1993 Honda Civic DEL SOL Owners Manual

You cannot start a Honda with an automatic transmision by pushing or pulling it.

To jump start your car:

1. Open the hood and check the

physical condition of the battery (see page 117). In very cold weather, check the condition of the electrolyte. If it seems slushy or like ice, do not try jump starting until it thaws.

NOTICE

If a battery sits in extreme cold, the electrolyte inside can freeze. Attempting to jump start with a frozen battery can cause it to rupture or explode.

2. Turn off all the electrical acces-

sories: heater, A/C, stereo system, lights, etc. Put the transmission in Neutral or Park and set the parking brake.

Taking Care of the Unexpected

Jump Starting

3. Connect one jumper cable to the

positive (+) terminal on the booster battery. Connect the other end to the positive (+) terminal on your Honda's battery.

4. Connect the second jumper cable

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

5. If the booster battery is in

another car, have an assistant start that car and run it at a fast idle.

BOOSTER BATTERY 6. Start your car. If the starter

motor still operates slowly, check the jumper cable connections to make sure they have good metal- to-metal contact.

7. Once your car is running,

disconnect the negative cable from your car, then from the booster battery. Disconnect the positive cable from your car, then the booster battery.

Taking Care of the Unexpected

If Your Engine Overheats

The pointer of your car's tempera- ture gauge should stay in the mid- range under most conditions. It may go higher if you are driving up a long steep hill on a very hot day. If it climbs to the red mark, you should determine the reason.

NOTICE

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

Taking Care of the Unexpected

Your car can overheat for several reasons, such as lack of coolant or a mechanical problem. The only indication may be the temperature gauge climbing to or above the red mark. Or you may see steam or spray coming from under the hood. In either case, you should take immediate action.

Steam and spray from an over- heated engine can seriously scald you.

Do not open the hood if steam is coming out.

1. Safely pull to the side of the road.

Put the transmission in neutral or Park and set the parking brake. Turn off the heating and cooling system and all other accessories. Turn on the hazard warning indicators.

2. If you see steam and/or spray coming from under the hood, turn off the engine.

3. If you do not see steam or spray,

leave the engine running and watch the temperature gauge. If the high heat is due to overload- ing (climbing a long, steep hill on a hot day with the A/C running, for example), the engine should start to cool down almost immedi- ately. If it does, wait until the temperature gauge comes down to the midpoint then continue driving.

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

5. Wait until you see no more signs of steam or spray, then open the hood.

6. Look for any obvious coolant leaks, such as a split radiator hose. Everything is still extreme- ly hot, so use caution. If you find a leak, it must be repaired before you continue driving (see Towing on page 164).

7. If you don't find an obvious leak,

check the coolant level in the radiator reserve tank (see page 105). If the level is below the MIN mark, add coolant to half- way between the MIN and MAX marks.

8. If there was no coolant in the

reserve tank, you may also have to add coolant to the radiator.

Let the engine cool down until the pointer reaches the middle of the temperature gauge, or lower, before checking the radiator.

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

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

9. Using gloves or a Large heavy

cloth, turn the radiator cap counterclockwise, without pushing down, to the first stop. This releases any remaining pressure in the cooling system. After the pressure releases, push down on the cap and turn it until it comes off.

If Your Engine Overheats

10.Start the engine and set the temperature control lever to maximum. Add coolant to the radiator up to the base of the filler neck. If you do not have the proper coolant mixture available, you can add plain water. Remember to have the cooling system drained and refilled with the proper mixture as soon as you can.

11.Put the radiator cap back on tightly. Run the engine and watch the temperature gauge. If it goes back to the red mark, the engine needs repair. (See Towing on page 164 .)

12.1f the temperature stays normal,

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

Taking Care of the Unexpected

4. Start the engine and watch the

oil pressure light. If the light does not go out within ten seconds, turn off the engine. There is a mechanical problem that needs to be repaired before you can continue driving. (See Towing on page 164.)

1. Safely pull off the road and shut

off the engine.

2. Let the car sit for a minute. Open

the hood and check the oil level (see page 101). Although oil level and oil pressure are not directly connected, an engine that is very low on oil can loose pressure during cornering and other driving maneuvers.

3. If necessary, add oil to bring the level back to the full mark on the dipstick (see page 101).

Low Oil Pressure

LOW OIL PRESSURE LIGHT

The low oil pressure light should never come on when the engine is running. If this light comes on with the engine running, take immediate action.

NOTICE

Running the engine with low oil pressure can cause serious mechani- cal damage almost immediately. Turn off the engine as soon as you can safely get the car stopped.

Taking Care of the Unexpected

Charging System Indication

Immediately turn off all electrical accessories: radio, heater, A/C, rear defogger, cruise control, etc. Try not to use other electrically- operated controls such as the power windows. Keep the engine running and take extra care not to stall it. Starting the engine will discharge the battery rapidly.

By eliminating as much of the electrical load as possible, you can drive several miles before the battery is too discharged to keep the engine running. Drive to a service station or garage where you can get technical assistance.

CHARGING SYSTEM LIGHT

The charging system light should go out after the engine starts. If it comes on brightly with the engine running, the alternator is no longer charging the battery.

Taking Care of the Unexpected

Malfunction Indicator Lamp/Check Engine Light

NOTICE

If you keep driving with the malfunction indicator lamp/check engine light on, you can damage your car's emission controls and engine. Those repairs may not be covered by your car's warranties.

If this indicator light comes on, safely pull off the road and turn off the engine. Restart the engine and watch the indicator light. If it stays on, have your car checked by the dealer as soon as possible. Drive moderately until the dealer has inspected the problem. Avoid full- throttle acceleration and driving at high speed.

You should also have the dealer inspect your car if the indicator light comes on frequently, even though it goes off when you follow the above procedure.

MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP/ CHECK ENGINE LIGHT

If this indicator light comes on while driving, there is a problem with your engine or its emission control systems. Even though you, may feel no difference in your car's performance, it can reduce your fuel economy and cause your car to put out excessive emissions. Continued operation may cause serious engine damage.

Taking Care of the Unexpected

All the electrical circuits in your car have fuses to protect them from a short circuit or overload. These fuses are located in two fuse boxes.

UNDER- HOOD

TAB

INTERIOR

Fuses

The underhood fuse box is located in the engine compartment next to the battery. To open, push the tab as shown.

The interior fuse box is underneath the dashboard on the driver's side. Remove the fuse box lid by swing- ing the lid down and pulling it straight out of its hinges.

Taking Care of the Unexpected

Fuses

Checking and Replacing Fuses If something electrical in your car stops working, the first thing you should check for is a blown fuse. Determine from the chart on the fuse box cover or inside the fuse box which fuse or fuses control that component. Check those fuses first, but check all the fuses before deciding that is not the cause. Replace any blown fuses and check the component's operation.

1. Turn the ignition switch to

LOCK (0). Make sure the head- lights and all other accessories are off.

2. Remove the cover from the fuse

box.

Taking Care of the Unexpected

FUSE PULLER

BLOWN

3. Check each of the large fuses in

the underhood fuse box by looking through the top at the wire inside. Removing these fuses requires a Phillips-head screwdriver.

4. Check the smaller fuses in the underhood fuse box and all the fuses in the interior fuse box by pulling out each fuse with the fuse puller provided in the interior fuse box.

BLOWN

If you replace the burned out fuse with a spare fuse that has a lower rating, it might blow out again. This does not indicate anything wrong. Replace the fuse with one of the correct rating as soon as you can.

6. If the replacement fuse of the

same rating burns out in a short time, there is probably a serious electrical problem in your car. Leave the burned out fuse in that circuit and have your car check- ed by a qualified technician.

Fuses

NOTICE

Replacing a fuse with one that has a higher rating greatly increases the chances of damaging the electrical system. If you do not have a replacement fuse with the proper rating for the circuit, install one with a lower rating.

5. Look for a burned wire inside the fuse. If it is burned out, replace it with one of the spare fuses of the same rating or lower.

If you cannot drive the car without fixing the problem, and you do not have a spare fuse, take a fuse of the same rating or a lower rating from one of the other circuits. Make sure you can do without that circuit temporarily (such as the rear window defogger, or radio).

Taking Care of the Unexpected

Towing

If your car needs to be towed, call a professional towing service or, if you belong to one, an organization that provides roadside assistance. Never tow your car behind another car with just a rope or chain. It is very dangerous.

Emergency Towing There are three popular methods of towing a car:

Flat-bed Equipment — The operator loads your car on the back of a truck. This is the best way of transporting your Honda.

Wheel Lift Equipment — The tow truck uses two pivoting arms that go under the tires (front or rear) and lift them off the ground. The other two wheels remain on the ground.

Taking Care of the Unexpected

Sling-type Equipment — The tow truck uses metal cables with hooks on the ends. These hooks go around parts of the frame or suspension and the cables lift that end of the car off the ground. Your car's sus- pension and body can be seriously damaged if this method of towing is attempted.

If your Honda cannot be trans- ported by flat-bed, it should be towed with the front wheels off the ground. If due to damage, your car must be towed with the front wheels on the ground, do the following:

5-speed Manual Transmission

Release the parking brake. Shift the transmission to Neutral.

Automatic Transmission

Release the parking brake. Start the engine. Shift to D4, then to N. Turn off the engine.

NOTICE

Improper towing preparation will damage the transmission. Follow the above procedure exactly. If you cannot shift the transmission or start the engine (automatic trans- mission), your car must be trans- ported on a flat-bed.

It is best to tow the car no far- ther than 80 km (50 miles), and keep the speed below 35 mph (55
km/h).

NOTICE

Trying to lift or tow your car by the bumpers will cause serious damage. The bumpers are not designed to support the car's weight.

The diagrams in this section give you the dimensions and capacities of your Honda, and the locations of the identification numbers. The explanations of several electronic and mechanical systems on your Honda are for the more technically- oriented owner.

Technical Information

Identification Numbers............... 166
Specifications................................ 168
Supplemental Restraint

System........................................ 170
Emission Controls........................ 171
The Clean Air Act.................... 171
Crankcase Emission Control

System.................................... 171

Evaporative Emission Control

System.................................... 171
Exhaust Emission Controls..... 172
PGM-FI System.................... 172
Ignition Timing Control

System................................ 172

Three Way Catalytic

Converter........................... 172
Replacement Parts.................... 172

Three Way Catalytic

Converter................................... 173

Technical Information

Identification Numbers

Your car has several identifying numbers located in various places.

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is the 17-digit number your Honda dealer uses to register your car for warranty purposes. It is also necessary for licensing and insur- ing your car. The easiest place to find the VIN is on a plate fastened to the top of the dashboard. You can see it by looking through the windshield on the driver's side. It is also on the Certification label at- tached to the driver's door jamb, and is stamped on the engine com- partment bulkhead. The VIN is also provided in bar code on the Certification label.

Technical Information

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

CERTIFICATION LABEL

The Engine Number is stamped into the engine block.

The Transmission Number is on a label on top of the transmission.

Identification Numbers

TRANSMISSION NUMBER

ENGINE NUMBER

Technical Information

Specifications

*1 : S *2 : Si

page 117.

Technical Information

* 1 : Including the coolant in the reserve tank and that remaining in the engine.

(0.11 US gal, 0.09 Imp gal)

Reserve tank capacity: 0.4 * 2 : S * 3 : Si * 4 : Excluding the oil remaining in the engine.

Specifications

*1 : S *2 : Si

Technical Information

Supplemental Restraint System

The electrical charge sent to the airbag assembly ignites its propel- lant, which burns instantaneously. The gas produced by the burning propellant inflates the airbag instantly.

The airbag is vented so it stays inflated for only an instant and does not block the driver's vision. Smoke from the burned propellant comes out of the airbag and into the car's interior. This is normal and does not mean there is a fire. The airbag collapses onto the driver's lap.

The airbag unit can inflate only one time. After use, your Honda dealer must check the complete Supple- mental Restraint System and re- place the airbag assembly.

To ensure long-term reliability, the SRS uses gold-plated electrical connections throughout. Exposed components are sealed with epoxy. The control unit monitors the SRS circuitry whenever the ignition is ON (II). If the control unit senses any faults, it turns on the SRS indicator light on the instrument panel. Take the car to your Honda dealer to diagnose and repair the system as soon as possible.

The SRS needs no regular mainte- nance other than an inspection by your Honda dealer ten years after manufacture.

The SRS includes the steering wheel airbag assembly, sensors in the dashboard, and a control unit with sensors behind the center console.

The sensors are decelerometers, set to trigger in a severe frontal impact that generates more force than a 25 mile per hour crash into a parked vehicle of similar size. For the SRS to activate, at least two sensors must trigger. This duplica- tion is to prevent accidental activa- tion.

When the control unit receives trigger signals from at least two sensors, it sends voltage to the airbag. The control unit stores this charge in capacitors to insure reliability even if a severe impact damages the car's battery or electrical connections.

Technical Information

The burning of gasoline in your car's engine produces several by- products. Some of these are carbon monoxide (CO), oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and hydrocarbons (HC). Gasoline evaporating from the tank also produces hydrocarbons. Con- trolling the production of NOx, CO, and HC is important to the environ- ment. Under certain conditions of sunlight and climate, NOx and HC react to form photochemical "smog." Carbon monoxide does not contri- bute to smog creation, but it is a poisonous gas.

The Clean Air Act The United States Clean Air Act* sets standards for automobile emissions. It also requires that automobile manufacturers explain to owners how their emission controls work and what to do to maintain them. This section summarizes how the emission con- trols work. Scheduled maintenance is on page 95 .

* In Canada, Honda vehicles comply with the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS) for Emissions valid at the time they are manufactured.

Emission Controls

Crankcase Emission Control System Your car has a Positive Crankcase Ventilation System. This keeps gasses that build up in the engine's crankcase from going into the atmosphere. The Positive Crank- case Ventilation valve routes them from the crankcase back to the intake manifold. They are then drawn into the engine and burned.

Evaporative Emission Control System As gasoline evaporates in the fuel tank, an evaporative emission control canister filled with charcoal adsorbs the vapor. It is stored in this canister while the engine is off. After the engine is started and warmed up, the vapor is drawn into the engine and burned during driving.

Technical Information

conditions.

Ignition Timing Control System This system constantly adjusts the ignition timing, reducing the amount of HC, CO and NOx produced.

Three Way Catalytic Converter The three way catalytic converter is in the exhaust system. Through chemical reactions, it converts HC, CO, and NOx in the engine's exhaust to carbon dioxide (CO dinitrogen (N

), ), and water vapor.

Replacement Parts The emission control systems are designed and certified to work to- gether in reducing emissions to levels that comply with the Clean Air Act. To make sure the emis- sions remain low, you should use only new genuine Honda replace- ment parts or their equivalent for repairs. Using lower quality parts may increase the emissions from your car.

The emissions control systems are covered by warranties separate from the rest of your car. Read your warranty manual for more information.

Emission Controls

Exhaust Emission Controls The exhaust emission controls include three systems: PGM-FI, Ignition Timing Control and Three Way Catalytic Converter. These three systems work together to control the engine's combustion and minimize the amount of HC, CO, and NOx that comes out the tailpipe. The exhaust emission control systems are separate from the crankcase and evaporative emission control systems.

PGM-FI System The PGM-FI System on this model is a sequential multiport fuel injection. The PGM-FI System on your car has three sub systems: Air Intake, Engine Control, and Fuel Control. The Engine Control Module (ECM) uses various sensors to determine how much air is going into the engine. It then controls how much fuel to inject under all operating

Technical Information

The three way catalytic converter contains platinum and rhodium. These metals serve as catalysts, promoting chemical reactions to convert the exhaust gasses without affecting the metals. The catalytic converter is referred to as a three- way catalyst, since it acts on HC, CO, and NOx. A replacement unit must be an original Honda part or its equivalent.

The three way catalytic converter must operate at a high temperature for the chemical reactions to take place. It can set on fire any com- bustible materials that come near it. Park your car away from high grass, dry leaves, or other flamma- bles.

Three Way Catalytic Converter

Keep the engine tuned-up.

Have your car diagnosed and repaired if it is misfiring, back- firing, stalling, or otherwise not running properly.

THREE WAY CATALYTIC CONVERTER A defective three way catalytic converter contributes to air pollution, and can impair your engine's performance. Follow these guidelines to protect your car's three way catalytic converter.

Always use unleaded gasoline. Even a small amount of leaded gasoline can contaminate the catalyst metals, making the three way catalytic converter inef- fective.

Technical Information

Warranty and Customer Relations

Warranty Coverages.................... 176
Customer Relations

Information............................... 177
U.S. Zone Office Map.................. 178
Canada Zone Office Map............ 179
Authorized Manuals.................... 181

Warranty and Customer Relations

Warranty Coverages

U.S. Cars Your new Honda is covered by these warranties:

New Car Limited Warranty — provides coverage for defects in materials and workmanship for 3
years or 57,600 km (36,000 miles).

Emission Control Systems De- fects Warranty and Emissions Performance Warranty — these two warranties cover your car's emission control systems. Time, mileage, and coverage are condi- tional. Please read the warranty manual for exact information.

Original Equipment Battery Limited Warranty — provides coverage for 36 months, with 100% coverage for the first 24 months.

Warranty and Customer Relations

Seat Belt Limited Warranty — a seat belt that fails to function properly is covered for the useful life of the car.

Replacement Battery Limited Warranty — provides coverage for up to 36 months, with 100% cover- age for the first 12 months.

Rust Perforation Limited Warranty — body panels that rust through from the inside will be repaired or replaced for up to 36
months. There is no mileage limit.

Accessory Limited Warranty — Genuine Honda Accessories are covered under this warranty. Time and mileage limits depend on the type of accessory and other factors. Please read your warranty manual for details.

Replacement Parts Limited Warranty — provides coverage for defects in materials and workman- ship for 12 months or 19,200 km (12,000 miles).

Replacement Muffler Lifetime Limited Warranty — provides coverage for as long as the pur- chaser of the muffler owns the car.

There are restrictions and exclu- sions which apply to all these war- ranties. Please read the 1993 Honda Warranties booklet that came with your car for precise information on warranty coverages. Your Honda's original tires are covered by their manufacturer. Tire warranty infor- mation is in a separate booklet.

Canada Cars Please refer to the 1993 Warranty and Maintenance Guide that came with your car.

Customer Relations Information

Honda dealership personnel are trained professionals. They should be able to answer all your questions. If you encounter a problem that your dealership does not solve to your satisfaction, please discuss it with the dealership's management. The Service Manager or General Manager can help. Almost all problems are solved in this way.

If you are dissatisfied with the decision made by the dealership's management, contact your Honda Customer Relations Zone Office. Refer to the U.S. and Canadian Zone Office maps on the following pages.

When you call or write, please give us this information:

Vehicle Identification Number (see page 166) Name and address of the dealer who services your car Date of purchase Mileage on your car Your name, address, and tele- phone number A detailed description of the problem Name of the dealer who sold the car to you

Warranty and Customer Relations

Airbag (SRS)..................................... 9
Air Cleaner.................................... 114
Air Conditioning............................. 66
Maintenance.............................. 122
Usage........................................ 66
Air Outlets (Vents)......................... 62
Air Pressure, Tires...................... 123
Alcohol and Drugs.......................... 21
Alcohol in Gasoline........................ 70
Antifreeze...................................... 105
Anti-theft Steering Column

Lock.............................................. 44
Appearance Care.......................... 137
Ashtrays........................................... 58
Automatic Speed Control............. 40
Automatic Transmission.............. 84
Capacity, Fluid.......................... 168
Checking Fluid Level.............. 110
Shifting......................................... 84
Shift Lever Positions................. 84
Shift Lock Release..................... 87
Auxiliary Lights............................. 38
Replacing Bulbs........................ 130
Turning on................................... 38

Index

Battery

Charging System Light............. 28
Jump Starting........................... 154
Maintenance.............................. 117
Specifications............................ 169
Before Driving................................ 69
Belts, Seat.......................................... 4
Body Repair................................... 143
Brakes

Break-in, New Linings.............. 70
Fluid............................................ 112
Light, Burned-out.................... 132
Parking......................................... 55
System Light............................... 28
Wear Indicators.......................... 89
Braking System.............................. 89
Break-in, New Car......................... 70
Brightness Control,

Instruments................................. 36
Brights, Headlights........................ 35

CONTINUED

Accessories

ACCESSORY

Adding

Installation................................... 77

(Ignition Key Position).............. 44

Automatic Transmission

Fluid........................................ 110
Brake Fluid................................ 112
Clutch Fluid............................... 113
Engine Coolant......................... 105
Engine Oil.................................. 101
Manual Transmission Fluid... 111
Power Steering Fluid............... 113
Windshield Washer fluid......... 109
Additional Safety Information..... 13
Door Locks.................................. 13
Driving with Pets....................... 14
Seat-back Position..................... 13
Storing Cargo Safely................. 14
Additives, Engine Oil................... 102
Adjustments

Mirrors......................................... 54
Seats............................................. 46
Steering Wheel........................... 39

Index

Bulb Replacement

Auxiliary Light......................... 130
Back-up Lights......................... 132
Brake Lights............................. 132
Front Parking Lights.............. 131
Front Side Marker Lights...... 131
Headlights.................................. 129
License Plate Lights................ 133
Rear Side Marker Lights........ 132
Specifications............................ 169
Turn Signal Lights................... 131
Bulbs, Halogen.............................. 129

Cables, Jump Starting With....... 154
Capacities Chart........................... 168
Carbon Monoxide Hazard............. 22
Cargo, Loading............................... 78
CAUTION, Explanation of............ ii Certification Label....................... 166
Chains............................................. 128
Change Oil

How to........................................ 103
When to........................................ 95
Changing a Flat Tire................... 147

Changing Engine Coolant........... 106
Charging System Light........ 28, 159
Check Engine Light.............. 29, 160
Checking

Automatic Transmission

Fluid........................................ 110
Battery Condition..................... 117
Brake Fluid................................ 112
Clutch Fluid............................... 113
Engine Belts.............................. 123
Engine Coolant......................... 105
Engine Oil.................................. 101
Fuses........................................... 161
Manual Transmission Fluid... 111
Power Steering Fluid............... 113
Checklist, Before Driving.............. 80
Child Safety .................................. 15
Cigarette Lighter........................... 58
Cleaner, Air................................... 114
Cleaning

Exterior...................................... 138
Interior....................................... 141
Seat Belts................................... 141
Vinyl............................................ 141
Clock, Setting the........................... 56
Clutch Fluid................................... 113

CO in the Exhaust........................ 171
Cold Weather, Starting in............. 82
Compact Spare.............................. 146
Console Compartment................... 57
Consumer Information................ 177
Controls, Instruments and............ 25
Coolant

Adding........................................ 105
Checking.................................... 105
Proper Solution......................... 105
Temperature Gauge.................. 33
Corrosion Protection................... 142
Crankcase Emission Control

System........................................ 171
Cruise Control Operation.............. 40
Cup Holder...................................... 57
Customer Relations Office......... 177

DANGER, Explanation of.............. ii Dashboard........................................ 26
Daytime Running Lights.............. 35
Dead Battery, What to Do.......... 154
Defects, Reporting Safety............ 23
Defogger, Rear Window............... 38

Defrosting the Windows............... 68
DEXRON® II Automatic

Transmission Fluid.................. 110
Dimensions.................................... 168
Dimming the Headlights............... 35
Dipstick

Automatic Transmission........ 110
Engine Oil.................................. 101
Directional Signals......................... 36
Disabled, Towing Your Car If... 164
Disc Brake Wear Indicators......... 89
Disposal of Used Oil..................... 104
Doors

Locking and Unlocking............ 44
DOT Tire Quality Grading......... 126
Downshifting, Manual

Transmission.............................. 84
Driving............................................. 79
Economy...................................... 76
In Bad Weather........................... 90
In Foreign Countries................. 71

Index

Evaporative Emission

Controls...................................... 171
Exhaust Fumes............................... 22
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat

Belts by........................................... 8
Exterior, Cleaning the................. 138

Fabric, Cleaning........................... 141
Fan, Interior.................................... 64
Fan, Radiator.................................. 24
Features, Comfort and

Convenience................................ 61
Filling the Fuel Tank.................... 72
Filters

Fuel ............................................ 115
Oil................................................ 103
First Gear, Shifting........................ 84
5-speed Manual Transmission

Checking Fluid Level..............111

5-speed Manual Transmission,

Shifting the.................................. 83
Flashers, Hazard Warning........... 38

CONTINUED

Economy, Fuel................................ 76
Emergencies on the Road........... 145
Battery, Jump Starting........... 154
Changing a Flat Tire............... 147
Charging System Light........... 159
Check Engine Light................. 160
Checking the Fuses................. 162
Low Oil Pressure Light........... 158
Malfunction Indicator

Lamp....................................... 160
Overheated Engine.................. 156
Emergency Brake.......................... 55
Emergency Flashers...................... 38
Emission Controls........................ 171
Engine

Check Light....................... 29, 160
Coolant Temperature Gauge... 33
Malfunction Indicator

Lamp................................ 29, 160
Oil Pressure Light............ 28, 158
Oil, What Kind to Use............. 102
Overheating............................... 156
Specifications............................ 168
Ethanol in Gasoline........................ 71

Index

Flat Tire, Changing a.................. 147
Fluids

Automatic Transmission........ 110
Brake........................................... 112
Clutch......................................... 113
Manual Transmission.............. 111
Power Steering......................... 113
Windshield Washer.................. 109
Foreign Countries, Driving in...... 71
Four-way Flashers......................... 38
Front End, Towing by Emergency

Wrecker..................................... 164
Fuel................................................... 70
Fill Door and Cap....................... 72
Filter........................................... 115
Gauge............................................ 33
Octane Requirement................. 70
Oxygenated................................. 70
Tank, Filling the ........................ 72
Fuses, Checking the.................... 162

Gas Mileage, Improving............... 76
Gasohol............................................ 70

Gasoline............................................ 70
Filter........................................... 115
Gauge............................................ 33
Octane Requirement................. 70
Tank, Filling the........................ 72
Gas Station Procedures................. 72
Gauges

Engine Coolant Temperature.. 33
Fuel............................................... 33

Gearshift Lever Positions

Automatic Transmission.......... 84
Manual Transmission............... 84
Glass Cleaning.............................. 142
Glove Box......................................... 56

Halogen Headlight Bulbs............ 129
Hazard Warning Flashers........... 38
Headlights

Daytime Running Lights.......... 35
High Beam Indicator................. 30
High Beams, Turning on.......... 35
Low Beams, Turning on........... 35
Replacing Halogen Bulbs........ 129
Turning on.................................. 35

Heating and Cooling...................... 62
High Altitude, Starting at............ 82
High-Low Beam Switch................ 35
Hood, Opening the......................... 73
Horn.................................................. 42
Hot Coolant, Warning about...... 105
Hydraulic Clutch.......................... 113
Hydroplaning................................... 91

Identification Number,

Vehicle........................................ 166
If Your Car Has to be Towed.... 164
Ignition

Keys.............................................. 43
Switch........................................... 43
Timing Control System........... 172

Indicator Lights, Instrument

Panel............................................. 27
Infant Restraint.............................. 17
Inflation, Proper Tire.................. 123
Inside Mirror................................... 54
Inspection, Tire............................. 124
Instrument Panel............................ 26
Instrument Panel Brightness....... 36

Interior Cleaning.......................... 141
Interior Lights................................ 59
Introduction........................................ i

Jacking up the Car....................... 149
Jack, Tire....................................... 148
Jump Starting............................... 154

Keys.................................................. 43

Loading Cargo................................ 78
LOCK (Ignition Key Position)..... 44
Locks

Anti-theft Steering Column.....44
Fuel Fill Door.............................. 72
Rear Locking Compartment.... 46
Trunk........................................... 45
Low Coolant Level....................... 105
Lower Gear, Downshifting to a... 84
Low Oil Pressure Light........ 28, 158
Lubricant Specifications

Chart........................................... 168
Luggage........................................... 78

Label, Certification...................... 166
Lane Change, Signaling................ 36
Lap/Shoulder Belts.......................... 6
Leaking of Exhaust into Car........ 22
Lighter, Cigarette.......................... 58
Lights

Bulb Replacement.................... 129
Indicator....................................... 27
Parking......................................... 35
Turn Signal................................. 36

Maintenance.................................... 93
Periodic Items............................. 99
Record..................................... 97-98
Schedule ................................. 95-96
Manual Transmission.................... 83
Manual Transmission Fluid........ 111
Maximum Shift Speeds................. 84
Meters, Gauges............................... 32
Methanol in Gasoline..................... 71
Mirrors, Adjusting......................... 54

Index

Malfunction Indicator

Lamp.................................... 29, 160

Neutral Gear Position................... 86
New Vehicle Break-in................... 70
Normal Shift Speeds...................... 84
NOTICE, Explanation of................ ii Numbers, Identification.............. 166

Occupant Protection System......... 4
Octane Requirement, Gasoline.... 70
Odometer......................................... 32
Odometer, Trip............................... 32
Oil

Change, How to........................ 103
Change, When to........................ 95
Checking Engine...................... 101
Pressure Light............................ 28
Selecting Proper Viscosity

Chart....................................... 102

CONTINUED

Index

ON (Ignition Key Position)........... 44
Opening the Hood.......................... 73
Opening the Trunk........................ 45
Operation in Foreign Countries... 71
Outside Mirrors.............................. 54
Overheating, Engine.................... 156

Panel Brightness Control.............. 36
Park Gear Position......................... 85
Parking Brake................................. 55
Parking Lights................................ 35
Parking Over Things that

Burn............................................ 173
PGM-FI System............................ 172
Polishing and Waxing.................. 139
Power

Mirrors......................................... 54
Steering...................................... 113
Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts.......... 8
Proper Seat Belt Usage................... 6

Radiator Overheating.................. 156

Rear End Towing......................... 164
Rear Lights, Bulb

Replacement.............................. 132
Rear Locking Compartment........ 46
Rear View Mirror.......................... 54
Rear Window Defogger................ 38
Reclining the Seat Backs.............. 46
Recommended Shift Speeds........ 84
Reminder Lights............................ 27
Removable Roof Panel.................. 49
Removing and Storing.............. 50
Installing...................................... 51
Roof Unlatched Indicator......... 53

Replacement Information

Air Cleaner................................ 114
Coolant...................................... 106
Engine Oil and Filter............... 103
Fuel Filter.................................. 115
Fuses........................................... 161
Light Bulbs................................ 129
Schedule....................................... 95
Spark Plugs............................... 115
Tires............................................ 126
Wiper Blades............................. 120

Replacing Seat Belts

After a Crash ................................ 8

Reserve Tank, Coolant............... 105
Restraint, Child.............................. 15
Reverse Gear Position................... 86
Roof and Trunk Monitor.............. 29
Rotation, Tire................................ 125

Safety Belts....................................... 5
Safety Defects, Reporting............ 23
Safety Labels, Location of............ 24
Safety Messages............................... ii Seat Belts.......................................... 5
Advice for Pregnant Women..... 8
Child Seat Anchor Plate........... 20
Cleaning..................................... 141
Frayed or Torn............................. 8
Maintenance.................................. 8
Reminder Light and Beeper..... 28
Replacement.................................. 8
System Components.................... 6
Tether Attachment Points....... 19
Use During Pregnancy................ 8
Wearing a Lap/Shoulder Belt.... 7

Seats, Adjusting the....................... 46
Serial Number............................... 166
Service Intervals............................ 95
Service Manual............................. 181
Service Station Procedures.......... 72
Setting the Clock............................ 56
Shifting

The Automatic

Transmission.......................... 85

The 5-speed Manual

Transmission.......................... 83

Shift Lever Position

Indicator................................ 31, 84

Side Marker Lights, Bulb

Replacement in......................... 131
Signaling Turns.............................. 36
Snow Tires..................................... 128
Solvent-type Cleaners................. 138
Spare Tire

Inflating..................................... 146
Specifications............................ 169
Spark Plugs, Replacing............... 115
Specifications Charts................... 168
Speed Control.................................. 40
Speedometer.................................... 32
SRS Indicator........................... 11, 29

Index

START (Ignition Key Position).. 44
Starting the Engine........................ 81

In Cold Weather at High

Altitude.................................... 82
With a Dead Battery................ 154
Steam Coming from Engine....... 156
Steering Wheel

Adjustment.................................. 39
Anti-theft Column Lock........... 44
Storing Your Car.......................... 135
Sun Visor......................................... 58
Supplemental Restraint System

Service Precautions................... 12
Servicing...................................... 12
SRS Indicator....................... 11, 29
System Components.................... 9
Technical Description............. 170

Tachometer..................................... 32
Taillights, Changing Bulbs in.... 132
Taking Care of the

Unexpected............................... 145

Technical Descriptions

Emission Control Systems...... 171

Supplemental Restraint

System.................................... 170

Three Way Catalytic

Converter............................... 173
Temperature Gauge...................... 33
Tether Attachment Points........... 19
Three Way Catalytic

Converter................................... 173
Time, Setting the........................... 56
Tire Chains.................................... 128
Tire, How to Change a Flat....... 147
Tires................................................ 123
Air Pressure.............................. 123
Checking Wear......................... 124
Compact Spare.......................... 146
DOT Tire Quality Grading..... 126
Inflation...................................... 123
Inspection................................... 124
Replacing................................... 126
Rotating..................................... 125
Snow........................................... 128
Specifications............................ 169
Tools, Tire Changing.................. 147
Torn Seat Belts................................. 8

CONTINUED

Index

Towing

A Trailer...................................... 91
Emergency Wrecher................ 164

Transmission

Checking Fluid Level,

Automatic.............................. 110

Checking Fluid Level,

Manual ................................ 111
Fluid Selection.......................... 110
Identification Number............. 166
Shifting the Automatic............. 84
Shifting the Manual................... 83
Treadwear..................................... 126
Trip Meter....................................... 32
Trunk

Opening the................................. 45
Open Monitor.............................. 29
Turn Signals.................................... 36

Underside, Cleaning.................... 138
Unexpected, Taking Care

of the........................................... 145
Uniform Tire Quality Grading.. 126
Unleaded Gasoline......................... 70

Upholstery Cleaning.................... 141
Used Oil, How to Dispose of....... 104

Vehicle Capacity Load.................. 78
Vehicle Dimensions..................... 168
Vehicle Identification Number.. 166
Vehicle Storage............................ 135
Ventilation....................................... 65
VIN................................................. 166
Vinyl Cleaning.............................. 141
Viscosity, Oil................................. 102

Warning Beeper

Seat Belts..................................... 28
WARNING, Explanation of........... ii Warning Labels, Location of........ 24
Warranty Coverages.................... 176
Washer, Windshield

Checking the Fluid Level....... 109
Operation..................................... 37
Washing.......................................... 138
Waxing and Polishing.................. 139

Wheels

Adjusting the Steering.............. 39
Alignment and Balance........... 125
Compact Spare.......................... 146
Wrench....................................... 148

Cleaning..................................... 142
Rear, Defogger........................... 38

Windows

Windshield

Cleaning....................................... 37
Defroster...................................... 68

Wipers, Windshield

Changing Blades....................... 120
Operation..................................... 37
Worn Tires..................................... 124
Wrecker, Emergency Towing... 164

Gas Station Information

Gasoline: UNLEADED gasoline Pump octane of 86 or higher

Gas Tank Capacity:

45 l (11.9 US gal, 9.9 Imp gal)

Recommended Engine Oil: API SG grade "Energy Conserving II" oil SAE 5W-30 viscosity

Engine Oil Capacity: including filter

3.3 l (3.5 US qt, 2.9 Imp qt)

(Si)

without filter

3.0 l (3.2 US qt, 2.6 Imp qt)

Tire Pressure (measured cold): (S) Front/Rear:

220 kPa (2.2 kg/cm2 , 32 psi)

(Si) Front/Rear:

200 kPa (2.0 kg/cm2. 29 psi)

Spare Tire Pressure: 415 kPa (4.15 kg/cm2, 60 psi)

Tire Size (Front and Rear): (S)

P175/70R1382S

P185/60R1482H

Spare Tire:

T105/80D13

Other Tire Information: See label in the glove box.

5-speed Manual Transmission Oil: SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 viscosity API SF or SG grade recommended

Capacity: 1.8 l (1.9 US qt,1.6 Imp qt)

Automatic Transmission Fluid: Honda Premium Formula Automatic Transmission Fluid or an equivalent DEXRON® II type Automatic Trans- mission Fluid (ATF)

Capacity: 2.7 l (2.9 US qt, 2.4 Imp qt)

1993 Del Sol 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 Driver and Passenger Safety ..............................................................................................................3
Proper use and care of your vehicle's seat belts, and Supplemental Restraint System. Instruments and Controls.................................................................................................................25
Instrument panel indicator and gauge, and how to use dashboard and steering column controls. Comfort and Convenience Features .............................................................................................. .61
How to operate the climate control system, the audio system, and other convenience features. Before Driving.................................................................................................................................. .69
What gasoline to use, how to break-in your new vehicle, and how to load luggage and other cargo. Driving .............................................................................................................................................. .79
The proper way to start the engine, shift the transmission, and park, plus towing a trailer. Maintenance..................................................................................................................................... .93
The Maintenance Schedule shows you when you need to take your vehicle to the dealer. Appearance Care..............................................................................................................................137
Tips on cleaning and protecting your vehicle. Things to look for if your vehicle ever needs body repairs. Taking Care of the Unexpected......................................................................................................145
This section covers several problems motorists sometimes experience, and how to handle them. Technical Information.....................................................................................................................165
ID numbers, dimensions, capacities, and technical information. Warranty and Customer Relations (U.S. and Canada)................................................................175
A summary of the warranties covering your new Acura, and how to contact us. Authorized Manuals (U.S. only)......................................................................................................181
How to order manuals and other technical literature. Index...................................................................................................................................................... I Gas Station Information Information you need when you pull up to the fuel pump.

Introduction

Congratulations ! Your selection of a 1993 Honda Civic del Sol was a wise investment. It will give you years of driving pleasure.

To enhance the enjoyment of your new car, take time to study this manual. In it, you will learn about your car's many conveniences and useful features. Following the service interval and maintenance recommendations will help keep your driving trouble-free while preserving your investment.

Keep this owner's manual in your car so you can refer to it at any time. Please make sure the manual stays with the car if you sell it. The next owner will find it just as helpful.

Several other booklets in the glove box explain the warranties that protect your Honda. We suggest you read them carefully so you understand the coverages and the responsibilities of ownership.

When your car needs scheduled maintenance, keep in mind that your Honda dealer's service staff is specially- trained in the service and maintenance of 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.

Best wishes and happy motoring. American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Honda Canada Inc.

Safety Messages

Your safety and the safety of others is very important. We have provided many important safety messages in this manual and on the vehicle. Please read these messages carefully.

A safety message alerts you to potential hazards that could hurt you or others. Each safety message is preceded by a safety alert symbol one of three words, DANGER, WARNING or CAUTION. These mean:

and

You will also see another important symbol:

NOTICE

Your Honda or other property can be damaged if you don't follow instructions.

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.

Each safety message tells you what the hazard is, what can happen and what you can do to avoid or reduce injury.

Driver and Passenger Safety

This section gives you important information about occupant protection. It shows how to use seat belts properly. It explains the Supplemental Restraint System. And it gives useful information about how to protect infants and children in your car.

Your Occupant Protection

System........................................ 4

The Seat Belt System

and How It Works.................... 5
Why Wear Seat Belts................... 5
Important Safety Reminders..... 5
Seat Belt System Components... 6
Lap/Shoulder Belt........................ 6
Wearing Seat Belts Properly...... 7
Wearing a Lap/Shoulder Belt.... 7
Advice for Pregnant Women..... 8
Seat Belt Maintenance................ 8
Supplemental Restraint System.... 9
Important Safety Reminder..... 10
How the Airbag Works............. 10
How the SRS Indicator Light

Works........................................ 11
System Service........................... 12
System Service Precautions..... 12
Additional Safety Information..... 13
Seat-back Position..................... 13
Door Locks.................................. 13
Storing Cargo Safely................. 14
Driving with Pets....................... 14

Child Safety.....................................15
Where Should Children Sit?..... 15
Important Safety Reminders... 16
General Guidelines for Restraining Children Under 18 kg (40 Ibs)............... 16

Restraining an Infant Who Weighs Less Than 9 kg (20 Ibs).......... 17

Restraining a Child Who Weighs Between 9 and 18 kg (20 and 40 Ibs).... 17
Restraining a Child Who Weighs

Over 18 kg (40 Ibs).................. 18

Using a Seat Belt

Locking Clip............................ 18

Using Child Restraints

with Tethers............................ 19
Storing a Child Seat................... 20
Alcohol and Drugs.......................... 21
Carbon Monoxide Hazard............. 22
Reporting Safety Defects

(US Cars)...................................... 23
Safety Labels.................................. 24

Driver and Passenger Safety

Your Occupant Protection System

Your Honda is equipped with seat belts and other features that work together to protect you and your passenger during a crash.

Seat belts are the most important part of your occupant protection system. When worn properly, seat belts can reduce the chance of serious injury or death in a crash.

The seats, head restraints, and door locks also play a role in occupant safety. For example, reclining the seat-back can decrease the effec- tiveness of your seat belt. Head restraints can help protect your neck and head, especially during rear-end impacts. Door locks help keep your doors from being acciden- tally opened during a crash.

For added protection during a severe frontal collision, your del Sol has a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) with a driver's airbag.

Two indicator lights are also part of your safety system. One reminds you to make sure you and your passenger wear your seat belts. The other alerts you to a possible problem with your supplemental restraint system (see page 11).

Driver and Passenger Safety

To get the maximum protection from your occupant protection system, check the following before you drive away:

Everyone in the car is wearing a seat belt properly (see page 6). Any infant or small child is properly secured in a child safety seat. Both doors are closed and locked (see page 13). Seat-backs are upright (see page 13). There are no loose items that could be thrown around and hurt someone during a crash or sudden stop (see page 14).

By following these guidelines, you can reduce injuries to yourself and your passenger in many crash situations. Remember, however, that no safety system can prevent all injuries or deaths that can occur in severe crashes.

The Seat Belt System and How It Works

Why Wear Seat Belts Wearing seat belts, and wearing them properly, is fundamental to your safety and the safety of your passenger.

During a crash or emergency stop, seat belts can help keep you from being thrown against the inside of the car, against your passenger, or out of the car.

Of course, seat belts cannot completely protect you in every crash. But, in most cases, seat belts reduce your chance of serious injury. They can even save your life. That is why many states and all Canadian provinces require you to wear seat belts.

Not wearing a seat belt in- creases the chance of being killed or seriously hurt in a crash.

Be sure you and your passen- ger always wear seat belts and wear them properly.

Important Safety Reminders Seat belts are designed for adults and larger children. All infants and small children must be properly restrained in child safety seats (see page 15).

A pregnant woman needs to wear a seat belt to protect herself and her unborn child (see page 8 ).

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

Do not place shoulder portion of a lap/shoulder belt under your arm or behind your back. This could increase the chance of serious injuries in a crash.

Do not put shoulder belt pads or other accessories on seat belts. They can reduce the effectiveness of the belts and increase the chance of injury.

Driver and Passenger Safety

The Seat Belt System and How It Works

Seat Belt System Components Your Honda has lap/shoulder seat belts for the driver and the passen- ger.

Your seat belt system also includes a light on the instrument panel to remind you to fasten your seat belt, and to make sure your passenger fastens his. This light comes on when you turn on the ignition if you have not fastened your seat belt. A beeper also sounds for several seconds (see page 28).

The following pages cover more about the seat belt components and how they work.

Driver and Passenger Safety

Lap/Shoulder Belt

LATCH PLATE

BUCKLE

This style of seat belt has a single belt that goes over your shoulder, across your chest, and across your hips. Each lap/shoulder belt has an emergency locking retractor. In normal driving, the retractor lets you move freely in your seat while it keeps some tension on the belt. During a collision or sudden stop, the retractor automatically locks the belt to help restrain your body.

Wearing Seat Belts Properly You can increase the effectiveness of your seat belts if you take a little time to read the following pages and make sure you know how to wear seat belts properly.

WARNING

Not wearing a seat belt pro- perly increases the chance of serious injury or death in a crash.

Be sure you and your passen- ger always wear seat belts and wear them properly.

Wearing a Lap/Shoulder Belt

The Seat Belt System and How It Works

Before putting on a seat belt, be sure your seat is adjusted forward or backward to a good driving or riding position and the back of your seat is upright (see page46).

1. Pull the latch plate across your

body and insert it into the buckle. Tug on the belt to make sure the latch is securely locked.

2. Check that the belt is not twisted.

3. Position the lap portion of the belt as low as possible across your hips, not across your stomach. This lets your strong pelvic bones take the force of a crash.

4. Pull up on the shoulder part of

the belt to remove any slack. Make sure the belt goes over your collarbone and across your chest.

CONTINUED

Driver and Passenger Safety

The Seat Belt System and How It Works

Advice for Pregnant Women

To unlatch the seat belt, push the red PRESS button on the buckle. Guide the belt across your body to the door pillar. If the belt doesn't retract easily, pull it out and check for twists or kinks.

Protecting the mother is the best way to protect her unborn child. Therefore, a pregnant woman should wear a properly-positioned seat belt whenever she drives or rides in a car.

When using the seat belt, remem- ber to keep the lap portion as low as possible (see page 7).

Driver and Passenger Safety

Each time you have a check-up, ask your doctor if it's okay for you to drive and how you should position a lap/shoulder seat belt.

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

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

If a seat belt is worn during a crash, have your dealer replace the belt and inspect the anchors for damage.

For information on how to clean your seat belts, see page 141.

Supplemental Restraint System

Frontal collision range

Not wearing a seat belt in- creases the chance of serious injury or death in a crash, even if you have an airbag.

Be sure you and your passen- ger always wear seat belts and wear them properly.

Your Civic del Sol is equipped with a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) to help protect your head and chest during a severe frontal collision. This system does not replace your seat belt. It supplements, or adds to, the protection offered by your seat belt.

INDICATOR

AIRBAG

CONTROL UNIT

SENSORS

The main components in your SRS are:

An airbag in the steering wheel. A diagnostic system that, when the ignition is ON (II), continu- ally monitors the sensors, control unit, airbag activator and all related wiring. An indicator light to warn you of a possible problem with the system.

CONTINUED

Driver and Passenger Safety

Supplemental Restraint System

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

Important Safety Reminder Even with an airbag, you need to wear a seat belt. The reasons are:

Airbags only inflate in severe frontal collisions. They offer no protection in rear impacts, side impacts, rollovers, or moderate frontal collisions.

An airbag inflates and deflates very quickly. It cannot protect you during any additional impacts that can occur during a crash.

A seat belt helps keep you in the proper position when an airbag inflates. An airbag opens with considerable force and can hurt you if you are not in the proper position.

Driver and Passenger Safety

How the Airbag Works

To do its job, the airbag inflates with considerable force. So, while it can reduce serious injuries and even save your life, the airbag might cause some facial or other abrasions.

If you ever have a severe frontal collision, your airbag will instantly inflate to help protect your head and chest.

When the airbag inflates, you may hear a fairly loud noise and you might see smoke and powder. This is normal; it is caused by the inflation of the airbag.

Supplemental Restraint System

The airbag is stored in the center of the steering wheel. For your safety, do not attach any items to the steering wheel. They could interfere with the proper operation of the airbag. Or, if the airbag inflates, they could be propelled inside the car and hurt someone.

How the SRS Indicator Light Works

SRS The purpose of the SRS light on your instrument panel is to alert you of a potential problem with your supplemental restraint system.

Have the system checked if:

The light does not come on when you turn the ignition ON (II).

The light stays on after the engine starts.

The light comes on or flashes while you are driving.

Driver and Passenger Safety

After the bag completely inflates, it immediately starts deflating so it won't interfere with your visibility, ability to steer, or ability to operate other controls.

Scrapping an entire car that has an uninflated airbag can be dangerous. Get assistance from a Honda dealer if your car must be scrapped.

If you sell your car, please be sure to tell the new owner that the car has a supplemental restraint sys- tem. Alert them to the information and precautions in this part of the owner's manual.

Supplemental Restraint System

System Service Precautions Do not modify your steering wheel or any other part of the supple- mental restraint system. Modifica- tions could make the system inef- fective.

Do not tamper with the system's components or wiring. This could cause the airbag to inflate inadver- tently, possibly injuring someone very seriously.

Tell anyone who works on your car that you have a supplemental restraint system. Failure to follow the procedures and precautions in the official Honda service manual could result in personal injury or damage to the system.

System Service Your supplemental restraint system is virtually maintenance- free. There are no parts you can safely service. You must have the system serviced by an authorized Honda dealer:

If your airbag ever inflates. The airbag must be replaced. Do not try to remove or discard the airbag by yourself. This must be done by a Honda dealer.

If the SRS indicator light alerts you of a problem. Have the supplemental restraint system checked as soon as possible. Otherwise, your airbag might not inflate when you need it.

When the car is ten years old. Have the dealer inspect the system. The production date is on the driver's door jamb for your convenience.

Driver and Passenger Safety

Additional Safety Information

The seat belts and airbag are obvi- ously important parts of your occu- pant protection system.

In addition, you should know that sitting upright, locking the doors, and stowing things properly can also increase your safety and possibly even save your life.

Seat-back Position The seat-backs should be in an upright position for you and your passenger to get the most protec- tion from the seat belts.

If you recline a seat-back, you reduce the protective capability of your seat belt. The farther a seat- back is reclined, the greater the risk that you will slide under the belt in a severe crash and be very seriously injured.

For information on how to adjust the seat-back, see page 46.

Door Locks It is not safe to leave your car doors unlocked. A passenger, especially a child, could open a door and accidentally fall out. Also, there is a greater chance of being thrown out of the car during a crash when the doors are not locked.

Driver and Passenger Safety

Additional Safety Information

Storing Cargo Safely Before you drive, make sure you first securely store or tie down any items that could be thrown around the car and hurt someone, or