1991 Honda Prelude Owners Manual

the hood and compartment fuse box.

FUSE BOX

RIGHT HEADLIGHT MOTOR

LEFT HEADLIGHT MOTOR

RIGHT HEADLIGHT

LEFT HEADLIGHT

2. Use the label on the fuse box cover to locate the fuse for the headlight motor that doesn't work. Remove the fuse with the fuse remover located in the fuse box under the dashboard.

FUSE REMOVER

FUSE BOX COVER

(cont'd)

Main MenustHeadlight Motors (cont'd)

3. If the fuse has blown, replacing it with a new fuse of the same amperage should allow the motor to work, However, if the fuse hasn't blown, or if a new fuse did not solve the problem, remove the fuse and operate the headlight motor manually.

BLOWN FUSE

CAUTION: Always remove the fuse before manually operating a headlight motor, otherwise the motor may suddenly activate. 4. Remove the cap from the top of the headlight motor, then turn the knob in the direction of the arrow (clockwise) until the headlight is as far up or down as it will go.

CAP

Turn knob In direction of arrow

NOTE: If foreign matter is the cause of the motor malfunction, it can usually be dislodged by turning the knob counterclockwise. 5. Replace the cap properly. 6. Reinstall the fuse and fuse box cover and have the headlight

motor inspected at the earliest opportunity.

Main MenustSpecifications

*1 Including the coolant in the reserve tank (0.75 l /0.79US qt/0.66 Imp qt)

but excluding that remaining in the engine.

*2 Excluding the oil remaining in the engine,but including that remaining in the oil filter.

(cont'd)

Main MenustSpecifications (cont'd)

Main MenustIdentification Numbers

The Vehicle Identification Number (V.I.N.) is stamped on a plate attached to the top left side of the dashboard. It also appears on the Certification label attached to the door jamb, as well as under the hood on the body, directly behind the air cleaner.

NOTE: The V.I.N. is also provided in bar code on the Certification label.

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

CERTIFICATION LABEL

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

TRANSMISSION NUMBER

ENGINE NUMBER

The Engine Number is stamped on the right front side of the engine block.

The Transmission Number appears on a label on the top edge of the transmission where it attaches to the engine.

Main MenustDOT Tire Quality Grades

The tires on your car meet Federal Safety Requirements. All tires are also "graded" according to Department of Transportation (DOT) standards for tread wear, traction and temperature.

Three grades are shown on the tire sidewall

TIRE

WHEEL RIM

Tread Wear The tread wear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one half (1-1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices and differences in road characteristics and climate.

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

The traction grades assigned are based on braking (straight ahead) traction tests and do not include cornering (turning) traction.

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

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

Main MenustEmission Controls

Sources of Emissions The combustion process produces carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen and hydrocarbons. The evaporation of fuel in the fuel tank also produces hydrocarbons. Control of oxides of nitrogen and hydrocarbons is very important since, under certain conditions, when subjected to sunlight, they react to form photochemical smog. Carbon monoxide does not react to form smog, but it is toxic.

Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has developed a number of systems which are highly effective in reducing carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen and hydrocarbons.

The Clean Air Act The Clean Air Act requires all vehicle manufacturers to explain in writing, the operation and maintenance of their emission control systems. Maintenance instructions are included on pages 78 — 83 ; the operation of each system is explained on the following.

Replacement Parts The emission control systems on your new Honda were designed, built and certified the Federal regulations implementing the Clean Air Act, Honda recommends only the use of new, genuine Honda parts or their equivalent. The use of other replacement parts which are not of equivalent quality may impair the effectiveness of your car's emission control systems.

to conform with

Crankcase Emission Control System To prevent crankcase emissions, your car is equipped with a Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) System which routes blowby gases from the crankcase, through the PCV valve and intake manifold, into the combustion chamber.

Main MenustEvaporative Emission Control System The Evaporative Emission Control System is designed to prevent fuel vapors from escaping into the atmosphere.

Fuel vapors from the fuel tank are directed into the charcoal canister where they are adsorbed and stored while the engine is stopped or idling. When the coolant temperature rises to a certain value, the vapors are drawn into the engine through the throttle body and the intake manifold during normal engine operation.

Engine Exhaust Controls The engine exhaust emission control systems are designed to control combustion during idle, acceleration, cruise, and deceleration. These systems are entirely separate from the crankcase and evaporative emission control systems described previously.

HONDA PGM-FI System The PGM-FI system consists of three independent sub-systems; Air Intake, Electronic Control and Fuel Control, thus allowing more accurate control of air/fuel ratios under all operating conditions. The Electronic Control Unit (ECU) detects the amount of air drawn into the cylinders and determines the amount of fuel to be injected to provide the optimum air/fuel ratio for all engine needs.

Ignition Timing Control System This system automatically controls the ignition timing to reduce the amount of HC and NOx,

Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) The EGR system is designed to control the formation of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) caused when fuel mixture burns at high temperature. It works by recirculating exhaust gas through the EGR valve and intake manifold into the combustion chambers where it reduces peak temperature by diluting the air/fuel mixture.

Catalytic Converter The catalyst is used to convert hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) in the exhaust gas, to carbon dioxide (CO 2), dinitrogen (N 2) and water vapor.

Main MenustCatalytic Converter

A catalytic converter is installed in the exhaust system to help clean-up the harmful exhaust gases that can cause air pollution.

CATALYTIC CONVERTER

To be effective, the converter must work at high temperature, so don't park your car over dry grass, leaves or anything else that could burn easily. To stay effective, the converter must not be contaminated by leaded gasoline; use only unleaded gas as explained on page 57 .

CAUTION: The converter can be overheated and damaged if it's fed too much unburned fuel mixture from the engine, so:

— Don't push or tow the car to start it; if the battery is dead,

jump start the car as shown on page 123 .

—Don't turn the key off while the engine is running above idle

speed.

control parts.

—Don't change the ignition timing, or remove any emission

—Use only the spark plugs specified in this manual. —Don't keep driving your car if it isn't running properly, or if its CHARGE warning light somes on; have it checked by your Honda dealer.

Main MenustWarranty Service

Warranty The following warranties are provided with every new vehicle: 1. New Car Limited Warranty 2. Emission Control Systems Defects Warranty 3. Emission Performance Warranty 4. Original Equipment Battery Limited Warranty 5. Rust Perforation Limited Warranty 6. Accessory Limited Warranty 7. Replacement Parts Limited Warranty 8. Replacement Muffler Lifetime Limited Warranty 9. Seat Belt Limited Warranty 10. Replacement Battery Limited Warranty Your car's original tires are covered by their manufacturer. Tire warranty information is in a separate booklet. All warranty details pertaining to your car can be found in the Warranty booklet provided with your new car except the required maintenance schedule which is contained here in the Owner's Manual. If you are unable to obtain warranty service or are dissatisfied with the warranty decision or service you received at an authorized Honda dealership, you should review that dealership's Service Manager. This will normally resolve your problem. If it does not resolve your problem you should appeal the decision with the owner of the dealership. Please bear in mind that your problem will likely be resolved at the dealership, using the dealer's facilities, equipment and personnel. So it is very important that your initial contact be with the dealer or his management. After following these steps, if you wish to have the matter reviewed by American Honda you should contact the Zone Office serving your area, as shown on the map on the inside of the back cover. When contacting American Honda, please provide the Zone Office with the following information:

the matter with

Vehicle Identification Number Servicing Dealer Name and Address Date of Purchase Mileage on your Car Your Name, Address, and Phone Number Nature of Problem Selling Dealer

After a review of the facts, you will be advised of what can be done.

Main MenustReporting Safety Defects

If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying American Honda Motor Co., Inc. If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your dealer, or American Honda Motor Co., Inc. To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll- free at 1-800-424-9393 (or 366-0123 in Washington, D.C. area) or write to: NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation Washington, D.C. 20590. You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from the Hotline.

Main MenustAir Conditioner

Operation.................................... 45
Service ...................................... 111
Air Filter........................................... 97
Air Pressure, Tires ....................... 107
Aluminum Alloy Wheels............... 114
Antifreeze

..................See "Radiator coolant" Anti-lock Brake System................. 20

Anti-lock Brake System

Warning Light ........................ 26
Anti-lock Brake Fluid................. 101

Anti-theft Steering Column Lock

System.......................................... 60
Appearance Care .......................... 113
Ashtrays,......................................... 40
Audio System ................................. 49
Automatic Transmission

Driving Technique ....................... 70
Fluid .............................................. 89
Operation.,................................... 69
Shift Lever Position

Indicator.................................. 23

Battery

Charging System Warning

Light ......................................... 25
Jump Starting .........................123
Maintenance...............................102
Specification ...............................130

Beeper System

Fasten Seat Belt Beeper ............. 14
Key Reminder .............................. 60
Light Reminder Chime ................. 32

Belts,Seat ...............See "Seat Belts" Brake Lamp Warning Light ............. 27
Brakes

Anti-lock Brake System .............. 20
Anti-lock Brake System

Warning Light ......................... 26
Anti-lock Brake Fluid................. 101
Brake Failure Warning

Light ......................................... 25
Brake Fluid.................................. 101
Brake System Design ................ 100
Brake Wear ................................ 100
Brake Wear Indicators .............. 100
Parking Brake ................................ 41

Index

Parking Brake Warning

Light........................................25
Break-In Period ..................................2
Bulb

Replacement.............................105
Specification...............................130
Buzzer ............See "Beeper System"

Capacities......................................129
Care and Cleaning.........................113
Catalytic Converter .....................136
Certification Label ........................131
Chains,Tires..................................108
Child Restraint System ..................16
Cigarette Lighter............................40
Clock................................................39
COMPACT Spare Tire .................117
Coolant Temperature Gauge .........22
Cooling(with A/C) ...........................46
Cooling System...............................90
Crankcase Emission Control System ...........................................134
Cruise Control

Operation..................................37
Indicator.....................................24

Defogger..........................................30
Defroster.........................................47
Dimmer Switch, Headlights...........33
Doors

Locks............................................3
Warning Light ............................27

Emergency

Changing Flat Tire ...................119
Hazard Warning System ..........35
If the Retractable Headlights

do not operate....................127

If the Sunroof Won't

Close .....................................56
If Your Car Gets Stuck...........126
Jump Starting .........................123
Towing .....................................125
Warning and Indicator

Lights....................................23

(cont'd)

Main MenustIndex (cont'd)

Emission Controls ........................134
Engine

Coolant ......................................90
Coolant Temperature

Gauge....................................22
Identification Number.............131
Oil and Filter ...............................85
Oil Pressure Warning

Light......................................24
Specification...........................129
Exhaust Controls ....................135

Engine Exhaust Gas Warning

....................................................66

Evaporative Emission Control

System ....................................135
Exhaust Gas Recirculation...........135
Exterior Care.................................113

Filters

Air ...............................................97
Engine Oil ...................................86
Fuel.............................................98

Fluid .....................................See " O i l" Foreign Countries,

Operation in ...............................58
Four Wheel Steering ......................61
Front Seat

Adjustment..................................5

Fuel

Filler Door and Cap....................58
Fuel Reserve Warning

Light......................................24
Gauge......................................... 22
Gasohol......................................57
Gasoline......................................57
Requirement..............................57
Ffter...........................................98

Fuse

Checking and Replacing .........103
Specification.............................130

Hazard Warning

Indicator Light ...........................23
Hazard Warning System ................35
Headlights

Flasher.......................................33
Headlight Motor Switch ...........34
High Beam Indicator..................23
High Beam/Low Beam

Switch..................................33

If the Retractable Headlights

do not operate....................127
Reminder Chime........................32
Retractable Headlight Motor

Warning Light .......................27
Switch........................................32

Headlight High Beam Indicator

Light....,.......................................22
Head Restraints................................8
Heating.............................................47
High Beam

Switch.......................................33
Indicator Light ...........................23
Hood Latch ......................................41

Identification Numbers.................131
Ignition

Keys .............................................3
Switch.......................................60
Indicator Lights................................22
Inflation Pressures, Tire...............107
Instrument Panel.............................21
Instrument Panel Brightness

Control .......................................35
Interior light ...................................35
Interior Trim Care .........................113

...............................................119
Jack Jump Starting ...............................123

Gasoline............................See"Fuel" Gas Station Information ........................................... back cover Gauges.............................................22
Glove Box........................................ 41

Main MenustKeys

Door Locks ..................................3
Glove box ..................................41
Trunk Lid Lock ............................4
Ignition........................................60
Key Reminder Beeper ..............60
Keys.............................................3

Lap/Shoulder Belts ................................See "Seat Belts" Light

Bulb Replacement ...................105
Fuse Replacement..................103
Light Reminder Chime ..............32
Operation ...................................32
Warning and Indicator Light ......................................................23

Locks

Fuel Filter Door...........................58
Doors............................................3
Glove Box ..................................41
Trunk Lid...................................4
Anti-theft Steering Column

Lock........................................60
Lumbar Support,Driver's .................7

Maintenace Schedule and

Records......................................78

Manual Transmission

Maximum Allowable Speeds ....................................................68
Oil................................................88
Recommended Shift Speeds ....................................................68
Shifting.......................................67
Meters, Gauges.......See "Gauges" Mirrors

Power Mirrors ............................31
Rear View Mirrors ....................31

Numbers, Identification................131

Octane Rating, Gasoline .......................................... See "Fuel" Odometer .........................................22
Oil

Engine Oil....................................85
Fluid Locations ..........................84
Transmission Oil/Fluid...............88
Oil Pressure Warning Light.......24
Power Steering Fluid ................99

Operation In Foreign Countries ..........................................................58

Panel Brightness Control................35
Parking Brake ..................................41
Power

Mirrors.......................................31
Steering.....................................99
Windows...................................42
PGM-FI System .............................135
Pressures, Tire Inflation...............107
Preventive Service .......................115

Radiator Coolant .............................90
Radio ................................................49
Rear View Mirrors ..........................31
Rear Window Defogger .................30
Reminder Lights ..........................See "Warning lights"

(cont'd)

Main MenustIndex (cont'd)

Replacement

Air Filter ......................................97
Bulbs.........................................105
Engine Oil ..................................86
Fuel Filter ...................................98
Fuses.......................................103
Oil Filter .....................................86
Radiator Coolant .......................92
Spark Plugs ...............................94
Tires.....................................109
Wiper Blades .............................96

Retractable Headlights

If the Retractable Headlights

do not operate....................127
Rust Prevention ............................115

Safety Defects, Reporting ..........140
Safety ltems....................................65
Seat Belt Reminder Light and

Beeper........................................22

Seat Belts

Anchor Points ...........................18
Buckling the Front

Seat Belts .............................10

Buckling the Rear

Seat Belts..............................12
Child Restraint..........................16
Cleaning .....................................19
Warning Light and

Warning Beeper ...................14
inspection ..................................19
Lap/Shoulder Belts ...................10
Pregnant Women ......................18
Reminder Light ..........................22
Replacement .............................19

Seats

Driver's Lumbar Support ...........7
Driver's Side Support.................7
Front Seat ....................................5
Head Restraints ...........................8
Shift Lever Position Indicator........22
Shifting

Automatic.................................69
5-Speed.,,...................................67

Spare Tire

Changing a Flat Tire ................119
COMPACT Spare Tire............117
Specifications .........................129
Spark Plugs .....................................94

Specifications ...............................129
Speedometer...................................22
Starting the Engine .........................63
Steering

Anti-theft Column Lock ...........60
Four Wheel Steering.................61
Power Steering .........................99
Tilt Steering ...............................28

Stereo Sound System

Operation...................................49
Stuck Car ......................................126
Sunroof

If the Sunroof Won't

Close .....................................56
Maintenance...............................56
Operation....................................55
Sunshade.........................................55

Tachometer .....................................22
Temperature Gauge, Coolant

....................................................22
Thermostat .....................................92
Tilt Steering .....................................28
Tire

Air Pressure ............................107
Balancing .................................109
Chains ......................................108
Changing a Flat Tire ................119
COMPACT Spare ...................117
DOT Tire Quality Grades .......132
Inflation Pressures..................107
Requirement............................132
Rotation ...................................110
Snow Tires ..............................108
Spare Tire ................................117
Specification.............................130
To Get In/Out of Rear Seat ..............6
Tools ..............................................119
Towing ...........................................125
Towing a Trailer ..............................73
Transmission

Identification Number.............131
Oil/Fluid.........,.............................88
Shifting the Automatic.............69
Shifting the Manual...................67
Capacity...................................129

Main MenustTread Wear ...................................132
Trip Meter........................................22
Trunk .................................................4

Trunk Access From

Rear Seat ...............................9
Trunk Lid......................................4
Trunk Light ................................36
Trunk-Open

Indicator Light.......................27
Turn Signals.....................................32

Vehicle Identification Number

...................................................131
Ventilation .......................................43

Warning Lights ................................23
Warranty Service .........................137
Washer

Reservoir Capacity ...................29
Windshield Washer ...................29
Washing.........................................114
Waxing ..........................................113
Wheels...........................................114
Windows

Appearance Care ...................113
Power Windows .......................42
Windshield Defogger ......................30
Windshield Washer .........................29
Windshield Wipers..........................29
Wiper Blades ...................................96
Wipers

Windshield Wipers....................29

Main MenustAuthorized Manuals A Factory-Authorized Manuals is Available for Your Vehicle. The following publications covering the operation and servicing of your vehicle can be obtained from Helm Incorporated either by filling out the reverse side of this form or, for credit card holders, by calling toll-free. For manuals prior to the year shown below, contact Helm Inc., P.O. Box 07280, Detroit, Michigan 48207, or call (800) 782-4356.

61 SF104

61SF104EL

61SF130

61SF1630

Service Manual This manual covers maintenance and recommended procedures for repair to engine and chassis components. It is written for the journeyman mechanic, but is simple enough for most mechanically-inclined owners to understand.

Electrical Troubleshooting Manual This manual complements the Service Manual by providing in-depth troubleshooting information for each electrical circuit in your car.

Body Repair Manual This manual describes the procedures involved in the replacement of damaged body parts.

Main MenustAuthorized Manuals

By completing this form you can order the materials desired. You can pay by check or money order, or charge to your credit card. Man to Helm Incorporated at the address shown below.

These publications cannot be returned (or credit without receiving advance authorization within 14 days of delivery. On returns, a restocking fee may be applied against the original order.

P.O. BOX 07280 DETROIT. MICHIGAN 48207 1-600-783-4356

Main Menust