning kit available for this purpose.

CLEAN INDICATOR

PRESET 6
(Press to reset indicator.)

After 30 hours of tape use, you will see CLEAN flashing for 5
seconds in the display when you insert a tape into the tape slot. If you are already regularly cleaning the tape drive at least every 30 hours, reset the indicator by pressing the Preset 6 button while the system is the tape operation mode. Hold the button until you hear a beep and the CLEAN indicator goes out.

If you do not clean the cassette drive regularly, it may eventually become impossible to remove the deposits with a normal cleaning kit.

The cassette player automatically ejects cassettes that do not play normally. If it ejects a cassette before it begins to play, it is probably defective and should not be inserted again. You may have a cassette

Audio System

suddenly stop playing, reverse directions once or twice and then eject. This is normally an indication the tape is wound unevenly. It should play normally after being manually rewound.

Use 100-minute or shorter cassettes. Cassettes longer than 100 minutes use thinner tape that may break or jam the drive.

Look at a cassette before you insert it. If the tape is loose, tighten it by turning one of the hubs with a pencil or your finger.

If the label is peeling off, do not put it in the player. It may cause the cassette to jam in the drive mechanism when you try to eject it.

Damaged cassettes can jam inside the drive or cause other problems. Do not leave cassettes continued

Comfort and Convenience Features

Audio System

sitting where they are exposed to high heat or humidity, such as on top of the dashboard or in the player. If a cassette is exposed to extreme heat or cold, let it reach a moderate temperature before putting it in the player.

Operating the CD Player or CD Changer (Optional) Your dealer has a Honda in-dash Compact Disc player or a trunk-mounted CD changer available for your car.

The trunk-mounted changer holds up to six discs, providing several hours of continuous programming. Load the CDs in the changer's magazine and load the magazine into the changer according to the instructions that came with the changer unit.

To operate the CD player or CD changer, the ignition key must be in the ACCESSORY (I) or ON (II) position. If you were listening to a cassette tape, eject it before listening to a CD. You operate the CD player and changer with the same controls used for the radio.

CD Player Insert the disc in the player. Push the CD button on the player; "CD" will show in the display, and the disc will start to play.

CD Changer Push the CD button on the radio; the display will show "CD," and the track last listened to will play. When that disc ends, the next disc in the magazine is loaded and played.

After disc 6 has played completely, the system will return to disc 1. To make your

own disc selection, push one of the corresponding Preset buttons. Your selection will appear in the display and start playing.

You can use the TUNE/SEEK switch while a disc is playing to select passages and change tracks. To move rapidly forward within a track, push up and hold the TUNE/SEEK switch. Push down and hold the switch to move rapidly backward within a track. You will hear a beep a half second after you push the switch up or down. Keep pushing the switch until you think the track has advanced or returned to the desired position. The disc will start playing when you release the switch.

If you push the TUNE/SEEK switch up and release it before you hear a beep, the system will skip forward to the beginning of

Comfort and Convenience Features

the next track on the CD. It will skip backward to the beginning of the current track if you push the switch down and release it.

If you push the REPEAT button on the U.S. LX or Canada EX models, or the A.SELECT/REPEAT button on the U.S. EX model, the system will continuously play the track you are listening to. You will see RPT in the display. Push the switch again to turn off the REPEAT mode.

On U.S. EX models You can get the CD player/changer to randomly select tracks by pressing the A.SELECT/REPEAT button. You will see A.SELECT in the display. With this active, the system selects and plays the tracks randomly, rather than sequentially on the disc in the

player or on each disc in the changer.

When A.SELECT is used with the disc changer unit, the system plays all the tracks randomly on that disc; it loads the next disc and plays randomly again. The system continues to select and play tracks randomly on each of the six discs until you press the A.SELECT/REPEAT button again.

To turn on the random play mode while the system is in the REPEAT mode, turn off the REPEAT mode first by pressing the A.SELECT/REPEAT button. Then, press the button until A.SELECT is displayed.

If you change modes to radio or tape while a CD is playing, and then change back to CD mode, the same disc and track will play.

Audio System

If you turn off the audio system while a CD is playing, either with the ON/OFF/VOL knob or by turning off the ignition, the system will begin at the same disc and track when you turn it back on. If you select an empty slot in the disc changer's magazine, the system will select and play the first track of the next disc in the magazine.

To return to the radio function, press either the AM/CD button or the FM1/FM2 button. If the AM/CD button is pushed, the system will return to the AM band. If the FM1/FM2 button is pushed, the system will return to the FM band you last listened to.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Audio System

CD Error Indications If you see an error indication on the display, find the cause in the chart to the right. If you cannot clear the error indication, take the car to your Honda dealer.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Audio System

on for one hour before trying again.

You will have to store your favorite stations in the Preset buttons after the system begins working. Your original settings were lost when power was disconnected.

Anti-Theft Feature On U.S. EX models Your car's audio system will disable itself if it is disconnected from electrical power for any reason. To make it work again, the user must enter a specific five-digit code in the Preset buttons. Because many combinations are possible using five digits, making the system work without knowing the exact code is nearly impossible.

You should have received two copies of a card that lists your audio system's code number and serial number. It is best to store one of these cards in a safe place at home and to keep the other in your wallet or purse. In addition, you should write the audio system's serial number in this Owner's Manual. If you should happen to lose both cards, you must obtain the code number by

having your Honda dealer contact American Honda. To do this, he will need the system's serial number.

If your car's battery is disconnected or goes dead, the audio system will disable itself. If this happens, you will see "Code" in the frequency display the next time you turn on the system. Use the Preset buttons to enter the five-digit code. If it is entered correctly, the radio will start playing.

If you make a mistake entering the code, do not start over or try to correct your mistake. Complete the five-digit sequence, and then enter the correct code. You have three tries to enter the correct code. If you are unsuccessful in three attempts, you must then leave the system

Comfort and Convenience Features

Before you begin driving your Honda, you should know what gasoline to use, and how to check the levels of important fluids. You also need to know how to properly store luggage or packages. The information in this section will help you.

Before Driving

Break-in Period . . . . . . . . . . . .. 78
Gasoline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 78
Oxygenated Fuels . . . . . . .. 78
Driving in Foreign

Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 79
Service Station Procedures .. 80
Filling the Fuel Tank . . . . .. 80
Opening the Hood . . . . . . .. 81
Oil Check . . . . . . . . . . . .. 82
Engine Coolant Check .. 83
Fuel Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 83
Vehicle Condition . . . . . . . .. 83
Driving Habits . . . . . . . . . . .. 83
Loading Cargo . . . . . . . . . . . .. 84
Cargo A r e a . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 85
Storage Compartments . . .. 85
Cargo Area Tonneau Cover . . . . . . . . .. 85

Before Driving

Break-in Period, Gasoline

Break-in Period Help assure your car's future reliability and performance by paying extra attention to how you drive during the first 600
miles (1,000 km). During this period:

Avoid full-throttle starts and rapid acceleration. If you need to add oil, use the engine oil recommended in this Owner's Manual. Avoid hard braking. New brakes need to be broken-in by moderate use for the first 200 miles (300 km).

You should follow these same recommendations with an overhauled or exchanged engine, or when the brakes are replaced.

Gasoline Your Honda is designed to operate most effectively on unleaded gasoline. Use an unleaded gasoline with a pump octane number of 86 or higher. Use of a lower octane gasoline can cause a persistent, heavy metallic rapping noise in the engine that can lead to mechanical damage.

We recommend using gasoline containing detergent additives that help prevent fuel system and engine deposits.

Using gasoline containing lead will damage your car's emission controls. This contributes to air pollution and can void certain parts of your warranty.

Oxygenated Fuels Some conventional gasolines are being blended with alcohol or an ether compound. These gasolines are collectively referred to as oxygenated fuels. To meet clean air standards, some areas of the United States and Canada use oxygenated fuels to help reduce emissions.

If you use an oxygenated fuel, be sure it is unleaded and meets the minimum octane rating requirement.

Before using an oxygenated fuel, try to confirm the fuel's contents. Some states/provinces require this information to be posted on the pump.

Before Driving

The following are the EPA-approved percentages of oxygenates:

problems. It may also damage metal, rubber, and plastic parts of your fuel system.

ETHANOL (ethyl or grain alcohol)— You may use gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol by volume. Gasoline containing ethanol may be marketed under the name "Gasohol."

MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether)— You may use gasoline containing up to 15% MTBE by volume.

METHANOL (methyl or wood alcohol)— You may use gasoline containing up to 5% methanol by volume as long as it also contains cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors to protect the fuel system. Gasoline containing more than 5% methanol by volume may cause starting and/or performance

If you notice any undesirable operating symptoms, try another service station or switch to another brand of gasoline.

Fuel system damage or performance problems resulting from the use of an oxygenated fuel containing more than the percentages of oxygenates given previously are not covered under warranty.

Driving in Foreign Countries Using any type of leaded gasoline in your Honda will affect performance and damage its emission controls. Unleaded gasoline may not be available in other countries. If you are planning to take your car outside

Gasoline

the U.S. or Canada, write to Honda at the address shown for information about any modifications your car may need. Be sure to include the year and model of your car.

U.S. Owners: American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Consumer Affairs 1919 Torrance Blvd. Torrance, CA 90501-2746

Canadian Owners: Honda Canada Inc. 715 Milner Ave. Scarborough, Ontario M1B 2K8

Before Driving

Service Station Procedures

3. Remove the fuel fill cap slowly. You may hear a hissing sound as pressure inside the tank escapes.

Filling the Fuel Tank 1. Because the fuel fill cap is on

the driver's side of the car, park with that side closest to the service station pumps.

2. Open the fuel fill door by

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

Pull.

FUEL FILL CAP

Before Driving

Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive. You can be burned or seriously injured when handling fuel.

Stop the engine and keep heat, sparks, and flame away. Handle fuel only outdoors. Wipe up spills immediately.

4. Stop filling the tank after the

gas pump automatically clicks off. Do not try to "top off" the tank; leave some room for the fuel to expand with temperature changes. 5. Screw the fuel fill cap back on; tighten it until it clicks.

Service Station Procedures

2. Standing in front of the car, put your fingers under the front edge of the hood to the right of center. Slide your hand to the left until you feel the hood latch handle. Push this handle to the left until it re- leases the hood. Lift the hood.

LATCH

3. Pull the support rod out of its

clip, and insert the end into the hole On the driver's side of the hood.

SUPPORT ROD

6. Push the fuel fill door closed

until it latches.

Opening the Hood 1. Shift to Park or Neutral, and

set the parking brake. Pull the hood release handle located under the left lower corner of the dashboard. The hood will pop up slightly.

HOOD RELEASE HANDLE

To close the hood, lift it up slightly to remove the support rod from the hole. Put the support rod back into its holding clip. Lower the hood to about a foot above the fender, and then let it drop.

Before Driving

Service Station Procedures

Oil Check Check the engine oil level every time you fill the car with fuel. Wait at least two minutes after turning the engine off before you check the oil. 1. Remove the dipstick (orange

handle).

2. Wipe the dipstick with a

clean cloth or paper towel.

4. Remove the dipstick again,

and check the level. It should be between the upper and lower marks.

3.

Insert it all the way back in its tube.

UPPER MARK

LOWER MARK

If it is near or below the lower mark, see page 114 for information on the proper oil and how to add it.

DIPSTICK

Before Driving

Engine Coolant Check Look at the coolant level in the radiator reserve tank. Make sure it is between the MAX and MIN lines. If it is below the MIN line, see Adding Engine Coolant on page 117 for information on adding the proper coolant.

RESERVE TANK

MAX

MIN

Refer to Periodic Checks on page 112 for information on checking other items in your Honda.

Service Station Procedures, Fuel Economy

Fuel Economy The condition of your car and your driving habits are the two most important things that affect the fuel mileage you get.

Vehicle Condition Always maintain your car according to the maintenance schedule. This will keep it in top operating condition.

An important part of that maintenance is the Periodic Checks (see page 112). For example, an underinflated tire causes more "rolling resistance," which uses fuel. It also wears out faster, so check the tire pressure at least monthly.

In winter the buildup of snow on your car's underside adds weight and rolling resistance. Frequent cleaning helps your fuel mileage

and reduces the chance of corrosion.

Driving Habits You can improve fuel economy by driving moderately. Rapid acceleration, cornering, and hard braking use more fuel.

Always drive in the highest gear that allows the engine to run and accelerate smoothly.

Depending on traffic conditions, try to maintain a constant speed. Every time you slow down and speed up, your car uses extra fuel. Use the cruise control, when appropriate, to increase fuel economy.

A cold engine uses more fuel than a warm engine. It is not necessary to "warm-up" a cold engine by letting it idle for a long continued

Before Driving

Fuel Economy, Loading Cargo

time. You can drive away within 30 seconds, no matter how cold it is outside. The engine will warm up faster, and you get better fuel economy. To cut down on the number of "cold starts," try to combine several short trips into one.

Air conditioning puts an extra load on the engine which makes it use more fuel. Turn off the A/C to cut down on air conditioning use. Use the flow-through ventilation when the outside air temperature is moderate.

Loading Cargo The maximum load you can carry in your Honda is 950 Ib (430 kg). It includes the total weight of all passengers and their belongings, and any accessories. This 950 Ib (430 kg)

Before Driving

figure is shown as the Vehicle Capacity Weight on the tire information label attached to the driver's side doorjamb.

To figure out how much cargo you can carry, do this:

Figure the total "occupant weight" you will be transporting. To do this, multiply the number of people (driver and all passengers) by 150 Ib (70 kg). Subtract this number from the Vehicle Capacity Weight (950 lb/430 kg). If you are towing a trailer, subtract the tongue weight. See Towing a Trailer on page 97.

This final number is the total weight of cargo you can load in or on the car. With five occupants (driver and four

passengers), the maximum recommended weight for cargo is 200 Ib (90 kg).

Where you store cargo and how well you secure it are just as important as how much it weighs. Make sure you load cargo so it will not shift while driving. Items stored in the cargo area should be placed as far forward as possible. You could store additional items on the floor behind the front seats. Make sure they cannot roll under the front seat and interfere with the pedals.

If you must carry large objects that prevent you from closing the tailgate, be aware that exhaust gas can enter the interior. See Carbon Monoxide Hazard on page 24.

Storage Compartments You can store smaller items in any of the three storage compart- ments in the cargo area. Two compartments are on either side of the tire compartment. The third is in the right side panel.

Cargo Area A passenger should never sit in the open cargo area while the car is moving. They should sit in one of the seats and wear their seat belt. With the rear seats folded, the length of the cargo area is 64.5 inches (1,640 mm). The width at the tailgate opening is 43 inches (1,107 mm). The width between the wheelwells is 33 inches (846 mm). The rear opening height is 27 inches (710 mm).

64.5 in.

33 in.

43 in.

27 in.

Cargo Area Tonneau Cover When extended, the tonneau cover conceals your parcels and protects them from direct sunlight. To extend the tonneau cover, pull the cover's leading

Loading Cargo

edge out of its housing, and slip the brackets in the hooks provided at both sides of the tailgate opening.

HOOK

TONNEAU COVER

To retract the cover, slip the brackets out of the hooks, and guide the cover so it rolls back fully into its housing.

NOTICE: Do not store parcels on the tonneau cover. The tonneau cover may break if weight is placed on it.

continued

Before Driving

Loading Cargo

To remove the tonneau cover housing unit, press the release on one side, carefully lift it out of the holder, and rest it on the trim.

Release the other side, then remove the unit. Store the unit in an area where it will not be damaged.

NOTICE If you lift the housing unit more than 6 inches (150 mm) or pull it too far rearward, you may risk damaging the unit.

Before Driving

This section gives you tips on starting the engine under various conditions and how to operate the 5-speed manual and automatic transmissions. It also includes important information on your car's braking system and facts you need if you are planning to tow a trailer.

Driving

Preparing to Drive . . . . . . . . .. 88
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . .. 88

Starting in Cold Weather at

High Altitude . . . . . . . . . .. 89

5-Speed Manual

Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . .. 90
Recommended Shift

Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 91
Maximum Speeds . . . . . . . .. 91
Automatic Transmission . . . .. 91

Shift Lever Position

Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 92
Shift Lever Positions . . . . .. 92
Maximum Speeds . . . . . . . .. 94
Shift Lock Release . . . . . . .. 94
The Braking System . . . . . . . .. 95
Brake Wear Indicators . . .. 95
Brake System Design . . . . .. 96
Anti-Lock Brakes . . . . . . . .. 96
Towing a Trailer . . . . . . . . . . .. 97

Driving

Preparing to Drive, Starting the Engine

6. Check the adjustment of the

inside and outside mirrors (see page 53).

7. Check the adjustment of the steering wheel (see page 40).

8. Make sure the doors are

securely closed and locked; 9. Fasten your seat belt. Check

that your passengers have fastened their seat belts (see page 7).

10. Turn the ignition ON (II).

Check the indicator lights in the instrument panel.

11. Start the engine. 12. Check the gauges and indicator lights in the instrument panel (see page 29).

Starting the Engine 1. Apply the parking brake. 2. In cold weather, turn off all

electrical accessories to reduce the drain on the battery.

3. Manual transmission: Push the clutch pedal all the way down. START (III) does not function unless the clutch pedal is depressed. Automatic transmission: Make sure the shift lever is in Park. Push on the brake pedal.

4. Without touching the

accelerator pedal, turn the ignition key to the START (III) position. If the engine does not start right away, do not hold the key in START (III) for more than 15 seconds at a

You should do the following checks and adjustments every day before you drive your car.

1. Make sure all windows,

mirrors, and outside lights are clean and unobstructed. Remove frost, snow, or ice.

2. Check that the hood and

trunk are fully closed.

3. Visually check the tires. If a

tire looks low, use a gauge to check its pressure.

4. Check that any items you may be carrying with you inside are stored properly or fastened down securely.

5. Check the adjustment of the

seat (see page 48).

Driving

5.

time. Pause for at least 10
seconds before trying again. If the engine does not start within 15 seconds or starts but stalls right away, push the accelerator pedal halfway down, and turn the ignition key to the START (III) position. If the engine starts, release pressure on the accelerator pedal so the engine does not race.

6. If the engine still does not start, push the accelerator pedal all the way down and hold it there while starting to clear any flooding. As before, keep the ignition key in the START (III) position for no more than 15 seconds. Return to step 5 if the engine does not start. If it starts, lift your foot off the accelerator pedal so the engine does not race.

Starting in Cold Weather at High Altitude (Above 8,000 feet/2,400 Meters) An engine is harder to start in cold weather. The thinner air found at high altitude above 8,000 feet (2,400 meters) adds to the problem. Use the following procedure: 1. Turn off all electrical

accessories to reduce the drain on the battery.

2. Push the accelerator pedal

halfway down, and hold it there while starting the engine. Do not hold the ignition key in START (III) for more than 15 seconds. When the engine starts, release the accelerator pedal gradually as the engine speeds up and smooths out.

Starting the Engine

3. If the engine fails to start in step 2, push the accelerator pedal all the way down, and hold it there while you try to start the engine for no more than 15 seconds. If the engine does not start, return to step 2.

Driving

Rapid slowing or speeding up can cause loss of control on slippery surfaces. If you crash, you can be injured.

Use extra care when driving on slippery surfaces.

5-Speed Manual Transmission

The manual transmission is synchronized in all forward gears for smooth operation. It has a lockout so you cannot shift directly from Fifth to Reverse. When shifting up or down, make sure you push the clutch pedal down all the way, shift to the next gear, and let the pedal up gradually. When you are not shifting, do not rest your foot on the clutch pedal. This can cause your clutch to wear out faster.

Come to a full stop before you shift into reverse. You can damage the transmission by trying to shift into reverse with the car moving. Push down the clutch pedal, and pause for a few seconds before shifting into reverse, or shift into one of the forward gears for a moment. This stops the gears so they won't "grind."

When slowing down, you can get extra braking from the engine by shifting to a lower gear. This extra braking can help you maintain a safe speed and prevent your brakes from overheating while going down a steep hill. Before downshifting, make sure engine speed will not go into the red zone in the lower gear. Refer to the Maximum Speeds chart.

Driving

5-Speed Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission

Recommended Shift Points Drive in the highest gear that lets the engine run and accelerate smoothly. This will give you the best fuel economy and effective emissions control. The following shift points are recommended:

Maximum Speeds The speeds in these tables are the maximums for the given gears. If you exceed these speeds, the engine speed will enter, into the tachometer's red zone. If this occurs, you may feel the engine cut in and out. This is caused by a limiter in the engine's computer controls. The engine will run normally when you reduce the rpm below the red zone.

Automatic Transmission Your Honda's transmission has four forward speeds and is electronically controlled for smoother shifting. It also has a "lock-up" torque converter for better fuel economy. You may feel what seems like another shift when the converter locks.

Driving

Automatic Transmission

Shift Lever Position Indicator This indicator between the tachometer and speedometer shows which shift position the shift lever is in. The "D4" indicator comes on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition switch ON (II). If it flashed while driving (in any shift position), it indicates a possible problem in the transmission. Avoid rapid acceleration and have the transmission checked by an authorized Honda dealer as soon as possible.

Shift Lever Positions The shift lever has seven positions. It must be in Park or Neutral to start the engine. When you are stopped in D4, D3, 2, 1 or R, press firmly on the brake pedal, and keep your foot off the accelerator pedal.

SHIFT LEVER

Driving

Park (P) — This position mechanically locks the transmission. Use Park whenever you are turning off or starting the engine. To shift out of Park, you must press on the brake pedal and have your foot off the accelerator pedal. Press the release button on the side of the shift lever to move it.

If you have done all of the above and still cannot move the lever

out of Park, see Shift Lock Release on page 94.

You must also press the release button to shift into Park. To avoid transmission damage, come to a complete stop before shifting into Park. The shift lever must be in Park before you can remove the key from the ignition switch.

Reverse (R) — To shift to Reverse from Park, see the explanation under Park. To shift to Reverse from Neutral, come to a complete stop and then shift. Press the release button before shifting into Reverse from Neutral.

Neutral (N) — Use Neutral if you need to restart a stalled engine or you need to stop briefly with the engine idling. Shift to Park position if you need to leave the

Automatic Transmission

car for any reason. Press on the brake pedal when you are moving the shift lever from Neutral to another gear.

Drive (D4) — Use this position for your normal driving. The transmission automatically selects a suitable gear for your speed and acceleration. You may notice the transmission shifting up at higher speeds when the engine is cold. This helps the engine warm up faster.

Drive (D3) — This position is similar to D4, except only the first three gears may be selected. Use D3 when towing a trailer in hilly terrain or to provide engine braking when going down a steep hill. D3 can also keep the transmission from cycling between third and fourth gears in stop-and-go driving.

continued

Driving

Automatic Transmission

For faster acceleration when in D3 or D4, you can get the transmission to automatically downshift by pushing the accelerator pedal to the floor. The transmission will shift down one or two gears, depending on your speed.

Second (2) — To shift to Second, press the release button on the side of the shift lever. This position locks the transmission in second gear. It does not downshift to first gear when you come to a stop. Second gives you more power when climbing, and increased engine braking when going down steep hills. Use second gear when starting out on a slippery surface or in deep snow. It will help reduce wheel spin.

Whenever you move the shift lever to a lower gear, the

Driving

transmission downshifts only if the engine's redline will not be exceeded in the lower gear.

First (1) — To shift from Second to First, press the release button on the side of the shift lever. With the lever in this position, the transmission locks in First gear. By upshifting and downshifting through 1, 2, D3, and D4, you can operate this transmission much like a manual transmission without a clutch pedal.

Maximum Speeds The speeds in these tables are the maximums for the given position. If you exceed these speeds, the engine speed will enter into the tachometer's red zone. If this occurs, you will feel the engine cut in and out. This is caused by a limiter in the

engine's computer controls. The engine will run normally when you reduce the rpm below the red zone.

Shift Lock Release This allows you to move the shift lever out of Park if the normal method of pushing on the brake pedal and pressing the release button does not work.

1. Set the parking brake. 2. Remove the key from the

ignition switch.

3.

Insert the key in the Shift Lock Release slot next to the shift lever.

4. Push down on the key while you press the release button and move the shift lever out of Park to Neutral.

5. Remove the key from the

Shift Lock Release slot. Return the key to the ignition switch, depress the brake pedal, and restart the engine.

RELEASE BUTTON

SHIFT LOCK RELEASE SLOT

Automatic Transmission, The Braking System

If you need to use the Shift Lock Release, it could mean your car is developing a problem. Have the car checked by your Honda dealer.

The Braking System Your Honda is equipped with front disc brakes. The brakes on the rear wheels may be disc or drum, depending on the model. The braking system is power assisted to reduce the effort needed on the brake pedal.

Put your foot on the brake pedal only when you intend to brake. Resting your foot on the pedal keeps the brakes applied lightly, causing them to build up heat. Heat buildup can reduce how well your brakes work. It also keeps your brake lights on all the time, confusing drivers behind you.

Constant application of the brakes when going down a long hill builds up heat and reduces their effectiveness. Use the engine to assist the brakes by downshifting to a lower gear and taking your foot off the accelerator pedal.

Brake Wear Indicators The front disc brakes and rear brakes of ABS-equipped cars have audible brake wear indicators. When the brake pads need replacing, you will hear a distinctive metallic "screeching" sound when you apply the brakes. If you do not have the brake pads replaced, they will screech all the time.

Your brakes may sometimes squeal or squeak when you apply them lightly. Do not

continued

Driving

The Braking System

confuse this with the brake wear indicators. They make a very audible "screeching."

Brake System Design The hydraulic system that operates the brakes has two separate circuits. Each circuit works diagonally across the car (the left-front brake is connected with the right-rear brake, etc.). If one circuit should develop a problem, you will still have braking at two wheels.

FRONT

If this happens, you will notice that the brake pedal goes down

Driving

much farther and you need to press on it much harder. A much longer distance will be needed to stop the car.

Slow the car by downshifting to a lower gear and removing your foot from the accelerator pedal. Pull to the side of the road as soon as it is safe. Because of the longer stopping distance needed, brake system failure is very hazardous. You should have your car towed, but if you must drive the car in this condition, be extremely cautious. Have your car repaired as soon as possible.

Anti-Lock Brakes ABS-equipped models Your car has an anti-lock brake system (ABS). ABS helps you to maintain steering control during hard braking. It does this by helping to prevent the wheels from locking up and skidding.

The ABS is always "ON." It requires no special effort or driving technique. You will feel a pulsation in the brake pedal when the ABS activates.

Activation varies with the amount of traction your tires have. On dry pavement, you will need to press on the brake pedal very hard before you feel the pedal pulsation that means the ABS has activated. However, you may feel the ABS activate immediately if you are trying to stop on snow or ice. Under all conditions, the ABS is helping to prevent the wheels from locking so you can retain steering control. You should continue to press on the brake pedal with the same force.

You may feel a slight movement of the brake pedal just after you start the engine. This is the ABS working.

The Braking System, Towing a Trailer

The ABS is self-checking. If anything goes wrong, the ABS indicator on the instrument panel comes on (see page 31). This means the anti-lock function of the braking system has shut down. The brakes still work like a conventional system, providing normal stopping ability. You should have the dealer inspect your car as soon as possible.

A car with ABS may require a longer distance to stop on loose or uneven surfaces than an equivalent car without anti-lock brakes. The ABS cannot make up for road conditions or bad judgment. It is still your responsibility to drive at reasonable speeds for weather and traffic conditions and to leave a margin of safety.

ABS INDICATOR

*U.S, indicator shown.

Towing a Trailer Your Honda is designed primarily to carry passengers and their cargo. You can use it to tow a trailer if you carefully observe some general rules.

The total weight of the trailer and everything loaded in it must not exceed 1,000 Ib (450 kg).

The "tongue load" should never exceed 100 Ib (45 kg). This is the amount of weight the trailer puts on the hitch when it is fully loaded. As a rule of thumb, the tongue load should be 10% of the total trailer package.

For example, if the trailer and its load weigh 500 Ib (225 kg), the tongue load should be 50 Ib (22.5 kg). Adjust the trailer's cargo to change the tongue load. Start by putting approximately 60% of the cargo toward the front and 40% toward the rear. Never load the trailer so the back is heavier than the front. This takes weight off your car's rear axle and reduces traction.

The combined weight of the car, all passengers and their luggage, and tongue load must continued

Driving

Towing a Trailer

not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. The GVWR is printed on the Certification Label attached to the driver's doorjamb (see page 172). The combined weight of the car, all passengers and their luggage, and tongue load also must not exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating. The GAWR is also shown on the Certification label. It tells you the maximum load for the front and rear axles. It is possible that your towing package does not exceed the GVWR but does exceed the GAWR. Improper trailer loading, and/or too much luggage in the trunk can overload the rear axle. Redistribute the load, and check the axle weights again.

Driving

Improperly loading your car and trailer can seriously affect its steering and braking performance, causing a crash in which you can be seriously injured.

Check the loading of your car and trailer carefully before starting to drive.

The best way to confirm that your total towing package is within these specifications is to get it weighed. Load the car and trailer as you normally would while towing, and take them to a public scale. Have them check the total weight and the weight at each axle, and then compare them to the specifications.

Trailer Hitches Your Honda dealer, or the Honda Customer Relations Zone Office, can give you advice on the proper hitch for your car. Never use a hitch that mounts only to the rear bumper. The bumper is not designed to handle that type of load. The hitch should bolt to the under-body of the car and distribute the load over a wide area. Always have a trailer hitch installed by a qualified technician. NOTICE A trailer hitch that is not adequate for the size of the trailer, or a hitch that is improperly installed, can cause damage to the underside of your car.

Mirrors Many states and provinces have laws requiring special outside

mirrors when you are towing a trailer. Check the laws in your area. You may want to install mirrors, even if they are not required. Hook up the trailer and see how much it obscures your ability to see behind you with the standard mirrors. If you cannot see directly behind you, or have a large blind spot next to the trailer or the car, you should install mirrors intended for towing.

Connecting the Trailer Most trailers that have a gross weight of 1,000 Ib (450 kg) do not have their own braking system. If you are thinking of getting a trailer that does have brakes, make sure they are electrically operated. There are no provisions in your car to tap into its hydraulic braking system. Any attempt to attach the

trailer's brakes to your car's hydraulic system, no matter how successful it may seem, will lower braking effectiveness and create a potential hazard.

Always use a safety chain when towing a trailer. Connect the safety chain securely at both ends. Make sure the chain crosses under the tongue so it will catch the trailer if it becomes unhitched. Leave enough slack in the chain so it

Towing a Trailer

can't bind in a sharp turn. Do not let it drag on the ground.

Your car has a trailer lighting connector under the cargo area floor. To use the connector, lift the floor and attach the hook at the end of the strap to the roof line.

You will find the connector under the left side box. Refer to the drawing below for the wiring color code and purpose of each connector pin.

GROUND (BLACK)

BACK-UP LIGHT (GREEN/BLACK)

LEFT TURN SIGNAL (GREEN/BLUE)

RIGHT TURN SIGNAL (GREEN/YELLOW)

BRAKE LIGHT (GREEN/WHITE)

TAILLIGHT (RED/BLACK)

Driving

Towing a Trailer

Before Starting Out As you are preparing to tow your trailer, do the following:

Measure the trailer's tongue load. You can do this with a bathroom scale. Verify that the hitch and safety chain are securely fastened. Check the condition and air pressure of all tires on the trailer and your car. Low tire pressure can seriously affect the handling. Also, check the spare tire. With everything loaded and the trailer connected, check that the rear of the car is not sagging. If so, redistribute the load in the car. Check that all lights on the car and trailer are working properly.

Driving

Towing Safety Your car will not stop as quickly with a trailer in tow. Leave extra distance between your car and other vehicles. Avoid braking or turning suddenly. This could cause the trailer to jackknife or possibly turn over.

Keep in mind that your total vehicle is now much longer. Leave more room when making turns. The trailer tracks a smaller arc than the car and can hit or run over something that the car misses. When passing another vehicle, make sure the trailer is clear before changing lanes.

The car/trailer combination is more affected by crosswinds and buffeting. When being passed by a large vehicle, keep a constant speed and steer straight ahead. If there is too much wind buffeting,

slow down to get out of the other vehicle's air turbulence.

Towing a trailer puts an extra load on your car. You should have your car serviced according to the maintenance schedule under severe driving conditions on page 109.

This extra load is magnified when you are driving in hilly terrain. Watch the temperature gauge closely when climbing hills. If it gets near the hot area, turn off the air conditioning (if it is on). If this does not reduce the heat, it may be necessary to pull to the side of the road and wait for the engine to cool. If the automatic transmission shifts frequently between 3rd and 4th gears, put it in D3. This will help prevent the transmission from overheating. Help keep the brakes from overheating by

shifting to a lower gear when going downhill.

If you have to stop while going uphill, do not hold the car in place by pressing the accelerator. This can cause the automatic transmission to overheat. Use the parking brake or footbrake.

When parking your car and trailer, especially on a hill, be sure to follow all the normal precautions. Turn your front wheels into the curb, set the parking brake firmly, and put the transmission in 1st or Reverse (manual) or Park (automatic). In addition, place wheel chocks at each of the trailer's tires.

Backing up with a trailer is difficult and takes practice. Drive slowly, make small movements with the steering wheel, and have someone stand outside to

Towing a Trailer

guide you. Grip the steering wheel on the bottom (rather than the usual position near the top). Move your hand to the left to get the trailer to move to the left, and right to move the trailer right.

Driving

This section explains why it is important to keep your car well maintained and to follow basic maintenance safety precautions.

This section also includes Maintenance Schedules for normal driving and severe driving conditions, a Maintenance Record, and instructions for simple maintenance tasks you may want to take care of yourself.

If you have the skills and tools to perform more complex maintenance tasks on your Honda, you may want to purchase the Service Manual. See page 187 for information on how to obtain a copy, or see your Honda dealer.

Maintenance Safety . . . . . . .. 104
Maintenance Schedule . . . .. 106
Maintenance Record . . . . . .. 110

. . . . . . . . . .. 112
Periodic Checks Fluid Locations . . . . . . . . . . .. 113
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 114
Adding Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 114
Recommended Oil . . . . . .. 114
Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 115
Changing the Oil

and Filter

. . . . . . . . . . . .. 115
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . .. 117
. . . . . . . .. 117
Engine Coolant Adding Engine Coolant . .. 117
Replacing Engine Coolant 118
Windshield Washers . . . . . . .. 120
Transmission Oil . . . . . . . . . .. 121
. 121

Automatic Transmission 5-Speed Manual

Transmission . . . . . . . . .. 122
Brake and Clutch Fluid . . . .. 122
Brake System . . . . . . . . . .. 123
Anti-Lock Brake System .. 123
Clutch System . . . . . . . . . .. 124
Power Steering . . . . . . . . . . .. 124
Air Cleaner Element . . . . . . .. 125

Maintenance

Spark Plugs

. . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 126
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . .. 126
Specifications . . . . . . . . . .. 127
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 127
Windshield Wipers . . . . . . . .. 129
Air Conditioning System . . .. 130
Drive Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 131
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 132
Tires Inflation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 132
Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 133
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . .. 134
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . .. 134
Replacing Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . .. 135
Wheels and Tires . . . . . . .. 135
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . .. 135
Snow Tires . . . . . . . . . .. 136
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . .. 136
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 136
Replacing Bulbs . . . . . . . .. 137
Storing Your Car . . . . . . . . . .. 143

Lights

Maintenance

Improperly maintaining this car or failing to correct a problem before driving can cause a crash in which you can be seriously hurt and killed.

Always follow the inspection and maintenance recommendations and schedules in this owner's manual.

This section includes instructions for simple maintenance tasks, such as checking and adding oil. Any service items not detailed in this section should be performed by a Honda technician or other qualified mechanic.

Some of the most important safety precautions are given below. However, we cannot warn you of every conceivable hazard that can arise in performing maintenance. Only you can decide whether or not you should perform a given task.

Maintenance Safety

Regularly maintaining your car is the best way to protect your investment. Proper maintenance is essential to your safety and the safety of your passengers. It will also reward you with more economical, trouble-free driving and help reduce air pollution.

Maintenance

Failure to properly follow maintenance instructions and precautions can cause you to be seriously hurt or killed.

Always follow the procedures and precautions in this owner's manual.

Maintenance Safety

Read the instructions before you begin, and make sure you have the tools and skills required.

To reduce the possibility of fire or explosion, be careful when working around gasoline or batteries. Use a nonflammable solvent, not gasoline, to clean parts. Keep cigarettes, sparks and flames away from the battery and all fuel-related parts. You should wear eye protection and protective clothing when working near the battery or when using compressed air.

Important Safety Precautions Before you begin any maintenance, make sure that your car is parked on level ground and the parking brake is set. Also, be sure the engine is off. This will help to eliminate several potential hazards:

Carbon monoxide poisoning from engine exhaust. Be sure there is adequate ventilation whenever you operate the engine. Burns from hot parts. Let the engine and exhaust system cool before touching any parts. Injury from moving parts. Do not run the engine unless instructed to do so.

Maintenance

Which Schedule to Follow Service your car according to the time and mileage periods on one of the Maintenance Schedules on the following pages. Select the schedule for "Severe Conditions" if most of your driving is done under one or more of the conditions listed on that page. Otherwise, follow the schedule for "Normal Conditions."

Avoid exceeding your car's load limit. This puts excess strain on the engine, brakes, and many other parts of your car. The load limit is shown on the label on the driver's doorjamb. Operate your car on reasonable roads within the legal speed limit. Drive your car regularly over a distance of several miles (kilometers). Always use unleaded gasoline with a pump octane number of 86 or higher (see page 78).

Maintenance Schedule

Maintenance Schedule The Maintenance Schedule specifies how often you should have your car serviced and what things need attention. It is essential that your car be serviced as scheduled to retain its high level of safety, dependability, and emissions control performance.

The services and time or mileage intervals shown in the maintenance schedule assume you will use your car as normal transportation for passengers and their possessions. You should also follow these recommendations:

Maintenance

We recommend the use of Genuine Honda parts and fluids whenever you have maintenance done. These are manufactured to the same high quality standards as the original components, so you can be confident of their performance and durability.

Your authorized Honda dealer knows your car best and can provide competent, efficient service. However, service at a dealer is not mandatory to keep your warranties in effect.

Maintenance may be done by any qualified service facility or person who is skilled in this type of automotive service. Keep all the receipts as proof of completion, and have the person who does the work fill out the Maintenance Record. Check your warranty booklet for more information.

Maintenance Schedule

U.S. Cars: Maintenance, replacement, or repair of emissions control devices and systems may be done by any automotive repair establishment or individual using parts that are "certified" to EPA standards.

According to state and federal regulations, failure to perform maintenance on the items marked with an asterisk (*) will not void your emissions warranties. However, Honda recommends that all maintenance services be performed at the recommended time or mileage period to ensure long-term reliability.

Maintenance

Maintenance Schedule (Normal Conditions)

Maintenance

Follow the Normal Conditions Maintenance Schedule if the severe driving conditions specified in the Severe Conditions Maintenance Schedule on the next page do not apply.

For Canadian Owners: This Maintenance Schedule outlines the minimum