1994 Honda Prelude Owners Manual

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down much farther and you need to press on it much harder. A much longer distance will be needed to stop the car. Slow the car by downshifting to a lower gear and removing your foot from the accelerator pedal. Pull to the side of the road as soon as it is safe. Because of the longer stop- ping distance needed, brake system failure is very hazardous. It is best to have your car towed, but if you must drive the car in this condition, be extremely cautious. Have your car repaired as soon as possible. Driving Anti-lock Brakes All models except S model have an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) as standard equipment. ABS helps you maintain steering control. It does this by helping you to prevent the wheels from locking up and skidding. The ABS is always "On". It requires no special effort or driving technique. You will feel a pulsation in the brake pedal when the ABS activates. Activation varies with the amount of traction your tires have. On dry pavement, you will need to press on the brake pedal very hard before you feel the pedal pulsation that means the ABS has activated. However, you may feel the ABS activate immediately if you are trying to stop on snow or ice. Under all conditions, the ABS is helping to prevent the wheels from locking so you can retain steering control. You should continue to press on the brake pedal with the same force. You may feel a slight movement of the brake pedal just after you start the engine. This is the ABS working. Main MenuTable of ContentsstThe Braking System, Four Wheel Steering Four Wheel Steering The 4WS and SR 4WS models feature an electronically controlled system that steers the rear wheels as you steer the front wheels. It uses the car's speed, angle of the front wheels, and the rate that you turn the steering wheel to steer the rear wheels in the appropriate direction and angle. ABS INDICATOR* A B S BRAKE * U.S. indicator shown The ABS is self-checking. If anything goes wrong, the ABS indi- cator on the instrument panel comes on (see page 34). This means the Anti-lock function of the brak- ing system has shut down. The brakes still work like a convention- al system, providing normal stop- ping ability. You should have the dealer inspect your car as soon as possible. The ABS works by comparing the speed of the wheels. When re- placing tires, use the same size originally supplied with the car. Tire size and construction can affect wheel speed and may cause the system to work inconsistently. A car with ABS may require a longer distance to stop on loose or uneven surfaces than an equivalent car without Anti-lock. The ABS cannot make up for road conditions or bad judgment. It is still your responsibility to drive at reasonable speeds for weather and traffic conditions, and to leave a margin of safety. For a technical description of the ABS hardware, refer to page 212 . CONTINUED Driving Main MenuTable of ContentsstFour Wheel Steering, Driving in Bad Weather At very slow speeds, the rear wheels steer in the opposite direction to the front wheels. This helps in maneuvers such as parallel parking and U-turns. At higher speeds, the rear wheels first steer in the same direction as the front wheels. This aids with changing lanes. As you turn the steering wheel more, the rear wheels return to straight ahead and then steer in the opposite direction to the front wheels. This gives improved handling when going around curves at highway speeds. The rear wheels return to the straight ahead position when you turn off the engine. They also return to straight ahead if you sit still for more than two minutes with the engine running. They return to steering mode as soon as you move the steering wheel or start to drive away. The 4WS system is self-checking. If it detects a problem anywhere in the system, it turns on the 4WS indicator on the instrument panel (see page 35) and points the rear wheels straight ahead. Your car will then drive like a conventional car without 4WS. Driving in Bad Weather Rain, fog, and snow conditions re- quire a different driving technique because of reduced traction and visibility. Keep your car well- maintained and exercise greater caution when you need to drive in bad weather. The cruise control should not be used in these condi- tions. Driving Main MenuTable of ContentsstDriving Technique — Always drive slower than you would in dry weather. It takes your car longer to react, even in conditions that may seem just barely damp. Apply smooth, even pressure to all the controls. Abrupt steering wheel movements or sudden, hard appli- cation of the brakes can cause loss of control in wet weather. Be extra cautious for the first few miles of driving while you adjust to the change in driving conditions. This is especially true in snow. A person can forget some snow-driving tech- niques during the summer months. Practice is needed to relearn those skills. Exercise extra caution when driving in rain after a long dry spell. After months of dry weather, the first rains bring oil to the surface of the roadway, making it slippery. Driving in Bad Weather Visibility — Being able to see clearly in all directions and being visible to other drivers are impor- tant in all weather conditions. This is more difficult in bad weather. To be seen more clearly during day- light hours, turn on your headlights. Traction — Check your tires frequently for wear and proper pressure. Both are important in preventing "hydroplaning" (loss of traction on a wet surface). In the winter, mount snow tires on all four wheels for the best handling. Inspect your windshield wipers and washers frequently. Keep the wind- shield washer reservoir full of the proper fluid. Replace the wind- shield wiper blades if they start to streak the windshield or leave parts unwiped. Use the defrosters and air conditioning to keep the windows from fogging up on the inside (see page 78). Watch road conditions carefully, they can change from moment to moment. Wet leaves can be as slip- pery as ice. "Clear" roads can have patches of ice. Driving conditions can be very hazardous when the outside temperature is near freez- ing. The road surface can become covered with areas of water pud- dles mixed with areas of ice, so your traction can change without warning. Be careful when downshifting. If traction is low, you can lock up the drive wheels for a moment and cause a skid. CONTINUED Driving Main MenuTable of ContentsstDriving in Bad Weather, Towing a Trailer Towing a Trailer Your Honda is designed primarily to carry passengers and their cargo. You can use it to tow a trailer if you carefully observe some general rules. Be very cautious when passing, or being passed by other vehicles. The spray from large vehicles reduces your visibility, and the wind buffeting can cause you to lose control. Driving The total weight of the trailer and everything loaded in it must not exceed 450 kg (1,000 Ibs). The "tongue load" should never exceed 50 kg (110 Ibs). This is the amount of weight the trailer puts on the hitch when it is fully- loaded. As a rule of thumb, the tongue load should be 10% of the total trailer package. For example, if the trailer and its load weigh 225 kg (500 Ibs), the tongue load should be 22.5 kg (50 Ibs). Adjust the trailer's cargo to change the tongue load. Start by putting approximately 60% of the cargo toward the front and 40% toward the rear. Never load the trailer so the back is heavier than the front. This takes weight off your car's rear axle and reduces traction. Main MenuTable of ContentsstThe combined weight of the car, all passengers and their luggage, and tongue load must not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. The GVWR is printed on the Certification label attached to the driver's door jamb (see page 208). The combined weight of the car, all passengers and their luggage, and tongue load also must not exceed the Gross Axle Weight Rating. The GAWR is also shown on the Certification label. It tells you the maximum load for the front and rear axles. It is possible that your towing pack- age does not exceed the GVWR but does exceed the GAWR. Improper trailer loading, and/or too much luggage in the trunk can overload the rear axle. Redis- tribute the load and check the axle weights again. Improperly loading your car and trailer can seriously affect its steering and braking per- formance, causing a crash in which you can be seriously injured. Check the loading of your car and trailer carefully before starting to drive. The best way to confirm that your total towing package is within these specifications is to get it weighed. Load the car and trailer as you normally would while tow- ing, and take them to a public scale. Have them check the total weight and the weight at each axle, then compare them to the specifications. Towing a Trailer Trailer Hitches Your Honda dealer, or the Honda Customer Relations Zone Office, can give you advice on the proper hitch for your car. Never use a hitch that mounts only to the rear bumper. The bumper is not designed to handle that type of load. The hitch should bolt to the underbody of the car and distribute the load over a wide area. Always have a trailer hitch installed by a qualified technician. NOTICE A trailer hitch that is not adequate for the size of the trailer, or a hitch that is improperly installed, can cause damage to the underside of your car. Driving Main MenuTable of ContentsstTowing a Trailer Mirrors Many states and provinces have laws requiring special outside mirrors when you are towing a trailer. Check the laws in your area. You may want to install mirrors, even if they are not required. Hook up the trailer and see how much it obscures your ability to see behind you with the standard mirrors. If you cannot see directly behind you, or have a large blind spot next to the trailer or the car, you should install mirrors intended for towing. Driving Connecting the Trailer Most trailers that have a gross weight of 450 kg (1,000 Ibs) do not have their own braking system. If you are thinking of getting a trailer that does have brakes, make sure they are electrically-operated. There are no provisions in your car to tap into its hydraulic braking system. Any attempt to attach the trailer's brakes to your car's hydraulic system, no matter how successful it may seem, will lower braking effectiveness and create a potential hazard. Always use a safety chain when towing a trailer. Connect the safety chain securely at both ends. Make sure the chain crosses under the tongue so it will catch the trailer if it becomes unhitched. Leave enough slack in the chain so it can't bind in a sharp turn. Do not let it drag on the ground. Before Starting Out As you are preparing to tow your trailer, do the following: Measure the trailer's tongue load. You can do this with a bathroom scale. Verify that the hitch and safety chain are securely fastened. Check the condition and air pressure of all tires on the trailer and your car. Low tire pressure can seriously affect the handling. Also check the spare tire. With everything loaded and the trailer connected, check that the rear of the car is not sagging. If so, redistribute the load in the car. Check that all lights on the car are working properly. Main MenuTable of ContentsstTowing Safety Your car will not stop as quickly with a trailer in tow. Leave extra distance between your car and other vehicles. Avoid braking or turning suddenly. This could cause the trailer to jackknife or possibly turn over. The car/trailer combination is more affected by crosswinds and buffet- ing. When being passed by a large vehicle, keep a constant speed and steer straight ahead. If there is too much wind buffeting, slow down to get out of the other vehicle's air turbulence. Keep in mind that your total vehicle is now much longer. Leave more room when making turns. The trailer tracks a smaller arc than the car and can hit or run over something that the car misses. When passing another vehicle, make sure the trailer is clear before changing lanes. Towing a trailer puts an extra load on your car. You should have your car serviced according to the "Maintenance schedule under severe driving conditions" on page 130. Towing a Trailer This extra load is magnified when you are driving in hilly terrain. Watch the temperature gauge closely when climbing hills. If it gets near the hot area, turn off the air conditioning (if it is on). If this does not reduce the heat, it may be necessary to pull to the side of the road and wait for the engine to cool. If the automatic transmission shifts frequently between 3rd and 4th gears, put it in D3. This will help prevent the transmission from overheating. Help keep the brakes from overheating by shifting to a lower gear when going downhill. If you have to stop while going up- hill, do not hold the car in place by pressing on the accelerator. This can cause the automatic transmis- sion to overheat. Use the parking brake or footbrake. CONTINUED Driving Main MenuTable of ContentsstTowing a Trailer When parking your car and trailer, especially on a hill, be sure to follow all the normal precautions. Turn your front wheels into the curb, set the parking brake firmly, and put the transmission in 1st or Reverse (manual) or Park (auto- matic). In addition, place wheel chocks at each of the trailer's tires. Backing up with a trailer is diffi- cult and takes practice. Drive slowly, make small movements with the steering wheel, and have someone stand outside to guide you. Grip the steering wheel on the bottom (rather than the usual posi- tion near the top). Move your hand to the left to get the trailer to move to the left, and right to move the trailer right. Driving Main MenuTable of ContentsstRegularly maintaining your Honda is the best way to protect your investment. You will be rewarded with safer, more economical, trouble-free driving. This section lists items that need to be checked regularly and explains how to check them. It also details some simple maintenance tasks you can do yourself. The maintenance schedules for normal and severe driving conditions show you when these things need to be done. If you are interested in how to per- form more complex maintenance on your Honda, you can purchase the Service Manual. See page 227 for information on how to obtain a copy, or see your Honda dealer. Maintenance Schedule................ 128 Maintenance Record.................... 131 Periodic Checks............................ 133 Fluid Locations............................. 134 Engine Oil ..................................... 135 Checking Engine Oil................ 135 Adding........................................ 135 Recommended Oil.................... 136 Additives.................................... 138 Oil and Filter Changes............ 138 Cooling System............................. 140 Checking the Engine Coolant Level....................................... 140 Adding Engine Coolant........... 141 Replacing Engine Coolant...... 142 Windshield Washers.................... 144 Transmission Oil.......................... 145 Automatic Transmission........................ 145 5-speed Manual Transmission........................ 146 Brake and Clutch Fluid............... 147 Brake System............................ 147 Anti-lock Brake System ......... 148 Clutch System........................... 149 Power Steering............................. 149 Maintenance Air Cleaner.................................... 150 Fuel Filter...................................... 151 Spark Plugs.................................... 151 Replacement.............................. 151 Specification.............................. 153 Battery............................................ 153 Windshield Wipers....................... 156 Air Conditioning........................... 158 Engine Belts.................................. 159 Tires................................................ 159 Inflation...................................... 160 Inspection................................... 161 Maintenance.............................. 161 Tire Rotation............................. 162 Replacing Tires and Wheels.. 163 Wheels and Tires...................... 163 Winter Driving.......................... 163 Snow Tires............................ 164 Tire Chains............................ 164 Lights.............................................. 165 Replacing Bulbs........................ 165 Storing Your Car.......................... 175 Maintenance Main MenustMaintenance Schedule The Required Maintenance Schedule specifies how often you should have your car serviced, and what things need attention. It is essential that your car be serviced as scheduled to retain its high level of safety, dependability, and emission control performance. The services and time or distance intervals shown in the maintenance schedule assume you will use your car as normal transportation for passengers and their possessions. You should: Avoid exceeding your car's load limit. This puts excess strain on the engine, brakes, and many other parts of your car. The load limit is shown on the label in the glove box. Operate your car on reasonable roads within the legal speed limit. Maintenance Drive your car regularly over a distance of several kilometers (miles). Always use unleaded gasoline with the proper octane (see page 98 ). Your authorized Honda dealer knows your car best, and can provide competent, efficient service. However, service at a dealer is not mandatory to keep your warranties in effect. Mainte- nance may be done by any qualified service facility or person who is skilled in this type of automotive service. Keep all the receipts as proof of completion, and have the person who does the work fill out the maintenance record on page 131. Check your warranty booklet for more information. We recommend the use of Genuine Honda parts and fluids or their equivalent whenever you have maintenance done. These are the same high-quality items that went into your car when it was new, so you can be sure they fit and perform flawlessly. U.S. Cars: Maintenance, replacement or repair of emission control devices and systems may be done by any automotive re- pair establishment or indi- vidual using parts that are "certified" to EPA standards. Vehicles sold in California have slightly different maintenance requirements. These are noted in the Required Maintenance Sche- dule. Other maintenance operations are required by California regula- tions, and condition the emission warranty. Main MenuTable of ContentsstR — Replace I — Inspect After inspection, clean, adjust, repair or replace if necessary. Maintenance Schedule : Check oil and coolant level at each fuel stop. : Under severe driving conditions, service these items more often. * 1: For cars sold in California, this service is recommended only: other *2 : Replace every 6 years or 96,000 km (60,000 miles), whichever comes areas, it is required. first. ever comes first. *3 : Thereafter, replace every 2 years or 48,000 km (30,000 miles), which- *4 : This service is recommended only. *5 : For cars with Anti-lock brake system (Except S model) CONTINUED Maintenance Main MenuTable of ContentsstMaintenance Schedule R — Replace I — Inspect After inspection, clean, adjust, repair or replace if necessary. page 14 Severe Driving Conditions Items marked in the chart indicate you will need some services more frequently in certain severe driving conditions. The conditions are: A. Driving less than 8 km (5 miles) per trip, or, in freezing or temperatures, driving less than 16 km (10 miles) per trip. B. Driving on rough or muddy roads, or de-iced roads. C. Driving in extremely dusty conditions. D. Extensive idling or driving long periods at slow speeds, such as a delivery vehicle. E. Towing a trailer. Maintenance Service for Severe Driving Conditions — Clean the air cleaner element every 24,000 km (15,000 miles) or 12 months and replace every 48,000 km (30,000 miles) or 24 months under condition B or C. — Replace engine oil and oil filter every 6,000 km (3,750 miles) or 3 months under — Replace transmission oil every 24,000 km (15,000 miles) or 12 months under condition A, B, C, D or E. condition D or E. — Inspect front brake discs and calipers, and rear brake discs, calipers and pads every 12,000 km (7,500 miles) or 6 months under condition B, C, D or E. — Inspect the power steering system every 12,000 km (7,500 miles) or 6 months under condition A, B or C. Main MenuTable of ContentsstHave your servicing dealer record all Required Maintenance below. Keep receipts for all work done on your car. Required Maintenance Record Maintenance Main MenuTable of ContentsstNon-Scheduled Maintenance Record Record additional maintenance for severe driving conditions or non-scheduled maintenance on this page (see page 130). Maintenance Main MenuTable of ContentsstYou should check the following items at the specified intervals. If you are unsure of how to perform any check, turn to the page given. Engine oil level — Check every time you fill the fuel tank. See page 102 . Engine coolant level — Check the radiator reserve tank every time you fill the fuel tank. See page 103. Windshield washer fluid — Check the level in the reservoir monthly. If weather conditions cause you to use the washers frequently, check the reservoir each time you stop for fuel. See page 144. Automatic transmission — Check the fluid level monthly. See page 145. Brakes, clutch and power steering — Check the fluid level monthly. See page 147. Periodic Checks Tires — Check the tire pressure monthly. Examine the tread for wear and foreign objects. See page 160. Battery — Check its condition and the terminals for corrosion monthly. See page 153 . Air conditioning — Check its operation weekly. See page 158 . Lights — Check the operation of the headlights, parking lights, taillights, high-mount brake light, turn signals, brake lights, and license plate lights monthly. See page 165. Maintenance Main MenuTable of ContentsstFluid Locations ANTI-LOCK BRAKE RESERVOIR (Gray cap) COOLANT RESERVOIR AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID DIPSTICK (Yellow loop) Maintenance BRAKE FLUID (Gray cap) (5-M/T only) CLUTCH FLUID (Gray cap) ENGINE OIL FILL CAP POWER STEERING FLUID (Red cap) WASHER FLUID (Blue cap) ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK (Orange loop) Main MenuTable of ContentsstChecking Engine Oil DIPSTICK Adding ENGINE OIL FILL CAP Engine Oil UPPER MARK LOWER MARK 3. Pull it out again and look at the oil level at the end of the dipstick. If it is between the upper and lower marks, the level is correct. Add oil if the level is at or below the lower mark. To add oil, unscrew and remove the engine oil fill cap on top of the valve cover. Pour in the oil, and replace the engine oil fill cap. Tighten it securely. Wait a few minutes and recheck the oil level. Do not fill above the upper mark; you could damage the engine. Check the engine oil a couple of minutes after shutting off the engine. This will allow the oil to drain down to the bottom of the engine. Make sure the car is parked on level ground. 1. Pull out the dipstick (orange loop) and wipe it with a cloth or paper towel. 2. Insert it all the way back in its tube. Maintenance Main MenuTable of ContentsstEngine Oil Recommended Oil Oil is a major contributor to your engine's performance and longevity. Always use a premium-grade deter- gent oil. You can determine an oil's SAE viscosity and Service Classification from the API Service label on the oil container. A fuel-efficient oil is recommended for your Honda. This is shown on the API Service label by the words "Energy Conserving I I ." This oil is formulated to help your engine use less fuel. The oil container may also display the ILSAC Certification mark shown below. Make sure it says "For Gasoline Engines." The API Service label also tells you the service classification of the oil. Always use an oil that says "API Service SG or SH." This service rating may also include other designations, such as CD. These additional classifications are not a problem, as long as the label also carries the SG or SH classification. An oil that is only classified SF is not recommended. ILSAC CERTIFICATION MARK Maintenance Main MenuTable of ContentsstThe SAE numbers tell you the oil's viscosity or weight. Select the oil for your car according to this chart. (Except US: VTEC, Canada: SR-V) (US: VTEC, Canada: SR-V) Ambient Temperature Ambient Temperature Engine Oil Additives Your Honda does not need any oil additives. Purchasing additives for the engine or transmission will not increase your car's performance or longevity. It only increases the cost of operating your car. An oil with a viscosity of 10W-30 is preferred for improved fuel econo- my and year-round protection in your Honda. You may use a 5W-30 oil if the climate in your area is within the temperature range shown on the chart. An oil with a viscosity of 5W-30 is preferred for improved fuel econo- my and year-round protection in your Honda. You may use a 10W-30 oil if the temperature in your area never goes below 20°F ( — 7°C). Maintenance Main MenuTable of ContentsstEngine Oil Oil and Filter Changes Always change the oil and filter according to the time and distance recommendations in the mainte- nance schedule. The oil and filter collect contaminants that can dam- age your engine if they are not removed regularly. Changing the oil and filter requires special tools and access from underneath the car. The car should be raised on a service station-type hydraulic lift for this service. Unless you have the knowledge and proper equipment, you should have this maintenance done by a skilled mechanic. Repeated, prolonged exposure to used motor oil may cause skin cancer. Wash your hands thoroughly with strong soap as soon as possible after handling used oil. 1. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature, then shut it off. The oil, engine components and the exhaust system are hot and can burn you. Use caution and wear protec- tive clothing while working in the engine compartment. Maintenance Main MenuTable of ContentsstOIL FILTER Engine Oil 6. Refill the engine with the recom- mended oil. Engine oil change capacity (including filter): (US: S, Canada: S) 3.8 (US: Si, 4WS, Canada: SR, SR 4WS) 4.3 (4.5 US q t, 3.8 Imp qt) (US: VTEC, Canada: SR-V) 4.8 (4.0 US qt, 3.3 Imp qt) (5.1 US q t, 4.2 Imp qt) OIL DRAIN BOLT WASHER 2. Open the hood and remove the engine oil fill cap. Remove the oil drain bolt from the bottom of the engine. Drain the oil into an appropriate container. 3. Remove the oil filter and let the remaining oil drain. A special wrench (available from your Honda dealer) is required to remove the filter. 4. Install a new oil filter according to instructions that come with it. 5. Put a new washer on the drain bolt, then reinstall the drain bolt. Tighten it to: 40 N.m (4.0 kg-m , 29 Ib-ft) 7. Replace the engine oil fill cap. Start the engine. The oil pressure indicator light should go out within five seconds. If it does not, turn off the engine and reinspect your work. 8. Let the engine run for several minutes and check the drain bolt and oil filter for leaks. CONTINUED Maintenance Main MenuTable of ContentsstEngine Oil, Cooling System 9. Turn off the engine, let it sit for several minutes, then check the oil level. If necessary, add oil to bring the level to the upper mark on the dipstick. NOTICE If you change your own oil, please dispose of the used oil properly. Put it in a sealed container and take it to a recycling center. Do not discard it in a trash bin or dump it on the ground. The oil and filter should be chang- ed every 6 months or 12,000 km (7,500 miles), whichever comes first. Under severe driving conditions, they should be changed every 3 months or 6,000 km (3,750 miles). See page 130 for a description of severe driving conditions. Maintenance Cooling System Always use Genuine Honda Anti- freeze/Coolant. The cooling system contains many aluminum compo- nents which can corrode if an improper antifreeze is used. Some antifreeze, even though labeled as safe for aluminum parts, may not provide adequate protection. MAX MIN RESERVE TANK Checking the Engine Coolant Level Check the level of the engine coolant by looking at the radiator reserve tank next to the battery. If the level is at or below the MIN line, add coolant to bring it up to the MAX line. This coolant should always be a mixture of 50% antifreeze and 50% water. Never add straight antifreeze or plain water. Main MenuTable of ContentsstAdding Engine Coolant If the reserve tank is completely empty, you should also check the coolant level in the radiator. Removing the radiator cap while the engine is hot can cause the coolant to spray out, seriously scalding you. Always let the engine and radiator cool down before removing the radiator cap. 1. Make sure the engine and radiator are cool. Cooling System RADIATOR CAP 2. Turn the radiator cap counter- clockwise, without pressing down on it, until it stops. This relieves any pressure remaining in the cooling system. 3. Remove the radiator cap by pushing down and turning counterclockwise. RESERVE TANK 4. The coolant level should be up to the base of the filler neck. Add coolant if it is low. 5. Put the radiator cap back on. Tighten it fully. 6. Pour coolant into the reserve tank. Fill it to halfway between the MAX and MIN marks. Put the cap back on the reserve tank. CONTINUED Maintenance Main MenuTable of ContentsstCooling System Do not add any rust inhibitors or other additives to your car's cooling system. They may not be compatible with the coolant or engine components. Replacing Engine Coolant The cooling system should be completely drained and refilled with new coolant according to the time and distance recommenda- tions in the maintenance schedule. Only use recommended antifreeze. Draining the coolant requires access to the underside of the car. Unless you have the tools and knowledge, you should have this maintenance done by a skilled mechanic. Maintenance DRAIN PLUG DRAIN BOLT 1. Slide the heater temperature control lever to maximum heat. Open the hood. Make sure the engine and radiator are cool to the touch. 3. Loosen the drain plug on the bottom of the radiator. The coolant will drain through the splash guard. Remove the drain bolt from the engine block. 2. Remove the radiator cap. Main MenuTable of ContentsstRESERVE TANK FILLER NECK RESERVE TANK CAP 4. Remove the reserve tank from HOLDER its holder by pulling it straight up. Drain the coolant, then put the tank back in its holder. 5. When the coolant stops draining, tighten the drain plug in the bottom of the radiator. Apply non-hardening sealant to the drain bolt threads and reinstall the bolt in the engine block. Tighten it securely. Fill up to here 6. Mix the recommended antifreeze with an equal amount of purified or distilled water in a clean container. The cooling system capacity is: (0.92 US gal, 0.77 Imp gal) With manual transmission: (US: S, Canada: S) 3.5 (US: Si, 4WS, Canada: SR, SR 4WS) 3.8 (US: VTEC, Canada: SR-V) 4.0 (1.00 US gal, 0.84 Imp gal) (1.06 US gal , 0.88 Imp gal) Cooling System With automatic transmission: (US: S, Canada: S) 3.4 (US: Si, 4WS, Canada: SR, SR 4WS) 3.7 (0.98 US gal, 0.81 Imp gal) (0.90 US gal, 0.75 Imp gal) 7. Pour coolant into the radiator up to the base of the filler neck. CONTINUED Maintenance Main MenuTable of ContentsstCooling System, Windshield Washers BLEEDER BOLT Windshield Washers RESERVE TANK 8. Loosen the bleeder bolt on top of the engine. Tighten it again when coolant comes out in a steady stream with no bubbles. 10.Turn off the engine. Check the level in the radiator, add coolant if needed. Install the radiator cap, tighten it fully. 11.Fill the reserve tank to the MAX mark. Install the reserve tank cap. 9. Refill the radiator to the base of the filler neck. Put the cap on the radiator, only tighten it to the first stop. Start the engine and let it run until it warms up (the radiator cooling fan comes on at least twice). Maintenance FLOAT Check the level in the windshield washer reservoir at least monthly during normal usage. In bad weather, when you use the washers often, check the level every time you stop for fuel. Main MenuTable of ContentsstWindshield Washers, Transmission Oil The windshield washer reservoir is located behind the left headlight. Check the reservoir's fluid level by removing the cap and looking at the float. It should be up to the top of the neck. If the float is at the bottom of the neck, the reservoir is nearly empty. Fill the reservoir with a good- quality windshield washer fluid. This increases the cleaning capability and prevents freezing in cold weather. NOTICE Do not use engine antifreeze or a vinegar/water solution in the windshield washer reservoir. Antifreeze can damage your car's paint, while a vinegar/water solution can damage the windshield washer pump. Use only commercially-available windshield washer fluid. Transmission Oil Automatic Transmission DIPSTICK Check the fluid level with the engine at normal operating tempe- rature. 1. Park the car on level ground. Shut off the engine. 2. Remove the dipstick (yellow loop) from the transmission and wipe it with a clean cloth. CONTINUED Maintenance Main MenuTable of ContentsstTransmission Oil UPPER MARK LOWER MARK 3. Insert the dipstick all the way into the transmission. 4. Remove the dipstick and check the fluid level. It should be between the upper and lower marks. Maintenance 5. If the level is below the lower mark, add fluid into the tube to bring it to the upper mark. Use Honda Premium Formula Auto- matic Transmission Fluid or an equivalent DEXRON® II Auto- matic Transmission Fluid (ATF) only. 6. Insert the dipstick all the way back in the transmission. The transmission should be drained and refilled with new fluid every 24 months or 48,000 km (30,000 miles), whichever comes first. Shorten this to every 12 months or 24,000 km (15,000 miles) under severe driving conditions (see page 130). 5-speed Manual Transmission Correct level FILLER BOLT Check the oil level a couple of mi- nutes after shutting off the engine. Make sure the car is on level ground. Remove the transmission filler bolt. The oil level should be up to the edge of the bolt hole. Feel inside the bolt hole with your finger. If you do not feel any oil, slowly add oil until it starts to run out of the hole. Reinstall the filler bolt and tighten it securely. Main MenuTable of ContentsstTransmission Oil, Brake and Clutch Fluid Only use an API Service SF or SG grade motor oil with a viscosity of SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40. The transmission should be drained and refilled with new oil every 24 months or 48,000 km (30,000 miles), whichever comes first. Shorten the service interval to every 12 months or 24,000 km (15,000 miles) under severe driving conditions (see page 130). Brake and Clutch Fluid Check the fluid level in the reser- voirs monthly. There are up to three reservoirs, depending on model. They are: Brake fluid reservoir (all models) Clutch fluid reservoir (Manual transmission only) ABS reservoir (Except S model) The brake fluid in the brake and Anti-lock brake systems should be replaced every 2 years or 48,000 km (30,000 miles), whichever comes first. Brake System MAX MIN The fluid should be between the MIN and MAX marks on the side of the reservoir. If the level is at or below the MIN mark, it is an indication that your brake system needs attention. Have the brake system inspected for leaks or worn brake pads. CONTINUED Maintenance Main MenuTable of ContentsstBrake and Clutch Fluid If you add brake fluid to bring it up to the MAX mark, use Genuine Honda Brake Fluid or an equiva- lent from a sealed container that is marked DOT3 or DOT4 only. Brake fluid marked DOT5 is not compatible with your car's braking system. Anti-lock Brake System MAX MIN If the fluid level is half an inch or more above the M AX mark, it may indicate a problem in the ABS. Have your dealer inspect the system as soon as possible. If you add brake fluid to bring it up to the M AX mark, use the same DOT3 or DOT4 brake fluid from a sealed container specified for the brake system. Check the fluid level in this reservoir after driving the car for at least a few minutes. It should be between the MIN and MAX marks on the side of the reservoir. If it is at or below the MIN mark, it may indicate a problem in the braking system. Have the dealer inspect your car. Maintenance Main MenuTable of ContentsstBrake and Clutch Fluid, Power Steering Clutch System Power Steering MAX MIN UPPER LEVEL LOWER LEVEL The fluid should be between the MIN and MAX marks on the side of the reservoir. If it is not, add brake fluid to bring it up to that level. Use the same DOT3 or DOT4 brake fluid from a sealed container specified for the brake system. Low fluid level can indicate a leak in the clutch system. Have this system inspected as soon as possible. You should check the fluid level in the power steering reservoir monthly. Check the level when the engine is cold. Look at the side of the reservoir. The fluid should be between the UPPER LEVEL and LOWER LEVEL. If it is below the LOWER LEVEL, add power steering fluid to the UPPER LEVEL. NOTICE Using automatic transmission fluid or another brand of power steering fluid will damage the system. Use only GENUINE HONDA Power Steering Fluid-V. A low power steering fluid level can indicate a leak in the system. Check the fluid level frequently and have the system inspected as soon as possible. Maintenance Main MenuTable of ContentsstAir Cleaner The air cleaner element should be replaced every 2 years or 48,000 km (30,000 miles), whichever comes first. Under severe driving condi- tions, it should also be cleaned every 12 months or 24,000 km (15,000 miles), whichever comes first. Cleaning (Severe Conditions) Clean the air cleaner element by blowing compressed air through it in the opposite direction to normal air flow. If you do not have access to compressed air (such as a gas station), ask your Honda dealer to do this service. Follow the replacement procedure for removal and reinstallation. Maintenance CLAMPS AIR CLEANER ELEMENT 3. Place the new air cleaner ele- ment in the air cleaner housing. 4. Reinstall the air cleaner housing cover, snap the four hold-down clamps back into place. The air cleaner element is inside the box on the passenger's side of the engine compartment. To replace it: 1. Unsnap the four hold-down clamps and remove the air cleaner housing cover. 2. Remove the old air cleaner element. Clean the inside of the air cleaner housing with a damp rag. Main MenuTable of ContentsstFuel Filter The fuel filter should be replaced every 4 years or 96,000 km (60,000 miles), whichever comes first. Have a qualified technician change the fuel filter. Since the fuel system is under pressure, gasoline can spray out and create a hazard if all fuel line connections are not han- dled correctly. The filter may require replacement sooner if you happen to buy one or more tankfuls of contaminated gasoline. Have the filter tested or replaced if you suspect it has been clogged by contaminants. Spark Plugs (Except US: VTEC, Canada: SR-V) The original spark plugs in your car need to be replaced every 2 years or 48,000 km (30,000 miles), whichever comes first. (US: VTEC, Canada: SR-V) The original spark plugs in your car are a special platinum-tipped design for longer life. They only need to be replaced every 6 years or 96,000 km (60,000 miles), whichever comes first. Fuel Filter, Spark Plugs Replacement SPARK PLUG CAP 1. US: VTEC, Canada: SR-V: Remove the four nuts, then remove the spark plug cover. 2. Clean up any dirt and oil around the spark plug caps. 3. Remove the spark plug cap by pulling it straight out. 4. Remove the spark plug, using a 16 mm (5/8 inch) spark plug socket. CONTINUED Maintenance Main MenuTable of ContentsstSpark Plugs 5. Put the new spark plug into the socket, then thread it into the hole. Screw it in by hand so you do not crossthread it. 6. Torque the spark plug. (If you do not have a torque wrench, tight- en the spark plug 2/3 turn after it contacts the cylinder head.) Tightening torque: 18 N.m( 1.8 kg-m , 13 Ib-ft) Maintenance NOTICE Tighten the spark plugs carefully. A spark plug that is too loose can overheat and damage the engine. Overtightening can cause damage to the threads in the cylinder head. 7. Install the spark plug cap. 8. Repeat this procedure for the other three spark plugs. (US: VTEC, Canada: SR-V) Reinstall the plug wire cover and tighten the four nuts. Main MenuTable of ContentsstSpecifications: (US: S, Canada: S) Normal driving conditions NGK: Nippondenso: KJ16CR-L11 ZFR5F-11 Hot climates, or continuous high speed driving NGK: Nippondenso: KJ20CR-L11 ZFR6F-11 Spark Plug Gap: 1.1 mm (0.04 in) (US: Si, 4WS, Canada: SR, SR 4WS) Normal driving conditions NGK: Nippondenso: KJ20CR-L11 ZFR6F-11 Hot climates, or continuous high speed driving NGK: Nippondenso: KJ22CR-L11 ZFR7F-11 Spark Plug Gap: 1.1 mm (0.04 in) (US: VTEC, Canada: SR-V) Normal driving conditions PZFR6F-11 NGK: Nippondenso: PKJ20CR-L11 Hot climates, or continuous high speed driving NGK: Nippondenso: PK22PR-L11 PFR7G-11 Spark Plug Gap: 1.1 mm (0.04 in) Spark Plugs, Battery Battery Check the condition of your car's battery monthly. You should check for proper electrolyte level and corrosion on the terminals. The battery gives off explo- sive hydrogen gas during nor- mal operation. A spark or open flame can cause the battery to explode with enough force to kill or seriously hurt you. Keep all sparks, open flames, and smoking materials away from the battery. Wear protective clothing and a face shield, or have a skilled mechanic do the battery main- tenance. CONTINUED Maintenance Main MenuTable of ContentsstBattery The battery contains sulfuric acid (electrolyte) which is highly corrosive and poisonous. Getting electrolyte in your eyes or on your skin can cause serious burns. Wear protective clothing and eye protection when working near the battery. Swallowing electrolyte can cause fatal poisoning if immedi- ate action is not taken. KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN Emergency Procedures Eyes — Flush with water from a cup or other container for at least fifteen minutes. (Water under pressure can damage the eye.) Immediately call a physician or 911. Skin — Remove contaminated clothing. Flush the skin with large quantities of water. Call a physi- cian immediately. Swallowing — Drink water or milk. Call your local Poison Control Center or a physician immediately. TEST INDICATOR WINDOW Check the battery condition by looking at the test indicator window on the battery: Blue — Good condition Red — Add distilled water White — Charging necessary Maintenance Main MenuTable of ContentsstIf the terminals are severely cor- roded, clean them with baking soda and water. Then use a wrench to loosen and remove the cables from the terminals. Always disconnect the negative (—) cable first and reconnect it last. Clean the battery terminals with a terminal cleaning tool or wire brush. Reconnect and tighten the cables, then coat the terminals with grease. When reconnecting the positive (+) terminal on manual transmission models, make sure to place the cable securely in the clamp in the plate. If you need to connect the battery to a charger, disconnect both cables to prevent damage to the car's electrical system. Battery Except S model If your car's battery is discon- nected or goes dead, the audio system will disable itself. The next time you turn on the radio you will see "Code" in the frequency display. Use the Preset buttons to enter the five-digit code (see page 95). NOTICE Charging the battery with the cables connected can seriously damage your car's electronic controls. Detach the battery cables before connecting the battery to a charger. Maintenance PLATE Check the battery terminals for corrosion (a white or yellowish powder). To remove it, cover the terminals with a solution of baking soda and water. It will bubble up and turn brown. When this stops, wash it off with plain water. Dry off the battery with a cloth or paper towel. Coat the terminals with grease to help prevent future corrosion. Main MenuTable of ContentsstWindshield Wipers Check the condition of the wind- shield wiper blades at least every six months. Look for signs of crack- ing in the rubber, or areas that are getting hard. Replace the blades if you find these signs, or they leave streaks and unwiped areas when used. WIPER ARMS LOCK TAB To replace: 1. Raise the wiper arm off the windshield. 2. Disconnect the blade assembly from the wiper arm by pushing in the lock tab. Hold it in while you push the blade assembly toward the base of the arm. Maintenance Main MenuTable of ContentsstBLADE BLADE 5. Slide the new wiper blade into the holder until the tabs lock. Windshield Wipers 6. Slide the new blade assembly onto the wiper arm. Make sure it locks in place. 7. Lower the wiper arm down against the windshield. 3. Remove the blade from its holder by grasping the tabbed end of the blade. Pull firmly until the tabs come out of the holder. REINFORCEMENT 4. Examine the new wiper blades. If they have no plastic or metal rein- forcement along the back edge, remove the metal reinforcement strips from the old wiper blade and install them in the slots along the edge of the new blade. Maintenance Main MenuTable of ContentsstAir Conditioning Optional for S model Your car's air conditioning is a sealed system. Any major mainte- nance, such as recharging, should be done by a qualified technician. There are a couple of things you can do to make sure the air condi- tioning works efficiently. Periodically check the engine's radiator and air conditioning condenser for leaves, insects, and dirt stuck to the front surface. These block the air flow and reduce cooling efficiency. Use a light spray from a hose or a soft brush to remove them. AIR CONDITIONING CONDENSER NOTICE The condenser and radiator fins bend easily. Only use a low- pressure spray or soft-bristle brush to clean them. Run the air conditioning at least once a week during the cold weather months. Run it for at least ten minutes while you are driving at a steady speed with the engine at normal operating temperature. This circulates the lubricating oil contained in the refrigerant. Maintenance If the air conditioning does not get as cold as before, have your dealer check the system. Recharge the system with Refrigerant HFC-134a (R-134a). (See Specifications on page 211.) NOTICE Whenever you have the air condi- tioning system serviced, make sure the service facility uses a refrige- rant recycling system. This system captures the refrigerant for reuse. Releasing refrigerant into the at- mosphere can damage the environ- ment. Main MenuTable of ContentsstEngine Belts POWER STEERING BELT The belts should have the following "play" or deflection. Alternator belt: (With air conditioning) 10.0 — 12.0 mm (0.39 — 0.47 in) (Without air conditioning) 10.5 — 12.5 mm (0.41 — 0.49 in) Power steering belt: 13.5 — 16.5 mm (0.53 — 0.65 in) If you see signs of wear or loose- ness, have your dealer adjust or replace the belts. ALTERNATOR BELT Check the condition of the two engine belts. Examine the edges of each belt for cracks or fraying. Check the tension of each belt by pushing on it with your thumb midway between the pulleys. Engine Belts, Tires Tires To safely operate your car, your tires must be the proper type and size, in good condition with adequate tread, and correctly inflated. The following pages give more detailed information on how and when to check air pressure, how to inspect your tires for damage, and what to do when your tires need to be replaced. Using tires that are ex- cessively worn or improperly inflated can cause a crash in which you can be seriously hurt or killed. Follow all instructions in this owner's manual regarding tire inflation and maintenance. CONTINUED Maintenance Main MenuTable of ContentsstTires Inflation Keeping the tires properly inflated provides the best combination of handling, tread life and riding comfort. Underinflated tires wear unevenly, adversely affect handling and fuel economy, and are more likely to fail from being overheated. Overinflated tires can make your car ride more harshly, are more prone to damage from road hazards, and wear unevenly. We recommend that you visually check your tires every day and use a gauge to measure the air pressure at least once a month. If you think a tire might be low, check it immediately. Remember to check the spare tire at the same time you check all the other tires. Check the pressure in the tires when they are cold. This means the car has been parked for at least three hours. If you have to drive Maintenance the car before checking the tire pressure, the tires can still be considered "cold" if you drive less than 1.6 km (1 mile). If you check the pressure when the tires are hot (the car has been driven several miles), you will see readings 28 to 41 kPa (0.3 to 0.4 kg/cm2, 4 to 6 psi) higher than the cold reading. This is normal. Do not let air out to match the specified cold pressure. The tire will be underinflated. Recommended Tire Pressures for Normal Driving The following chart shows the recommended cold tire pressures for most normal driving conditions and speeds. Tire pressures for high speed driving are shown on page 216. The compact spare tire pressure is: 415 kPa (4.15 kg/cm2 , 60 psi) The pressures are also given on the tire information label on the driver's door jamb. Main MenuTable of ContentsstYou should get your own tire pressure gauge and use it when- ever you check your tire pressures. This will makes it easier for you to tell if a pressure loss is due to a tire problem and not due to a variation between gauges. Tubeless tires have some ability to self-seal if they are punctured. However, because leakage is often very slow, you should look closely for punctures if a tire starts losing pressure. Inspection Every time you check inflation, you should also examine the tires for damage, foreign objects, and wear. You should look for: Bumps or bulges in the tread or side of the tire. Replace the tire if you find either of these condi- tions. Cuts, splits, or cracks in the side of the tire. Replace the tire if you can see fabric or tread. Excessive tread wear. INDICATOR LOCATION MARKS TREAD WEAR INDICATORS Tires Your car's tires have wear indica- tors molded into the tread. When the tread wears down to that point, you will see a 12.7 mm (1/2 inch) wide band running across the tread. This shows there is less than 1.6 mm (1/16 inch) of tread left on the tire. A tire that is this worn gives very little traction on wet roads. You should replace the tire if you can see the tread wear indicator in three or more places around the tire. Maintenance In addition to proper inflation, correct wheel alignment helps to decrease tire wear. You should get your car's wheel alignment check- ed every 12 months or 24,000 km (15,000 miles). CONTINUED Maintenance Main MenuTable of ContentsstTires The tires were properly balanced by the factory. They may need to be rebalanced at some time before they are worn out. Have your dealer check the tires if you feel a consistent vibration while driving. A tire should always be rebalanced if it is removed from the wheel for repair. Make sure the installer balances the wheels when you have new tires installed. This increases riding comfort and tire life. Your car's original tires were dynamic or "spin" balanced at the factory. For best results, have the installer perform a dynamic balance. NOTICE Tire Rotation Front To help increase tire life and distribute wear more evenly, you should have the tires rotated every 12,000 km (7,500 miles). Move the tires to the positions shown in the chart each time they are rotated. (Except S) Improper wheel weights can damage your car's aluminum wheels. Use only genuine Honda wheel weights for balancing. Replacing Tires and Wheels The tires that came with your car were selected to match the perform- ance capabilities of the car while providing the best combination of Maintenance handling, ride comfort, and long life. You should replace them with radial tires of the same size, load range, speed rating, and maximum cold tire pressure rating (as shown on the tire's sidewall). Mixing radial and bias-ply tires on your car can reduce its braking ability, traction, and steering accuracy. Installing improper tires on your car can affect handling and stability. This can cause a crash in which you can be seriously hurt or killed. Always use the size and type of tires recommended in this owner's manual. Main MenuTable of ContentsstIt is best to replace all four tires at the same time. If that is not possi- ble or necessary, then replace the two front tires or the two rear tires as a pair. Replacing just one tire can seriously affect your car's han- dling. If you ever need to replace a wheel, make sure the wheel's specifi- cations match those of the original wheel that came on your car. Re- placement wheels are available at your Honda dealer. The maximum permissible tire pressure, as shown on the tire's sidewall, should be 300 kPa (3.0 kg/ cm2, 44 psi). See Tire Information on page 215 for additional information about tire and wheel size designations. See page 216 for information about DOT Tire Quality Grading. Tires 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. Wheels and Tires Wheel: (S) 14 x 5.5 JJ (Except S) 15 x 6.5 JJ Tire: (S) 185/70R14 87H (Except S) 205/55R15 87V CONTINUED Maintenance Main MenuTable of ContentsstNOTICE 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. Tires Snow Tires 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 recommendations. Tire Chains Mount snow chains on your car when warranted by driving condi- tions or required by local laws. Make sure the chains are the cor- rect 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 de- vices 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 tighten them. If they still make contact, slow down until it stops. Remove the chains as soon as you begin driving on cleared roads. Maintenance Main MenuTable of ContentsstReplacing a Headlight Bulb Your car has two bulbs on each side, four in total. Make sure you are replacing the bulb that is burned out. Your car uses halogen headlight bulbs. When replacing a bulb, handle it by its plastic case 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. NOTICE Halogen headlight bulbs get very hot when lit. Oil, perspiration, or a scratch on the glass can cause the bulb to overheat and shatter. 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. 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 light Side marker lights Daytime running lights (Canadian cars)

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1994 Honda Prelude Owners Manual