1994 Honda Civic DEL SOL Owners Manual

Lights

BULB

CONNECTOR

HOLD-DOWN WIRE

1. Open the hood.

If you need to change the headlight bulb on the passenger's side, remove the air intake tube by pulling it straight up.

2. Remove the electrical connector

from the bulb by pulling the connector straight back.

CONTINUED

Maintenance

3. Remove the burned-out bulb

from its socket. To remove the bulb, push it in slightly and turn it counterclockwise.

4. Insert the new bulb in the socket.

Reinstall the socket.

5. Test the bulb by turning on the

headlights (low beam) and auxiliary lights.

Lights

3. Remove the rubber weather seal

by pulling on the tab.

Replacing an Auxiliary Light Bulb

4. Unclip the end of the hold-down wire from its slot. Pivot it out of the way and remove the bulb.

5. Insert the new bulb into the hole, making sure the tabs are in their slots. Pivot the hold-down wire back in place and clip the end into the slot.

6. Push the rubber weather seal

over the bulb.

7. Push the electrical connector onto the tabs of the new bulb. Turn on the headlights to test the new bulb.

8. (Passenger's side)

Reinstall the air intake tube.

Maintenance

The auxiliary lights are located next to the headlights.

1. Open the hood.

2. Remove the socket by turning it one-quarter turn counterclock- wise.

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

SOCKET

SCREW

BULB

1. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver

to remove the screw from the top of the fender.

2. Move the side marker light

assembly forward until it slides out of the body.

3. Turn the socket one-quarter turn

counterclockwise to remove it from the lens.

Lights

4. Remove the bulb by pushing it in

slightly and turning it counter- clockwise.

5. Install the new bulb in the socket.

Turn it clockwise to lock it in place.

6. Insert the socket back into the

lens. Turn it clockwise to lock it in place.

7. Turn on the parking lights to

make sure the new bulb works.

8. To reinstall the light assembly in

the fender, line up the guide on the assembly with the metal tab next to the headlight and line up the fingers on the light assembly with the holes in the fender. Push the light assembly straight back.

9. Install the mounting screw and

tighten it securely.

Maintenance

Lights

Replacing Rear Bulbs

1. Open the trunk.

When replacing a bulb in the right assembly, remove the jack first.

2. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver

to remove the two screws and pull off the lining.

3. Determine which of the four

bulbs is burned out: tail/stoplight, back-up light, turn signal, or side marker. Remove the socket for that bulb by turning it counter- clockwise.

Maintenance

4. To remove the tail/stoplight bulb,

back-up light bulb or the turn signal bulb, push it in slightly and turn it counterclockwise. To remove the side marker bulb, pull it straight out of the socket.

5. Install the new bulb in the socket.

Insert the socket back in the taillight assembly and turn it clockwise to lock it in place.

6. Test the new bulb. Put the lining back and tighten the two screws.

Replacing a Rear License Bulb

4. Pull the bulb straight out of the

socket.

Replacing Interior and Trunk Light Bulbs

Lights

INTERIOR LIGHT

5. Install the new bulb. Test it to

make sure it works.

6. Reinstall the light assembly on

the bracket. Install the mounting screws and tighten them secu- rely.

1. Open the trunk.

Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the two mounting screws.

2. Pull the assembly away from the

bracket.

3. Remove the socket from the

light assembly by turning it one- quarter turn counterclockwise.

1. Remove the lens by carefully

prying on the edge of the lens in the middle with a fingernail file or a small flat-tip screwdriver. Do not pry on the edge of the housing around the lens.

CONTINUED

Maintenance

Lights

TRUNK LIGHT

2. Remove the bulb by pulling it straight out of its metal tabs.

3. Push the new bulb into the metal tabs. Snap the lens back in place.

Maintenance

Storing Your Car

If you need to park your car for an extended period (more than 1
month), there are several things you should do to prepare it for storage. Proper preparation helps prevent deterioration and makes it easier to get your car back on the road. It is best to store your car indoors if at all possible.

Block the rear wheels.

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

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

Fill the fuel tank.

Disconnect the battery.

If you store your car for 12 months or longer, have your Honda dealer perform the inspections called for in the 24 months/48,000 km (30,000
miles) maintenance schedule as soon as you take it out of storage (see page 115 ). The replacements called for in the maintenance schedule are not needed unless the car has actually reached that time or mileage.

Change the engine oil and filter (see page 123).

Wash and dry the exterior completely.

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

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

Cover the car with a "breathable" car cover, one made from a porous material such as cotton. Nonporous materials, such as plastic sheeting, trap moisture which can damage the paint.

If possible, run the engine for a while periodically (preferably once a month).

Maintenance

Appearance Care

Regular cleaning and polishing of your Honda helps to keep it "new" looking. This section gives you hints on how to clean and preserve your car's appearance: the paint, brightwork, wheels and interior. Also included are several things you can do to help prevent corro- sion.

Exterior Care................................ 160
Washing..................................... 160
Waxing....................................... 161
Paint Touch-up......................... 161
Aluminum Wheels.................... 162
Interior Care.................................. 163
Carpeting................................... 163
Fabric......................................... 163
Vinyl........................................... 163
Seat Belts................................... 163
Windows..................................... 164
Air Fresheners.......................... 164
Corrosion Protection................... 164
Body Repairs................................. 165

Appearance Care

Exterior Care

Washing Frequent washing helps preserve your car's beauty. Dirt and grit can scratch the paint, while tree sap and bird droppings can perma- nently ruin the finish.

Wash your car in a shady area, not in direct sunlight. If the car is parked in the sun, move it into the shade and let the exterior cool down before you start.

NOTICE

Chemical solvents and strong cleaners can damage the paint, metal, and plastic on your car. Only use the solvents and cleaners recommended in this Owner's Manual.

Appearance Care

When you have washed and rinsed the whole exterior, dry it with a chamois or soft towel. Letting it air-dry will cause dulling and water spots.

As you dry the car, inspect it for chips and scratches that could allow corrosion to start. Repair them with touch-up paint (see page 161).

Rinse the car thoroughly with cool water to remove loose dirt.

Fill a bucket with cool water. Mix in a mild detergent, such as dishwashing liquid or a product made especially for car washing.

Wash the car, using the water and detergent solution and a soft- bristle brush,sponge, or soft cloth. Start at the top and work your way down. Rinse frequently.

Check the body for road tar, tree sap, etc. Remove these stains with tar remover or turpentine. Rinse it off immediately so it does not harm the finish. Remem- ber to re-wax these areas, even if the rest of the car does not need waxing.

Waxing Always wash and dry the whole car before waxing it. You should wax your car, including the metal trim, whenever water sits on the surface in large patches. It should form into beads or droplets after waxing.

You should use a quality liquid or paste wax. Apply it according to the instructions on the container. In general, there are two types of products:

Waxes — A wax coats the finish and protects it from damage by exposure to sunlight, air pollution, etc. You should use a wax on your Honda when it is new.

Polishes — Polishes and cleaner/ waxes can restore the shine to paint that has oxidized and lost some of its shine. They normally contain mild abrasives and solvents that remove the top layer of the finish. You should use a polish on your Honda if the finish does not have its original shine after using a wax.

Cleaning tar, insects, etc. with removers also takes off the wax. Remember to re-wax those areas, even if the rest of the car does not need waxing.

Exterior Care

Paint Touch-up Your dealer has touch-up paint to match your car's color. The color code is printed on a sticker on the driver's door jamb. Take this code to your dealer so you are sure to get the correct color.

CONTINUED

Appearance Care

Examine the chip or scratch closely before repairing it. If it does not go down to bare metal, clean it with soap and water and apply the touch-up paint. If it does go to the metal, apply a coat of primer first. After this dries, apply the touch-up paint. Build up the paint in the damaged area to the level of the surrounding paint. Several thin coats of paint are better than one thick coat.

Aluminum Wheels On Si and VTEC models Clean your Honda's aluminum alloy wheels as you do the rest of the exterior. Wash them with the same solution, and rinse them thoroughly.

The wheels have a protective clear- coat that keeps the aluminum from corroding and tarnishing. Using harsh chemicals, including some commercial wheel cleaners, or stiff brushes can damage this clear-coat. Only use a mild detergent and soft brush or sponge to clean the wheels.

Exterior Care

TOUCH-UP PAINT

Inspect your car for chipped or scratched paint every time you wash it. Repair it as soon as possible to prevent corrosion. Use the touch-up paint on small chips and scratches. More extensive damage should be repaired by a professional.

Appearance Care

Carpeting Vacuum the carpeting frequently to remove dirt. Ground-in dirt will make the carpet wear out faster. Periodically shampoo the carpet to keep it looking new. Use one of the foam-type carpet cleaners on the market. Follow the instructions that come with the cleaner, apply- ing it with a sponge or soft brush. Keep the carpeting as dry as possi- ble by not adding water to the foam.

Fabric Vacuum dirt and dust out of the material frequently. For general cleaning, use a solution of mild soap and lukewarm water, letting it air dry. To clean off stubborn spots, use a commercially-available fabric cleaner. Test it on a hidden area of the fabric first, to make sure it does not bleach or stain the fabric. Follow the instructions that come with the cleaner.

Interior Care

Vinyl Remove dirt and dust with a vacuum cleaner. Wipe the vinyl with a soft cloth dampened in a solution of mild soap and water. Use the same solution with a soft- bristle brush on more difficult spots. You can also use commercially- available spray or foam-type vinyl cleaners.

Seat Belts If your seat belts get dirty, you can use a soft brush with a mixture of mild soap and warm water to clean them. Do not use bleach, dye, or cleaning solvents. They can weaken the belt material. Let the belts air-dry before you use the car.

Appearance Care

Interior Care, Corrosion Protection

Air Fresheners If you want to use an air freshener/ deodorizer in the interior of your car, it is best to use a solid type. Some liquid air fresheners contain chemicals that may cause parts of the interior trim and fabric to crack or discolor.

If you use a liquid air freshener, make sure you fasten it securely so it does not spill as you drive.

Corrosion Protection Two factors normally contribute to causing corrosion in your car:

1. Moisture trapped in body cavi- ties. Dirt and road salt that col- lects in hollows on the underside of the car stays damp, promoting corrosion in that area.

2. Removal of paint and protective

coatings from the exterior and underside of the car.

Many corrosion-preventive mea- sures are built into your Honda. You can help keep your car from corroding by performing some simple periodic maintenance:

Repair chips and scratches in the paint as soon as you discover them.

Windows Clean the windows, inside and out, with a commercially-available glass cleaner. You can also use a mixture of one part white vinegar to ten parts water. This will remove the haze that builds up on the inside of the windows. Use a soft cloth or paper towels to clean all glass and clear plastic surfaces.

NOTICE

The rear window defogger wires are bonded to the inside of the glass. Wiping vigorously up-and-down can dislodge and break the defog- ger wires. When cleaning the rear window, use gentle pressure and wipe side-to-side.

Appearance Care

Inspect and clean out the drain holes in the bottom of the doors and body.

Check the floor coverings for dampness. Carpeting and floor mats may remain damp for a long time, especially in winter. This dampness can eventually cause the floor panels to corrode.

Use a high-pressure spray to clean the underside of your car. This is especially important in areas that use road salt in winter. It is also a good idea in humid climates and areas subject to salt air. Cars equipped with ABS have a sensor and wiring at each wheel. Be careful not to damage them.

Have the corrosion-preventive coatings on the underside of your car inspected and repaired periodically.

Corrosion Protection, Body Repairs

Body Repairs Body repairs affect your car's resistance to corrosion. If your car needs repairs after a collision, pay close attention to the parts used in the repair and the quality of the work.

Make sure the repair facility uses genuine Honda replacement body parts. Some companies make sheetmetal pieces that seem to duplicate the original Honda body parts, but are actually inferior in fit, finish, and quality. Once installed, they do not give the same high- quality appearance and level of corrosion resistance.

When reporting your collision to the insurance company, tell them you want genuine Honda parts used in the repair. Although most insurers recognize the higher quality of original parts, some may try to specify that the repairs be done with the "lowest cost" parts available. You should investigate this before any repairs are begun.

Take your car to your authorized Honda dealer for inspection after the repairs are completed. He can make sure that quality materials were used, and that corrosion- preventive coatings were applied to all repaired and replaced parts.

Appearance Care

Taking Care of the Unexpected

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

Compact Spare Tire..................... 168
Changing a Flat Tire................... 169
If Your Engine Won't Start........ 175
Nothing Happens...................... 175
The Starter Operates

Normally................................ 176
Jump Starting ............................... 176
If Your Engine Overheats.......... 178
Low Oil Pressure.......................... 180
Charging System Indication....... 181
Malfunction Indicator Lamp/

Check Engine Light................. 182
Fuses............................................... 183
Checking and Replacing......... 184
Towing........................................... 188

Taking Care of the Unexpected

Compact Spare Tire

Your car has a compact spare tire that takes up less space. Use this spare tire as a temporary replace- ment only. Get your regular tire repaired or replaced and put back on your car as soon as you can.

Check the inflation pressure of the compact spare tire every time you check the other tires. It should be inflated to: 415 kPa (4.15 kg/cm2, 60 psi)

Taking Care of the Unexpected

Follow these precautions whenever you are using the compact spare tire:

INDICATOR LOCATION MARK

Do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) under any circumstances.

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

Do not mount snow chains on the compact spare.

The wheel of the compact spare tire is designed especially to fit your car. Do not use your spare tire on another car unless it is the same make and model.

TREAD WEAR INDICATOR BAR

The compact spare tire has a shorter tread life than a regular tire. Replace it when you can see the tread wear indicator bars. The replacement should be the same size and design tire, mounted on the same wheel. The compact spare tire is not designed to be mounted on a regular wheel, and the com- pact wheel is not designed for mounting a regular tire.

Changing a Flat Tire

If you have a flat tire while driving, stop in a safe place to change it. Stopping in traffic or on the shoul- der of a busy road is dangerous. Drive slowly along the shoulder until you get to an exit or an area to stop that is far away from the traf- fic lanes.

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

Follow the directions for chang- ing a tire exactly, and never get under the car when it is supported only by the jack.

1. Park the car on firm, level

ground away from traffic. Turn on the hazard warning lights and turn the ignition to LOCK (0).

2. Put the transmission in Park

(automatic) or Reverse (manual). Set the parking brake.

3. Open the trunk and lift up the

roof holder. Raise the trunk floor by lifting up on the back edge.

4. Take the tool kit out of the trunk.

5. Unscrew the wing bolt and take

the spare tire out of its well.

CONTINUED

Taking Care of the Unexpected

Changing a Flat Tire

JACK

SCREWDRIVER

6. Turn the jack's end bracket

counterclockwise to loosen it, then remove the jack.

CENTER CAP

7. On the Si and VTEC models

Remove the center cap from the wheel with a screwdriver (not included in tool kit) or coin.

8. Loosen the four wheel nuts 1/2

turn with the wheel wrench.

Taking Care of the Unexpected

Changing a Flat Tire

WHEEL NUTS

JACKING POINT

WHEEL WRENCH

EXTENSION

WHEEL COVER

9. Locate the jacking point nearest the tire you need to change. It is pointed to by an arrow molded into the underside of the body. Place the jack under the jacking point. Turn the end bracket clockwise until the top of the jack contacts the jacking point. Make sure the jacking point tab is resting on the jack notch.

10.Use the extension and wheel

wrench as shown to raise the car until the flat tire is off the ground.

11.Remove the wheel nuts and

wheel cover. The wheel cover cannot be removed without first removing the wheel nuts. Do not attempt to forcibly pry the wheel cover off with a screwdriver or other tool.

CONTINUED

Taking Care of the Unexpected

Changing a Fiat Tire

BRAKE HUB

12.Remove the flat tire. Tempo- rarily place the flat tire on the ground with the outside surface of the wheel facing up. The outside surface contacting the ground could damage the wheel surface.

13.Before mounting the spare tire, wipe any dirt off the mounting surface of the wheel and hub with a cloth.

14.Put on the spare tire. Put the

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

Taking Care of the Unexpected

Changing a Flat Tire

WING BOLT

SPACER CONE

15.Lower the car to the ground and

remove the jack.

16.Tighten the wheel nuts securely

in the same crisscross pattern. Have the wheel nut torque check- ed at the nearest automotive service facility. Tighten the wheel nuts to: 110 N.m(11 kg-m,80 Ib-ft)

17.Place the flat tire face down in

the spare tire well.

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

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

CONTINUED

Taking Care of the Unexpected

Changing a Flat Tire

20.Store the jack in its holder with

the end bracket facing to the rear. Turn the jack's end bracket to lock it in place. Replace the cover. Store the tool kit.

21.Store the wheel cover or center cap in the trunk. Make sure they do not get scratched or damaged.

22.Reinstall the floor lid.

23.Lower the roof holder, then close

the trunk lid.

Taking Care of the Unexpected

Diagnosing why your engine won't start falls into two areas, depending on what you hear when you turn the key to START (III):

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

You can hear the starter motor operating normally, but the engine does not start up and run.

If Your Engine Won't Start

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

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

Turn the ignition switch to ON (II). Turn on the headlights and check their brightness. If the headlights are very dim or don't light at all, the battery is dis- charged. See Jump Starting on page 176.

Turn the ignition switch to START (III). If the headlights do not dim, check the condition of the fuses. If the fuses are OK, there is probably something wrong with the electrical circuit for the ignition switch or starter motor. You will need a qualified technician to determine the problem. (See Towing on page 188.)

If the headlights dim noticeably or go out when you try to start the engine, either the battery is discharged or the connections are corroded. Check the condi- tion of the battery and terminal connections (see page 139 ). You can then try jump starting the car from a booster battery (see page 176).

Taking Care of the Unexpected

If Your Engine Won't Start, Jump Starting

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

Are you using the proper starting procedure? Refer to Starting the Engine on page 99 .

Do you have fuel? Turn the ignition switch to ON (II) for a minute and watch the fuel gauge.

There may be an electrical problem, such as no power to the fuel pump. Check all the fuses (see page 183).

Jump Starting If your car's battery has run down, you may be able to start the engine by using a booster battery. Although this seems like a simple procedure, there are several precau- tions you should take. Follow the directions closely.

A battery can explode if you do not follow the correct pro- cedure, seriously injuring any- one nearby.

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

If you find nothing wrong, you will need a qualified technician to find the problem. See Towing on page 188.

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

To jump start your car:

1. Open the hood and check the

physical condition of the battery (see page 139 ). 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, discon-

nect 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 188).

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

check the coolant level in the radiator reserve tank (see page 126). 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 while the engine is hot can cause the coolant to spray out, seriously scalding you.

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

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 188 .)

12.If the temperature stays normal,

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

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 188 .)

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 121). Although oil level and oil pressure are not directly connected, an engine that is very low on oil can lose 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 121).

Low Oil Pressure

LOW OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR

The low oil pressure indicator 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 INDICATOR

The charging system indicator 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*

* US indicator shown

If this indicator 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 per- formance, 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 or three fuse boxes.

INTERIOR

UNDER- HOOD

Fuses

TAB

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.

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

CONTINUED

Taking Care of the Unexpected

Fuses

ABS FUSE BOX

Cars equipped with ABS have a third fuse box for the ABS. It is in the front of the engine compart- ment on the passenger's side.

Taking Care of the Unexpected

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 pages 186 and 187, or the diagram on the fuse box lid, 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.

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.

FUSE PULLER

BLOWN

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.

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 cigarette lighter, or radio).

Fuses

If you replace the blown 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.

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.

6. If the replacement fuse of the

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

CONTINUED

Taking Care of the Unexpected

Fuses

INTERIOR FUSE BOX

*: On Canadian cars

Taking Care of the Unexpected

UNDERHOOD FUSE BOX

ABS FUSE BOX

Fuses

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.

Technical Information

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.

Identification Numbers............... 190
Specifications................................ 192
Anti-lock Brake System.............. 194
Supplemental Restraint

System........................................ 195
Tire Information.......................... 196
Tire Size Designation.............. 196
Wheel Size Designation........... 196
Tire Speed Ratings.................. 196
Tire Pressure Adjustment

For High Speed Driving...... 197
DOT Tire Quality Grading..... 197
Treadwear............................. 198
Traction................................. 198
Temperature......................... 198

Emission Controls........................ 199
The Clean Air Act.................... 199
Crankcase Emission Control

System.................................... 199

Evaporative Emission Control

System.................................... 199
Exhaust Emission Controls.... 200
PGM-FI System................... 200
Ignition Timing Control

System................................200

Three Way Catalytic

Converter........................... 200
Replacement Parts................... 200

Three Way Catalytic

Converter................................... 201

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

page 139.

* 1 : S, Si * 2 : VTEC * 3 : S * 4 : Si

Technical Information

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

Reserve tank capacity: 0.4 6(0.11 US gal, 0.09 Imp gal)

* 2 : S * 3 : Si * 4 : VTEC * 5 : Excluding the oil remaining in the engine.

Specifications

* : V T EC

page 186

page 187

* 1 : S * 2 : Si * 3 : VTEC * 4 : U.S.VTEC * 5 : Canadian VTEC

Technical Information

Anti-lock Brake System

The Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) is standard equipment on the Canadian VTEC. It is not available on any other models.

The ABS works by measuring how fast the wheels are turning during braking and comparing their speed. If any wheel is rotating much slower than the others (on the verge of locking up and skidding), the system reduces hydraulic pressure to that wheel's brake caliper. When that wheel's speed matches the other wheels, the system applies normal hydraulic pressure. This can take place several times per second at each wheel. You feel the ABS working as rapid pulsations in the brake pedal.

Technical Information

Each wheel has a wheel speed sensor assembly. As the wheel rotates, the sensor sends electrical pulses to the ABS control unit. The pulse frequency varies with the wheel speed.

The electrical output of the ABS control unit is connected to the modulator/solenoid unit. During braking, the ABS control unit monitors the pulse frequencies from the four wheels. When the control unit detects a wheel locking up, it energizes the appropriate solenoid in the modulator/solenoid unit. There are three solenoids: one for each front wheel, and one for the rear wheels. The energized solenoid reduces hydraulic pres- sure to one side of a modulator valve. This, in turn, reduces hydrau- lic pressure in the brake line going to the affected wheel. When that wheel speeds up because of the re- duced braking effort, the control

unit de-energizes the solenoid. This builds hydraulic pressure on the modulator valve. The pressure in- creases in the hydraulic line to the wheel.

For the system to react quickly, the modulator/solenoid unit must have brake fluid under high pressure. This is supplied by an accumulator that is pressurized by an electric pump. A pressure-sensing switch on the accumulator controls this pump.

The control unit also contains error detection circuitry. It monitors the operation of the wheel sensors, solenoids, pump, and electronics. If the control unit detects any faults, it shuts off power to the pump motor and solenoids. The light on the instrument panel comes on. The brakes then work like a conventional system without anti- lock capabilities.

Supplemental Restraint System

The SRS includes the steering wheel airbag assembly for the driver, a dashboard-mounted airbag assembly for the passenger, and a control unit with sensors behind the center console.

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 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, both sensors must trigger. This duplication is to prevent accidental activation.

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

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 airbags and control unit must be replaced after the system is activated. After use, your Honda dealer must check the complete Supplemental Restraint System and replace the airbag assemblies.

To ensure long-term reliability, the SRS uses gold-plated electrical connections throughout. 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.

Technical Information

Tire Information

Tire Size Designation A tire's sidewall is marked with a tire size designation. You will need this information when selecting replacement tires for your car. The following explains what the letters and numbers in the tire size designation mean.

(Example tire size designation) P185/60R14 82H

P — Applicable vehicle type (tires marked with the prefix "P" are intended for use on passenger cars; however, not all tires have this marking).

185 — Tire width in millimeters.

60 — Aspect ratio. The tire's section height as a percentage of its width.

R — Tire construction code (Radial).

Technical Information

14 — Rim diameter in inches.

82 — Load Index, a numerical code associated with the maximum load the tire can carry.

H — Speed Rating Symbol. See the speed rating chart in this section for additional information.

Tire Speed Ratings The chart below shows many of the different speed ratings currently being used for passenger car tires. The speed rating symbol is part of the tire size designation on the sidewall of the tire. This symbol corresponds to that tire's designed maximum safe operating speed.

Wheel Size Designation Wheels are also marked with important information that you need if you ever have to replace one. The following explains what the letters and numbers in the wheel size designation mean.

(Example wheel size designation) 14 x 5- l/2 JJ

14 — Rim diameter in inches.

5-1/2 — Rim width in inches.

JJ — Rim contour designation.

Tire Information

DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Cars) The tires on your car meet all U.S. Federal Safety Requirements. All tires are also graded for treadwear, traction, and temperature perform- ance according to Department of Transportation (DOT) standards. The following explains these gradings.

(VTEC)

Be sure to readjust the pressure for normal driving speeds. You should wait untill the tires are cold before adjusting the tire pressure (see page 146).

Tire Pressure Adjustment For High Speed Driving Honda strongly recommends that you not drive faster than posted speed limits and conditions allow. If you decide it is safe to drive at high speeds, be sure to adjust the cold tire pressures as shown below. If you do not adjust the tire pressure, excessive heat can build up and cause sudden tire failure.

(S)

(Si)

CONTINUED

Technical Information

and A represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law.

Warning: The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation, or excessive loading either separately or in combination, can cause heat build-up and possible tire failure.

Tire Information

Tread wear The treadwear grade is a compara- tive rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under con- trolled conditions on a specified government test course. For exam- ple, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one half (1-1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire graded 100. The relative per- formance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of their use, how- ever, and may depart significantly from the norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices and differences in road character- istics and climate.

Traction The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are A, B, and C, and they represent the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire

Technical Information

marked C may have poor traction performance.

Warning: The traction grade as- signed to this tire is based on brak- ing (straight ahead) traction tests and does not include cornering (turning) traction.

Temperature The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, representing the tire's resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B

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 115 .

* 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

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 (CO2), dinitrogen (N2), 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 uses sequen- tial multiport fuel injection. It has three subsystems: 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 conditions.

Technical Information

The three way catalytic converter contains platinum, palladium 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 re- placement 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................... 204
Customer Relations

Information............................... 205
U.S. Zone Office Map.................. 206
Canada Zone Office Map............ 207
Authorized Manuals.................... 209

Warranty and Customer Relations

Warranty Coverages

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

New Car Limited Warranty — covers your new car, except for the battery, emissions control systems and accessories, against defects in materials and workmanship.

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

Original Equipment Battery Limited Warranty — this war- ranty gives up to 100% credit toward a replacement battery.

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 prorated coverage for a replacement battery purchased from a Honda dealer.

Rust Perforation Limited Warranty — all exterior body panels are covered for rust-through from the inside for the specified time period with 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 — covers all Genuine Honda replacement parts against defects in materials and workman- ship.

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

Restrictions and exclusions apply to all these warranties. Please read the 1994 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 information is in a separate booklet.

Canada Cars Please refer to the 1994 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 190) 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.................................... 136
Air Conditioning............................. 66
Maintenance.............................. 144
Usage............................................ 66
Air Outlets (Vents)......................... 66
Air Pressure, Tires ...................... 146
Alcohol and Drugs.......................... 24
Alcohol in Gasoline........................ 88
Antifreeze...................................... 126
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)

Description................................ 194
Indicator Light.................... 31, 109
Operation................................... 109

Anti-theft Steering Column

Lock.............................................. 48
Appearance Care.......................... 159
Ashtray............................................. 62
Audio System.................................. 73
Automatic Speed Control............. 44
Automatic Transmission............ 103
Capacity, Fluid.......................... 192
Checking Fluid Level.............. 131
Shifting....................................... 103
Shift Lever Positions............... 103
Shift Lock Release................... 106

Index

Auxiliary Light................................ 42
Replacing Bulb.......................... 152
Turning on................................... 42

Battery

Charging System Light.............. 32
Jump Starting........................... 176
Maintenance.............................. 140
Specifications............................ 193
Before Driving................................ 87
Belts, Seat.......................................... 5
Beverage Holder............................. 61
Body Repair.......................,............ 165
Brakes

Anti-lock System (ABS)......... 109
Break-in, New Linings.............. 88
Fluid............................................ 133
Light, Burned-out.................... 154
Parking......................................... 59
System Indicator........................ 32
Wear Indicators........................ 108

CONTINUED

Accessories

Installation...................................95

ACCESSORY (Ignition Key

Position)....................................... 48

Adding

Automatic Transmission