dealer.
198
Maintenance
Wheels and Tires
Wheels:
15 x 6 J
Tires:
195/60R15 88V
See page DOT Tire Quality Grading.
for information about
252
+
Winter Driving Tires that are marked ‘‘M S’’ or ‘‘All Season’’ on the sidewall have an all-weather tread design. They should be suitable for most winter driving conditions. Tires without these markings are designed for optimum traction in dry conditions. They may not provide adequate performance in winter driving. For the best performance in snowy or icy conditions, you should install snow tires or tire chains. They may be required by local laws under certain conditions.
02/07/12 09:24:21 31S5T610_202
SnowTires If you mount snow tires on your Honda, make sure they are radial tires of the same size and load range as the original tires. Mount snow tires on all four wheels to balance your car’s handling in all weather conditions. Keep in mind the traction provided by snow tires on dry roads may not be as high as your car’s original equipment tires. You should drive cautiously even when the roads are clear. Check with the tire dealer for maximum speed recommenda- tions.
TireChains Mount snow chains on your car when warranted by driving condi- tions or required by local laws. Make sure the chains are the correct size for your tires. Install them only on the front tires. If metal chains are used, they must be SAE class ‘‘S.’’ Cable type traction devices can also be used.
When installing chains, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and mount them as tightly as you can. Drive slowly with chains installed. If you hear the chains contacting the body or chassis, stop and investigate. Make sure the chains are installed tightly, and that they are not contacting the brake lines or suspension. Remove the chains as soon as you begin driving on cleared roads.
Tires
Chains of the wrong size or that are improperly installed can damage your car’s brake lines, suspension, body, and wheels. Stop driving if you hear the chains hitting any part of the car.
Maintenance 199
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Lights
Check the operation of your car’s exterior lights at least once a month. A burned out bulb can create an unsafe condition by reducing your car’s visibility and the ability to signal your intentions to other drivers.
HEADLIGHT
PARKING LIGHT
TURN SIGNAL LIGHT
SIDE MARKER LIGHT
SIDE TURN SIGNAL LIGHT
200
Maintenance
HIGH-MOUNT BRAKE LIGHT
LICENSE PLATE LIGHTS
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TURN SIGNAL LIGHT
BACK-UP LIGHT
SIDE MARKER LIGHT
STOP/TAILLIGHT
Lights
Check the following:
Headlights (low and high beam) Parking lights Taillights Brake lights High-mount brake light Turn signals Back-up lights Hazard light function License plate lights Side marker lights Daytime running lights (Canadian model)
If you find any bulbs are burned out, replace them as soon as possible. Refer to the chart on page to determine what type of replacement bulb is needed.
251
Maintenance 201
02/07/12 09:24:44 31S5T610_205
Lights
Headlight Aiming The headlights were properly aimed when your car was new. If you regularly carry heavy items in the cargo area, readjustment may be required. Adjustment of the headlights should be performed by a Honda technician or other qualified mechanic.
Replacing a Headlight Bulb Your car has halogen headlight bulbs, one on each side. When replacing a bulb, handle it by its steel base and protect the glass from contact with your skin or hard objects. If you touch the glass, clean it with denatured alcohol and a clean cloth.
BULB
WEATHER SEAL
Halogen headlight bulbs get very hot when lit. Oil, perspiration, or a scratch on the glass can cause the bulb to overheat and shatter.
1.
2.
HOLD-DOWN WIRE Open the hood.
CONNECTOR
Remove the electrical connector from the bulb by pulling the connector straight back.
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Maintenance
02/07/12 09:24:57 31S5T610_206
3.
Remove the rubber weather seal by pulling on the tab.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Unclip the hold-down wire from its slot by pushing it in and up. Pivot it out of the way and remove the bulb.
Insert the new bulb into the hole, making sure the tabs are in their slots. Pivot the hold-down wire back in place and clip the end into the slot.
Install the rubber seal over the back of the headlight assembly. Make sure it is right side up; it is marked ‘‘TOP.’’
Push the electrical connector onto the tabs of the new bulb. Make sure it locks in place. Turn on the headlights to test the new bulb.
Lights
HOLDING CLIP
Replacing a Front Turn Signal Bulb 1.
If you are changing the bulb on the driver’s side, start the engine, turn the steering wheel all the way to the right, and turn off the engine. If you are changing the bulb on the passenger’s side, turn the steering wheel to the left.
2.
Use a flat-tipped screwdriver to remove the holding clip from the inner fender.
3.
Pull the inner fender cover back.
CONTINUED
Maintenance 203
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Lights
SOCKET
BULB
4.
5.
Remove the socket from the headlight assembly by turning it one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
Remove the burned out bulb from the socket by pushing it in and turning the bulb counterclockwise until it unlocks.
204
Maintenance
6.
Install the new bulb in the socket. Turn it clockwise to lock it in place.
Replacing a Side Marker Bulb
7.
Insert the socket back into the headlight assembly. Turn it clockwise to lock it in place.
8.
Test the lights to make sure the new bulb is working.
9.
Put the inner fender cover in place. Install the holding clip. Lock it in place by pushing on the center.
SOCKET
BULB
1.
Front bumper: Push the front edge of the side marker lens toward the rear of the vehicle. The front edge will pop out of the bumper.
Rear bumper: Push the rear edge of the side marker lens toward the front of the vehicle. The rear edge will pop out of the bumper.
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2.
3.
Turn the socket one-quarter turn counterclockwise to remove it from the lens.
Pull the bulb straight out of its socket. Push the new bulb straight into the socket until it bottoms.
4.
Put the socket back into its hole in the lens and turn it clockwise until it locks.
5.
Test the lights to make sure the new bulb is working.
6.
Place the tabbed end of the side marker assembly into the bumper first, then the looped end. Press on the looped end to get the assembly to snap back in place.
Replacing a Front Parking Light Bulb
SOCKET
BULB
1.
Open the hood. The front parking light is next to the headlight bulb.
2.
Remove the socket from the headlight assembly by turning it one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
Lights
3.
4.
5.
Pull the bulb straight out of its socket. Push the new bulb straight into the socket until it bottoms.
Insert the socket back into the headlight assembly. Turn it clockwise to lock it in place.
Turn on the parking lights and check that the new bulb is working.
Maintenance 205
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Lights
Replacing Rear Bulbs
SOCKET
COVER
BULB
1.
Open the hatch.
2.
Remove the cover from the inside panel by carefully prying on its upper front edge with a small flat- tipped screwdriver.
3.
Determine which bulb, stop/ taillight, back-up light, or turn signal is burned out. Remove the socket for that bulb by turning counterclockwise.
206
Maintenance
4.
5.
Remove the socket for that bulb by turning it one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
Remove the burned out bulb from the socket by pushing it in and turning the bulb counterclockwise until it unlocks.
6.
Install the new bulb in the socket.
7.
8.
Reinstall the socket in the taillight assembly and turn it clockwise to lock it in place.
Test the lights to make sure the new bulb is working. Reinstall the cover over the taillight assembly.
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Replacing the High-mount Brake Light Bulb
1.
Open the hatch.
Lights
BULB HOLDER
2.
Put your fingers between the interior trim and the hatch glass on either side of the high-mount brake light. Carefully pull down on the trim to unsnap the clips from the hatch. Work your way toward each end of the trim. Remove the trim.
3.
Remove the bulb holder from the light assembly by pushing the tabs on both sides and pulling the bulb holder down.
4.
Pull the bulb straight out of its bulb holder. Push the new bulb in until it bottoms in the bulb holder.
CONTINUED
Maintenance 207
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Lights
5.
Push the bulb holder into the light assembly until it locks in place.
6.
Test the lights to make sure the new bulb is working.
7.
Line up the clips on the interior trim with the corresponding holes in the hatch.Push on the trim to snap it back in place.
208
Maintenance
Replacing a Side Turn Signal Bulb
3.
SOCKET
Pull the bulb straight out of its socket. Push the new bulb straight into the socket until it bottoms.
4.
Put the socket back into its hole in the lens and turn it clockwise until it locks.
5.
Test the lights to make sure the new bulb is working.
6.
Put the side turn signal assembly back into the body, rear first. Push on the front edge until it snaps into place.
BULB
1.
Push the front of the side turn signal assembly toward the rear of the vehicle until it pops out of the body.
2.
Turn the socket one-quarter turn counterclockwise to remove it from the lens.
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Replacing a Rear License Plate Bulb
Lights
4.
Turn on the parking lights and check that the new bulb is working.
5.
Put the lens back on the bulb holder and push it until it latches.
6.
Slide the right side of the light assembly into the hole. Push on the left side to latch the assembly into place.
BULB
SOCKET
1.
Slide the lens to the right until the left side of the lens pops out of the body. Pull out the light assembly.
2.
Remove the lens from the socket by pulling the lens while squeezing the tabs on both sides of the socket.
3.
Pull the bulb straight out of its socket. Push the new bulb in until it bottoms in the socket.
Maintenance
209
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Lights
Replacing Ceiling and Spotlight Bulbs The ceiling lights and spotlights come apart the same way, but they do not use the same type of bulbs.
1.
Remove the lens by carefully prying on the edge of the lens with a fingernail file or a small flat-tip screwdriver. Do not pry on the edge of the housing around the lens.
210
Maintenance
FRONT CEILING LIGHT/SPOTLIGHTS
CENTER CEILING LIGHT
BULB
SOCKET
BULB
Front ceiling light/spotlights:
Pry on the front edge of the lens in the middle.
Center ceiling light:
Pry on the side edge of the lens in the middle.
2.
Remove the bulb by pulling it straight out of its metal tabs.
3.
Push the new bulb into the metal tabs. Snap the lens back in place.
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Replacing the Cargo Area Light Bulb
BULB
3.
Put the light assembly back into the hole, rear side first. Push on the front side until it snaps into place.
Lights
1.
Open the hatch.
Remove the cargo area light assembly by using a small flat- tipped screwdriver wrapped with a cloth to pry carefully on the front edge of the assembly.
2.
Pull the bulb straight out of the holder. Push the new bulb straight into the holder until it bottoms.
Maintenance
211
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Storing Your Car
If you need to park your car for an extended period (more than one month), there are several things you should do to prepare it for storage. Proper preparation helps prevent deterioration and makes it easier to get your car back on the road. If possible, store your car indoors.
Fill the fuel tank.
Change the engine oil and filter (see page
169
).
Wash and dry the exterior completely.
Clean the interior. Make sure the carpeting, floor mats, etc. are completely dry.
Leave the parking brake off. Put the transmission in Reverse.
212
Maintenance
Block the rear wheels.
If the car is to be stored for a longer period, it should be supported on jackstands so the tires are off the ground.
Leave one window open slightly (if the car is being stored indoors).
Disconnect the battery.
Support the front and rear wiper blade arms with a folded towel or rag so they do not touch the windshield.
To minimize sticking, apply a silicone spray lubricant to all door and hatch seals. Also, apply a body wax to the painted surfaces that mate with the door and hatch seals.
Cover the car with a ‘‘breathable’’ cover, one made from a porous material such as cotton. Nonporous materials, such as plastic sheeting, trap moisture, which can damage the paint.
If possible, run the engine for a while periodically (preferably once a month).
If you store your car for 12 months
or longer, have your Honda dealer
perform the inspections called for in
the 24 months/30,000 miles (48,000
km) maintenance schedule (Normal
Conditions) as soon as you take it
out of storage (see page
). The
replacements called for in the
maintenance schedule are not
needed unless the car has actually
reached that time or mileage.
158
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Appearance Care
Regular cleaning and polishing of your Honda helps to keep it ‘‘new’’ looking. This section gives you hints on how to clean your car and preserve its appearance: the paint, brightwork, wheels and interior. Also included are several things you can do to help prevent corrosion.
Exterior Care
Washing Roof Antenna Waxing Aluminum Wheels Paint Touch-up
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Interior Care Carpeting Floor Mats Fabric Vinyl Seat Belts Windows Air Fresheners
Corrosion Protection Body Repairs
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Appearance Care
213
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Exterior Care
Washing Frequent washing helps preserve your car’s beauty. Dirt and grit can scratch the paint, while tree sap and bird droppings can permanently ruin the finish.
Wash your car in a shady area, not in direct sunlight. If the car is parked in the sun, move it into the shade and let the exterior cool down before you start.
Only use the solvents and cleaners recommended in this Owner’s Manual.
Chemical solvents and strong cleaners can damage the paint, metal, and plastic on your car.
Rinse the car thoroughly with cool water to remove loose dirt.
Fill a bucket with cool water. Mix in a mild detergent, such as dishwashing liquid or a product made especially for car washing.
Wash the car using the water and detergent solution and a soft- bristle brush, sponge, or soft cloth. Start at the top and work your way down. Rinse frequently.
Check the body for road tar, tree sap, etc. Remove these stains with tar remover or turpentine. Rinse it off immediately so it does not harm the finish. Remember to re- wax these areas, even if the rest of the car does not need waxing.
214
Appearance Care
When you have washed and rinsed the whole exterior, dry it with a chamois or soft towel. Letting it air-dry will cause dulling and water spots.
As you dry the car, inspect it for chips and scratches that could allow corrosion to start. Repair them with touch-up paint (see page
216
).
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Roof Antenna
Your car is equipped with an antenna mounted on the roof. Before using a ‘‘drive-through’’ car wash, make sure you remove the antenna by unscrewing it by hand. This prevents the antenna from being damaged by the car wash brushes.
Afterward, reinstall the antenna and tighten it securely by hand.
Waxing Always wash and dry the whole car before waxing it. You should wax your car, including the metal trim, whenever water sits on the surface in large patches. It should form into beads or droplets after waxing.
You should use a quality liquid or paste wax. Apply it according to the instructions on the container. In general, there are two types of products:
−
Waxes A wax coats the finish and protects it from damage by exposure to sunlight, air pollution, etc. You should use a wax on your Honda when it is new.
Exterior Care
−
Polishes and cleaner/
Polishes waxes can restore the shine to paint that has oxidized and lost some of its shine. They normally contain mild abrasives and solvents that remove the top layer of the finish. You should use a polish on your Honda if the finish does not have its original shine after using a wax.
Cleaning tar, insects, etc. with removers also takes off the wax. Remember to re-wax those areas, even if the rest of the car does not need waxing.
Appearance Care
215
02/07/12 09:27:11 31S5T610_219
Exterior Care, Interior Care
Aluminum Wheels Clean your Honda’s aluminum alloy wheels as you do the rest of the exterior. Wash them with the same solution, and rinse them thoroughly.
The wheels have a protective clear- coat that keeps the aluminum from corroding and tarnishing. Using harsh chemicals, including some commercial wheel cleaners, or stiff brushes can damage this clear-coat. Only use a mild detergent and soft brush or sponge to clean the wheels.
216
Appearance Care
Paint Touch-up Your dealer has touch-up paint to match your car’s color. The color code is printed on a sticker on the driver’s doorjamb. Take this code to your dealer so you are sure to get the correct color.
Inspect your car frequently for chips or scratches in the paint. Repair them right away to prevent corrosion of the metal underneath. Use the touch-up paint only on small chips and scratches. More extensive paint damage should be repaired by a professional.
Carpeting Vacuum the carpeting frequently to remove dirt. Ground-in dirt will make the carpet wear out faster. Periodically shampoo the carpet to keep it looking new. Use one of the foam-type carpet cleaners on the market. Follow the instructions that come with the cleaner, applying it with a sponge or soft brush. Keep the carpeting as dry as possible by not adding water to the foam.
02/07/12 09:27:23 31S5T610_220
Floor Mats itequipped
The Honda driver’s floor mat that came with your car was designed to be hooked over the floor mat anchor. This keeps the floor mat from sliding forward and possibly interfering with the pedals.
If you remove the floor mat, make sure to re-anchor it when you put it back in your car.
If you replace it, use a genuine Honda floor mat that is designed to be used with the floor mat anchors in your car.
If you use a non-Honda floor mat in the driver’s footwell, make sure it fits properly and that it can be used with the floor mat anchor.
Do not put additional floor mats on top of the anchored mat, otherwise the additional mats may slide forward and interfere with the pedals.
Interior Care
Fabric Vacuum dirt and dust out of the material frequently. For general cleaning, use a solution of mild soap and lukewarm water, letting it air dry. To clean off stubborn spots, use a commercially-available fabric cleaner. Test it on a hidden area of the fabric first, to make sure it does not bleach or stain the fabric. Follow the instructions that come with the cleaner.
Vinyl Remove dirt and dust with a vacuum cleaner. Wipe the vinyl with a soft cloth dampened in a solution of mild soap and water. Use the same solution with a soft-bristle brush on more difficult spots. You can also use commercially-available spray or foam-type vinyl cleaners.
Appearance Care
217
02/07/12 09:27:30 31S5T610_221
Interior Care
Seat Belts If your seat belts get dirty, you can use a soft brush with a mixture of mild soap and warm water to clean them. Do not use bleach, dye, or cleaning solvents. They can weaken the belt material. Let the belts air- dry before you use the car.
218
Appearance Care
LOOP
Windows Clean the windows, inside and out, with a commercially-available glass cleaner. You can also use a mixture of one part white vinegar to ten parts water. This will remove the haze that builds up on the inside of the windows. Use a soft cloth or paper towels to clean all glass and clear plastic surfaces.
Dirt build-up in the loops of the seat belt anchors can cause the belts to retract slowly. Wipe the insides of the loops with a clean cloth dampened in mild soap and warm water or isopropyl alcohol.
The rear window def ogger wires are bonded to the inside of the glass. Wiping vigorously up-and-down can dislodge and break the def ogger wires. When cleaning the rear window, use gentle pressure and wipe side-to-side.
02/07/12 09:27:42 31S5T610_222
Air Fresheners If you want to use an air freshener/ deodorizer in the interior of your car, it is best to use a solid type. Some liquid air fresheners contain chemi- cals that may cause parts of the interior trim and fabric to crack or discolor.
If you use a liquid air freshener, make sure you fasten it securely so it does not spill as you drive.
Interior Care, Corrosion Protection
Corrosion Protection Two factors normally contribute to causing corrosion in your car:
Inspect and clean out the drain holes in the bottom of the doors and body.
1.
Moisture trapped in body cavities. Dirt and road salt that collects in hollows on the underside of the car stays damp, promoting corrosion in that area.
2.
Removal of paint and protective coatings from the exterior and underside of the car.
Many corrosion-preventive measures are built into your Honda. You can help keep your car from corroding by performing some simple periodic maintenance:
Repair chips and scratches in the paint as soon as you discover them.
Check the floor coverings for dampness. Carpeting and floor mats may remain damp for a long time, especially in winter. This dampness can eventually cause the floor panels to corrode.
Use a high-pressure spray to clean the underside of your car. This is especially important in areas that use road salt in winter. It is also a good idea in humid climates and areas subject to salt air.
Have the corrosion-preventive coatings on the underside of your car inspected and repaired periodically.
Appearance Care
219
02/07/12 09:27:49 31S5T610_223
Body Repairs
Body Repairs Body repairs can affect your car’s resistance to corrosion. If your car needs repairs after a collision, pay close attention to the parts used in the repair and the quality of the work.
Make sure the repair facility uses genuine Honda replacement body parts. Some companies make sheet metal pieces that seem to duplicate the original Honda body parts, but are actually inferior in fit, finish, and corrosion resistance. Once installed, they do not give the same high- quality appearance.
When reporting your collision to the insurance company, tell them you want genuine Honda parts used in the repair. Although most insurers recognize the quality of original parts, some may try to specify that the repairs be done with other available parts. You should investi- gate this before any repairs have begun.
Take your car to your authorized Honda dealer for inspection after the repairs are completed. Your dealer can make sure that quality materials were used, and that corrosion- preventive coatings were applied to all repaired and replaced parts.
220
Appearance Care
02/07/12 09:27:53 31S5T610_224
Taking Care of the Unexpected
This section covers the more- common problems that motorists experience with their vehicles. It gives you information about how to safely evaluate the problem and what to do to correct it. If the problem has stranded you on the side of the road, you may be able to get going again. If not, you will also find instructions on getting your car towed.
...................... .................... ..........
Compact Spare Tire Changing a Flat Tire If Your Engine Won’t Start Nothing Happens or the Starter Motor Operates Very Slowly
............................
The Starter Operates
. 222
. 223
. 228
. 228
Normally Jump Starting If Your Engine Overheats Low Oil Pressure Indicator Charging System Indicator Malfunction Indicator Lamp
................................ ................................ ............ ......... .......... ....... ....................... ............... .................. .............................................. .......... ......................
Brake System Indicator Closing the Moonroof Fuses
Checking and Replacing
Emergency Towing
Readiness Codes
. 229
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. 232
. 234
. 235
. 236
. 237
. 238
. 239
. 240
. 241
. 245
Taking Care of the Unexpected 221
02/07/12 09:28:03 31S5T610_225
Compact Spare Tire
Your car has a compact spare tire that takes up less space. Use this spare tire as a temporary replace- ment only. Get your regular tire repaired or replaced and put it back on your car as soon as you can.
Check the inflation pressure of the compact spare tire every time you check the other tires. It should be inflated to: 60 psi (420 kPa , 4.2 kgf/cm )
222
Taking Care of the Unexpected
Follow these precautions whenever you are using the compact spare tire:
INDICATOR LOCATION MARK
Do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) under any circumstances.
This tire gives a harsher ride and less traction on some road sur- faces than the regular tire. Use greater caution while driving on this tire.
Do not mount snow chains on the compact spare.
The wheel of the compact spare tire is designed especially to fit your car. Do not use your spare tire on another vehicle unless it is the same make and model.
TREAD WEAR INDICATOR BAR
The compact spare tire has a shorter tread life than a regular tire. Replace it when you can see the tread wear indicator bars. The replacement should be the same size and design tire, mounted on the same wheel. The compact spare tire is not designed to be mounted on a regular wheel, and the compact wheel is not designed for mounting a regular tire.
03/04/16 16:00:51 31S5T610 0226
If you have a flat tire while driving, stop in a safe place to change it. Stopping in traffic or on the shoulder of a busy road is dangerous. Drive slowly along the shoulder until you get to an exit or an area to stop that is far away from the traffic lanes.
Use the jack that came with your car. If you try to raise another car with this jack or use another jack to raise your car, the car or jack can be damaged.
Changing a Flat Tire
SPARE TIRE
CARGO AREA FLOOR
The vehicle can easily roll off the jack, seriously injuring anyone underneath.
Follow the directions for changing a tire exactly, and never get under the vehicle when it is supported only by the jack.
TOOL BAG
1.
2.
Park the car on firm, level and non-slippery ground away from traffic. Put the transmission in Reverse. Apply the parking brake.
Turn on the hazard warning lights, and turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0). Have all the passengers get out of the car while you change the tire.
3.
4.
Open the hatch. Raise the cargo area floor by lifting up on the back edge.
Take the tool bag out of the spare tire. Take the jack out of the tool bag.
5.
Unscrew the wing bolt and take the spare tire out of its well.
CONTINUED
Taking Care of the Unexpected 223
02/07/12 09:28:20 31S5T610_227
Changing a Flat Tire
6.
Loosen the four wheel nuts 1/2
turn with the wheel wrench.
WHEEL WRENCH
EXTENSION
8.
Use the extension and wheel wrench as shown to raise the car until the flat tire is off the ground.
7.
JACKING POINT Locate the jacking point nearest the tire you need to change. Place the jack under the jacking point. Turn the end bracket clockwise until the top of the jack contacts the jacking point. Make sure the jacking point tab is resting in the jack notch.
224
Taking Care of the Unexpected
02/07/12 09:28:29 31S5T610_228
Changing a Flat Tire
BRAKE HUB
9.
Remove the wheel nuts, then remove the flat tire. Temporarily place the flat tire on the ground with the outside surface of the wheel facing up. You could scratch the wheel if you put it face down.
10.
Before mounting the spare tire, wipe any dirt off the mounting surface of the wheel and hub with a clean cloth. Wipe the hub carefully, it may be hot from driving.
11.
Put on the spare tire. Put the wheel nuts back on finger-tight, then tighten them in a crisscross pattern with the wheel wrench until the wheel is firmly against the hub. Do not try to tighten them fully.
CONTINUED
Taking Care of the Unexpected 225
02/07/12 09:28:37 31S5T610_229
Changing a Flat Tire
12.
Lower the car to the ground and remove the jack.
14.
CENTER CAP Remove the center cap before storing the flat tire in the spare tire well.
13.
Tighten the wheel nuts securely in the same crisscross pattern. Have the wheel nut torque checked at the nearest automotive service facility.
Tighten the wheel nuts to: 80 lbf·ft (108 N·m , 11 kgf·m)
226
Taking Care of the Unexpected
03/04/16 12:55:53 31S5T610 0230
WING BOLT
18.
Store the jack and tool kit back in the spare tire.
Loose items can fly around the interior in a crash and could seriously injure the occupants.
Store the wheel, jack, and tools securely before driving.
SPACER CONE
15.
Place the flat tire face down in the spare tire well.
16.
Remove the spacer cone from the wing bolt, turn it over, and put it back on the bolt.
17.
Secure the flat tire by screwing the wing bolt back into its hole.
Changing a Flat Tire
19.
Store the center cap in the spare tire well. Make sure it does not get scratched or damaged.
20.
Lower the cargo area floor, then close the hatch.
Taking Care of the Unexpected 227
Nothing Happens or the Starter Motor Operates Very Slowly When you turn the ignition switch to START (III), you do not hear the normal noise of the engine trying to start. You may hear a clicking sound or series of clicks, or nothing at all. Check these things:
02/07/12 09:28:53 31S5T610_231
If Your Engine Won’t Start
Diagnosing why your engine won’t start falls into two areas, depending on what you hear when you turn the key to START (III):
You hear nothing, or almost nothing. The engine’s starter motor does not operate at all, or operates very slowly.
You can hear the starter motor operating normally, or the starter motor sounds like it is spinning faster than normal, but the engine does not start up and run.
228
Taking Care of the Unexpected
Check the transmission interlock. The clutch pedal must be pushed all the way to the floor or the starter will not operate.
Turn the ignition switch to ON (II). Turn on the headlights and check their brightness. If the headlights are very dim or don’t light at all, the battery is discharged. See Jump Starting
on page
230
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Turn the ignition switch to START (III). If the headlights do not dim, check the condition of the fuses. If the fuses are OK, there is proba- bly something wrong with the electrical circuit for the ignition switch or starter motor. You will need a qualified technician to determine the problem. (See Emergency Towing on page
245
.)
If the headlights dim noticeably or go out when you try to start the engine, either the battery is dis- charged or the connections are corroded. Check the condition of the battery and terminal connec- tions (see page then try jump starting the car from a booster battery (see page
). You can
184
230
).
If Your Engine Won’t Start
The Starter Operates Normally In this case, the starter motor’s speed sounds normal, or even faster than normal, when you turn the ignition switch to START (III), but the engine does not run.
Do you have fuel? Turn the ignition switch to ON (II) for a minute and watch the fuel gauge. The low fuel level warning light may not be working, so you were not reminded to fill the tank.
Your car has the Immobilizer
System. You should use a
properly-coded master or valet key
to start the engine (see page
).
74
A key that is not properly coded
will cause the immobilizer system
indicator in the dash panel to blink
rapidly.
Are you using the proper starting
Starting the
procedure? Refer to
Engine
143
on page
There may be an electrical problem, such as no power to the fuel pump. Check all the fuses (see page
241
).
If you find nothing wrong, you will need a qualified technician to find the problem. See Towing on page
Emergency
245
Taking Care of the Unexpected
229
03/04/16 12:56:02 31S5T610 0233
Jump Starting
If your car’s battery has run down, you may be able to start the engine by using a booster battery. Although this seems like a simple procedure, you should take several precautions.
A battery can explode if you do not follow the correct procedure, seriously injuring anyone nearby.
Keep all sparks, open flames, and smoking materials away from the battery.
230
Taking Care of the Unexpected
To jump start your car, follow these directions closely:
1.
184
). In very cold
Open the hood and check the physical condition of the battery (see page weather, check the condition of the electrolyte. If it seems slushy or like ice, do not try jump starting until it thaws.
If a battery sits in extreme cold, the electrolyte inside can f reeze. Attempting to jump start with a f rozen battery can cause it to rupture.
2.
Turn off all the electrical acces- sories: heater, A/C, stereo system, lights, etc. Put the transmission in Neutral or Park, and set the parking brake.
3.
+
Connect one jumper cable to the positive ( ) terminal on your Honda’s battery. Connect the other end to the positive ( + terminal on the booster battery.
02/07/12 09:29:23 31S5T610_234
4.
−
Connect the second jumper cable to the negative ( ) terminal on the booster battery. Connect the other end to the grounding strap as shown. Do not connect this jumper cable to any other part of the engine.
BOOSTER BATTERY The numbers in the illustration show you the order to connect the jumper cables. Make sure to disconnect the cables in the reverse order.
5.
If the booster battery is in another vehicle, have an assistant start that vehicle and run it at a fast idle.
Jump Starting
6.
7.
Start your car. If the starter motor still operates slowly, check the jumper cable connections to make sure they have good metal-to- metal contact.
Once your car is running, discon- nect the negative cable from your car, then from the booster battery. Disconnect the positive cable from your car, then the booster battery.
Keep the ends of the jumper cables away from each other and any metal on the car until all are disconnected. Otherwise, you may cause an electrical short.
Taking Care of the Unexpected 231
03/04/16 12:56:11 31S5T610 0235
If Your Engine Overheats
The pointer of your car’s tempera- ture gauge should stay in the mid- range under most conditions. It may go higher if you are driving up a long steep hill on a very hot day. If it climbs to the red mark, you should determine the reason.
Driving with the temperature gauge pointer at the red mark can cause serious damage to your engine.
232
Taking Care of the Unexpected
Your car can overheat for several reasons, such as lack of coolant or a mechanical problem. The only indication may be the temperature gauge climbing to or above the red mark. Or you may see steam or spray coming from under the hood. In either case, you should take immediate action.
Steam and spray from an overheated engine can seriously scald you.
Do not open the hood if steam is coming out.
1.
2.
3.
Safely pull to the side of the road. Put the transmission in Neutral or Park, and set the parking brake. Turn off the heating and cooling system and all other accessories. Turn on the hazard warning indicators.
If you see steam and/or spray coming from under the hood, turn off the engine.
If you do not see steam or spray, leave the engine running and watch the temperature gauge. If the high heat is due to overloading (climbing a long, steep hill on a hot day with the A/C running, for example), the engine should start to cool down almost immediately. If it does, wait until the tempera- ture gauge comes down to the mid- point, then continue driving.
03/04/16 12:56:23 31S5T610 0236
4.
If the temperature gauge stays at the red mark, turn off the engine.
5.
6.
7.
Wait until you see no more signs of steam or spray, then open the hood.
Look for any obvious coolant leaks,
such as a split radiator hose.
Everything is still extremely hot,
so use caution. If you find a leak, it
must be repaired before you
Emergency
continue driving (see
Towing
).
245
on page
If you don’t find an obvious leak,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank (see page
). If the level is below the
133
MIN mark, add coolant to halfway
between the MIN and MAX marks.
8.
If there was no coolant in the reserve tank, you may also have to add coolant to the radiator. Let the engine cool down until the pointer
reaches the middle of the tempera- ture gauge, or lower, before check- ing the radiator.
10.
Removing the radiator cap while the engine is hot can cause the coolant to spray out, seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and radiator cool down before removing the radiator cap.
11.
9.
Using gloves or a large heavy cloth, turn the radiator cap counterclockwise, without pushing down, to the first stop. This releases any remaining pressure in the cooling system. After the pressure releases, push down on the cap and turn it until it comes off.
If Your Engine Overheats
Start the engine and set the temperature control dial to maximum. Add coolant to the radiator up to the base of the filler neck. If you do not have the proper coolant mixture available, you can add plain water. Remember to have the cooling system drained and refilled with the proper mixture as soon as you can.
Put the radiator cap back on tightly. Run the engine and watch the temperature gauge. If it goes back to the red mark, the engine needs repair. (See Towing
Emergency
on page
245
.)
12.
If the temperature stays normal, check the coolant level in the radiator reserve tank. If it has gone down, add coolant to the MAX mark. Put the cap back on tightly.
Taking Care of the Unexpected 233
Start the engine and watch the oil pressure indicator. If the light does not go out within ten seconds, turn off the engine. There is a mechanical problem that needs to be repaired before you can continue driving. (See Towing .)
Emergency
on page
245
02/07/12 09:29:51 31S5T610_237
Low Oil Pressure Indicator
LOW OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR
4.
Running the engine with low oil pressure can cause serious mechanical damage almost immediately. Turn of f the engine as soon as you can saf ely get the car stopped.
1.
2.
3.
This indicator should light when the ignition switch is ON (II), and go out after the engine starts. It should never come on when the engine is running. If it starts flashing, it indicates that the oil pressure dropped very low for a moment, then recovered. If the indicator stays on with the engine running, it shows that the engine has lost oil pressure and serious engine damage is possible. In either case, you should take immediate action.
234
Taking Care of the Unexpected
Safely pull off the road and shut off the engine. Turn on the hazard warning indicators.
132
). Although oil level
Let the car sit for a minute. Open the hood and check the oil level (see page and oil pressure are not directly connected, an engine that is very low on oil can lose pressure during cornering and other driving maneuvers.
If necessary, add oil to bring the level back to the full mark on the dipstick (see page
167
).
Charging System Indicator
By eliminating as much of the electrical load as possible, you can drive several miles (kilometers) before the battery is too discharged to keep the engine running. Drive to a service station or garage where you can get technical assistance.
Immediately turn off all electrical accessories: radio, heater, A/C, rear defogger, cruise control, etc. Try not to use other electrically-operated controls such as the power windows. Keep the engine running and take extra care not to stall it. Starting the engine will discharge the battery rapidly.
02/07/12 09:29:57 31S5T610_238
CHARGING SYSTEM INDICATOR
This indicator should come on when the ignition switch is ON (II), and go out after the engine starts. If it comes on brightly when the engine is running, it indicates that the charging system has stopped charging the battery.
Taking Care of the Unexpected 235
02/07/12 09:30:04 31S5T610_239
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP
This indicator should light when the ignition switch is ON (II), and go out after the engine starts. If it comes on at any other time, it indicates one of the engine’s emissions control systems may have a problem. Even though you may feel no difference in your car’s performance, it can reduce your fuel economy and cause your car to put out excessive emissions. Continued operation may cause serious damage.
236
Taking Care of the Unexpected
You should also have the dealer inspect your car if this indicator comes on repeatedly, even though it may turn off as you continue driving.
If you keep driving with the malf unction indicator lamp on, you can damage your car’s emissions controls and engine. Those repairs may not be covered by your car’s warranties.
If you have recently refueled your car, the cause of this indicator coming on could be a loose or missing fuel fill cap. Check the cap and tighten it until it clicks several times. Replace the fuel fill cap if it is missing. Tightening the cap will not make the indicator turn off immediately; it takes at least one driving trip.
If the indicator remains on, or the fuel cap was not loose or missing, have the car checked by the dealer as soon as possible. Drive moderately until the dealer has inspected the problem. Avoid full- throttle acceleration and driving at high speed.
03/04/18 16:16:44 31S5T610 0240
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Readiness Codes Your car has certain ‘‘readiness codes’’ that are part of the on-board diagnostics for the emissions systems. In some states, part of the emissions testing is to make sure these codes are set. If they are not set, the test cannot be completed.
If your car’s battery has been disconnected or gone dead, these codes are erased. It takes several days of driving under various conditions to set the codes again.
If possible, do not take your car for a state emissions test until the readiness codes are set. To check if they are set, turn the ignition ON (II), but do not start the engine. The Malfunction Indicator Lamp will come on for 20 seconds. If it then goes off, the readiness codes are set. If it blinks 5 times, the readiness codes are not set. See State Emissions Testing on page
260
Taking Care of the Unexpected 237
02/07/12 09:30:18 31S5T610_241
Brake System Indicator
BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR
*
*
The U.S. indicator shown
The Brake System Indicator normally comes on when you turn the ignition switch ON (II). It is a reminder to check the parking brake. It comes on and stays lit if you do not fully release the parking brake.
238
Taking Care of the Unexpected
If it comes on at any other time, it indicates a problem with the car’s brake system. In most cases, the problem is a low fluid level in the brake fluid reservoir. Press lightly on the brake pedal to see if it feels normal. If it does, check the brake fluid level the next time you stop at a service station (see page ). If the fluid level is low, take the car to your dealer and have the brake system inspected for leaks or worn brake pads.
178
However, if the brake pedal does not feel normal, you should take immediate action. Because of the brake system’s dual-circuit design, a problem in one part of the system will still give you braking at two wheels. You will feel the brake pedal go down much farther before the car begins to slow down, and you will have to press harder on the pedal. The distance needed to stop will be much longer.
Slow down by shifting to a lower
gear, and pull to the side of the road
when it is safe. Because of the
longer distance needed to stop, it is
hazardous to drive the car. You
should have it towed, and repaired as
Emergency
soon as possible. (See
Towing
.)
245
on page
If you must drive the car a short distance in this condition, drive slowly and cautiously.
02/07/12 09:30:28 31S5T610_242
If the electric motor will not close the moonroof, do the following:
Front
ROUND PLUG
SOCKET
Closing the Moonroof
1.
2.
Check the fuse for the moonroof motor (see page ). If the fuse is blown, replace it with one of the same or lower rating.
240
Try closing the moonroof. If the new fuse blows immediately or the moonroof motor still does not operate, you can close the moonroof manually.
3.
Get the moonroof wrench out of the tool kit in the cargo area.
4.
To remove the round plug in the center of the headliner, turn the plug by using a screwdriver or coin, then pry it out. Make sure to align the tabs on the round plug to the notches on the ceilling as shown in the illustration.
5.
Insert the moonroof wrench into the socket behind this plug. Turn the wrench until the moonroof is fully closed.
6.
Remove the wrench. Reinstall the round plug.
Taking Care of the Unexpected 239
02/07/12 09:30:34 31S5T610_243
Fuses
All the electrical circuits in your car have fuses to protect them from a short circuit or overload. These fuses are located in two fuse boxes.
INTERIOR
UNDER-HOOD
The interior fuse box is underneath the steering column. To open it, turn the knobs as shown.
The under-hood fuse box is located in the back of the engine compartment on the left side. To open it, push the tabs as shown.
240
Taking Care of the Unexpected
02/07/12 09:30:44 31S5T610_244
244
and
Checking and Replacing Fuses
If something electrical in your car
stops working, the first thing you
should check for is a blown fuse.
Determine from the chart on pages
, or the diagram on the
243
fuse box lid, which fuse or fuses
control that component. Check those
fuses first, but check all the fuses
before deciding that a blown fuse is
not the cause. Replace any blown
fuses and check the component’s
operation.
1.
Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0). Make sure the headlights and all other accessories are off.
2.
Remove the cover from the fuse box.
Fuses
FUSE