2000 Honda Civic Coupe Owners Manual

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Gasoline.......................................... 124 Fuel Reserve Indicator................ 58 Gauge............................................ 58 Octane Requirement................. 124 Tank, Filling the......................... 125 Gas Station Procedures................. 125 Gauges Engine Coolant Temperature .... 58 Fuel................................................ 58 Gearshift Lever Positions Automatic Transmission........... 140 5-speed Manual Transmission.......................... 138 Glass Cleaning............................... 217 Glove Box......................................... 83 Halogen Headlight Bulbs.............. 204 Hazard Warning Flashers............... 64 Headlights Daytime Running Lights............. 61 High Beam Indicator................... 55 High Beams, Turning on............ 61 Low Beams, Turning on............. 61 Main MenustIndex Reminder Beeper......................... 61 Replacing Halogen Bulbs ......... 204 Turning on.................................... 61 Head Restraints............................... 77 Heating and Cooling........................ 88 High Altitude, Starting at.............. 137 High-Low Beam Switch .................. 61 High-mount Brake Light............... 209 Hood, Opening the ........................ 126 Horn................................................... 60 Hot Coolant, Warning about........ 175 Hydraulic Clutch............................ 183 Hydroplaning.................................. 154 Identification Number, Vehicle.... 244 If Your Car Has to be Towed....... 241 Ignition Keys............................................... 69 Switch............................................ 69 Timing Control System............. 254 Important Safety Precautions .......... 6 Indicator Lights, Instrument Panel............................................. 53 Infant Restraint................................ 29 Inflation, Proper Tire .................... 195 High Speed Driving................... 196 Normal Driving.......................... 196 Inside Mirror.................................... 81 Inspection, Tire.............................. 197 Instrument Panel............................. 52 Instrument Panel Brightness......... 62 Interior Cleaning............................ 216 Interior Light.................................... 86 Introduction......................................... i Jacking up the Car......................... 221 Jack, Tire........................................ 221 Jump Starting................................. 227 Keys................................................... 69 Lap/Shoulder Belts......................... 42 Leaking of Exhaust into Car.......... 49 Lights Bulb Replacement..................... 204 Indicator........................................ 53 Parking.......................................... 64 Turn Signal................................... 62 LOCK (Ignition Key Position)....... 70 Locks Anti-theft Steering Column........ 70 Fuel Fill Door............................. 125 Power Door.................................. 71 Trunk............................................ 75 Low Coolant Level......................... 128 Low Fuel Indicator.......................... 58 Lower Gear, Downshifting to a.... 138 Low Oil Pressure Indicator.... 55, 231 Lubricant Specifications Chart.... 247 Luggage.......................................... 132 Label, Certification........................ 244 Lane Change, Signaling.................. 62 Lap Belt............................................. 43 Maintenance................................... 157 Owner Maintenance Checks.... 169 CONTINUED Main MenustIndex Maintenance Record.................................. 167-168 Required Indicator....................... 59 Safety........................................... 158 Schedule.............................. 162-166 Malfunction Indicator Lamp.. 55, 233 Manual Transmission.................... 138 Manual Transmission Fluid ......... 182 Meters, Gauges................................ 57 Methanol in Gasoline.................... 251 Mirrors, Adjusting........................... 81 Moonroof.......................................... 81 Closing Manually....................... 235 Operation...................................... 81 Odometer.......................................... 57 Odometer, Trip................................ 57 Oil Change, How to......................... 173 Change, When to....................... 162 Checking Engine....................... 127 Pressure Indicator............... 55, 231 Selecting Proper Viscosity Chart....................................... 172 ON (Ignition Key Position)............ 70 Opening the Hood......................... 126 Opening the Trunk.......................... 75 Operation in Foreign Countries... 252 Outside Mirrors............................... 81 Overheating, Engine..................... 229 Power Door Locks................................... 70 Mirrors.......................................... 82 Steering....................................... 184 Windows....................................... 79 Pre-Drive Safety Checklist............. 11 Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts.......... 19 Protecting Adults............................. 12 Additional Safety Precautions.... 19 Advice for Pregnant Women...... 19 Protecting Children......................... 21 Protecting Infants........................ 29 Protecting Larger Children........ 37 Protecting Small Children.......... 33 Using Child Seats with Tethers...................................... 40 Neutral Gear Position.................... 143 New Vehicle Break-in ................... 124 Normal Shift Speeds...................... 139 NOTICE, Explanation of.................... i Numbers, Identification................ 244 Octane Requirement, Gasoline.... 124 Panel Brightness Control............... 62 Park Gear Position......................... 141 Parking............................................ 149 Parking Brake.................................. 83 Parking Lights.................................. 64 Parking Over Things that Burn... 254 PGM-FI System.............................. 254 Polishing and Waxing................... 214 Radiator Overheating.................... 229 Radio/Cassette Sound System....... 96 Rear End Towing........................... 241 Rear Lights, Bulb Replacement... 206 Rear Seat, Folding........................... 78 Rear View Mirror............................. 81 Rear Window Defogger.................. 64 Main MenustReclining the Seat Backs................ 76 Recommended Shift Speeds ........ 139 Reminder Lights.............................. 53 Remote Transmitter........................ 72 Replacement Information Air Cleaner Element.................. 185 Coolant........................................ 177 Engine Oil and Filter................. 173 Fuses........................................... 236 Light Bulbs................................. 202 Schedule..................................... 160 Spark Plugs................................. 187 Timing Belt................................. 194 Tires............................................ 195 Wiper Blades.............................. 191 Replacing Seat Belts After a Crash............................................. 44 Reserve Tank, Engine Coolant.... 128 Restraint, Child................................ 21 Reverse Gear Position................... 143 Rotation, Tire................................. 198 Safety Belts......................................... 8 Safety Defects, Reporting*.......... 262 Safety Features.................................. 7 Airbags............................................ 9 Door Locks................................... 11 Head Restraints........................... 10 Seat Belts........................................ 8 Seats & Seat-Backs...................... 10 Safety Labels, Location of.............. 50 Safety Messages................................ ii Seat Belt, Additional Information.. 42 Lap Belt......................................... 43 Lap/Shoulder Belt....................... 42 Seat Belt Maintenance................ 44 Seat Belt System Components... 42 Seat Belts............................................ 8 Cleaning...................................... 216 Maintenance................................. 44 Reminder Light and Beeper....... 54 System Components.................... 42 Tether Attachment Points.......... 40 Use During Pregnancy................ 19 Seats, Adjusting the......................... 76 Serial Number................................ 244 Service Intervals............................ 160 Service Manual*............................ 263 Service Station Procedures .......... 125 Setting the Clock............................. 99 Index Shifting The Automatic Transmission.. 140 The 5-speed Manual Transmission.......................... 138 Shift Lever Position Indicator...... 141 Shift Lock Release......................... 144 Side Marker Lights, Bulb Replacement in.......................... 205 Signaling Turns................................ 62 Snow Tires...................................... 201 Solvent-type Cleaners.................... 214 Sound System................................... 96 Spare Tire Inflating....................................... 195 Specifications............................. 248 Spark Plugs, Replacing................. 187 Specifications Charts..................... 246 Speed Control................................... 66 Speedometer.................................... 57 CONTINUED Main MenustIndex SRS, Additional Information........... 45 Additional Safety Precautions.... 48 How Your Airbags Work............ 45 How Your SRS Indicator Works........................................ 47 SRS Components......................... 45 SRS Service................................... 47 SRS Indicator.............................. 47, 54 START (Ignition Key Position)..... 70 Starting the Engine........................ 137 In Cold Weather at High Altitude................................... 137 With a Dead Battery ................. 227 Steam Coming from Engine......... 229 Steering Wheel Adjustment................................... 65 Anti-theft Column Lock.............. 70 Stereo Sound System...................... 96 Storing Your Car............................ 212 Supplemental Restraint System..... 45 Servicing....................................... 47 SRS Indicator.......................... 47, 54 System Components.................... 45 Synthetic Oil................................... 172 Tachometer...................................... 57 Taillights, Changing Bulbs in....... 206 Taking Care of the Unexpected .. 219 Tape Player..................................... 115 Technical Descriptions Driving in Foreign Countries... 252 Emissions Control Systems...... 253 Oxygenated Fuels...................... 251 Three Way Catalytic Converter................................ 255 Temperature Gauge........................ 58 Tether Attachment Points.............. 40 Three Way Catalytic Converter... 255 Time, Setting the............................. 99 Timing Belt..................................... 194 Tire Chains..................................... 201 Tire, How to Change a Flat.......... 221 Tires................................................ 195 Air Pressure............................... 195 Checking Wear.......................... 197 Compact Spare........................... 220 DOT Tire Quality Grading....... 249 Inflation....................................... 195 Inspection................................... 197 Maintenance............................... 198 Replacing.................................... 199 Rotating....................................... 198 Snow............................................ 201 Specifications............................. 248 Technical Information................... 243 Tools, Tire Changing.................... 221 Towing A Trailer...................................... 155 Emergency Wrecker................. 241 Transmission Checking Fluid Level, Automatic............................... 180 Checking Fluid Level, Manual.................................... 182 Fluid Selection............................ 180 Identification Number............... 245 Shifting the Automatic.............. 140 Shifting the Manual................... 138 Treadwear...................................... 249 Trip Meter........................................ 57 Trunk................................................. 75 Opening......................................... 75 Open Monitor Light.................... 56 Turn Signals..................................... 62 Main MenustIndex * : U.S. and Canada only Underside, Cleaning...................... 214 Unexpected, Taking Care of the........................................... 219 Uniform Tire Quality Grading..... 249 Unleaded Gasoline......................... 124 Upholstery Cleaning...................... 216 Used Oil, How to Dispose of........ 174 Vehicle Capacity Load .................. 132 Vehicle Dimensions....................... 246 Vehicle Identification Number..... 244 Vehicle Storage.............................. 212 Ventilation......................................... 90 VIN.................................................. 244 Vinyl Cleaning................................ 216 Viscosity, Oil................................... 172 Warning Beepers Headlights on............................... 61 Key in Ignition.............................. 70 Seat Belts...................................... 54 WARNING, Explanation of.............. ii Warning Labels, Location of.......... 50 Warranty Coverages*................... 261 Washer, Windshield Checking the Fluid Level......... 180 Operation...................................... 63 Washing.......................................... 214 Waxing and Polishing................... 214 Wheels Adjusting the Steering................ 65 Alignment and Balance............. 198 Compact Spare........................... 220 Wrench....................................... 222 Windows Cleaning...................................... 217 Operating the Power................... 79 Rear, Defogger............................ 64 Windshield Cleaning........................................ 63 Defroster...................................... 93 Wipers, Windshield Changing Blades........................ 191 Operation...................................... 63 Worn Tires..................................... 197 Wrecker, Emergency Towing...... 241 Main MenustService Information Summary Gasoline: U.S.: EX, DX, HX, Canada: DX and Si Unleaded gasoline, pump octane number of 86 or higher. U.S.: Si, Canada: SiR Premium unleaded gasoline, pump octane number of 91 or higher. Fuel Tank Capacity: 11.9 US gal (45 l,9.9 Imp gal) Recommended Engine Oil: API Service SJ "Energy Conserving" oil, SAE 5W-30 viscosity (see page 171 ). U.S.: DX, Canada: DX 3.8 US qt (3.6 l,3.2 Imp qt) U.S.: HX, EX, Canada: Si 3.5 US qt (3.3 l, 2.9 Imp qt) U.S.: Si, Canada: SiR 4.2 US qt (4.0 l, 3.5 Imp qt) Automatic Transmission Fluid: Honda Premium Formula Auto- matic Transmission Fluid (ATF) HX model (CVT) only: Use Honda CVT Fluid only 5-speed Manual Transmission Fluid: Honda Manual Transmission Fluid preferred, or an API service SG, SH or SJ, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 motor oil as a temporary replacement (see page 182). Capacity (including differential): U.S.: DX, EX and HX, Canada: DX and Si 1.9 US qt (1.8 l, 1.6 lmp qt) U.S.: Si, Canada: SiR 2.3 US qt (2.2 l, 1.9 Imp qt) Power Steering Fluid: Genuine Honda Power Steering Fluid preferred, or another brand of power steering fluid as a temporary replacement. Do not use ATF (see page 184). Brake Fluid: Genuine Honda DOT3 Brake Fluid preferred, or a DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid as a temporary replacement (see page 183). Tire Pressure (measured cold): U.S.: DX, EX and HX, Canada: DX and Si Front: 30 psi (210 kPa, 2.1 kgf/cm2) Rear: 29 psi (200 kPa , 2.0 kgf/cm2) U.S.: Si, Canada: SiR Front: 35 psi (240 kPa , 2.4 kgf/cm2) Rear: 33 psi (230 kPa , 2.3 kgf/cm2) Spare Tire Pressure: 60 psi (420 kPa , 4.2 kgf/cm2) Main Menust2000 Civic Coupe Online Reference Owner's Manual Use these links (and links throughout this manual) to navigate through this reference. For a printed owner's manual, click on authorized manuals or go to www.helminc.com. Contents Owner's identification Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................... i A Few Words About Safety .......................................................................................................................... ii Your Vehicle at a Glance...............................................................................................................................2 Driver and Passenger Safety .......................................................................................................................5 Proper use and care of your vehicle's seat belts, and Supplemental Restraint System. Instruments and Controls...........................................................................................................................51 Instrument panel indicator and gauge, and how to use dashboard and steering column controls. Comfort and Convenience Features.........................................................................................................87 How to operate the climate control system, the audio system, and other convenience features. Before Driving .............................................................................................................................................123 What gasoline to use, how to break-in your new vehicle, and how to load luggage and other cargo. Driving...........................................................................................................................................................135 The proper way to start the engine, shift the transmission, and park, plus towing a trailer. Maintenance.................................................................................................................................................157 The Maintenance Schedule shows you when you need to take your vehicle to the dealer. Appearance Care.........................................................................................................................................213 Tips on cleaning and protecting your vehicle. Things to look for if your car ever needs body repairs. Taking Care of the Unexpected...............................................................................................................219 This section covers several problems motorists sometimes experience, and how to handle them. Technical Information...............................................................................................................................243 ID numbers, dimensions, capacities, and technical information. Warranty and Customer Relations (U.S. and Canada)......................................................................257 A summary of the warranties covering your new Honda, and how to contact us. Authorized Manuals (U.S. only)...............................................................................................................263 How to order manuals and other technical literature. Index ................................................................................................................................................................. I Service Information Summary A summary of information you need when you pull up to the fuel pump. Introduction NOTICE As you read this manual, you will find information that is preceded by information is intended to help you avoid damage to your Honda, other property, or the environment. symbol. This Congratulations ! Your selection of a 2000 Honda Civic was a wise investment. It will give you years of driving pleasure. One of the best ways to enhance the enjoyment of your new Honda is to read this manual. In it, you will learn how to operate its driving controls and convenience items. Afterwards, keep this owner's manual in your car so you can refer to it at any time. Several warranties protect your new Honda. Read the warranty booklet thoroughly so you understand the coverages and are aware of your rights and responsibilities. Maintaining your car according to the schedules given in this manual helps to keep your driving trouble-free while it preserves your investment. When your car needs maintenance, keep in mind that your Honda dealer's staff is specially trained in servicing the many systems unique to your Honda. Your Honda dealer is dedicated to your satisfaction and will be pleased to answer any questions and concerns. Main MenustA Few Words About Safety Your safety, and the safety of others, is very important. And operating this car safely is an important responsibility. To help you make informed decisions about safety, we have provided operating procedures and other information on labels and in this manual. This information alerts you to potential hazards that could hurt you or others. Of course, it is not practical or possible to warn you about all the hazards associated with operating or maintaining your car. You must use your own good judgement. You will find this important safety information in a variety of forms, including: Safety Labels — on the car. Safety Messages — preceded by a safety alert symbol and one of three signal words: DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION. These signal words mean: You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don't follow instructions. You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don't follow instructions. You CAN be HURT if you don't follow instructions. Safety Headings — such as Important Safety Reminders or Important Safety Precautions. Safety Section — such as Driver and Passenger Safety. Instructions — how to use this car correctly and safely. This entire book is filled with important safety information — please read it carefully. Main MenustYour Car at a Glance MIRROR CONTROLS (P. 82) HEATING/COOLING CONTROLS (P. 88) AUDIO SYSTEM, DIGITAL CLOCK (P. 108) DOOR LOCK SWITCHES (P. 70) POWER WINDOW SWITCHES (P. 79) FUEL FILL DOOR RELEASE (P. 125) TRUNK RELEASE HANDLE (P. 75) HOOD RELEASE HANDLE (P. 126) Main MenustCRUISE CONTROL (P. 66) INSTRUMENT PANEL BRIGHTNESS (P. 62) WINDSHIELD WIPERS/ WASHERS HAZARD WARNINR LIGHTS (P. 64) REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER (P. 64) Your Car at a Glance MOONROOF (P. 81) MIRROR CONTROLS (P. 82) HEADLIGHTS/ TURN SIGNALS (P. 61) TILT ADJUSTMENT (P. 65) HORN Main MenustThis section gives you important information about how to protect yourself and your passengers. It shows you how to use seat belts properly. It explains your Supple- mental Restraint System. And it tells you how to properly restrain infants and children in your car. Important Safety Precautions.......... 6 Your Car's Safety Features.............. 7 Seat Belts........................................ 8 Airbags............................................9 Seats & Seat-Backs...................... 10 Head Restraints........................... 10 Door Locks................................... 11 Pre-Drive Safety Checklist......... 11 Protecting Adults.............................12 1. Close and Lock the Doors...... 12 2. Adjust the Front Seats............ 12 3. Adjust the Seat-Backs............. 13 4. Adjust the Head Restraints.... 14 5. Fasten and Position the Seat Belts...................................... 15 6. Adjust the Steering Wheel..... 18 7. Maintain a Proper Sitting Position................................. 18 Advice for Pregnant Women...... 19 Additional Safety Precautions.... 19 Protecting Children......................... 21 All Children Must Be Restrained................................ 21 Children Should Sit in the Back Seat............................................ 22 The Passenger's Airbag Poses Serious Risks to Children....... 22 If You Must Drive with Several Children.................................... 24 Driver and Passenger Safety If a Child Requires Close Attention................................... 24 Additional Safety Precaution...... 24 General Guidelines for Using Child Seats................................ 25 Protecting Infants........................ 29 Protecting Small Children.......... 33 Protecting Larger Children........ 37 Using Child Seats with Tethers...................................... 40 Additional Information About Your Seat Belts.................................. 42 Seat Belt System Components... 42 Lap/Shoulder Belt....................... 42 Lap Belt......................................... 43 Seat Belt Maintenance................ 44 Additional Information About Your SRS............................................45 SRS Components......................... 45 How Your Airbags Work............ 45 How the SRS Indicator Light Works........................................ 47 SRS Service................................... 47 Additional Safety Precautions.... 48 Carbon Monoxide Hazard.............. 49 Safety Labels.................................... 50 Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenustBe Aware of Airbag Hazards While airbags can save lives, they can cause serious or fatal injuries to occupants who sit too close to them, or are not properly restrained. Infants, young children, and short adults are at the greatest risk. Be sure to follow all instructions and warnings in this manual. (See page 7.) Don't Drink and Drive Alcohol and driving don't mix. Even one drink can reduce your ability to respond to changing conditions, and your reaction time gets worse with every additional drink. So don't drink and drive, and don't let your friends drink and drive, either. Control Your Speed Excessive speed is a major factor in crash injuries and deaths. Generally, the higher the speed the greater the risk, but serious accidents can also occur at lower speeds. Never drive faster than is safe for current conditions, regardless of the maximum speed posted. Keep Your Car in Safe Condition Having a tire blowout or a mechanical failure can be extremely hazardous. To reduce the possibility of such problems, check your tire pressures and condition frequently, and perform all regularly scheduled maintenance. (See page 162 .) Important Safety Precautions You'll find many safety recommendations throughout this section, and throughout this manual. The recommendations on this page are the ones we consider to be the most important. Always Wear Your Seat Belt A seat belt is your best protection in all types of collisions. Airbags supplement seat belts, but airbags are designed to inflate only in a moderate to severe frontal collision. So even though your car is equipped with airbags, make sure you and your passengers always wear your seat belts, and wear them properly. (See page 15.) Restrain All Children Children are safest when they are properly restrained in the back seat, not the front seat. A child who is too small for a seat belt must be properly restrained in a child safety seat. (See page 21.) Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentsstYour Car's Safety Features Your car is equipped with many features that work together to protect you and your passengers during a crash. Some safety features do not require any action on your part. These include a strong steel framework that forms a safety cage around the passenger compartment; front and rear crush zones that are designed to crumple and absorb energy during a crash; and a collapsible steering column. These safety features are designed to reduce the severity of injuries in a crash. However, you and your passengers can't take full advantage of these safety features unless you remain sitting in a proper position and always wear your seat belts properly. In fact, some safety features can contribute to injuries if they are not used properly. Driver and Passenger Safety (1) Safety Cage (2) Crush Zones (3) Seats & Seats-Backs (4) Head Restraints (5) Collapsible Steering Column (6) Seat Belts (7) Airbags (8) Door Locks Main MenuTable of ContentsstYour Car's Safety Features Seat Belts For your safety, and the safety of your passengers, your car is equipped with seat belts in all seating positions. Your seat belt system also includes a light on the instrument panel to remind you and your passengers to fasten your seat belts. Why Wear Seat Belts Seat belts are the single most effective safety device for adults and larger children. (Infants and smaller children must be properly restrained in child seats.) Not wearing a seat belt properly increases the chance of serious injury or death in a crash, even though your car has airbags. Driver and Passenger Safety In addition, most states and all Canadian provinces require you to wear seat belts. Not wearing a seat belt properly increases the chance of serious injury or death in a crash, even if you have airbags. Be sure you and your passengers always wear seat belts and wear them properly. When properly worn, seat belts: Keep you connected to the vehicle so you can take advantage of the car's built-in safety features. Help protect you in almost every type of crash, including side and rear impacts and rollovers. (Your airbag can only be helpful in a moderate to severe frontal collision.) Help keep you from being thrown against the inside of the vehicle and against other occupants. Keep you from being thrown out of the vehicle. Help keep you in a good position should the airbags ever deploy. A good position reduces the risk of injury from an inflating airbag, and allows you to get the best advantage from the airbag. Of course, seat belts cannot completely protect you in every crash. But in most cases, seat belts can reduce your risk of serious injury. What you should do: Always wear your seat belt, and make sure you wear it properly. Main MenuTable of ContentsstAirbags The most important things you need to know about your airbags are: Airbags do not replace seat belts. The seat belts are the occupants' primary protection in all types of collisions. The airbags supplement the seat belts by providing extra protection for the head and chest of each front seat occupant in a moderate to severe frontal collision. Airbags offernoprotection in side impacts, rear impacts, rollovers, or minor collisions. Airbags are designed to deploy only during a moderate to severe frontal collision. Airbags can pose serious hazards. To do their job, airbags must inflate with tremendous force and speed. So while airbags save lives, they can cause serious injuries to adults and larger children who are Your car has a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) with frontal airbags to help protect the driver and a front seat passenger. This system also includes SRS an indicator light on the instrument panel to alert you to a possible problem with the system. Your Car's Safety Features not wearing seat belts, are not wearing them properly, are sitting too close to the airbag, or are not sitting in a proper position. Infants and small children are at an even greater risk of injury or death. What you should do: Always wear your seat belt properly, and sit upright and as far back as possible from the steering wheel or dashboard. Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentsstWhat you should do: Move the front seats as far back as possible, and keep adjustable seat-backs in an upright position whenever the car is moving. Head Restraints Head restraints can help protect you from whiplash and other injuries. For maximum protection, the back of your head should rest against the center of the head restraint. Your Car's Safety Features Seats & Seat-Backs Your car's seats are designed to keep you in a comfortable, upright position so you can take full advantage of the protection offered by seat belts and the energy absorbing materials in the seats. How you adjust your seats and seat- backs can also affect your safety. For example, sitting too close to the steering wheel or dashboard increases the risk of you or your passenger being injured by striking the inside of the car, or by an inflating airbag. Reclining a seat-back too far reduces the seat belt's effectiveness and increases the chance that the seat's occupant will slide under the seat belt in a crash and be seriously injured. Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentsstDoor Locks Keeping your doors locked reduces the chance of being thrown out of the car during a crash. It also helps prevent occupants from accidentally opening a door and falling out, and outsiders from unexpectedly opening your doors. Pre-Drive Safety Checklist To make sure you and your passengers get the maximum protection from your car's safety features, check the following each time before you drive away: All adults, and children who have outgrown child safety seats, are wearing their seat belts and wearing them properly (see page 15). Any infant or small child is properly restrained in a child seat in the back seat (see page 21). Front seat occupants are sitting upright and as far back as possible from the steering wheel and dashboard (see page 12 ). Seat-backs are upright (see page 13). Your Car's Safety Features Head restraints are properly adjusted (see page 14). Both doors are closed and locked (see page 12). All cargo is properly stored or secured (see page 132 ). The rest of this section gives more detailed information about how you can maximize your safety. Remember, however, that no safety system can prevent all injuries or deaths that can occur in severe crashes, even when seat belts are properly worn and the airbags deploy- Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentsstProtecting Adults Introduction The following pages provide instructions on how to properly protect the driver and other adult occupants. especially a child, will open a door while the car is moving and accidentally fall out. It also reduces the chance of someone being thrown out of the car during a crash. For security, locked doors can prevent an outsider from unexpectedly opening a door when you come to a stop. See page 70 for how to lock the doors. 2.Adjust the Front Seats These instructions also apply to children who have outgrown child seats and are large enough to wear lap/shoulder belts. (See page 37 for important additional guidelines on how to properly protect larger children.) 1. Close and Lock the Doors After everyone has entered the car, be sure the doors are closed and locked. Your car has a door monitor light on the instrument panel to indicate when a specific door is not tightly closed. For safety, locking the doors reduces the chance that a passenger, Driver and Passenger Safety Any driver who sits too close to the steering wheel is at risk of being seriously injured or killed by striking the steering wheel, or from being struck by an inflating airbag during a crash. To reduce the chance of injury, wear your seat belt properly, sit upright with your back against the seat, and move the seat as far back as possible from the steering wheel while still maintaining full control of the car. Also make sure your front seat passenger moves the seat as far to the rear as possible. Main MenuTable of ContentsstSitting too close to an airbag can result in serious injury or death if the airbags inflate. Always sit as far back from the airbags as possible. Most shorter drivers can get far enough away from the steering wheel and still reach the pedals. However, if you are concerned about sitting too close, we recommend that you investigate whether some type of adaptive equipment may help. Once your seat is adjusted correctly, rock it back and forth to make sure the seat is locked in position. See page 76 for how to adjust the front seats. 3. Adjust the Seat-Backs Adjust the driver's seat-back to a comfortable, upright position, leaving ample space between your chest and the airbag cover in the center of the steering wheel. If you sit too close to the steering wheel, you could be injured if the airbag inflates. A front passenger should also adjust the seat-back to an upright position, but as far from the dashboard as Protecting Adults possible. A passenger who sits too close to the dashboard could be injured if the airbag inflates. Reclining a seat-back so that the shoulder part of the belt no longer rests against the occupant's chest reduces the protective capability of the belt. It also increases the chance of sliding under the belt in a crash and being seriously injured. The farther a seat-back is reclined, the greater the risk of injury. Reclining the seat-back too far can result in serious injury or death in a crash. Adjust the seat-back to an upright position and sit well back in the seat. See page 77 for how to adjust seat- backs. Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentsstProperly adjusted head restraints will help protect occupants from whiplash and other crash injuries. See page 77 for how to adjust the head restraints. Improperly positioning head restraints reduces their effectiveness and you can be seriously injured in a crash. Make sure head restraints are in place and positioned properly before driving. Protecting Adults 4.Adjust the Head Restraints Before driving, make sure everyone with an adjustable head restraint has properly positioned the head restraint. The restraint should be positioned so the back of the occupant's head rests against the center of the restraint. A taller person should adjust the restraint as high as possible. Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of Contentsst5. Fasten and Position the Seat Belts Using a Lap/Shoulder Belt Insert the latch plate into the buckle, then tug on the belt to make sure the belt is securely latched. Also check that the belt is not twisted, because a twisted belt can cause serious injuries in a crash. Protecting Adults If necessary, pull up on the belt again to remove any slack from the shoulder part, then check that the belt rests across the center of your chest and over your shoulder. This spreads the forces of a crash over the strongest bones in your upper body. Improperly positioning the seat belts can cause serious injury or death in a crash. Make sure all seat belts are properly positioned before driving. CONTINUED Driver and Passenger Safety Position the lap part of the belt as low as possible across your hips, then pull up on the shoulder part of the belt so the lap part fits snugly. This lets your strong pelvic bones take the force of a crash and reduces the chance of internal injuries. Main MenuTable of ContentsstProtecting Adults Never place the shoulder portion of a lap/shoulder belt under your arm or behind your back. This could cause very serious injuries in a crash. Using the Lap Belt If the belt is too short, hold the latch plate at a right angle and pull on the plate to extend the belt. Then insert the latch plate into the buckle, and tug on the belt to make sure the belt is securely latched. Insert the latch plate into the buckle marked CENTER. Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentsstProtecting Adults See page 42 for additional information about your seat belt system and how to take care of your belts. If a Seat Belt Doesn't Work Properly If a seat belt does not seem to work as it should, it may not protect the occupant in a crash. No one should sit in a seat with an inoperative seat belt. Anyone using a seat belt that is not working properly can be seriously injured or killed. Have your Honda dealer check the belt as soon as possible. Position the belt as low as possible across your hips. This lets your strong pelvic bones take the force of a crash and reduces the chance of internal injuries. Pull on the loose end of the belt for a snug but comfortable fit. Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentsstProtecting Adults 6.Adjust the Steering Wheel 7. Maintain a Proper Sitting Position After all occupants have adjusted their seats and put on seat belts, it is very important that they continue to sit upright, well back in their seats, with their feet on the floor, until the car is parked and the engine is off. Sitting improperly can increase the chance of injury during a crash. For example, if an occupant slouches, lies down, turns sideways, sits forward, leans forward or sideways, or puts one or both feet up, the chance of injury during a crash is greatly increased. In addition, an occupant who is out of position in the front seat can be seriously or fatally injured by striking interior parts of the car, or by being struck by an inflating airbag. Adjust the steering wheel, if needed, so that the wheel points toward your chest, not toward your face. Pointing the steering wheel toward your chest provides optimal protection from the airbag. See page 65 for how to adjust the steering wheel. Driver and Passenger Safety Sitting improperly or out of position can result in serious injury or death in a crash. Always sit upright, well back in the seat, with your feet on the floor. Remember, to get the best protection from your car's airbags and other safety features, you must sit properly and wear your seat belt properly. Main MenuTable of ContentsstAdvice for Pregnant Women Because protecting the mother is the best way to protect her unborn child, a pregnant woman should always wear a seat belt whenever she drives or rides in a vehicle. We recommend that pregnant women use a lap/shoulder belt whenever possible. Remember to keep the lap portion of the belt as low as possible across your hips. Pregnant women should also sit upright and as far back as possible from the steering wheel or dashboard. This will reduce the risk of injuries to both the mother and her unborn child that can be caused by a crash or an inflating airbag. Each time you have a check-up, ask your doctor if it's okay for you to drive. Protecting Adults Additional Safety Precautions Two people should never use the same seat belt. If they do, they could be very seriously injured in a crash. Do not put any accessories on seat belts. Devices intended to improve occupant comfort or reposition the shoulder part of a seat belt can severely compromise the protective capability of the seat belt and increase the chance of serious injury in a crash. CONTINUED Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of Contentsst Keep your hands and arms away from the airbag covers. If your hands or arms are close to the airbag covers in the center of the steering wheel and on top of the dashboard, they could be injured if the airbags inflate. Protecting Adults Do not place hard or sharp objects between yourself and an airbag. Carrying hard or sharp objects on your lap, or driving with a pipe or other sharp object in your mouth, can result in injuries if your airbags inflate. Do not attach or place objects on the airbag covers. Any object attached to or placed on the covers marked "SRS AIRBAG," in the center of the steering wheel and on top of the dashboard, could interfere with the proper operation of the airbags. Or, if the airbags inflate, the objects could be propelled inside the car and hurt someone. Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentsstChildren who are unrestrained or improperly restrained can be seriously injured or killed in a crash. Any child too small for a seat belt should be properly restrained in a child seat. A larger child should be properly restrained with a seat belt. Children depend on adults to protect them. However, despite their best intentions, many parents and other adults may not know how to properly protect young passengers. So if you have children, or if you ever need to drive with a grandchild or other children in your car, be sure to read this section. Protecting Children All Children Must Be Restrained Each year, many children are injured or killed in vehicle crashes because they are either unrestrained or not properly restrained. In fact, vehicle accidents are the number one cause of death of children ages 12 and under. To reduce the number of child deaths and injuries, every state and Canadian province requires that infants and children be restrained whenever they ride in a vehicle. Any child who is too small to wear a seat belt should be properly restrained in a child seat. (See page 25.) A larger child should always be restrained with a seat belt. (See page 37.) Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentsstProtecting Children Children Should Sit in the Back Seat According to accident statistics, children of all ages and sizes are safer when they are restrained in the back seat, not the front seat. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Transport Canada recommend that all children ages 12 and under be properly restrained in the back seat. In the back seat, children are less likely to be injured by striking hard interior parts during a collision or hard braking. Also, children cannot be injured by an inflating airbag when they ride in the back. Driver and Passenger Safety The Passenger's Airbag Poses Serious Risks to Children Airbags have been designed to help protect adults in a moderate to severe frontal collision. To do this, the passenger's airbag is quite large, and it inflates with tremendous speed. Infants Never put a rear-facing child seat in the front seat of a vehicle equipped with a passenger's airbag. If the airbag inflates, it can hit the back of the child seat with enough force to kill or very seriously injure an infant. Small Children Placing a forward-facing child seat in the front seat of a vehicle equipped with a passenger's airbag can be hazardous. If the vehicle seat is too far forward, or the child's head is thrown forward during a collision, an inflating airbag can strike the child with enough force to kill or very seriously injure a small child. Larger Children Children who have outgrown child seats are also at risk of being injured or killed by an inflating passenger's airbag. Whenever possible, larger children should sit in the back seat, properly restrained with a seat belt. (See page 37 for important information about protecting larger children.) Main MenuTable of ContentsstU.S. Models To remind you of the passenger's airbag hazards, and that children must be properly restrained in the back seat, your car has warning labels on the dashboard and on the driver's and front passenger's visors. Please read and follow the instructions on these labels. Protecting Children Canadian Models To remind you of the airbag hazards, your car has warning labels on the driver's and front passenger's visors. Please read and follow the instructions on these labels. CAUTION TO AVOID SERIOUS INJURY: FOR MAXIMUM SAFETY PROTECTION IN ALL TYPES OF CRASHES, YOU MUST ALWAYS WEAR YOUR SAFETY BELT. DO NOT INSTALL REARWARD-FACING CHILD SEATS IN ANY FRONT PASSENGER SEAT POSITION. DO NOT SIT OR LEAN UNNECESSARILY CLOSE TO THE AIR BAG. DO NOT PLACE ANY OBJECTS OVER THE AIR BAG OR BETWEEN THE AIR BAG AND YOURSELF. SEE THE OWNER'S MANUAL FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND EXPLANATIONS. PRECAUTION: POUR EVITER DES BLESSURES GRAVES: POUR PROFITER D'UNE PROTECTION MAXIMALE LORS D'UNE COLLISION BOUCLEZ TOUJOURS VOTRE CEINTURE DE SECURITE. N'lNSTALLEZ JAMAIS UN SIEGE POUR ENFANTS FAISANT FACE A L'AHRIERE SUR LE SIEGE DU PASSAGER AVANT. NE VOUS APPUYEZ PAS ET NE VOUS ASSEYEZ PAS PRES DU COUSSIN GONFLABLE. NE DEPOSEZ AUCUN OBJET SUR LE COUSSIN GONFLABLE OU ENTRE LE COUSSIN GONFLABLE ET VOUS. LISEZ LE GUIDE UTILISATEUR POUR DE PLUS AMPLES RENSEIGNEMENTS. Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentsstProtecting Children If You Must Drive with Several Children Your car has three seating positions in the back seat where children can be properly restrained. If you ever have to carry more than three children in your car: Place the largest child in the front seat, provided the child is large enough to wear a seat belt properly (see page 37 ). Move the vehicle seat as far to the rear as possible (see page 12 ). Have the child sit upright and well back in the seat (see page 18). Make sure the seat belt is properly positioned and secured (see page 15). Driver and Passenger Safety Additional Safety Precaution Do not leave children alone in your vehicle. Leaving children without adult supervision is illegal in most states and Canadian provinces, and can be very hazardous. For example, infants and small children left in a vehicle on a hot day can die from heatstroke. And children left alone with the key in the ignition can accidentally set the vehicle in motion, possibly injuring themselves or others. If a Child Requires Close Attention Many parents say they prefer to put an infant or small child in the front passenger seat so they can watch the child, or because the child requires attention. Placing a child in the front seat exposes the child to hazards from the airbag, and paying close attention to a child distracts the driver from the important tasks of driving, placing both of you at risk. If a child requires physical attention or frequent visual contact, we strongly recommend that another adult ride with the child in the back seat. The back seat is far safer for a child than the front. Main MenuTable of ContentsstGeneral Guidelines for Using Child Seats The following pages give general guidelines for selecting and installing child seats for infants and small children. Selecting a Child Seat To provide proper protection, a child seat should meet three requirements: 1. The child seat should meet safety standards. The child seat should meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 (FMVSS 213) or Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 (CMVSS 213). Look for the manufacturer's statement of compliance on the box and seat. 2. The child seat should be of the proper type and size to fit the child. Protecting Children Infants: Children up to about one year old should be restrained in a rear-facing, reclining child seat. Only a rear-facing seat provides the proper support to protect an infant's head, neck, and back. See page 29 for additional information on protecting infants. Small Children: A child who is too large for a rear-facing child seat, and who can sit up without support, should be restrained in a forward- facing child seat. See page 33 for additional information on protecting small children. CONTINUED Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentsstProtecting Children 3. The child seat should fit the vehicle seating position (or positions) where it will be used. Due to variations in the design of child seats, vehicle seats, and seat belts, all child seats will not fit all vehicle seating positions. However, Honda is confident that one or more child seat models can fit and be properly installed in all recommended seating positions in your car. Before purchasing a child seat, we recommend that parents test the child seat in the specific vehicle seating position (or positions) where they intend to use the seat. If a previously purchased child seat does not fit, you may need to buy a different one that will fit. Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentsstPlacing a Child Seat This page briefly summarizes Honda's recommendations on where to place rear-facing and forward- facing child seats in your car. Airbags Pose Serious Risks to Children The passenger's airbag inflates with enough force to kill or seriously injure an infant in a rear-facing child seat. A small child in a forward-facing child seat is also at risk. If the vehicle seat is too far forward, or the child's head is thrown forward during a collision, an inflating airbag can kill or seriously injure the child. If a small child must ride in the front, follow the instructions provided in this section. Protecting Children Front Passenger's Seat Infants: Never in the front seat, due to the passenger's airbag hazard. Small children: Not recommended, due to the passenger's airbag hazard. If a small child must ride in front, move the vehicle seat to the rear-most position and secure a front-facing child seat with the seat belt (see page 34 ). Back Seats Infants: Recommended positions. Secure a rear-facing child seat with the seat belt (see page 30). Small children: Recommended positions. Secure a front-facing child seat with the seat belt (see page 34). CONTINUED Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentsstProtecting Children Installing a Child Seat After selecting a proper child seat, and a good position to install the seat, there are three main steps in installing the seat: To provide security during normal driving maneuvers as well as during a collision, we recommend that parents secure a child seat as firmly as possible. 1. Secure the child seat to the car with a seat belt. All child seats must be secured to the car with the lap belt or the lap part of a lap/ shoulder belt. A child whose seat is not properly secured to the car can be endangered in a crash. See pages 28 and 32 for instructions on how to secure child seats in this car. 2. Make sure the child seat is firmly secured. After installing a child seat, push and pull the seat forward and from side to side to verify that it is secure. However, a child seat does not need to be "rock solid." In some vehicles or seating positions, it may be difficult to install a child seat so that it does not move at all. Some side-to- side or back-and-forth movement can be expected and should not reduce the child seat's effectiveness. If the child seat is not secure, try installing it in a different seating position, or use a different style of child seat that can be firmly secured in the desired seating position. 3. Secure the child in the child seat. Make sure the child is properly strapped in the child seat according to the child seat maker's instructions. A child who is not properly secured in a child seat can be thrown out of the seat in a crash and seriously injured. Storing a Child Seat When you are not using a child seat, either remove it and store it in a safe place, or make sure it is properly secured. An unsecured child seat can be thrown around the car during a crash or sudden stop and injure someone. Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentsstPlacing a rear-facing child seat in the front seat can result in serious injury or death if the airbags inflate. Always place a rear-facing child seat in the back seat, not the front. We recommend that an infant be restrained in a rear-facing child seat until the infant reaches the seat maker's weight or height limit and is able to sit up without support. Protecting Infants Child Seat Type Only a rear-facing child seat provides proper support for a baby's head, neck, and back. Infants up to about one year of age must be restrained in a rear-facing child seat. Two types of seats may be used: a seat designed exclusively for infants, or a convertible seat used in the rear- facing, reclining mode. Protecting Children Rear-Facing Child Seat Placement In this car, a rear-facing child seat can be placed in any seating position in the back seat, but not in the front seat. Never put a rear-facing child seat in the front seat. If the passenger's airbag inflates, it can hit the back of the child seat with enough force to kill or seriously injure an infant. If an infant must be closely watched, we recommend that another adult sit in the back seat with the baby. Do not put a rear-facing child seat in a forward-facing position. If placed facing forward, an infant could be very seriously injured during a frontal collision. CONTINUED Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentsstProtecting Children Installing a Rear-Facing Child Seat with a Lap/Shoulder Belt The lap/shoulder belts in the outer back seats have a locking mechanism that must be activated to secure a child seat. See page 32 for how to secure a rear- facing child seat in the center back seat with the lap belt. For tips on installing a rear-facing child seat with a seat belt, see page 32. The following pages provide instructions on how to secure a rear- facing child seat with this type of seat belt. 1. With the child seat in the desired back seating position, route the belt through the child seat according to the seat maker's instructions, then insert the latch plate into the buckle. Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentsstProtecting Children 2. To activate the lockable retractor, slowly pull the shoulder part of the belt all the way out until it stops, then let the belt feed back into the retractor (you might hear a clicking noise as the belt retracts). 3. After the belt has retracted, tug on it. If the belt is locked, you will not be able to pull it out. If you can pull the belt out, it is not locked and you will need to repeat these steps. 4. After confirming that the belt is locked, grab the shoulder part of the belt near the buckle and pull up to remove any slack from the lap part of the belt. Remember, if the lap part of the belt is not tight, the child seat will not be secure. To remove slack, it may help to put weight on the child seat, or push on the back of the seat, while pulling up on the belt. 5. Push and pull the child seat forward and from side to side to verify that it is secure enough to stay upright during normal driving maneuvers. If the child seat is not secure, unlatch the belt, allow it to retract fully, then repeat these steps. To deactivate the locking mechanism and remove a child seat, unlatch the buckle, unroute the seat belt, and let the belt fully retract. CONTINUED Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentsstProtecting Children Installing a Rear-Facing Child Seat with the Lap Belt Rear-Facing Child Seat Installation Tips To install a rear-facing child seat in the center back seat with the lap belt, follow instruction number 1 on page 30 for routing and latching the seat belt. Then pull hard on the loose end of the belt to remove any slack (it may help to put weight on the child seat while pulling on the belt). Finally, follow instruction number 5 on page 31 to verify that the child seat is secure. For proper protection, an infant must ride in a reclined, or semi-reclined position. To determine the proper reclining angle, check with the baby's doctor or follow the seat maker's recommendations. To achieve the desired reclining angle, it may help to put a rolled up towel under the toe of the child seat, as shown. Driver and Passenger Safety When properly installed, a rear- facing child seat may prevent the driver or a front-seat passenger from moving the seat as far back as recommended (see page 12 ). Or it may prevent them from locking the seat-back in the desired upright position (see page 13 ). In either case, we recommend that you place the child seat directly behind the front passenger seat, move the front seat as far forward as needed, and leave it unoccupied. Or you may wish to get a smaller child seat that allows you to safely carry a front passenger. Main MenuTable of ContentsstAdditional Precautions for Infants Never hold an infant on your lap. If you are not wearing a seat belt in a crash, you could be thrown forward into the dashboard and crush the infant. If you are wearing a seat belt, the infant can be torn from your arms. For example, if your car crashes into a parked vehicle at 30 mph (48 km/h), a 20-lb (9 kg) infant will become a 600-lb (275 kg) force, and you will not be able to hold on. Never put a seat belt over yourself and an infant. During a crash, the belt could press deep into the infant and cause very serious injuries. Protecting Small Children Child Seat Type A child who can sit up without support, and who fits within the child seat maker's weight and height limits, should be restrained in a forward-facing, upright child seat. Of the different seats available, we recommend those that have a five- point harness system as shown. Protecting Children We also recommend that a small child stay in the child seat as long as possible, until the child reaches the weight or height limit for the seat. Child Seat Placement In this car, the best place to install a forward-facing child seat is in one of the seating positions in the back seat. Placing a forward-facing child seat in the front seat of a vehicle equipped with a passenger airbag can be hazardous. If the car seat is too far forward, or the child's head is thrown forward during a collision, an inflating passenger's airbag can strike the child with enough force to cause very serious or fatal injuries. If a small child must be closely watched, we recommend that another adult sit in the back seat with the child. CONTINUED Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentsstInstalling a Child Seat with a Lap/ Shoulder Belt The lap/shoulder belts in the outer back and front passenger seating positions have a locking mechanism that must be activated to secure a child seat. The following pages provide instructions on how to secure a forward-facing child seat with this type of seat belt. See page 36 for how to secure a forward-facing child seat in the center back seat with the lap belt. 1. With the child seat in the desired back seating position, route the belt through the child seat according to the seat maker's instructions, then insert the latch plate into the buckle. Protecting Children Improperly placing a forward- facing child seat in the front seat can result in serious injury or death if the airbags inflate. If you must place a forward- facing child seat in front, move the vehicle seat as far back as possible and properly restrain the child. If it is necessary to put a forward- facing child seat in the front, move the vehicle seat as far to the rear as possible, be sure the child seat is firmly secured to the car, and the child is properly strapped in the seat. Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentsstProtecting Children 2. To activate the lockable retractor, slowly pull the shoulder part of the belt all the way out until it stops, then let the belt feed back into the retractor (you might hear a clicking noise as the belt retracts). 3. After the belt has retracted, tug on it. If the belt is locked, you will not be able to pull it out. If you can pull the belt out, it is not locked and you will need to repeat these steps. 4. After confirming that the belt is locked, grab the shoulder part of the belt near the buckle and pull up to remove any slack from the lap part of the belt. Remember, if the lap part of the belt is not tight, the child seat will not be secure. It may help to put weight on the child seat, or push on the back of the seat, while pulling up on the belt. 5. Push and pull the child seat forward and from side to side to verify that it is secure enough to stay upright during normal driving maneuvers. If the child seat is not secure, unlatch the belt, allow it to retract fully, then repeat these steps. CONTINUED Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentsstProtecting Children To deactivate the locking mechanism in order to remove a child seat, unlatch the buckle, unroute the seat belt, and let the belt fully retract. Installing a Child Seat with the Lap Belt To install a forward-facing child seat in the center back seat with the lap belt, follow instruction number 1 on page 34 for routing and latching the seat belt. Then pull hard on the loose end of the belt to remove any slack; it may help to put weight on the child seat while pulling on the belt. Finally, follow instruction number 5 on page 35 to verify that the child seat is secure. Driver and Passenger Safety Additional Precautions for Small Children Never hold a small child on your lap. If you are not wearing a seat belt in a crash, you could be thrown forward into the dashboard and crush the child. If you are wearing a seat belt, the child can be torn from your arms during a crash. For example, if your car crashes into a parked vehicle at 30 mph (48 km/h), a 30-lb (14 kg) child will become a 900-lb (410 kg) force, and you will not be able to hold on. Never put a seat belt over yourself and a child. During a crash, the belt could press deep into the child and cause very serious injuries. Main MenuTable of ContentsstProtecting Children Checking Seat Belt Fit To determine if a lap/shoulder belt properly fits a child, have the child put on the seat belt. Follow the instructions on page 15 . Then check how the belt fits. Allowing a larger child to sit improperly in the front seat can result in injury or death if the airbags inflate. If a larger child must sit in front, make sure the child moves the seat as far back as possible and wears the seat belt properly. Protecting Larger Children When a child reaches the recommended weight or height limit for a forward-facing child seat, the child should sit in one of the outer back seats and wear a lap/shoulder belt. The lap/shoulder belt provides better protection than the lap belt. If a child is too short for the shoulder part of the belt to properly fit, we recommend that the child use a booster seat until they are tall enough to use the seat belt without a booster. The following pages give instructions on how to check proper seat belt fit, what kind of booster seat to use if one is needed, and important precautions for children who must sit in the front seat. CONTINUED Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentsstHowever, if the belt touches or crosses the child's neck, the child needs to use a booster seat. Do not let a child wear a seat belt across the neck. This could result in serious neck injuries during a crash. Do not let a child put the shoulder part of a seat belt behind the back or under the arm. This could cause very serious injuries during a crash. It also increases the chance that the child will slide under the belt in a crash and be injured. Do not put any accessories on a seat belt. Devices intended to improve occupant comfort or reposition the shoulder part of a seat belt, severely compromise the protective capability of seat belts and increase the chance of serious injury in a crash. Two children should never use the same seat belt. If they do, they could be very seriously injured in a crash. Protecting Children If the shoulder part of the belt rests over the child's collarbone and against the center of the chest, as shown, the child is large enough to wear the seat belt. Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentsstProtecting Children Using a Booster Seat A child may continue using a booster seat until the tops of the ears are even with the top of the seat-back. A child of this height should be tall enough to use the lap/shoulder belt without a booster. When Can a Larger Child Sit in Front The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Transport Canada recommend that all children ages 12 and under be properly restrained in a back seat. If a child needs a booster seat, we recommend choosing a style that allows the child to use the lap/ shoulder belt directly, without a shield, as shown. Whichever style you select, follow the booster seat maker's instructions. The back seat is the safest place for a child of any age or size. In addition, the passenger's airbag poses serious risks to children. If the seat is too far forward, or the child's head is thrown forward during a collision, or the child is unrestrained or out of position, an inflating airbag can kill or seriously injure the child. Of course, children vary widely. And while age may be one indicator of when a child can safely ride in the front, there are other important factors you should consider. CONTINUED Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentsstProtecting Children Physical Size Physically, a child must be large enough for the lap/shoulder belt to properly fit over the hips, chest, and shoulder (see pages 15 and 21). If the seat belt does not fit properly, the child should not sit in the front. Maturity To safely ride in front, a child must be able to follow the rules, including sitting properly and wearing the seat belt properly throughout a ride. Driver and Passenger Safety

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2000 Honda Civic Coupe Owners Manual