. 78
Important Safety Precautions Indicators, Instrument
Panel
............................................. ...............................
. 61
. 30
Infant Restraint Infant Seats
Normal Driving
Inflation, Proper Tire
Lower Anchors Tether Anchorage Points
........................... .......... ................... ......................... ................................... ............................. ........................
Inside Mirror Inspection, Tire Instrument Panel Instrument Panel Brightness Interior Cleaning Interior Lights Introduction
........ ........................... ...............................
........................................
. 43
. 41
. 232
. 233
. 99
. 234
. 2, 59
. 74
. 252
. 105
. i
Jacking up the Car Jack, Tire Jump Starting
........................ ....................................... ................................
. 259
. 259
. 267
Main Menust02/07/09 17:50:46 31S5P620 0312
Index
Keys
..................................................
. 80
Label, Certification Lane Change, Signaling Lap/Shoulder Belts Lights
....................... ................. ........................
. 286
. 75
. 45
Bulb Replacement Indicator Parking Turn Signal
.................... ....................................... ......................................... .................................. ..................................... ......
Load Limit LOCK (Ignition Key Position) Locks
. 241
. 61
. 73
. 75
. 166
. 82
Anti-theft Steering Column Fuel Fill Door Power Door Trunk
. 82
. 157
. 84
. 88
. 161
Low Coolant Level
. 66
Low Fuel Indicator
Lower Anchors
. 43
Lower Gear, Downshifting to a . 173
. 64, 272
Low Oil Pressure Indicator
....... ............................ ................................. ........................................... ........................ ......................... ................................ ...
...
Lubricant Specifications Chart Luggage
... .........................................
. 288
. 165
NOTICE, Explanation of Numbers, Identification
................... ...............
. i
. 286
Maintenance
.................................
...................... ..........................................
.................................. Owner Maintenance Checks ... Record Required Indicator Safety Schedule
. 189
. 201
. 199-200
. 67
. 190
.............................
. 192-198
Malfunction Indicator Lamp . 66, 274
. 172
Manual Transmission
. 216
Manual Transmission Fluid
Meters, Gauges
. 69
. 292
Methanol in Gasoline
. 99
Mirrors, Adjusting
Moonroof
. 98
. 277
. 98
................... ........ ............................... ................... .......................... ......................................... ...................... .....................................
Closing Manually Operation
Neutral Gear Position New Vehicle Break-in Normal Shift Speeds
................... .................. .....................
. 176
. 156
. 173
Octane Requirement, Gasoline . 156
. 69
Odometer
Odometer, Trip
. 70
Oil
... ......................................... ...............................
Change, How to ........................ Change, When to ...................... Checking Engine ...................... Pressure Indicator .............. Selecting Proper Viscosity
. 205
. 192
. 160
. 64, 272
Chart
...................................... ...........
. 204
. 83
ON (Ignition Key Position) Onboard Refueling Vapor
Recovery
....................................
. 295
Operation in Foreign Countries . 293
..
..............................
Outside Mirrors
. 99
. 269
Overheating, Engine
....................
. 201
Owner Maintenance Checks
.......
.........................
Oxygenated Fuels
. 292
CONTINUED
Main Menust02/07/09 17:50:52 31S5P620 0313
Index
. 251
Paint Touch-up
..............................
. 74
Panel Brightness Control
..............
. 176
Park Gear Position
........................
. 182
Parking
...........................................
. 100
Parking Brake
...............................
Parking Lights
. 73
.................................
..
Parking Over Things that Burn . 296
. 295
PGM-FI System
.............................
..................
Polishing and Waxing
. 251
. 12
Pre-Drive Safety Checklist
............
. 19
Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts
.........
............................
Protecting Adults
. 13
Additional Safety Precautions . 19
...
.....
Advice for Pregnant Women
. 19
. 21
........................
. 30
.......................
. 37
.......
.........
. 34
Protecting Children Protecting Infants Protecting Larger Children Protecting Small Children Using Child Seats with
Tethers
Using Lower Anchors
..................................... ................
. 41
. 43
VI
...................
. 269
Reserve Tank, Engine
Radiator Overheating Radio/CD/Cassette
Sound System Readiness Codes Rear Lights, Bulb
.................... ...................
. 118, 130
. 275, 297
......................
Replacement
Rear Seat, Folding Rear View Mirror Rear Window Defogger Reclining the Seat Backs Recommended Shift Speeds Reminder Lights Remote Transmitter Replacement Information
.......................... ............................ ................. ............... ....... ............................. .......................
. 244, 245
. 94
. 99
. 78
. 90
. 173
. 61
. 85
Air Cleaner Element Engine Coolant Engine Oil and Filter Fuses Light Bulbs Schedule Spark Plugs Timing Belt Tires Wiper Blades
................. .......................... ................ .......................................... ................................ .................................... ................................ ................................ ........................................... .............................
. 219
. 209
. 205
. 279
. 241
. 192
. 221
. 231
. 236
. 226
Replacing Seat Belts After a
Crash
............................................
. 48
Coolant
...............................
Restraint, Child Reverse Gear Position Rotation, Tire
............................... .................. ................................
. 161, 207
. 21
. 176
. 235
*
Safety Belts Safety Defects, Reporting Safety Features
.................................. .........
Airbags Door Locks Head Restraints Seat Belts Seats and Seat-Backs
................................. ......................................... .................................. .......................... ....................................... .................. ............. ...............................
Safety Labels, Location of Safety Messages Seat Belts
.....................................
. 8, 45
. 302
. 7
. 10
. 11
. 11
. 8
. 11
. 56
. ii
. 8, 45
. 45
Additional Information Automatic Seat Belt
...............
Tensioners
Cleaning Lap/Shoulder Belt
............................... ..................................... ......................
. 46
. 253
. 45
Main Menust02/07/09 17:50:58 31S5P620 0314
Index
Maintenance Reminder Light and Beeper System Components Use During Pregnancy Wearing a Lap/Shoulder Belt
. 47
................................
. 64
......
. 45
...................
. 19
...............
. 16
...
. 90
........................
. 286
...............................
. 192
...........................
. 303
...........................
.........
. 157
. 123, 135
. 174
. 178
. 10, 51
. 53, 64
Seats, Adjusting the Serial Number Service Intervals Service Manual Service Station Procedures Setting the Clock .................. Shift Lever Position Indicator Shift Lock Release Side Airbags
.............................. ....................
..... ........................
Cutoff Indicator
*
Side Marker Lights, Bulb
Replacement in
.................
............................... ..................................... ...................
........................
. 242, 244
. 75
. 237
. 250
. 118, 130
Signaling Turns Snow Tires Solvent-type Cleaners Sound System Spare Tire Inflating Specifications
...................................... ............................ ................ ....................
Spark Plugs, Replacing Specifications Charts
. 258
. 289
. 221
. 288
Speed Control Speedometer Spotlights SRS, Additional Information
. 151
. 69
. 106
. 49
Additional Safety Precautions . 54
Airbag Service
. 54
How the Passenger Airbag
................................ ................................... ....................................... .......... ... .............................
Cutoff Indicator Light
Works
...................................
. 53
How the SRS Indicator
Works
.......................................
. 52
How Your Front Airbags
Work
......................................... ... ........................
. 49
How Your Side Airbags Work . 51
SRS Components
. 49
. 52, 64
....
. 83
. 297
........
.......................
. 171
............................. SRS Indicator START (Ignition Key Position) Testing of Readiness Codes Starting the Engine
In Cold Weather at High
Altitude
.................................. ................ .............. ........
With a Dead Battery State Emissions Testing Steam Coming from Engine Steering Wheel
. 171
. 267
. 297
. 269
Adjustment
..................................
. 79
Anti-theft Column Lock
Stereo Sound System Storing Your Car Supplemental Restraint
...........
...........................
.............
. 82
. 118, 130
. 248
................................ ......................................
System Servicing SRS Indicator System Components
.........................
................... ..................................
. 10, 49
. 54
. 52, 64
. 49
. 204
Synthetic Oil
Tachometer Taillights, Changing
.....................................
. 69
Bulbs in
......................................
. 242
Taking Care of the Unexpected . 257
Tape Player
. 124, 145
Technical Descriptions
...........................
DOT Tire Quality Grading Emissions Control Systems Oxygenated Fuels Three Way Catalytic
...... ..... .....................
. 290
. 294
. 292
Converter
Temperature Gauge
............................... .......................
. 296
. 71
CONTINUED
VII
Main Menust02/07/09 17:51:05 31S5P620 0315
Index
..................
. 41
..............
Tether Anchorage Points
Theft Protection
............................
. 149
Three Way Catalytic Converter . 296
..
. 123, 135
Time, Setting the
. 231
Timing Belt
Tire Chains
. 238
. 259
Tire, How to Change a Flat
. 232
Tires
. 232
. 234
. 258
. 290
. 232
. 234
. 234
. 236
. 235
. 237
. 289
. 238
. 285
. 259
.................................... .................................... ......... ............................................... .............................. ......................... .......................... ...... ...................................... .................................. .............................. ................................... ...................................... ........................................... ............................ ....................... .................. ...................
Air Pressure Checking Wear Compact Spare DOT Tire Quality Grading Inflation Inspection Maintenance Replacing Rotating Snow Specifications Traction Devices
Technical Information Tools, Tire Changing Towing
A Trailer Emergency Wrecker
..................................... ................ ...........................
Traction Devices
. 188
. 283
. 238
VIII
Transmission
Checking Fluid Level,
Automatic
..............................
. 214
Checking Fluid Level,
Manual
..................
...................................
Fluid Selection Identification Number Shifting the Automatic Shifting the Manual
.............. ............. .................. ..................................... ....................................... ................................................ ........................................ ................... ....................................
Opening Open Monitor Light
. 216
. 214, 216
. 286
. 175
. 172
. 290
. 70
. 88
. 88
. 66
. 75
Treadwear Trip Meter Trunk
Turn Signals
Underside, Cleaning Unexpected, Taking Care
.....................
. 255
of the
Uniform Tire Quality Grading Unleaded Gasoline Upholstery Cleaning Used Oil, How to Dispose of
.......................................... .... ........................ ..................... .......
. 257
. 290
. 156
. 252
. 206
Vanity Mirror Vehicle Capacity Load Vehicle Dimensions Vehicle Identification Number Vehicle Storage Ventilation VIN Vinyl Cleaning Viscosity, Oil
................................ ................. ...................... .... ............................. ..................................... ................................................. ............................... ..................................
. 104
. 166
. 288
. 286
. 248
. 112
. 286
. 253
. 204
*
WARNING, Explanation of Warning Labels, Location of Warranty Coverages Washer, Windshield
............. ......... ..................
. ii
. 56
. 301
Checking the Fluid Level Indicator Operation
........ ....................................... ..................................... ......................................... ..................
Washing Waxing and Polishing Wheels
. 213
. 66
. 77
. 250
. 251
Adjusting the Steering Alignment and Balance
............... ............
. 79
. 234
Main Menust02/07/09 17:51:08 31S5P620 0316
Compact Spare Wrench Windows
.......................... ......................................
. 258
. 259
Cleaning Operating the Power Rear, Defogger
..................................... .................. ...........................
. 254
. 96
. 78
Windshield Cleaning Defroster Washers
....................................... ................................... .......................................
. 76
. 115
. 77
Wipers, Windshield Changing Blades Operation Worn Tires Wrecker, Emergency Towing
....................... ..................................... .................................... .....
. 226
. 76
. 234
. 283
*
: U.S. and Canada only
Index
IX
Main Menust02/07/09 17:51:25 31S5P620 0317
Service Information Summary
Gasoline: Unleaded gasoline, pump octane number of 86 or higher.
Fuel Tank Capacity: 13.2 US gal (50 )
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Honda ATF-Z1 (Automatic
Transmission Fluid) preferred, or
aDEXRON III ATF as a
temporary replacement (see page
214
).
Recommended Engine Oil:
API Premium grade 5W-20
detergent oil (see page
203
).
HX model (CVT) only: Use Honda ATF-Z1 (Automatic Transmission Fluid) only
Oil change capacity (including filter):
DX, LX
EX, HX
3.4 US qt (3.2 )
3.7 US qt (3.5 )
5-speed Manual Transmission
Fluid:
Honda Manual Transmission
Fluid preferred, or an SAE 10W-30
or 10W-40 motor oil as a
temporary replacement (see page
216
).
Capacity (including differential):
1.6 US qt (1.5 )
Power Steering Fluid: Honda Power Steering Fluid preferred, or another brand of power steering fluid as a temporary replacement. Do not use ATF (see page
218
).
Brake Fluid: Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3 preferred, or a DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid as a temporary replacement (see page
217
).
Tire Pressure (measured cold): Front/Rear:
30 psi (210 kPa , 2.1 kgf/cm )
Spare Tire:
60 psi (420 kPa , 4.2 kgf/cm )
Main Menust2003 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 Form
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................... i
A Few Words About Safety .......................................................................................................................... ii
Your Car at a Glance ......................................................................................................................................2
Driver and Passenger Safety .......................................................................................................................5
Proper use and care of your car's seat belts, and Supplemental Restraint System.
Instruments and Controls...........................................................................................................................59
Instrument panel indicator and gauge, and how to use dashboard and steering column controls.
Comfort and Convenience Features.......................................................................................................109
How to operate the climate control system, the audio system, and other convenience features.
Before Driving .............................................................................................................................................155
What gasoline to use, how to break-in your new car, and how to load luggage and other cargo.
Driving...........................................................................................................................................................169
The proper way to start the engine, shift the transmission, and park, plus towing a trailer.
Maintenance.................................................................................................................................................189
The Maintenance Schedule shows you when you need to take your car to the dealer.
Appearance Care.........................................................................................................................................249
Tips on cleaning and protecting your car. Things to look for if your car ever needs body repairs.
Taking Care of the Unexpected...............................................................................................................257
This section covers several problems motorists sometimes experience, and how to handle them.
Technical Information...............................................................................................................................285
ID numbers, dimensions, capacities, and technical information.
Warranty and Customer Relations (U.S. and Canada)......................................................................299
A summary of the warranties covering your new Honda, and how to contact us.
Authorized Manuals (U.S. only)...............................................................................................................303
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.
ts02/07/09 17:01:15 31S5P620 0001
Owner’s Identification
OWNER
ADDRESS
STREET
CITY
STATE/PROVINCE
ZIP CODE/
POSTAL CODE
V. I. N.
DELIVERY DATE
DEALER NAME
ADDRESS
(Date sold to original retail purchaser)
DEALER NO.
STREET
CITY
STATE/PROVINCE
OWNER’S SIGNATURE
DEALER’S SIGNATURE
ZIP CODE/
POSTAL CODE
This Owner’s Manual should be considered a permanent part of the car, and should remain with the car when it is sold.
This Owner’s Manual covers all models of the Civic Coupe. You may find descriptions of equipment and features that are not on your particular model.
The information and specifications included in this publication were in effect at the time of approval for printing. Honda Motor Co., Ltd. reserves the right, however, to discontinue or change specifications or design at any time without notice and without incurring any obligation whatsoever.
POUR CLIENTS CANADIEN
AVIS IMPORTANT: Si vous avez
besoin d’un Manuel du Conducteur
en français, veuillez demander à
votreconcessionnairede
commander le numéro de pièce
33S5PC20
Main Menust02/07/09 17:01:22 31S5P620 0002
Congratulations! Your selection of a 2003 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.
California Proposition 65 Warning
WARNING: California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
This product contains or emits chemicals known to the State of
Introduction
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
Main Menust02/07/09 17:01:36 31S5P620 0003
A 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.
ii
You will find this important safety information in a variety of forms, including:
Safety Labels − Safety Messages
on the car. − three signal words: These signal words mean:
preceded by a safety alert symbol DANGER WARNING
, or
CAUTION
and one of
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
− Safety Precautions.
such as Important Safety Reminders or Important
Safety Section Instructions −
such as Driver and Passenger Safety. − how to use this car correctly and safely.
This entire book is filled with important safety information carefully.
−
please read it
Main Menust02/07/09 17:02:04 31S5P620 0005
Your Car at a Glance
GAUGES INDICATOR LIGHTS
(P. 69)
(P. 61)
AIRBAGS (P. 10, 49)
POWER DOOR LOCK SWITCH (P. 84)
POWER WINDOW SWITCHES (P. 96)
FUEL FILL DOOR RELEASE (P. 157) TRUNK RELEASE (P. 88)
A/T model is shown.
AUDIO SYSTEM (P.118,130) DIGITAL CLOCK (P.123,135)
HOOD RELEASE HANDLE (P. 158)
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (P. 174) MANUAL TRANSMISSION (P. 172)
HEATING/COOLING CONTROLS (P. 110)
Main Menust02/07/09 17:02:09 31S5P620 0006
Your Car at a Glance
HEADLIGHTS/TURN SIGNALS (P. 73, 75)
WINDSHIELD WIPERS/WASHERS (P. 76, 77)
HAZARD WARNING LIGHTS (P. 78)
MOONROOF (P. 98)
CRUISE CONTROL MASTER SWITCH (P. 151)
REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER (P. 78)
MIRROR CONTROLS (P. 99)
TILT ADJUSTMENT (P. 79)
CRUISE CONTROL BUTTONS (P. 152)
Main Menust02/07/09 17:02:17 31S5P620 0008
Driver and Passenger Safety
This 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 Your Car’s Safety Features
Seat Belts Airbags Seats and Seat-Backs Head Restraints Door Locks Pre-Drive Safety Checklist
......... ............. ....................................... ......................................... .................. .......................... .................................. ........ ............................ ..... ...........
1. Close and Lock the Doors 2. Adjust the Front Seats
Protecting Adults
. 6
. 7
. 8
. 10
. 11
. 11
. 11
. 12
. 13
. 13
. 13
3. Adjust the Seat-Backs ............ 4. Adjust the Head Restraints ... 5. Fasten and Position the Seat ..................................... ....
6. Adjust the Steering Wheel 7. Maintain a Proper Sitting
Belts
. 14
. 15
. 16
. 17
Position
. 18
Advice for Pregnant Women
. 19
Additional Safety Precautions . 19
. 21
................................ ..... ... ........................
Protecting Children
All Children Must Be
Restrained
............................... Children Should Sit in the Back ........................................... The Passenger’s Front Airbag
Seat
. 21
. 22
Poses Serious Risks to
Children
............................... If You Must Drive with Several ...................................
Children
If a Child Requires Close
. 22
. 24
Attention
. 24
Additional Safety Precautions . 25
General Guidelines for Using
.................................. ...
Child Seats
Protecting Infants Protecting Small Children
............................... ....................... .........
. 26
. 30
. 34
Protecting Larger Children Using Child Seats with
.......
. 37
. 41
. 43
Tethers
Using LATCH
.....................................
.............................
Additional Information About Your
.................................
. 45
..
Seat Belt System Components . 45
Lap/Shoulder Belt
......................
. 45
Automatic Seat Belt
Seat Belts
Tensioners
Seat Belt Maintenance
Additional Information About
............................... ...............
. 46
. 47
Your Airbags
SRS Components How Your Front Airbags
........................... ........................
. 49
. 49
Work
. 49
How Your Side Airbags Work . 51
How the SRS Indicator Light
......................................... ...
Works
.......................................
. 52
How The Passenger Airbag
Cutoff Indicator Light
Works
. 53
Airbag Service
. 54
Additional Safety Precautions . 54
. 55
. 56
................................... ............................. ... ............. ...................................
Carbon Monoxide Hazard Safety Labels
Driver and Passenger Safety
Main Menust02/07/09 17:02:30 31S5P620 0009
Be 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
14
.)
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
194
.)
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
16
.)
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 Contentsst02/07/09 17:02:38 31S5P620 0010
(1)
(3)
(4)
(6)
(10)
(8)
(7)
(5)
(8)
(2)
(7)
(2)
(9)
(11) (1) Safety Cage (2) Crush Zone (3) Seats and Seat-Backs (4) Head Restraints (5) Collapsible Steering Column (6) Seat Belts (7) Front Airbags (8) Side Airbags (Optional) (9) Seat Belt Tensioners (10) Door Locks (11) Seat Belt Buckle Tensioners
Your 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; a collapsible steering column; and seat belt tensioners that automatically tighten the front seat belts in the event of a crash.
CONTINUED
Driver and Passenger Safety
Main MenuTable of Contentsst02/07/09 17:02:47 31S5P620 0011
Your Car’s Safety Features
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 properly. features can contribute to injuries if they are not used properly.
alwayswearyourseatbelts
In fact, some safety
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.
WhyWearSeatBelts 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.
In addition, most states and all Canadian provinces require you to wear seat belts.
Driver and Passenger Safety
Main MenuTable of Contentsst02/07/09 17:02:56 31S5P620 0012
Your Car’s Safety Features
Of course, seat belts cannot completely protect you in every crash. But in most cases, seat belts can reduce your risk of serious injury.
Always wear Whatyoushoulddo: your seat belt, and make sure you wear it properly.
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.
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 vehicle’s built-in safety features.
Help protect you in almost every type of crash, including frontal, side, and rear impacts and rollovers.
Driver and Passenger Safety
Main MenuTable of Contentsst02/07/09 17:03:07 31S5P620 0013
Your Car’s Safety Features
Airbags
Your car has a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) with dual- stage, dual-threshold front airbags to help protect the heads and chests of the driver and a front seat passenger during a moderate to severe frontal collision.
Onlyonmodelsequippedwithside airbags. Your car also has side airbags to help protect the upper torso of the driver or a front seat passenger during a moderate to severe side impact.
The most important things you need to know about your airbags are:
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Driver and Passenger Safety
Airbagsdonotreplaceseatbelts. They are designed to supplement the seat belts.
Airbagsoffernoprotectioninrear impacts,rollovers,orminor frontalorsidecollisions.
Airbagscanposeserioushazards. To do their job, airbags must inflate with tremendous force and speed. So while airbags help save lives, they can cause minor injuries, or more serious or even fatal injuries if occupants are not properly restrained or sitting properly.
Always wear
Whatyoushoulddo: your seat belt properly, and sit upright and as far back as possible from the steering wheel or dashboard.
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Your Car’s Safety Features
Door 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.
Move the front
Whatyoushoulddo: 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.
Seats and 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
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Your Car’s Safety Features
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
wearingthemproperly(seepage
16
).
Any infant or small child is properly restrained in a child seat inthebackseat(seepage
21
).
Frontseatoccupantsaresitting upright and as far back as possible from the steering wheel and dashboard (see page
13
).
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Driver and Passenger Safety
Introduction The following pages provide instructions on how to properly protect the driver and other adult occupants.
These instructions also apply to children who have outgrown child seats and are large enough to wear lap/shoulder belts. (See page for important additional guidelines on how to properly protect larger children.)
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Seat-backs are upright (see page
14
).
Head restraints are properly adjusted (see page
15
).
Both doors are closed and locked (see page
13
).
All cargo is properly stored or secured (see page
165
).
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.
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Close and Lock the Doors
1. After everyone has entered the car, be sure the doors are closed and locked.
For safety, locking the doors reduces the chance that a passenger, 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 doors.
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for how to lock the
2.
Adjust the Front Seats
Protecting Adults
To reduce the chance of injury, wear your seat belt properly, sit upright with your back against the seat, and move the seat away from the steering wheel to the farthest distance that allows you to maintain full control of the car.
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 front airbag during a crash.
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Driver and Passenger Safety
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Protecting Adults
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Transport Canada recommend that drivers adjust the seat so the center of the chest is at least 10 inches (25 cm) away from the center of the steering wheel. Also make sure your front seat passenger moves the seat as far to the rear as possible.
Sitting too close to a front airbag can result in serious injury or death if the front airbags inflate.
Always sit as far back from the front airbags as possible.
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Driver and Passenger Safety
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
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front seats.
for how to adjust the
Adjust the Seat-Backs
3. 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 front airbag inflates.
A front passenger should also adjust the seat-back to an upright position, but as far from the dashboard as possible. A passenger who sits too close to the dashboard could be injured if the front airbag inflates.
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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 backs.
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for how to adjust seat-
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.
Protecting Adults
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.
Properly adjusted head restraints will help protect occupants from whiplash and other crash injuries.
See page head restraints.
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for how to adjust the
Driver and Passenger Safety
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Protecting Adults
5.
Fasten and Position the Seat Belts
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.
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.
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
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Driver and Passenger Safety
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.
Neverplacetheshoulderportionofa lap/shoulderbeltunderyourarmor behindyourback. very serious injuries in a crash.
This could cause
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If a seat belt does not seem to work as it should, it may not protect the occupant in a crash. Nooneshould sitinaseatwithaninoperativeseat Anyone using a seat belt that is belt. not working properly can be seriously injured or killed. Have your Honda dealer check the belt as soon as possible.
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for additional
See page information about your seat belt system and how to take care of your belts.
Protecting Adults
6.
Adjust the Steering Wheel
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 steering wheel.
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for how to adjust the
Driver and Passenger Safety