1994 Honda Civic Hatchback Owners Manual

Main MenuTable of ContentsstKeys and Locks, Seat Adjustments

Seat Adjustments

See page 94 for cargo loading and weight limit information. Keep the hatch and tailgate closed at all times while driving to avoid damage and to prevent exhaust gas from getting into the interior. See Carbon Monoxide Hazard on page 26.

To adjust the seat forward and backward, pull up on the lever under the seat cushion's front edge. Move the seat to the desired position and release the lever. Try to move the seat to make sure it is locked in position.

To change the angle of the seat- back, pull up on the lever on the outside of the seat bottom. Move the seat-back to the desired position and release the lever. Let the seat-back latch in the new position.

CONTINUED

Instruments and Controls

Main MenuTable of ContentsstSeat Adjustments

Reclining the seat-back can decrease the protection you get from your seat belt in a crash.

You can slide under the seat belt and be seriously injured.

Adjust the seat-back to an upright position and sit well back in the seat.

Instruments and Controls

Rear Seat Access

To get into the back seat on the driver's side, pull up on the seat- back adjustment lever.

To tilt the passenger's seat-back out of the way, push forward on the release lever at the base of the seat-back.

Main MenuTable of ContentsstFolding Rear Seat

The back of the rear seat folds down to give you more cargo space. Each side folds down separately. With only half the seat folded, you can still carry a passenger in the back seat.

To unlatch either side of the seat- back, pull up on the release tab. Move the seat belt out of the way and fold the seat-back down.

Folding Rear Seat, Cargo Area Cover

Cargo Area Cover

To lock the seat-back upright, move the seat belt out of the way then push the seat-back firmly against its latch. Tug on the seat- back to make sure it is latched.

Make sure all items in the cargo area are tied down. Loose items can fly forward and cause injury if you have to brake hard. See Loading Cargo on page 94.

Only on DX and Si models To get to the cargo area without opening the tailgate, lift the back of the cover and fold it over the front half.

CONTINUED

Instruments and Controls

Main MenuTable of ContentsstCargo Area Cover, Moonroof

Moonroof

To close the moonroof, press and hold the

switch.

Closing the moonroof on some- one's hands or fingers can cause serious injury.

Make sure passengers are clear of the moonroof before closing it.

NOTICE

If you try to open the moonroof in below-freezing temperatures, or when it is covered with snow or ice, you can damage the moonroof panel or motor.

To remove the cargo area cover, place your hands, palms up, under the front half of the cover near the outside edges. Lift it straight up. To install the cover, line up the mounting rods with the slots then push down on the cover until it clips into place. Make sure it is securely latched so it will not come loose while you are driving.

Available only on Si model Use the switches on the dashboard under the left vent to operate the moonroof. The ignition must be ON (II).

To lift the rear of the moonroof for ventilation, push the button. To slide the moonroof back, push the switch. Hold it until the moonroof reaches the desired position, then release the switch.

Instruments and Controls

Main MenuTable of ContentsstSunshade

Mirrors

Manual Door Mirrors

Moonroof, Mirrors

You can slide the sunshade to any position when the moonroof is closed. The sunshade slides open with the moonroof. You must close it manually.

TAB

Keep the inside and outside mirrors clean and adjusted for best visibili- ty. Be sure to adjust the mirrors before you start driving.

Except Si model The outside mirror on the driver's door can be adjusted by moving the knob on the inside of the door.

The inside mirror has day and night positions. The night position reduces glare from headlights behind you. Flip the tab on the bottom edge of the mirror to select the day or night position.

Instruments and Controls

Main MenuTable of ContentsstMirrors

Adjusting the Power Mirrors

SELECTOR SWITCH

ADJUSTMENT SWITCH

Available only on Si model Adjust the outside mirrors with the adjustment switch on the left side of the dashboard:

1. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).

2. Move the selector switch to left (driver's side) or right (passen- ger's side).

3. Push the appropriate edge of the

adjustment switch to move the mirror right or left, up or down.

4. When you finish, move the

selector switch to the center (off) position. This turns off the adjustment switch so you can't move a mirror out of position by accidentally bumping it.

The outside mirror on the passen- ger's side has curved glass. Objects look farther away than they are. Use this mirror to get a "wide view". Don't use it to judge the dis- tance of things behind you.

Instruments and Controls

Main MenuTable of ContentsstParking Brake, Glove Box

Parking Brake

NOTICE

Driving the car with the parking brake applied can damage the rear brakes and axles.

Glove Box

An open glove box can cause serious injury to your passen- ger in a crash, even if the pas- senger is wearing the seat belt.

Always keep the glove box closed while driving.

PARKING BRAKE LEVER

To apply the parking brake, pull the lever up fully. To release it, pull up slightly, push the button, and lower the lever. The parking brake light on the instrument panel should go out when the parking brake is fully released (see page 33).

GLOVE BOX Open the glove box by pulling the handle. Close it with a firm push.

Instruments and Controls

Main MenuTable of ContentsstDigital Clock

HOUR

MIN.

RESET

Available only on Si model The digital clock displays the time with the ignition switch ON (II). To see the time with the ignition off, press and hold the wide button under the clock.

To set the clock:

1. Turn the ignition switch ON (II)

to display the time.

2. Swing down the front cover of

the wide button under the clock display. You will see HOUR, MIN., and RESET buttons.

Instruments and Controls

3. To set the hour, press and hold the HOUR button until the hour advances to the desired hour.

4. To set the minutes, press and hold the MIN. button until the numbers advance to the desired minute or minutes.

You can use the RESET button to quickly set the time to the nearest hour. If the displayed time is before the half hour, pressing the RESET button sets the clock back to the previous hour. If the displayed time is after the half hour, pressing the RESET button sets the clock forward to the beginning of the next hour.

For example:

1:06 would RESET backward to 1:00. 1:52 would RESET forward to 2:00.

Main MenuTable of ContentsstBeverage Holder

Vanity Mirror

Beverage Holder, Vanity Mirror

Push

To open the beverage holder, push on the top. It is spring-loaded and will swing open. To close it, push it down until it latches.

Available only on DX and Si model To use the vanity mirror, pull down the passenger's sun visor.

Use the beverage holder only when the car is parked. If you place cups in the holder while driving, the liquid may spill when you go over bumps or around corners.

Be careful when you are using the beverage holder. Spilled liquids can damage the upholstery, carpeting, and electrical components in the interior. If the liquid is very hot, it can scald you or your passengers.

Instruments and Controls

Main MenuTable of ContentsstCigarette Lighter, Ashtrays

Cigarette Lighter

Ashtrays

CIGARETTE LIGHTER

ASHTRAY

ASHTRAY

The ignition switch must be in ACCESSORY (I) or ON (II) for the cigarette lighter to work. To heat up the lighter, push it in. It will pop out when it is ready for use. Do not hold the lighter in while it is heating up, you could cause it to overheat.

Open the front ashtray by pulling on the bottom edge. Push it in to close it. To remove the ashtray for empty- ing, push down on the metal plate inside, then pull the ashtray out completely.

The rear ashtray is at the rear end of the center console. Open the ashtray by swinging the upper edge of the lid down. To remove the ashtray for emptying, open it then lift up and out.

Instruments and Controls

Main MenuTable of ContentsstAshtrays, Coin Box, Interior Light

NOTICE

Coin Box

Use the ashtray only for cigarettes, cigars and other smoking materials. To prevent a possible fire and damage to your car, don't put paper or other things that can burn in the ashtray.

Interior Light (Si)

DOOR ACTIVATED

ON

OFF

COIN BOX

To open the coin box, pull the upper edge. Close it with a firm push.

The interior light has a three- position switch. In the OFF position, the light does not come on. In the center position, the interior light comes on when you open either door. In the ON position, the interior light stays on continuously.

CONTINUED

Instruments and Controls

Main MenuTable of ContentsstInterior Light, Cargo Area Light

(Except Si)

DOOR ACTIVATED

OFF

ON

Available only on Si model The cargo area light has a two- position switch. In the OFF (down) position, the light does not come on. In the ON (up) position, the light comes on when you open the hatch.

Instruments and Controls

Main MenuTable of ContentsstComfort and Convenience Features

The heating/ventilation system in your car, when combined with the optional air conditioning, provides a comfortable driving environment in all weather conditions.

Heating and Cooling...................... 64
What Each Control Does .......... 66
How to Use the System ............ 67

Controlling Air Flow

Direction.............................. 67
Ventilation............................... 67
To Cool with A/C ................... 68
To Heat.................................... 68
To Heat and Dehumidify

with Air Conditioning ....... 69
To Defog and Defrost............ 70
To Turn Everything off ....... 70
Audio System.................................. 71

AM/FM/Cassette Stereo

Audio System.......................... 71
Operating the Radio .................. 72
Presetting.................................... 74
Adjusting the sound................... 75
Radio Frequencies..................... 76
Operating the Cassette

Player....................................... 77
Casstte Search Functions......... 78
Operating the CD Player .......... 80
CD Error Indications ................. 82
Caring for the Cassette Player.... 83
Theft Protectioin........................... 84

Comfort and Convenience Features

Main MenustHeating and Cooling

This system has full heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (optional) capabilities. You can adjust the system controls to mix these in various combinations. The air flows into the interior at three possible levels, which you can select.

If you purchased your car without air conditioning, it can be installed at any time. A Genuine Honda air conditioning system is available from your dealer. It meets Honda's high quality standards and is designed to fit your car. Please contact your dealer for more information.

CENTER VENT

SIDE VENT

CLOSE

The direction of air flow from the vents in the center and each side of the dashboard is adjustable. Move the tab in the center of each vent up-and-down and side-to-side.

The heating and cooling system draws air through the exterior vents at the bottom of the wind- shield. Keep these vents clear of leaves and other debris.

The side and upper vents can be opened and closed with the dials next to them.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Main MenuTable of ContentsstHeating and Cooling

UPPER VENT

OPEN

CLOSE

Comfort and Convenience Features

Main MenuTable of ContentsstHeating and Cooling

What Each Control Does

Fan Control Lever Sliding this lever to the right increases the fan speed, which increases air flow.

Temperature Control Lever Sliding this lever to the right increases the temperature of air flowing from the system.

Mode Buttons These buttons control the direction of air flow. The indicator light shows which button is controlling air flow.

Air Conditioning (A/C) Switch This switch turns the air condi- tioning ON and OFF. The indicator in the switch lights when the A/C is ON.

RECIRCULATED AIR

AIR CONDITIONING SWITCH

MODE BUTTONS

FRESH AIR

TEMPERATURE CONTROL LEVER

FAN CONTROL LEVER

Fresh Air and Recirculation Buttons These two buttons control the source of air going into the system. In Fresh Air mode, air comes from outside the car. In Recirculation mode, the interior air recycles through the system.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Main MenuTable of ContentsstHow to Use the System This section covers the best way to use the system for ventilation, cooling, dehumidifying, defrosting and heating. In most cases, the mode and air source selections are only recommendations. You may prefer different settings.

mode to heat or cool the

Use interior more quickly, or to keep out smoke and dust. Leaving the system in the recirculation mode with the A/C off can cause the windows to fog up. Switch to

mode as soon as the interior reaches a comfortable temperature or the outside smoky, dusty condition clears.

Heating and Cooling

Ventilation Your car has a flow-through ventilation system. Air enters the car through vents in front of the windshield. It circulates through the interior then exits through vents near the hatch. This system provides fresh air even when the car is standing still. To bring in outside air, press the button. Set the fan at a comfortable speed.

The engine must be running for the heater and air conditioning to pro- vide hot and cold air. The heater uses engine coolant to warm the air. If the engine is cold, it will be sever- al minutes before you feel warm air circulating.

The air conditioning system does not depend on engine temperature. It can produce cold air almost immediately.

Controlling Air Flow Direction Air flows into the interior at three levels: Toward the floor through the dash vents toward the windshield and side windows . You select the air flow level or combination of levels with the five mode buttons.

and

CONTINUED

Comfort and Convenience Features

Main MenuTable of ContentsstHeating and Cooling

To Cool with A/C (Optional) To operate the air conditioning system, press the air conditioning switch. Set the fan to the desired speed. You can also use the

mode button to direct air out of the dash and heater vents.

To cool the interior down rapidly after the car has been sitting in the sun:

1. Start the engine. 2. Turn on the A/C by pressing the

switch.

3. Set the fan to maximum speed. 4. Open the windows partially.

Select

and

When the interior reaches a com- fortable temperature, close the windows and set the system for cooling as described above.

MODE BUTTONS

AIR CONDITIONING SWITCH

TEMPERATURE CONTROL LEVER

FAN CONTROL LEVER

Air conditioning places an extra load on the engine. Watch the engine coolant temperature gauge (see page 38 ) when using the A/C in heavy traffic or driving up long hills. If it moves near the red zone, turn off the air conditioning until the gauge reads normally.

To Heat To warm the interior: 1. Start the engine. 2. Select 3. Switch the fan to the desired

and

speed.

4. Adjust the warmth of the air with the temperature control lever.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Main MenuTable of ContentsstTo Heat and Dehumidify with Air Conditioning Air conditioning removes moisture from the air as it operates. When used in combination with the heater, it makes the interior warm and dry.

Heating and Cooling

MODE BUTTONS

AIR CONDITIONING SWITCH

1. Switch the fan on. 2. Turn on the air conditioning. 3. Select and any desired

mode button.

4. Adjust the temperature control lever so the mixture of heated and cooled air feels comfortable.

This setting is suitable for all driving conditions whenever the outside temperature is above 32 °F (0°C).

TEMPERATURE CONTROL LEVER

FAN CONTROL LEVER

CONTINUED

Comfort and Convenience Features

Main MenuTable of ContentsstTo Turn Everything Off To shut off the system temporarily, slide the fan speed and temperature control levers all the way to the left.

You should shut the system com- pletely off only for the first few minutes of driving in cold weather, until the engine coolant warms up enough to operate the heater. Keep the fan on at all other times so stale air does not build up in the interior.

Heating and Cooling

To Defog and Defrost To remove fog from the inside of the windows:

1. Switch the fan on. 2. Turn on the air conditioning. 3. Select 4. Adjust the temperature control

and

lever so the airflow from the defroster vents feels warm.

5. Turn on the rear window

defogger to help clear the rear window.

To remove exterior frost or ice from the windshield and side windows after the car has been sitting out in cold weather:

1. Start the engine. 2. Select 3. Switch the fan and temperature

and

controls to maximum.

To rapidly remove exterior frost or ice from the windshield (on very cold days), first select the windshield is clear, select

. Once

to avoid fogging the

windows.

These settings direct all the air flow to the defroster vents at the base of the windshield and each front door window. The air flow will get warmer and clear the windows faster as the engine warms up. You can close the side vents with the dial beside each vent. This will send more warm air to the windshield defroster vents.

For safety, make sure you have a clear view through all the windows before driving away.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Main MenuTable of ContentsstAM/FM/Cassette Stereo Audio System For Si models The audio system described here is standard equipment on the S model.

Your Honda audio system is easy to use, and will give clear AM/FM reception. The preset buttons allow you to select six stations on AM and twelve stations on FM.

The cassette system uses Dolby B ®* noise reduction to give excellent sound reproduction. The system also senses when a metal or chromium-dioxide (CrO ) tape is being played and adjusts accord- ingly.

The cassette player features auto- reverse for continuous play.

Audio System

ON/VOL KNOB

CASSETTE SLOT

AM BUTTON

TUNE/SEEK BAR

PRESET BUTTONS

FM BUTTON

* Dolby noise reduction manufac- tured under license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corpo- ration. "DOLBY" and the double-D symbol

are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corpo- ration.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Main MenuTable of ContentsstAudio System

Operating the Radio The ignition switch must be in AC- CESSORY (I) or ON (II) to operate the audio system. Turn the system on by turning the ON/VOL knob clockwise. The radio comes on and displays the frequency of the station it was last tuned to.

Adjust the volume by turning the ON/VOL knob.

ON/VOL KNOB

AM BUTTON

STEREO INDICATOR

FM BUTTON

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

ST will be displayed next to the fre- quency if the station is broadcast- ing in FM stereo. The AM stereo feature is not available.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Main MenuTable of ContentsstYou can use any of three methods to find radio stations on the selected band: TUNE, SEEK, or the Preset buttons.

Audio System

The TUNE function lets you find a desired frequency. Use the TUNE/SEEK bar to change the frequency in small increments. Press the right side and the left side ( lower frequency. Press and release to change the frequency to the next number.

) to tune to a higher frequency,

) to tune to a

Press the TUNE/SEEK bar and hold it to change to a frequency that is far away. The frequency display will begin to count rapidly. It will stop counting when you release the bar.

TUNE/SEEK BAR

The SEEK function searches the band for stations with a strong sig- nal. Depending on which side you press on the TUNE/SEEK bar, the system searches up or down from the current frequency. Press the bar until you hear a beep, then release it. The system searches until it finds a station with a strong

signal, then stops.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Main MenuTable of ContentsstAudio System

Presetting The preset buttons allow you to store radio frequencies for later selection. Each button will store one frequency on the AM band, and two on the FM band by pushing FM1 and FM2. To store a frequency:

1. Select the desired band, AM or FM. FM1 and FM2 let you store two frequencies with each Preset button.

2. Use the TUNE or SEEK func-

tion to tune the radio to a desired station.

3. Pick the Preset button you want for that station. Press the button and hold it until you hear a beep.

4. Repeat steps 1 to 3 to store a

total of six stations on AM and twelve on FM.

TUNE/SEEK BAR

PRESET BUTTONS

Once that station's frequency is stored, simply press and release the proper preset button to tune to it. If you want to change any preset button's selection, store another fre- quency as described. The frequen- cies you preset will be lost if your car's battery goes dead or is discon- nected.

Comfort and Convenience Features

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

To use either control, push on the knob to get it to pop out. Adjust the front-to-back sound to your liking with the outside ring.

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

Audio System

FAD BAL BAS TRE

FADER CONTROL

BALANCE CONTROL

BASS CONTROL

TREBLE CONTROL

The illumination for the radio con- trols comes on with the instrument panel lights, even if the radio is off. You can use the Balance control to turn off the radio panel illumina- tion even with the radio on. Push the control knob so it pops out, then pull it out slightly further. Check this control if the control panel lights do not come on with the in- strument panel lights.

Use the Bass and Treble controls to adjust the tone quality to your liking. Push on the knob to get the controls to pop out. Adjust the bass level with the outer ring and the treble level with the knob. When finished, push the knobs back in so there is less chance of accidentally changing your settings.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Main MenuTable of ContentsstAudio System

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

AM band: 530 kilohertz to 1,710 kilohertz FM band: 87.7 megahertz to 107.9 mega- hertz

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

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

Comfort and Convenience Features

Main MenuTable of ContentsstOperating the Cassette Player Turn the system ON. Insert the cassette into the slot with the tape opening to the right. Push the cassette in most of the way. The drive will pull it in the rest of the way and begin to play.

or will light to show you

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

The system also has an Auto- reverse feature. It will automati- cally reverse direction when it reaches the end of the cassette.

Audio System

REW BUTTON

PLAY BUTTON

FF BUTTON

TAPE DIRECTION INDICATOR

EJECT BUTTON

PROG BUTTON

TMS BUTTON

DOLBY BUTTON

If the tape was recorded with Dolby " B" noise reduction, turn it on by pressing the

button.

To remove the cassette from the drive, press the EJECT button. The system automatically ejects the cassette whenever you turn off the system or the ignition switch.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Main MenuTable of ContentsstAudio System

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

Press the REW button to rewind the cassette. Press the FF button to fast forward. The cassette stops playing and the light in the button flashes. To stop rewind or fast forward, press the PLAY button. If the system reaches the end of the cassette while in fast forward or rewind, it automatically stops that function, reverses direction, and begins to play.

REW BUTTON

PLAY BUTTON

FF BUTTON

TMS BUTTON

The TMS function lets you skip to the beginning of a song or other passage.

just played. When the system senses a silent period on the tape, it goes back to PLAY mode.

Press the TMS button and then the FF button or REW button. The tape will automatically advance to the beginning of the next song, or return to the beginning of the song

Comfort and Convenience Features

Main MenuTable of ContentsstAudio System

The TMS function uses silent periods on the tape to find the end of a selection. This feature may not work satisfactorily on tapes that have almost no gap between songs, a high noise level between songs, or silent periods in the middle of songs.

Caring For Cassettes Damaged cassettes can jam inside the drive or cause other problems. See page 83 for information on cassette care and protection.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Main MenuTable of ContentsstAudio System

Operating the CD Changer (Optional) A Compact Disc changer is available for your car. It holds up to six discs, providing several hours of continuous programming. You operate the CD changer with the same controls used for the radio and cassette player.

Load the desired CD's in the magazine and load the magazine in the changer according to the instructions that came with the unit.

To operate the CD changer, the ignition key must be in ACCESSO- RY (I) or ON (II). If you are listening to a cassette tape, eject it before playing a CD.

Press the CD button until "CD" appears on the display. Once in the CD mode, the system will start to play the first track of the first disc in the magazine.

When that disc ends, the next disc in the magazine is loaded and played.

After disc 6 has completed, the system will return to disc 1. To make your own disc selection, push one of the six preset buttons. Your selection will appear in the display and start playing.

You can use the TUNE/SEEK bar while a disc is playing to select passages and change tracks. To move rapidly forward within a track, press and hold the side of the TUNE/SEEK bar. Press and hold the side to move rapidly backward within a track. Keep pressing the bar until you think the track has advanced or returned to the desired position. The disc will start playing when you release the bar.

side and release,

If you press the it the system will skip forward to the beginning of the next track on that CD. It will skip backward to the begin- ning of the current track if you press the side and release it.

Comfort and Convenience Features

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

If you turn off the system while a CD is playing, either with the ON-OFF/VOL knob or by turning off the ignition, the system will begin at the same disc and track when you turn it back on.

If you try to select an empty slot in the magazine, the system will select and play the first track of the next disc in the magazine.

To return to the radio function, press the AM/FM button.

Audio System

ON/VOL KNOB

CD BUTTON

TUNE/SEEK BAR

Comfort and Convenience Features

Main MenuTable of ContentsstAudio System

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

Comfort and Convenience Features

Main MenuTable of ContentsstCLEAN INDICATOR

ANTI THEFT

C L E AN

RESET BUTTON

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

After 30 hours of tape use, you will see CLEAN flashing for 5 seconds in the display when you insert a

Caring for the Cassette Player

tape into the tape slot. If you are already regularly cleaning the tape drive at least every 30 hours, reset the indicator by pressing the Reset button while the system is in the tape operation mode. Hold the button until the CLEAN indicator goes out.

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

The cassette player automatically ejects cassettes that do not play normally. If it ejects a cassette before it begins to play, it is probably defective and should not be inserted again. You may have a cassette suddenly stop playing, reverse directions once or twice and then eject. This is normally an indication the tape is wound unevenly. It should play normally after being manually rewound.

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

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

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

Do not leave cassettes sitting where they are exposed to high heat or humidity, such as on top of the dashboard or in the player. If a cassette is exposed to extreme heat or cold, let it reach a moderate temperature before putting it in the player.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Main MenuTable of ContentsstTheft Protection

Theft Protection is standard on the Si model.

Your audio system is protected by a code number. The system immedi- ately disables itself whenever the radio/player unit is disconnected from the battery. To make it work again, you must enter a five-digit code with the station Preset buttons.

You should have received two copies of your audio system's code number with your car. Keep one of these copies at home, and the other in your wallet or a concealed place in the car.

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

You will then have to store your favorite stations in the Preset buttons. Your original settings were lost when power was discon- nected.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Main MenuTable of ContentsstBefore you begin driving your Honda, you should know what gaso- line to use, and how to check the levels of important fluids. You also need to know how to properly stow luggage or packages. This section will help you. If you plan to add any accessories to your car, please read the information in this section first.

Before Driving

Break-in Period.............................. 86
Gasoline............................................ 86
Oxygenated Fuels...................... 86
Driving in Foreign Countries .. 87
Service Station Procedures.......... 88
Filling the Fuel Tank................ 88
Opening the Hood ...................... 89
Fuel Economy................................. 92
Vehicle Condition....................... 92
Driving Habits............................ 92
Accessories...................................... 93
Loading Cargo................................ 94

Before Driving

Main MenustBreak-in Period, Gasoline

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

Avoid full-throttle starts and rapid acceleration.

If you need to add oil, use the engine oil recommended in this owner's manual.

Avoid hard braking. New brakes need to be broken-in by moderate use for the first 300 km (200
miles).

You should follow these same re- commendations with an overhauled or exchanged engine, or when the brakes are relined.

Before Driving

Gasoline Your Honda operates most effec- tively on unleaded gasoline with a pump octane number of 86 or higher. Use of a lower octane gasoline can cause a persistent, heavy metallic rapping noise in the engine that can lead to mechanical damage.

We recommend gasolines con- taining detergent additives that help prevent fuel system and engine deposits.

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

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

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

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

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

Fuel system damage or perfor- mance problems resulting from the use of an oxygenated fuel con- taining more than the percentages of oxygenates given above are not covered under warranty.

The following are the EPA- approved percentages of oxygen- ates: ETHANOL (ethyl or grain alcohol) You may use gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol by volume. Gasoline containing ethanol may be marketed under the name "Gasohol."

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

METHANOL (methyl or wood alcohol) You may use gasoline containing up to 5% methanol by volume as long as it also contains cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors to protect the fuel system. Gasoline con- taining more than 5% methanol by volume may cause starting and/or performance problems. It may also damage metal, rubber and plastic parts of your fuel system.

Gasoline

Driving in Foreign Countries Using any type of leaded gasoline in your Honda will affect perform- ance and damage its emission con- trols. Unleaded gasoline may not be available in other countries. If you are planning to take your car out- side the U.S. or Canada, write to Honda at the address shown for information about any modifica- tions your car may need. Be sure to include the year and model of your car.

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

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

Before Driving

Main MenuTable of ContentsstService Station Procedures

Filling the Fuel Tank

Pull

1. The fuel fill is on the driver's side of the car. Park with that side closest to the service station pumps.

2. Open the fuel fill door by pulling

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

Handling gasoline improperly can cause it to ignite or ex- plode, causing you to be seri- ously or fatally injured.

Always put out cigarettes and other smoking materials, and keep all sparks and open flames away when you are around gasoline.

3. Remove the fuel fill cap slowly.

You may hear a hissing sound as pressure inside the tank escapes.

4. Stop filling the tank after the

fuel pump automatically clicks off. Do not try to "top off" the tank, leave some room for the fuel to expand with temperature changes.

5. Screw the fuel fill cap back on,

tighten it until it clicks.

6. Push the fuel fill door until it

latches.

FUEL FILL CAP

Before Driving

Main MenuTable of ContentsstService Station Procedures

Opening the Hood

LATCH

SUPPORT ROD

HOOD RELEASE HANDLE

1. Shift to Park or Neutral and set the parking brake. Pull the hood release handle, located under the left lower corner of the dash- board. The hood will pop up slightly.

2. Standing in front of the car, put

your fingers under the front edge of the hood to the right of center. Slide your hand to the left until you feel the hood latch handle. Push this handle to the left until it releases the hood. Lift the hood.

CLIP

3. Pull the support rod out of its clip

and insert the end into the hole on the driver's side of the hood.

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

CONTINUED

Before Driving

Main MenuTable of ContentsstService Station Procedures

Oil Check

2. Wipe the dipstick with a clean

cloth or paper towel.

3. Insert it all the way back in its

tube.

DIPSTICK

Check the engine oil level every time you fill the car with fuel. Wait at least two minutes after turning the engine off before you check the oil.

1. Remove the dipstick (orange

handle).

Before Driving

Main MenuTable of ContentsstService Station Procedures

Engine Coolant Check

RESERVE TANK

Refer to Periodic Checks on page 117 for information on check- ing other items in your Honda.

UPPER MARK

LOWER MARK

MAX

MIN

4. Remove it again and check the level. It should be between the upper and lower marks.

If it is near or below the lower mark, see page 119 for information on the proper oil and how to add it.

Look at the coolant level in the radiator reserve tank. Make sure it is between the MAX and MIN lines. If it is below the MIN line, see Adding Engine Coolant on page 124 for information on adding the proper coolant.

Before Driving

Main MenuTable of ContentsstFuel Economy

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

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

An important part of that mainte- nance is the Periodic Checks (see page 117). For example an underinflated tire causes more "rolling resistance," which uses fuel. It also wears out faster, so check the tire pressure at least monthly. In winter, the build-up of snow on your car's underside adds weight and rolling resistance. Frequent cleaning helps your fuel mileage and reduces the chance of corrosion.

Before Driving

Driving Habits You can improve fuel economy by driving moderately. Rapid acceler- ation, abrupt cornering, and hard braking use more fuel.

Always drive in the highest gear practical for your speed and road conditions. Gain the best fuel economy by using the upshift indicator, if equipped, to direct your shifting during acceleration (see page 35).

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

A cold engine uses more fuel than a warm engine. It is not necessary to "warm-up" a cold engine by letting it idle for a long time. You can drive away in about a minute, no matter how cold it is outside. The engine will warm up faster, and you get better fuel economy. To cut down on the number of "cold starts," try to combine several short trips into one.

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

Main MenuTable of ContentsstYour Honda dealer has many acces- sories available to personalize your car. Some of these are audio sys- tems, alloy wheels, air conditioning, and color-coordinated carpet floor mats. All Genuine Honda Acces- sories have been approved by our engineers for installation and use on your car, and are covered by warranty.

Some non-Honda accessories you can buy in the "aftermarket" are designed for universal applications. Although they may fit your Honda, they may not be within factory specifications. For example, after- market wheels may not meet Honda's specifications for width and offset. They could cause sus- pension problems which would not be covered by your warranty. Im- properly-designed accessories can adversely affect your car's han- dling and stability.

Your car has several computer- controlled systems, including the SRS system and the engine's fuel injection. Strong electronic inter- ference can affect their operation.

Accessories

Electronic communications equip- ment, such as cellular telephones and two-way radios are regulated by the FCC (DOC in Canada) and should not interfere with your car's systems. Improper installation, or using electrical equipment not in- tended for mobile use may inter- fere with your car's operation. If you want to install a cellular tele- phone, other mobile communi- cations equipment or even add-on stereo amplifiers, please discuss it first with your Honda dealer.

In many cases, improper instal- lation is the real cause of problems with aftermarket accessories. Have these accessories installed by quali- fied technicians who are familiar with your Honda. If possible, have your Honda dealer inspect the final installation.

Before Driving

Main MenuTable of ContentsstLoading Cargo

The maximum load you can carry in your Honda is 395 kg (850 Ibs). It includes the total weight of all passengers and their belongings, and any accessories. This 395 kg (850 Ibs) figure is shown as the Vehicle Capacity Weight on the tire information label attached to the inside of the glove box. To figure out how much cargo you can carry:

Figure the total "occupant weight" you will be transporting. To do this, multiply the number of people (driver and all passen- gers) by 70 kg (150 Ibs).

Subtract this number from the Vehicle Capacity Weight (395 kg/ 850 Ibs).

Before Driving

This final number is the total weight of cargo you can load in or on the car. With five occupants (driver and four passengers), the maximum recommended weight for cargo is 45 kg (100 Ibs).

Where you store this cargo, and how well you secure it, are just as important as how much it weighs. Make sure you load cargo so it will not shift while driving. Store items in the cargo area behind the rear seat, placing them as far forward as possible.

Do not place items on the cargo area cover behind the rear seat or stack objects any higher than the back of the rear seat. They block your rear view and can fly forward and injure you or your passengers if you brake hard or are involved in a collision.

When you fold down the rear seat- back to haul large objects, place those objects as far forward as possible. Try to secure them with rope or cord so they will not shift while you are driving. Do not stack items higher than the back of the front seats.

If you must carry large objects that prevent you from closing the tailgate or hatch, be aware that exhaust gas can enter the interior. See Carbon Monoxide Hazard on page 26.

You could store additional items on the floor behind the front seats. Make sure they cannot roll under the front seat and interfere with the pedals.

Main MenuTable of ContentsstThis section gives you tips on starting the engine under various conditions, and how to operate the manual and automatic transmis- sions. It also includes important information on your car's braking system.

Driving

Preparing to Drive ......................... 96
Starting the Engine ....................... 97

5-speed Manual

Transmission.......................... 97

Automatic

Transmission.......................... 97

Starting in Cold Weather

at High Altitude ..................... 98
5-speed Manual Transmission..... 99
Recommended Shift Points.... 100
Maximum Speeds..................... 100
Automatic Transmission............ 101
Shift Lever Positions............... 101
Maximum Speeds..................... 104
Shift Lock Release................... 104
The Braking System.................... 105
Brake Wear Indicators............ 105
Brake System Design.............. 105
Anti-lock Brakes...................... 106
Driving in Bad Weather.............. 107
Towing a Trailer.......................... 109

Driving

Main Menust5. Check the adjustment of the seat

(see page 51).

6. Check the adjustment of the

inside and outside mirrors (see page 55).

7. Check the adjustment of the steering wheel (see page 44).

10.Turn the ignition ON (II). Check the indicator lights in the instru- ment panel.

11.Start the engine (see page 97).

12.Check the gauges and indicator

lights in the instrument panel (see page 31).

8. Make sure the doors are securely

closed and locked.

9. Fasten your seat belt. Check that

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

Preparing to Drive

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

1. Make sure all windows, mirrors, and outside lights are clean and unobstructed. Remove frost, snow, or ice.

2. Check that the hood and hatch/

tailgate are fully closed.

3. Visually check the tires. If a tire looks low, use a gauge to check its pressure.

4. Check that any items you may be

carrying with you inside are stored properly or fastened down securely.

Driving

Main MenuTable of Contentsst5-speed Manual Transmission 1. Apply the parking brake.

2. In cold weather, turn off all

electrical accessories to reduce the drain on the battery.

3. Push the clutch pedal down all the way. START (III) does not function unless the clutch pedal is depressed.

4. Without touching the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition key to the START (III) position. If the engine does not start right away, do not hold the key in START (III) for more than 15 seconds at a time. Pause for at least 10
seconds before trying again.

5. If the engine does not start

within 15 seconds, or starts but stalls right away, repeat step 4
with the accelerator pedal pressed half-way down. If the engine starts, release pressure on the accelerator pedal so the engine does not race.

6. If the engine still does not start,

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

Starting the Engine

Automatic Transmission 1. Apply the parking brake.

2. In cold weather, turn off all

electrical accessories to reduce the drain on the battery.

3. Make sure the shift lever is in

Park. Press on the brake pedal.

4. Without touching the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition key to the START (III) position. If the engine does not start right away, do not hold the key in START (III) for more than 15 seconds at a time. Pause for at least 10
seconds before trying again.

CONTINUED

Driving

Main MenuTable of ContentsstStarting the Engine

5. If the engine does not start

within 15 seconds, or starts but stalls right away, repeat step 4
with the accelerator pedal pressed half-way down. If the engine starts, release pressure on the accelerator pedal so the engine does not race.

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

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

6. If the engine still does not start,

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

1. Turn off all electrical accessories

to reduce the drain on the battery.

2. Push the accelerator pedal half- way to the floor and hold it there while starting the engine. Do not hold the ignition key in START (III) for more than 15 seconds. When the engine starts, release the accelerator pedal gradually as the engine speeds up and smooths out.

Driving

Main MenuTable of Contentsst5-speed Manual Transmission

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

Use extra care when driving on slippery surfaces.

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

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

CONTINUED

Driving

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

Main MenuTable of Contentsst5-speed Manual Transmission

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

The VX and CX models in the U.S. (except in California) and the VX model in Canada have an Upshift Indicator (see page 35). Use this indicator to help deter- mine the shift points for best fuel economy.

(US: DX, Si, Canada: CX, DX, Si)

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

Driving

Main MenuTable of Contentsst5-speed Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission

(VX)

(US: DX, Canada: CX, DX)

Automatic Transmission Your Honda's transmission has four forward speeds. It has a "lock- up" torque converter for better fuel economy. You may feel what seems like another shift when the con- verter locks.

Shift Lever Positions

(US: CX)

(Si)

CONTINUED

Driving

Main MenuTable of ContentsstAutomatic Transmission

This display is on the instrument panel. It shows you the position of the shift lever.

SHIFT LEVER

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

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

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

If you have done all of the above and still cannot move the lever out of Park, see Shift Lock Release on page 104.

Driving

Main MenuTable of ContentsstReverse (R) — To shift to Re- verse from Park, see the explana- tion under Park. To shift to Re- verse from Neutral, come to a com- plete stop and then shift. Press the release button before shifting into Reverse from Neutral.

Neutral (N) — Use Neutral if you need to restart a stalled engine, or if it is necessary to stop briefly with the engine idling. Shift to Park posi- tion if you need to leave the car for any reason. Press on the brake pe- dal when you are moving the shift lever from Neutral to another gear.

Drive (D4) — Use this position for your normal driving. The transmis- sion automatically selects a suita- ble gear for your speed and acceler- ation.

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

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

Second (2) — To shift to Second, press the release button on the side of the shift lever. This position locks the transmission in second gear. It does not downshift to first gear when you come to a stop. Second gives you more power when climbing, and increased engine braking when going down steep

Automatic Transmission

hills. Use second gear when start- ing out on a slippery surface or in deep snow. It will help reduce wheelspin.

Whenever you move the shift lever to a lower gear, the transmission downshifts only if the engine's redline will not be exceeded in the lower gear.

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

Driving

Main MenuTable of ContentsstAutomatic Transmission

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

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

1. Set the Parking brake.