1993 Honda Civic Sedan Owners Manual

Controls Near the Steering Wheel

To operate the wipers in mist mode, push the control lever down. The wipers run at high speed until you release the lever. This gives you a quick way to clear the windshield.

The right lever controls the wind- shield wipers and washers. The rotary switch at the end of the lever has three positions:

INT — intermittent LO — low speed HI — high speed

In intermittent, the wipers operate every few seconds. In low speed and high speed, the wipers run continuously.

To clean the windshield, pull back on the wiper control lever. The washers spray until you release the lever.

On Canadian models, the wipers run at low speed while you're pulling the lever, then complete one more sweep of the windshield after you release it.

Instruments and Controls

Main MenuTable of ContentsstControls Near the Steering Wheel

Hazard Warning

Rear Window Defogger

Make sure the rear window is clear and you have good visibility before starting to drive.

The defogger wires on the inside of the rear window can be acciden- tally damaged. When cleaning the glass, always wipe side to side.

Push the red button under the clock to turn on the hazard warn- ing lights (four-way flashers). This causes all four outside turn signals and both indicators in the instru- ment panel to flash. Use the hazard warning lights if you need to park in a dangerous area near heavy traffic, or if your car is disabled.

The rear window defogger will clear fog, frost, and thin ice from the window. Push the defogger button to turn it on and off. The light in the button lights to show the defogger is on. If you do not turn it off, the defogger will shut itself off after about 25 minutes. It also shuts off when you turn off the ignition. You have to turn it on again when you restart the car.

Instruments and Controls

Main MenuTable of ContentsstSteering Wheel Adjustment You can adjust the steering wheel height to suit your preference. Do this before you begin driving.

Adjusting the steering wheel position while driving may cause you to lose control of the car and be seriously injured in a crash.

Adjust the steering wheel only when the car is stopped.

Controls Near the Steering Wheel

3. Move the steering wheel up or

down to the desired position. Position the wheel so you can see all the instrument panel gauges and warning lights. Push the lever up to lock the steering wheel in that position.

4. Make sure you have securely locked the steering wheel in place by trying to move it up and down.

1. Adjust the seat so you are a

comfortable distance from the pedals.

2. The lever to tilt the steering wheel is under the steering column to the left. Push this lever all the way down.

Instruments and Controls

Main MenuTable of ContentsstSteering Wheel Controls

Cruise Control Available only on LX and EX models in the U.S., and EX and EX-V models in Canada Cruise control allows you to maintain a set speed above 25 mph (40 km/h) without keeping your foot on the accelerator pedal. It is for cruising on straight, open highways. It is not recommended for conditions such as city driving, winding roads, slippery roads, heavy rain, or bad weather. You should have full control of the car under those conditions.

Improper use of the cruise con- trol can lead to a crash.

Use the cruise control only when traveling on open high- ways in good weather.

Instruments and Controls

NOTICE

Using the Cruise Control

The cruise control, as.it operates, moves the accelerator pedal. You can damage your car's accelerator mechanism by resting your foot under the pedal and blocking the movement.

1. Push in the Cruise Control

Master Switch to the left of the steering column. The indicator in the switch will light.

2. Accelerate to the desired

cruising speed above 25 mph (40
km/h).

Main MenuTable of ContentsstChanging the Set Speed You can increase the set cruising speed in either of two ways:

Press and hold the RESUME/ accel button. The car will accelerate slowly. When you reach the desired cruising speed, release the button.

Push on the accelerator pedal. Ac- celerate to the desired cruising speed and press the SET/decel button.

Steering Wheel Controls

You can decrease the set cruising speed in either of two ways:

Press and hold the SET/decel button. The car will decelerate. Release the button when you reach the desired speed.

Tap the brake or clutch pedal lightly with your foot. The CRUISE CONTROL light on the instrument panel will go out. When the car slows to the desired speed, press the SET/ decel button. The car will then maintain the desired speed.

CONTINUED

Instruments and Controls

RESUME/ accel SET/decel

3. Press and hold the SET/decel button on the steering wheel until the CRUISE CONTROL light on the instrument, panel comes on. This shows the system is now activated.

The set speed may vary slightly, particularly on hills.

Main MenuTable of ContentsstSteering Wheel Controls

Even with the cruise control turned on, you can still use the accelerator pedal to speed up for passing. After completing the pass, take your foot off the accelerator pedal. The car will return to the set cruising speed. Resting your foot on the brake or clutch pedal will cause the cruise control to cancel.

Instruments and Controls

Cancelling the Cruise Control Any of these actions cause the cruise control to cancel.

Tap the brake or, clutch pedal.

Press the SET/decel and RE- SUME/accel buttons at the same time.

Press the Cruise Control Master Switch.

When you tap the brake or clutch pedal, or press the SET and RE- SUME buttons at the same time, the CRUISE CONTROL light on the instrument panel will go out and the car will begin to slow down. You can use the accelerator pedal in the normal way.

If you use the brake or clutch pedal to cancel cruise control, the system retains the previously-set cruising speed. To return to that speed, ac-

celerate to above 25 mph (40 km/h) and press the RESUME/accel button until the CRUISE CON- TROL light comes on. The car will accelerate to the same cruising speed as before.

If you cancel CRUISE CONTROL by pressing the SET and RESUME buttons at the same time, the previously-set cruising speed is erased. To use the cruise control, accelerate to the desired cruising speed and press the SET/decel button.

Pressing the Cruise Control Master Switch turns the system completely off and erases the previous cruising speed from memory. To use the system again, refer to Using the Cruise Control.

Main MenuTable of ContentsstSteering Wheel Controls, Keys and Locks

Horn

Keys

HORN BUTTONS

VALET KEY

MASTER KEYS

On cars equipped with SRS, press either of the buttons on the steering wheel spokes to sound the horn. On other cars, press the pad in the center of the steering wheel.

Your car comes with two kinds of keys: a master key and a valet key. The master key fits all locks on your car: Ignition Doors Trunk Trunk release handle Rear seat trunk access

The valet key only works the ignition and the door locks. You can keep the trunk, trunk release handle and rear seat trunk access locked when you leave your car and valet key at a parking facility. (See Trunk, page 48.)

With the keys, you will be provided with a plate on which your key number is stamped. You will need this number if you have to get a lost key replaced. Keep the plate in a safe place.

Instruments and Controls

Main MenuTable of ContentsstKeys and Locks

Ignition Switch

The ignition switch is on the right side of the steering column. It has four positions: LOCK (0), ACCES- SORY (I), ON(II), and START (III).

Instruments and Controls

LOCK (0) — You can insert or remove the key only in this position. When you turn the key from LOCK to ACCESSORY, you may have to turn the steering wheel to release the anti-theft lock. To switch from ACCESSORY to LOCK, you must push the key in slightly as you turn it. If your car has an automatic transmission, it must also be in Park. The anti-theft lock will lock the steering column when you remove the key.

Removing the key from the ignition switch while driving locks the steering. This can cause you to lose control.

Remove the key from the igni- tion switch only when parked.

ACCESSORY (I) — In this position, you can operate the audio system and cigarette lighter.

ON (II) — This is the normal key position when driving. All features and accessories on the car are usable. Several of the lights on the instrument panel come on as a test when you turn the ignition switch from ACCESSORY to ON (see page 29).

START (III) - Use this position only to start the engine. The switch returns to ON when you let go of the key.

You will hear a reminder beeper if you open either front door with the key in the LOCK or ACCESSORY position. Remove the key to turn it off.

Main MenuTable of ContentsstDoor Locks

The front doors can be locked and unlocked from the outside with the key.

Power Door Locks

Keys and Locks

Each door has a lock tab on the top. Push the tab down to lock the door and pull it up to unlock.

To lock any passenger's door when getting out of the car, push the lock tab down and close the door. To lock the driver's door, pull the outside door handle and push the lock tab down. Release the handle then close the door.

A vailable only on LX and EX models in the U.S., and EX and EX-V models in Canada This allows control of all door locks from the driver's door. Push the master door lock switch down to lock all doors, and up to unlock them.

CONTINUED

Instruments and Controls

Main MenuTable of ContentsstKeys and Locks

All doors lock when you push down the lock tab on the driver's door, or lock the driver's door from the outside with the key. Only the driver's door unlocks when you use the key or lock tab. To unlock the passengers' doors, use the master door lock switch or the lock tab on each door.

Childproof Door Locks

Trunk

LEVER

TRUNK RELEASE HANDLE

The childproof door locks are designed to prevent children seated in the rear from accidentally opening the rear doors. Each rear door has a lock lever near the edge, With the lever in the LOCK position, the door cannot be opened from the inside regardless of the position of the lock tab. To open the door, pull the lock tab up and use the outside door handle.

You can open the trunk in two ways:

Pull the trunk release handle to the left of the driver's seat.

Use the master key to open the trunk lock. The valet key does not work in this lock.

Instruments and Controls

Main MenuTable of ContentsstKeys and Locks

MASTER KEY

MASTER KEY

To close the trunk, press down on the trunk lid.

See page 96 for cargo loading and weight limit information. Keep the trunk lid closed at all times while driving to avoid damaging the lid and getting exhaust gas in the interior. See Carbon Monoxide Hazard on page 24 .

To protect items in the trunk when you need to give the key to some- one else, lock the trunk release handle with the master key and give the other person the valet key.

Instruments and Controls

Main MenuTable of ContentsstSeat Adjustments

Adjust the seat before you start driving.

Front Seat Adjustments

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.

Instruments and Controls

Main MenuTable of ContentsstReclining the seat-back can decrease the protection you get from your seat beit 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.

Seat Adjustments, Folding Rear Seat

Folding Rear Seat The back of the rear seat folds down, giving you direct access to the trunk. The seat-back can be released from inside the car or inside the trunk.

MASTER KEY

To fold down the seat-back from inside the car, insert the master key in the lock on the rear shelf. Turn the key clockwise, pull down the top of the seat-back, then release the key.

CONTINUED

Instruments and Controls

Main MenuTable of ContentsstMake sure all items in the trunk, or items extending through the opening into the back seat, are tied down. Loose items can fly forward and cause injury if you have to brake hard. See Loading Cargo on page 96.

Never drive with the seat-back folded down and the trunk lid open. See Carbon Monoxide Hazard on page 24.

Folding Rear Seat

Pull

RELEASE

To release the seat-back from inside the trunk, pull the release loop under the rear shelf.

To lock the seat-back upright, push it firmly against the rear shelf. Make sure it is latched in place by pulling on the top of the seat.

Instruments and Controls

Main MenuTable of ContentsstOnly on LX and EX models in the U.S., and EX and EX- V models in Canada Your car's windows are electri- cally-powered. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II) to raise or lower any window.

Each door has a switch that controls its window. To open the window, push the switch down and hold it. Release the switch when you want the window to stop. Close the window by pushing the switch up and holding it.

DRIVER'S WINDOW SWITCH

MAIN SWITCH

The driver's armrest has a master power window control panel. To open any of the passengers' win- dows, push down on the appropri- ate switch and hold it down until the window reaches the desired position. To close the window, push up on the window switch. Release the switch when the window gets to the position you want.

Power Windows

The master control panel also con- tains these extra features:

AUTO — To open the driver's window fully, push the window switch firmly down and release it. The window automatically goes all the way down. To stop the window from going all the way down, push the window switch up briefly.

To open the driver's window only partially, push the window switch down lightly and hold it. The window will stop as soon as you release the switch.

The AUTO function only works to lower the driver's window. To raise the window, you must push the window switch up and hold it until the window reaches the desired position.

CONTINUED

Instruments and Controls

Main MenuTable of ContentsstPower Windows, Moonroof

The MAIN switch controls power to the passengers' windows. With this switch off, the passengers' windows cannot be raised or lower- ed. The MAIN switch does not affect the driver's window. Keep the MAIN switch off when you have children in the car so they do not injure themselves by operating the windows unintentionally.

Closing a power window on a child's hands or fingers can cause serious injury.

Make sure your children are away from the windows before closing them.

Instruments and Controls

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.

Only on EX model in the U.S., and EX- V model in Canada 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.

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.

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.

Only on U.S. DX and Canadian LX models The outside mirror on the driver's door can be adjusted by moving the knob on the inside of the door.

CONTINUED

Instruments and Controls

Main MenuTable of ContentsstMirrors

Adjusting the Power Mirrors

SELECTOR SWITCH

Only on LX and EX models in the U.S., EX and EX- V models in Canada 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 L

(driver's side) or R (passenger'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

Glove Box

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

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 31). If you try to drive the car without releasing the parking brake, the ABS cannot work properly.

GLOVE BOX

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

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.

Instruments and Controls

Main MenuTable of ContentsstDigital Clock

RESET

(Not in U.S. DX and Canadian LX models) 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 H, M, and RESET buttons.

Instruments and Controls

3. To set the hour, press and hold

the H button until the hour advances to the desired hour.

4. To set the minutes, press and

hold the M 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Console Compartment, Cup Holder

Console Compartment

Cup Holder

Push

CONSOLE COMPARTMENT

Only on LX and EX models in the U.S., EX and EX- V models in Canada To open the console compartment, pull up the front edge of the lid.

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

Use the cup 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 cup 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Vanity Mirror, Cigarette Lighter, Ashtrays

Vanity Mirror

Cigarette Lighter

Ashtrays

CIGARETTE LIGHTER

Only on LX and EX models in the U.S., EX and EX- V models in Canada To use the vanity mirror, pull down the passenger's sun visor.

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.

ASHTRAY

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.

Instruments and Controls

Main MenuTable of ContentsstAshtrays, Interior Light

NOTICE

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

DOOR ACTIVATED

ON

OFF

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

Instruments and Controls

ASHTRAY

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.

Main MenuTable of ContentsstComfort and Convenience Features

Audio System.................................. 76
Adjusting the Sound.................. 77
Operating the Radio .................. 78
Presetting.................................... 80
Radio Frequencies..................... 81
Operating the Cassette

Player....................................... 82
Cassette Search Functions....... 83
Caring for the Cassettes Player .. 85

The heating and air conditioning* system in your car provides a com- fortable driving environment in all weather conditions.

(On EX model in the U.S., and EX and EX-V models in Canada) The standard audio system is very versatile. To get the most benefit from this system, read its descrip- tion in this manual.

(For other U.S. and Canadian models) Refer to the operating instructions that came with the optional audio system you selected.

* Air conditioning is standard on the EX model in the U.S. and the EX-V model in Canada. It is optional on other models.

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 Dehumidify and Defog with A/C............................. 69
To Heat.................................... 70
To Defrost............................... 70
To Turn Everything off ....... 70
Audio System.................................. 71
Adjusting the Sound.................. 71
Operating the Radio .................. 72
Presetting.................................... 73
Radio Frequencies..................... 74
Operating the Cassette

Player....................................... 75

Comfort and Convenience Features

Main MenustHeating and Cooling

This system has full heating, ventilation, and air conditioning* 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.

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. If you purchased your car without air conditioning, it can be installed at any time. Please contact your dealer for more information.

* Air conditioning is standard on the EX model in the U.S. and the EX-V model in Canada. It is optional on other models.

CENTER VENT

SIDE VENT

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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 rear window. 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.

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.

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.

Con trolling Air Flow Direction Air flows into the interior at three levels: Toward the floor through the dash vents toward the windshield and side You select the air windows 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 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 35) 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.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Main MenuTable of ContentsstTo Dehumidify and Defog with A/C Air conditioning removes moisture from the air as it operates. You can use it to defog the windows quickly in cool or damp weather. Used in combination with the heater, it also makes the interior warm and dry. This setting is best for all driving conditions whenever the outside temperature is above 32°F (0°C).

1. Set the fan to a medium speed. 2. Turn on the air conditioning. 3. Select any desired mode button;

is usually best.

4. Adjust the temperature control lever so the mixture of heated and cooled air is at a comfortable temperature.

Heating and Cooling

MODE BUTTONS

AIR CONDITIONING SWITCH

TEMPERATURE CONTROL LEVER

FAN CONTROL LEVER

CONTINUED

Comfort and Convenience Features

Main MenuTable of ContentsstHeating and Cooling

To Heat To warm the interior, press

and

Set the fan to

the desired speed. Adjust the warmth of the air with the tempe- rature control lever.

To warm the interior rapidly after the car has been sitting out in cold weather.

1. Start the engine. 2. Select and 3. Slide the temperature control

lever to maximum heat.

4. Leave the fan OFF for the first

few minutes. When the tempera- ture gauge rises above the bot- tom white mark, set the fan to medium speed.

5. When the interior warms up, switch to fresh air mode and adjust the temperature control lever to a comfortable setting.

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 completely 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.

To Defrost To remove 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 and 3. Set the fan and temperature

controls to maximum.

These settings direct all the air flow to the defroster vents at the base of the windshield and the side window defroster vents. The air flow will get warmer and clear the windows faster as the engine warms up. You can close the side and upper vents with the dial beside each vent. That 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 Canadian EX model only 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 each band.

The cassette player features auto- reverse for continuous play.

Adjusting the Sound Use the Tone control to adjust the bass and treble to your liking.

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.

Audio System

FADER CONTROL

CASSETTE SLOT

TONE CONTROL

ON/VOL KNOB

TUNE BAR

PRESET BUTTONS

AM/FM BUTTON

BALANCE CONTROL

The radio panel illumination comes on with the instrument panel lights, even with the radio off. You can turn off this illumination even with the radio on by pulling the Balance control knob out. Check this knob if the lights do not come on with the instrument panel lights.

CONTINUED

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.

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

ON/VOL KNOB SEEK BUTTON

STEREO INDICATOR

TUNE BAR

AM/FM BUTTON

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.

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

The SEEK function searches for radio stations with strong signals. Every time you press the SEEK button, it advances to the next station.

Use the TUNE bar to change the frequency in small increments. Press the top (

) to go up, and the

) to go down. Press and bottom ( release to change the frequency to the next number.

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

Comfort and Convenience Features

Main MenuTable of ContentsstPresetting The preset buttons allow you to store radio frequencies for later selection. Each button will store one frequency on the AM band, and one on the FM band. To store a frequency:

1. Select the desired band, AM or

FM.

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 each on AM and F M.

Audio System

SEEK BUTTON

TUNE BAR

PRESET BUTTONS

AM/FM BUTTON

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.

CONTINUED

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. indicates the side you The 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.

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.

Audio System

EJECT BUTTON

REW BUTTON

CASSETTE SLOT

FF BUTTON

PROG BUTTON

PLAY BUTTON

TAPE DIRECTION INDICATOR

Fast forward and rewind allow you to move the tape rapidly to find a desired program. Note which direction the tape is moving from the Tape Direction Indicator. Press the FF or REW button to move the tape in the same direction or the opposite direction. It will go back to PLAY when you push the PLAY

button.

Caring For Cassettes Damaged cassettes can jam inside the drive or cause other problems. See page 85 for information on cassette care and protection.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Main MenuTable of ContentsstAudio System

AM/FM/Cassette Stereo Audio System For U.S. EX and Canadian EX- V models 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 each band.

The cassette system uses Dolby B®* noise reduction to give excellent sound reproduction. The system also senses when a metal or chromium-dioxide (CrO2) tape is being played and adjusts accord- ingly.

The cassette player features auto- reverse for continuous play.

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

an are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corpo- ration.

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

BASS CONTROL

TREBLE CONTROL

FADER CONTROL

BALANCE 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

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 FM 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 for stations with the strongest signals. It searches up or down from the current frequency depending on which side of the TUNE/SEEK bar you press. When you press the TUNE/SEEK bar, the system searches until it finds a strong radio signal. It then stops on that

station. If you do not want to listen to that station, press the bar again.

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 the FM button. 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 yon hear a beep.

4. Repeat steps 1 to 3 to store a

total of six stations on AM and twelve on FM.

AM BUTTON

TUNE/SEEK BAR

PRESET BUTTONS

FM BUTTON

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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).

Audio System

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Audio System

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. indicates the side you The 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.

If the cassette is a metal or chromium-dioxide (CrO2) tape, you will see "METAL" displayed. The system automatically adjusts for the special frequency character- istics of metal tape.

EJECT BUTTON

TAPE DIRECTION INDICATOR

METAL INDICATOR

PROG 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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 comes on. 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.

Audio System

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

CONTINUED

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.

TMS BUTTON

Caring For Cassettes Damaged cassettes can jam inside the drive or cause other problems. See page 85 for information on cassette care and protection.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Main MenuTable of ContentsstCanadian EX model

U.S. EX and Canadian EX-V models

CLEAN LIGHT

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.

Caring for the Cassette Player

To remind you, a small red light labelled CLEAN comes on every 30
hours of tape use. If you are already regularly cleaning the tape drive at least every 30 hours, simply push the CLEAN light for five seconds to turn it off.

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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.............................. 88
Gasoline............................................ 88
Oxygenated Fuels...................... 88
Driving in Foreign Countries... 89
Service Station Procedures.......... 90
Filling the Fuel Tank................ 90
Opening the Hood....................... 91
Fuel Economy................................. 94
Vehicle Condition....................... 94
Driving Habits............................ 94
Accessories...................................... 95
Loading Cargo................................ 96

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 outside of 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.

Before Driving

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

Main MenuTable of ContentsstOpening the Hood

LATCH

Service Station Procedures

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.

CUP

3. Pull the support rod out of its clip

and insert the end into the hole on the left side of the hood.

To close the hood, lift it up slightly 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 gas. 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.

MAX

UPPER MARK

LOWER MARK

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 123 for information on adding the proper coolant.

Before Driving

Main MenuTable of Contentsst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 that allows the engine to run and accelerate smoothly.

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.