1998 Honda Prelude Owners Manual

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Brights, Headlights......................... 60 Bulb Replacement Back-up Lights........................... 211 Brake Lights............................... 211 Ceiling Lights............................. 215 Courtesy Lights......................... 215 Front Parking Lights................. 208 Front Side Marker Lights......... 209 Headlights.................................. 206 High-mount Brake Light.......... 213 License Plate Light.................... 214 Rear Side Marker Lights.......... 211 Specifications............................. 255 Trunk Light................................ 216 Turn Signal Lights..................... 210 Bulbs, Halogen............................... 206 Cables, Jump Starting With.......... 236 Capacities Chart............................. 254 Carbon Monoxide Hazard.............. 47 Cargo, Loading............................... 128 Cassette Player Care.............................................116 Operation.................................... 113 CAUTION, Explanation of............... ii CD Changer.................................... 109 CD Player........................................ 109 Certification Label......................... 252 Chains............................................. 202 Change Oil How to.........................................175 When to....................................... 164 Changing a Flat Tire ..................... 229 Changing Engine Coolant............. 179 Charging System Indicator .... 53, 241 Checking Automatic Transmission Fluid........................................ 183 Battery Condition...................... 190 Brake Fluid................................. 185 Clutch Fluid................................186 Drive Belts.................................. 196 Engine Coolant........................... 124 Engine Oil................................... 123 Fuses........................................... 246 Manual Transmission Fluid ..... 184 Power Steering Fluid................. 186 Checklist, Before Driving............. 132 Child Safety......................................19 Cleaner, Air.................................... 187 Main MenustCleaning Aluminum Wheels..................... 221 Carpeting.................................... 222 Exterior....................................... 220 Fabric.......................................... 222 Interior........................................ 222 Seat Belts....................................223 Vinyl............................................ 222 Windows..................................... 223 Clock, Setting the ............................ 85 Clutch Fluid.................................... 186 Coin Box........................................... 88 CO in the Exhaust......................... 261 Cold Weather, Starting in............. 133 Compact Spare............................... 228 Consumer Information*................ 266 Controls, Instruments and.............. 49 Coolant Adding......................................... 177 Checking..................................... 124 Proper Solution.......................... 177 Replacing.................................... 179 Temperature Gauge.................... 57 Corrosion Protection..................... 224 Courtesy Lights............................... 90 Index Crankcase Emission Control System......................................... 261 Cruise Control Operation............... 65 Customer Relations Office........... 266 DANGER, Explanation of................. ii Dashboard........................................ 50 Daytime Running Lights................. 60 Dead Battery, What to Do............ 236 Defects, Reporting Safety............. 270 Defog and Defrost........................... 98 Defogger, Rear Window................. 63 DEXRON® III Automatic Transmission Fluid.................... 183 Dimensions..................................... 254 Dimming the Headlights ................ 60 Dipstick Automatic Transmission........... 183 Engine Oil................................... 123 Directional Signals........................... 61 Disabled, Towing Your Car If...... 250 Disc Brake Wear Indicators......... 145 Disposal of Used Oil...................... 176 Doors Locking and Unlocking............... 72 Power Door Locks....................... 72 DOT Tire Quality Grading........... 257 Downshifting, 5-speed Manual Transmission.............................. 134 Drive Belts...................................... 190 Driving............................................ 131 Economy..................................... 125 In Bad Weather.......................... 150 In Foreign Countries................. 260 Economy, Fuel............................... 125 Emergencies on the Road............. 227 Battery, Jump Starting.............. 236 Brake System Indicator............ 243 Changing a Flat Tire................. 229 Charging System Indicator ...... 241 Checking the Fuses................... 245 Low Oil Pressure Indicator...... 240 Malfunction Indicator Lamp.... 242 Manually Closing Moonroof.... 243 Overheated Engine................... 238 CONTINUED Main MenustIndex Emergency Brake............................ 84 Emergency Flashers....................... 63 Emission Controls......................... 261 Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge ..... 57 Malfunction Indicator Lamp................................. 53, 242 Oil Pressure Indicator......... 53, 240 Oil, What Kind to Use............... 173 Overheating................................ 238 Specifications............................. 254 Ethanol in Gasoline ....................... 259 Evaporative Emission Controls.... 261 Exhaust Fumes................................ 47 Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat Belts by.........................................17 Exterior, Cleaning the................... 220 Fabric, Cleaning............................. 222 Fan, Interior...................................... 92 Features, Comfort and Convenience................................. 91 Filling the Fuel Tank..................... 121 Filters Air................................................187 Oil................................................175 First Gear, Shifting........................ 142 5-speed Manual Transmission Checking Fluid Level................ 184 Shifting the................................. 134 Flashers, Hazard Warning.............. 63 Flat Tire, Changing a.................... 229 Fluids Automatic Transmission........... 183 Brake...........................................185 Clutch..........................................186 Manual Transmission............... 184 Power Steering........................... 186 Windshield Washer................... 182 FM Stereo Radio Reception.................................... 105 Folding Rear Seat............................ 79 Foreign Countries, Driving in...... 260 Four-way Flashers........................... 63 Front End, Towing by Emergency Wrecker................. 250 Fuel..................................................120 Fill Door and Cap....................... 121 Gauge............................................ 57 Octane Requirement................. 120 Oxygenated................................ 259 Reserve Indicator......................... 55 Tank, Filling the......................... 121 Fuses, Checking the...................... 245 Gas Mileage, Improving................ 125 Gasohol........................................... 259 Gasoline.......................................... 120 Fuel Reserve Indicator................ 55 Gauge............................................ 57 Octane Requirement................. 120 Tank, Filling the......................... 121 Gas Station Procedures................. 121 Gauges Engine Coolant Temperature .... 57 Fuel................................................57 Gearshift Lever Positions Automatic Transmission........... 137 5-speed Manual Transmission.......................... 134 Glass Cleaning............................... 223 Glove Box......................................... 74 Main MenustHalogen Headlight Bulbs.............. 206 Hazard Warning Flashers............... 63 Headlights Aiming......................................... 205 Daytime Running Lights............. 60 High Beam Indicator................... 60 High Beams, Turning on............ 60 Low Beams, Turning on ............. 60 Reminder Chime.......................... 60 Replacing Halogen Bulbs ......... 206 Turning on.................................... 60 Head Restraints............................... 77 Heating and Cooling........................ 92 High Altitude, Starting at.............. 133 High-Low Beam Switch .................. 60 High-mount Brake Light............... 213 Hood, Opening the ........................ 122 Horn................................................... 59 Hot Coolant, Warning About........ 177 Hydraulic Clutch............................ 186 Hydroplaning.................................. 151 Identification Number, Vehicle.... 252 If Your Car Has to be Towed....... 250 Ignition Keys............................................... 68 Switch............................................ 70 Timing Control System............. 262 Immobilizer System......................... 69 Indicator Lights, Instrument Panel.............................................. 51 Infant Restraint................................ 19 Inflation, Proper Tire .................... 197 High Speed Driving................... 257 Normal Driving.......................... 198 Inside Mirror.................................... 83 Inspection, Tire.............................. 198 Instrument Panel............................. 50 Instrument Panel Brightness......... 61 Interior Cleaning............................ 222 Interior Lights.................................. 89 Introduction......................................... i Index Jack, Tire........................................ 230 Jump Starting................................. 236 Keys................................................... 68 Label, Certification........................ 252 Lane Change, Signaling.................. 61 Lap/Shoulder Belts......................... 40 Leaking of Exhaust into Car.......... 47 Learning Key.................................... 69 Lights Bulb Replacement..................... 206 Indicator........................................ 51 Parking.......................................... 60 Turn Signal................................... 61 Loading Cargo................................ 128 LOCK (Ignition Key Position)....... 71 Jacking up the Car......................... 231 CONTINUED Main MenustIndex Locks Anti-theft Steering Column........ 71 Fuel Fill Door............................. 121 Glove Box.....................................74 Power Door.................................. 72 Trunk............................................ 73 Low Coolant Level......................... 124 Lower Gear, Downshifting to a.... 134 Low Fuel Indicator.......................... 55 Low Oil Pressure Indicator.... 53, 240 Lubricant Specifications Chart........................................... 254 Luggage.......................................... 128 Meters, Gauges................................ 56 Methanol in Gasoline.................... 259 Mirrors, Adjusting........................... 83 Moonroof.......................................... 82 Closing Manually....................... 244 Operation...................................... 82 Selecting Proper Viscosity Chart....................................... 174 ON (Ignition Key Position) ............ 71 Opening the Hood ......................... 122 Opening the Trunk.......................... 73 Operation in Foreign Countries... 260 Outside Mirrors............................... 83 Overheating, Engine..................... 238 Neutral Gear Position.................... 139 New Vehicle Break-in ................... 120 Normal Shift Speeds...................... 135 NOTICE, Explanation of.................... i Numbers, Identification................ 252 Panel Brightness Control............... 61 Park Gear Position......................... 138 Parking............................................ 144 Parking Brake.................................. 84 Parking Lights.................................. 60 Parking Over Things that Burn... 144 PGM-FI System.............................. 262 Polishing and Waxing ................... 221 Power Door Locks................................... 72 Mirrors.......................................... 83 Steering.......................................186 Windows....................................... 80 Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts.......... 17 Maintenance................................... 159 Owner Maintenance Checks.... 171 Record................................. 169 - 170 Required Indicator....................... 58 Schedule............................. 162 - 168 Malfunction Indicator Lamp ... 53, 242 Manual Transmission..................... 134 Manual Transmission Fluid .......... 184 Maximum Allowable Shift Speeds................................. 135, 142 Octane Requirement, Gasoline.... 120 Odometer.......................................... 56 Odometer, Trip................................ 56 Oil Change, How to ......................... 175 Change, When to....................... 164 Checking Engine....................... 123 Pressure Indicator............... 53, 240 Main MenustProtecting Adults............................. 10 Additional Safety Precautions.... 17 Advice for Pregnant Women...... 17 Protecting Children......................... 19 Protecting Infants........................ 27 Protecting Larger Children........ 35 Protecting Small Children.......... 31 Using Child Seats with Tethers......................................38 Radiator Overheating.................... 238 Radio/CD Sound System.............. 100 Rear End Towing........................... 250 Rear Lights, Bulb Replacement... 211 Rear Seat Access ............................. 76 Rear Seat, Folding........................... 79 Rear View Mirror............................. 83 Rear Window Defogger.................. 63 Reclining the Seat Backs................ 75 Recommended Shift Speeds ........ 135 Reminder Lights.............................. 51 Replacement Information Air Cleaner Element.................. 187 Coolant........................................ 179 Engine Oil and Filter................. 175 Fuses...........................................245 Light Bulbs................................. 206 Schedule..................................... 164 SparkPlugs................................. 188 Timing Belt................................. 196 Tires............................................ 200 Wiper Blades.............................. 193 Replacing Seat Belts After a Crash.............................................42 Reserve Tank, Engine Coolant.... 124 Restraint, Child................................ 19 Reverse Gear Position................... 138 Rotation, Tire................................. 200 Safety Belts......................................... 5 Safety Features.................................. 5 Airbags.......................................... 43 Door Locks..................................... 9 Head Restraints............................. 8 Seat Belts........................................ 6 Seats & Seat-Backs........................ 8 Safety Labels, Location of.............. 48 Safety Messages................................ ii Index Seat Belt, Additional Information.. 40 Lap/Shoulder Belt....................... 40 Seat Belt Maintenance................ 42 Seat Belt System Components... 40 Seat Belts............................................ 6 Cleaning...................................... 223 Maintenance................................. 42 Reminder Light and Beeper....... 52 System Components.................... 40 Tether Attachment Points.......... 38 Use During Pregnancy................ 17 Seat Heaters..................................... 78 Seats, Adjusting the......................... 75 Sequential SportShift Mode......... 139 Serial Number................................ 252 Service Intervals............................ 164 Service Manual* ............................ 271 Service Station Procedures .......... 121 Setting the Clock............................. 85 Shifting The Automatic Transmission .. 137 The 5-speed Manual Transmission.......................... 134 Shift Lever Position Indicator...... 136 CONTINUED Main MenustIndex Shift Lock Release......................... 143 Side Marker Lights, Bulb Replacement in.......................... 209 Signaling Turns................................ 61 Snow Tires...................................... 202 Solvent-type Cleaners.................... 220 Sound System................................. 100 Spare Tire Inflating.......................................228 Specifications............................. 255 Spark Plugs, Replacing................. 188 Specifications Charts ............ 254, 255 Speed Control................................... 65 Speedometer.................................... 56 SRS, Additional Information........... 43 Additional Safety Precautions.... 46 How Your Airbags Work............ 43 How Your SRS Indicator Light Works........................................ 45 SRS Components......................... 43 SRS Service................................... 45 SRS Indicator.............................. 45, 53 START (Ignition Key Position) ..... 71 Starting the Engine........................ 133 In Cold Weather at High Altitude................................... 133 With a Dead Battery ................. 236 Steam Coming from Engine......... 238 Steering Wheel Adjustment................................... 64 Anti-theft Column Lock.............. 71 Stereo Sound System.................... 100 Storing Your Car............................ 217 Supplemental Restraint System..... 43 Servicing....................................... 45 SRS Indicator.......................... 45, 53 Synthetic Oil................................... 174 Tachometer...................................... 56 Taillights, Changing Bulbs in....... 211 Taking Care of the Unexpected................................ 227 Tape Player..................................... 113 Technical Descriptions Emission Control Systems........ 261 Three Way Catalytic Converter................................ 263 Tire Information........................ 256 Temperature Gauge........................ 57 Tether Attachment Points.............. 38 Three Way Catalytic Converter... 263 Time, Setting the ............................. 85 Timing Belt..................................... 196 Tire Chains..................................... 202 Tire, How to Change a Flat.......... 229 Tires................................................ 197 Air Pressure............................... 197 Checking Wear.......................... 198 Compact Spare........................... 228 DOT Tire Quality Grading....... 257 Inflation....................................... 197 Inspection................................... 198 Maintenance............................... 199 Replacing.................................... 200 Rotating....................................... 200 Snow............................................202 Specifications............................. 255 Tire Chains................................. 202 Technical Information.............. 256 Winter Driving........................... 201 Tools, Tire Changing.................... 229 Towing A Trailer...................................... 152 Emergency................................. 250 Main MenustTransmission Checking Fluid Level, Automatic............................... 183 Checking Fluid Level, Manual....................................184 Fluid Selection............................ 183 Identification Number............... 253 Shifting the Automatic.............. 136 Shifting the Manual................... 134 Treadwear...................................... 257 Trip Meter........................................ 56 Trunk................................................. 73 Opening the.................................. 73 Open Monitor Light.................... 55 Turn Signals..................................... 61 Underside, Cleaning...................... 224 Unexpected, Taking Care of the........................................... 227 Uniform Tire Quality Grading..... 257 Unleaded Gasoline......................... 120 Upholstery Cleaning...................... 222 Used Oil, How to Dispose of........ 176 Vehicle Capacity Load .................. 129 Vehicle Dimensions....................... 254 Vehicle Identification Number..... 252 Vehicle Storage.............................. 217 Ventilation.........................................95 VIN..................................................252 Vinyl Cleaning................................ 222 Viscosity, Oil................................... 174 Warning Beepers Headlights on............................... 60 Key in Ignition.............................. 71 Seat Belts........................................ 6 WARNING, Explanation of.............. ii Warning Labels, Location of.......... 48 Warranty Coverages*................... 269 Washer, Windshield Checking the Fluid Level......... 182 Operation...................................... 63 Washing.......................................... 220 Waxing and Polishing................... 221 Index Wheels Adjusting the Steering................ 64 Alignment and Balance............. 199 Compact Spare........................... 228 Wrench.......................................230 Windows Cleaning...................................... 223 Operating the Power................... 80 Rear, Defogger............................ 63 Windshield Cleaning........................................ 62 Defroster...................................... 98 Wipers, Windshield Changing Blades........................ 193 Operation...................................... 62 Worn Tires..................................... 198 Wrecker, Emergency Towing...... 250 * U.S. and Canada only Main MenustTire Pressure (measured cold): Front/Rear: 32 psi (220 kPa , 2.2 kgf/cm2 ) Service Information Summary Gasoline: Premium Unleaded gasoline, pump octane number of 91 or higher. Fuel Tank Capacity: 15.9 US gal (60l,13.2 Imp gal) Recommended Engine Oil: API Service SJ "Energy Conserving" oil, SAE 5W-30 viscosity (see page 173). Oil change capacity (including filter): 5.1 US qt (4.8 l,4.2 Imp qt) Automatic Transmission Fluid: Honda Premium Formula Automatic Transmission Fluid preferred, or a DEXRON® III ATF as temporary replacement (see page 183). 5-speed Manual Transmission Fluid: Honda Manual Transmission Fluid preferred, or an API service SG, SH or SJ, 10W-30 or 10W-40 motor oil as a temporary replacement (see page 184). Capacity (including differential): Type SH 2.2 US qt (2.1 l,1.8lmpqt) Except Type SH 2.0 US qt (1.9 l,1.7lmpqt) Power Steering Fluid: Genuine Honda Power Steering Fluid preferred, or another brand of power steering fluid as a temporary replacement. Do not use ATF (see page 186). Brake Fluid: Genuine Honda DOT3 Brake Fluid preferred, or a DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid as a temporary replacement (see page 185). Main Menust1998 Prelude Online Reference Owner's Manual Use these links (and links throughout this manual) to navigate through this reference. For a printed owner's manual, click on authorized manuals or go to www.helminc.com. Contents Owner's Identification Form Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... i A Few Words About Safety.................................................................................................................ii Driver and Passenger Safety ..............................................................................................................3 Proper use and care of your vehicle's seat belts, and Supplemental Restraint System. Instruments and Controls.................................................................................................................49 Instrument panel indicator and gauge, and how to use dashboard and steering column controls. Comfort and Convenience Features ............................................................................................. 91 How to operate the climate control system, the audio system, and other convenience features. Before Driving..................................................................................................................................119 What gasoline to use, how to break-in your new vehicle, and how to load luggage and other cargo. Driving ..............................................................................................................................................131 The proper way to start the engine, shift the transmission, and park, plus towing a trailer. Maintenance.....................................................................................................................................159 The Maintenance Schedule shows you when you need to take your vehicle to the dealer. Appearance Care..............................................................................................................................219 Tips on cleaning and protecting your vehicle. Things to look for if your vehicle ever needs body repairs. Taking Care of the Unexpected......................................................................................................227 This section covers several problems motorists sometimes experience, and how to handle them. Technical Information.....................................................................................................................251 ID numbers, dimensions, capacities, and technical information. Warranty and Customer Relations (U.S. and Canada)................................................................265 A summary of the warranties covering your new Acura, and how to contact us. Authorized Manuals (U.S. only)......................................................................................................271 How to order manuals and other technical literature. Index...................................................................................................................................................... I Service Information Summary A summary of information you need when you pull up to the fuel pump. Accord Value Package Audio System Introduction As you read this manual, you will find information that is preceded by information is intended to help you avoid damage to your Honda, other property, or the environment. symbol. This NOTICE Congratulations ! Your selection of a 1998 Honda Prelude was a wise investment. It will give you years of driving pleasure. One of the best ways to enhance the enjoyment of your new Honda is to read this manual. In it, you will learn how to operate its driving controls and convenience items. Afterwards, keep this owner's manual in your vehicle so you can refer to it at any time. Several warranties protect your new Honda. Read the warranty booklet thoroughly so you understand the coverages and are aware of your rights and responsibilities. Maintaining your vehicle according to the schedules given in this manual helps to keep your driving trouble-free while it preserves your investment. When your vehicle needs maintenance, keep in mind that your Honda dealer's staff is specially trained in servicing the many systems unique to your Honda. Your Honda dealer is dedicated to your satisfaction and will be pleased to answer any questions and concerns. Main MenustA Few Words About Safety Your safety, and the safety of others, is very important. And operating this vehicle safely is an important responsibility. To help you make informed decisions about safety, we have provided operating procedures and other information on labels and in this manual. This information alerts you to potential hazards that could hurt you or others. Of course, it is not practical or possible to warn you about all the hazards associated with operating or maintaining your vehicle. You must use your own good judgement. You will find this important safety information in a variety of forms, including: Safety Labels — on the vehicle. Safety Messages — preceded by a safety alert symbol three signal words: DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION. These signal words mean: and one of You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don't follow instructions. You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don't follow instructions. You CAN be HURT if you don't follow instructions. Safety Headings — such as Important Safety Reminders or Important Safety Precautions. Safety Section — such as Driver and Passenger Safety. Instructions — how to use this vehicle correctly and safely. This entire book is filled with important safety information — please read it carefully. Main MenustThis section gives you important information about how to protect yourself and your passengers. It shows you how to use seat belts properly. It explains your Supple- mental Restraint System. And it tells you how to properly restrain infants and children in your vehicle. Important Safety Precautions .......... 4 Your Vehicle's Safety Features........ 5 Seat Belts........................................ 6 Airbags............................................ 7 Seats & Seat-Backs........................ 8 Head Restraints............................. 8 Door Locks..................................... 9 Pre-Drive Safety Checklist........... 9 Protecting Adults............................. 10 1. Close and Lock the Doors...... 10 2. Adjust the Front Seats............ 11 3. Adjust the Seat-Backs............. 12 4. Adjust the Head Restraints.... 13 5. Fasten and Position the Seat Belts...................................... 14 6. Adjust the Steering Wheel..... 15 7. Maintain a Proper Sitting Position................................. 16 Advice for Pregnant Women...... 17 Additional Safety Precautions.... 17 Protecting Children......................... 19 All Children Must Be Restrained................................ 19 Children Should Sit in the Back Seat............................................20 The Passenger's Airbag Poses Serious Risks to Children....... 20 If You Must Drive with Several Children.................................... 21 Driver and Passenger Safety If a Child Requires Close Attention................................... 22 Additional Safety Precaution...... 22 General Guidelines for Using Child Seats................................ 23 Protecting Infants........................ 27 Protecting Small Children .......... 31 Protecting Larger Children........ 35 Using Child Seats with Tethers......................................38 Additional Information About Your Seat Belts.................................. 40 Seat Belt System Components... 40 Lap/Shoulder Belt....................... 40 Seat Belt Maintenance................ 42 Additional Information About Your SRS............................................43 SRS Components......................... 43 How Your Airbags Work............ 43 How Your SRS Indicator Light Works........................................45 SRS Service................................... 45 Additional Safety Precautions.... 46 Carbon Monoxide Hazard.............. 47 Safety Labels.................................... 48 Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenustBe Aware of Airbag Hazards While airbags save lives, they can cause serious or fatal injuries to occupants who sit too close to them, or are not properly restrained. Infants, young children, and short adults are at the greatest risk. Be sure to follow all instructions and warnings in this manual. (See page 5.) Control Your Speed Excessive speed is a major factor in crash injuries and deaths. Generally, the higher the speed the greater the risk, but serious accidents can also occur at lower speeds. Never drive faster than is safe for current conditions, regardless of the maximum speed posted. Don't Drink and Drive Alcohol and driving don't mix. Even one drink can reduce your ability to respond to changing conditions. Reaction time gets worse with every additional drink. So don't drink and drive, and don't let your friends drink and drive, either. Keep Your Vehicle in Safe Condition Having a tire blowout or a mechanical failure can be extremely hazardous. To reduce the possibility of such problems, check your tire pressures and condition frequently, and perform all regularly scheduled maintenance. (See page 162.) Important Safety Precautions You'll find many safety recommendations throughout this section, and throughout this manual. Following are a few recommendations we consider most important. Always Wear Your Seat Belt A seat belt is your best protection in all types of collisions. Airbags supplement seat belts, but airbags are designed to inflate only in a severe frontal collision. So even with airbags, make sure you and your passengers always wear your seat belts, and wear them properly. (See page 14.) Restrain All Children Children are safest when they are properly restrained in the back seat, not the front seat. A child who is too small for a seat belt must be properly restrained in a child safety seat. (See page 19.) Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentsstYour Vehicle's Safety Features Your vehicle is equipped with many features that work together to protect you and your passengers during a crash. Some safety features do not require any action on your part. These include a strong steel framework that forms a safety cage around the passenger compartment; front and rear crush zones that are designed to crumple and absorb energy during a crash; and a collapsible steering column. These safety features are designed to reduce the severity of injuries in a crash. However, you and your passengers can't take full advantage of these safety features unless you remain sitting in a proper position and always wear your seat belts properly. In fact, some safety features can contribute to injuries if they are not used properly. Driver and Passenger Safety (1) Safety Cage (2) Crush Zones (3) Seats & Seat-Backs (4) Head Restraints (5) Collapsible Steering Column (6) Seat Belts (7) Airbags (8) Door Locks Main MenuTable of ContentsstYour Vehicle's Safety Features Seat Belts For your safety, and the safety of your passengers, your vehicle is equipped with seat belts in all seating positions. Your seat belt system also includes a light on the instrument panel to remind you and your passengers to fasten your seat belts. Why Wear Seat Belts Seat belts are the single most effective safety device for adults and larger children. (Infants and smaller children must be properly restrained in child seats.) Not wearing a seat belt properly increases the chance of serious injury or death in a crash, even though your vehicle has airbags. Driver and Passenger Safety In addition, most states and all Canadian provinces require you to wear seat belts. Help keep you from being thrown against the inside of the car and against other occupants. Not wearing a seat belt properly increases the chance of serious injury or death in a crash, even if you have airbags. Be sure you and your passengers always wear seat belts and wear them properly. When properly worn, seat belts: Keep you connected to the vehicle so you can take advantage of the vehicle's built-in safety features. Help protect you in almost every type of crash, including side and rear impacts and rollovers. (Your airbags can only be helpful in severe frontal collisions.) Keep you from being thrown outside of the car. Help keep you in a good position should the airbags ever deploy. A good position reduces the risk of injury from an inflating airbag, and allows you to get the best advantage from the airbags. Of course, seat belts cannot completely protect you in every crash. But in most cases, seat belts can reduce your risk of serious injury. What you should do: Always wear your seat belt, and make sure you wear it properly. Main MenuTable of ContentsstYour Vehicle's Safety Features Airbags Your vehicle has a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) with frontal airbags to help protect the driver and a front seat passenger. This system also includes SRS an indicator light on the instrument panel to alert you to a possible problem with the system. Following are the most important things you need to know about your airbags. Airbags do not replace seat belts. They supplement seat belts by providing extra protection for the heads and chests of front seat occupants. Airbags offer no protection in side impacts, rear impacts, rollovers, or minor or moderate collisions. Airbags are designed to deploy only during a severe frontal collision (such as a 25 mph [40 km/h] crash into a parked car of similar size and weight). Airbags can pose serious hazards. To do their job, airbags must inflate with tremendous force and speed. So while airbags save lives, they can cause serious injuries to adults and larger children who are not wearing seat belts, are not wearing them properly, are sitting too close to the airbag, or are not sitting in a proper position. Infants and small children are at an even greater risk of injury or death. What you should do: Always wear your seat belt properly and sit upright and as far back as possible from the steering wheel or dashboard. Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentsstYour Vehicle's Safety Features What you should do: Move the front seats as far back as possible, and keep adjustable seat-backs in an upright position whenever the vehicle is moving. Head Restraints Head restraints can help protect you from whiplash and other injuries. For maximum protection, the back of your head should rest against the center of the head restraint. Seats & Seat-Backs Your vehicle seats are designed to keep you in a comfortable, upright position so you can take full advantage of the protection offered by seat belts and the seats' energy absorbing materials. How you adjust your seats and seat- backs can also affect your safety. For example, sitting too close to the steering wheel or dashboard increases your risk of being injured by striking the inside of the vehicle or being injured by an inflating airbag. Reclining a seat-back too far makes your seat belt less effective and increases your chance of sliding under the seat belt and being seriously injured in a crash. Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentsstDoor Locks Keeping your doors locked reduces the chance of being thrown out of the vehicle during a crash. It also helps prevent occupants from accidentally opening a door and falling out, and outsiders from unexpectedly opening your doors. Your Vehicle's Safety Features Head restraints are properly adjusted (see page 13). Both doors are closed and locked (see page 10). All cargo is properly stored or secured (see page 128). The rest of this section gives more detailed information about how you can maximize your safety. Remember, however, that no safety system can prevent all injuries or deaths that can occur in severe crashes, even when seat belts are properly worn and the airbags deploy. Pre-Drive Safety Checklist To make sure you and your passengers get the maximum protection from your vehicle's safety features, check the following each time before you drive away: All adults, and children who have outgrown child safety seats, are wearing their seat belts and wearing them properly (see page 14). Any infant or small child is properly restrained in a child seat in the back seat (see page 19). Front seat occupants are sitting as far back as possible from the steering wheel and dashboard (see page 11). Seat-backs are upright (see page 12). Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentsstProtecting Adults Introduction The following pages provide instructions on how to properly protect the driver and other adult occupants. These instructions also apply to children who have outgrown child seats and are large enough to wear lap/shoulder belts. (See page 35 for important additional guidelines on how to properly protect larger children.) 1. Close and Lock the Doors After everyone has entered the vehicle, be sure the doors are closed and locked. Your vehicle has a door monitor light on the instrument panel to indicate when a specific door is not tightly closed. For safety, locking the doors reduces the chance of a passenger, especially a child, opening a door while the vehicle is moving and accidentally falling out. It also reduces the chance of someone being thrown out of the vehicle during a crash. For security, locked doors can prevent an outsider from unexpectedly opening a door when you come to a stop. See page 72 for how to lock the doors. Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of Contentsst2. Adjust the Front Seats To reduce the chance of injury, wear your seat belt properly, sit upright with your back against the seat, and move the seat as far back as possible from the steering wheel while still maintaining full control of the car. Also make sure your front seat passenger moves their seat as far to the rear as possible. Any driver who sits too close to the steering wheel is at risk of being seriously injured or killed by striking the steering wheel or being struck by an inflating airbag during a crash. Protecting Adults Sitting too close to an airbag can result in serious injury or death if the airbags inflate. Always sit as far back from the airbags as possible. Most shorter drivers can get far enough away from the steering wheel and still reach the pedals. However, if you are concerned about sitting too close, we recommend that you investigate whether some type of adaptive equipment may help. Once your seat is adjusted correctly, rock it forward and back to make sure the seat is locked in position. See page 75 for how to adjust the front seats. Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentsstA front passenger should also adjust the seat-back to an upright position, as far from the dashboard as possible. If the passenger sits too close to the dashboard, they could be injured if the airbag inflates. Reclining a seat-back so that the shoulder part of the belt no longer rests against an occupant's chest reduces the protective capability of the belt. It also increases the chance of sliding under the belt and being seriously injured in a crash. The farther a seat-back is reclined, the greater the risk of injury. Reclining the seat-back too far can result in serious injury or death in a crash. Adjust the seat-back to an upright position and sit well back in the seat. See page 75 for how to adjust seat- backs. Protecting Adults 3. Adjust the Seat-Backs Adjust the driver's seat-back to a comfortable, upright position, leaving ample space between your chest and the airbag cover in the center of the steering wheel. If you sit too close to the steering wheel, you could be injured if the airbag inflates. Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentsstProtecting Adults Properly adjusted head restraints will help protect you from whiplash and other crash injuries. See page 77 for how to adjust the head restraints. Improperly positioning head restraints reduces their effectiveness and you can be seriously injured in a crash. Make sure head restraints are in place and positioned properly before driving. 4. Adjust the Head Restraints Before driving, make sure everyone with an adjustable head restraint has properly positioned the head restraint. The restraint should be positioned so the back of the occupant's head rests against the center of the restraint. A taller person should adjust the restraint as high as possible. Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentsstProtecting Adults 5. Fasten and Position the Seat Belts Insert the latch plate into the buckle, then tug on the belt to make sure the belt is securely latched. Also check that the belt is not twisted, because a twisted belt can cause serious injuries in a crash. Driver and Passenger Safety If necessary, pull up on the belt again to remove any slack from the shoulder part, then check that the belt rests across the center of your chest and over your shoulder. This spreads the forces of a crash over the strongest bones in your upper body. Improperly positioning the seat belts can cause serious injury or death in a crash. Make sure all seat belts are properly positioned before driving. Never place the shoulder portion of a lap/shoulder belt under your arm or behind your back. This could cause very serious injuries in a crash. Position the lap part of the belt as low as possible across your hips, then pull up on the shoulder part of the belt so the lap part fits snugly. This lets your strong pelvic bones take the force of a crash and reduces the chance of internal injuries. Main MenuTable of ContentsstProtecting Adults See page 40 for additional information about your seat belt system and how to take care of your belts. 6. Adjust the Steering Wheel If your seat belt does not seem to work as it should, it may not protect you in a crash. Anyone using an inoperative seat belt can be seriously injured or killed. No one should sit in a seat with an inoperative seat belt. Have your Honda dealer check the belt as soon as possible. Adjust the steering wheel, if needed, so that the wheel points toward your chest, not toward your face. Pointing the steering wheel toward your face decreases the protective capability of the driver's airbag. See page 64 for how to adjust the steering wheel. Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentsstIn addition, if an occupant is out of position in the front seat, they can be seriously or fatally injured by striking interior parts of the vehicle, or by being struck by an inflating airbag. Sitting improperly or out of position can result in serious injury or death in a crash. Always sit upright, well back in the seat, with your feet on the floor. Remember, to get the best protection from your vehicle's airbags and other safety features, you must sit properly and wear your seat belt properly. Protecting Adults 7. Maintain a Proper Sitting Position After all occupants have adjusted their seats and put on seat belts, it is very important that they continue to sit upright, with their bodies well back in their seats and both feet on the floor, until the car is parked and the engine is off. Sitting improperly can increase the chance of injury during a crash. For example, if an occupant slouches, lies down, turns sideways, sits forward, leans forward, or puts one or both feet up, their chance of injury during a crash is greatly increased. Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentsstPregnant women should also sit as far back as possible from the steering wheel or dashboard. This will reduce the risk of injuries to both the mother and her unborn child that can be caused by a crash or an inflating airbag. Each time you have a checkup, ask your doctor if it's okay for you to drive. Protecting Adults Additional Safety Precautions Two people should never use the same seat belt. If they do, they could be very seriously injured in a crash. Do not put any accessories on seat belts. Devices intended to improve occupant comfort, or reposition the shoulder part of a seat belt, can severely compromise the protective capability of seat belts and increase the chance of serious injury in a crash. Advice for Pregnant Women Because protecting the mother is the best way to protect her unborn child, a pregnant woman should always wear a seat belt whenever she drives or rides in a car. Remember to keep the lap portion of the belt as low as possible across your hips. CONTINUED Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentsstProtecting Adults Do not place hard or sharp objects between yourself and an airbag. Carrying hard or sharp objects on your lap, or driving with a pipe or other sharp object in your mouth, can result in injuries if your airbags inflate. Keep your hands and arms away from the airbag covers. If your hands or arms are close to the SRS covers in the center of the steering wheel and on top of the dashboard, they could be injured if the airbags inflate. Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentsstChildren who are unrestrained or improperly restrained can be seriously injured or killed in a crash. Any child too small for a seat belt should be properly restrained in a child seat. Larger children should be properly restrained with a seat belt. Children depend on adults to protect them. However, despite their best intentions, many parents and other adults do not know how to properly protect young passengers. So if you have children, or if you ever need to drive with a grandchild or other children in your vehicle, be sure to read this section. Protecting Children All Children Must Be Restrained Each year, many children are injured or killed in vehicle crashes because they are either unrestrained or not properly restrained. In fact, vehicle accidents are the number one cause of death of children ages 12 and under. To reduce the number of child deaths and injuries, every state and Canadian province requires that infants and children be restrained whenever they ride in a vehicle. Any child who is too small to wear a seat belt should be properly restrained in a child seat. (See page 23.) Larger children should always be restrained with a seat belt. (See page 35.) Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentsstProtecting Children Children Should Sit in the Back Seat According to accident statistics, children of all ages and sizes are safer when they are restrained in the back seat, not the front seat. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends that all children ages 12 and under ride in the back seat, properly restrained. In the back seat, children are less likely to be injured by striking hard interior vehicle parts during a collision or hard braking. Also, children cannot be injured by an inflating airbag when they ride in the back. Driver and Passenger Safety The Passenger's Airbag Poses Serious Risks to Children Airbags have been designed to help protect adults in a severe frontal collision. To do this, the passenger's airbag is quite large, and it inflates with tremendous speed. Infants Never put a rear-facing child seat in the front seat of a vehicle equipped with a passenger's airbag. If the airbag inflates, it can hit the back of the child seat with enough force to kill or very seriously injure an infant. Small Children Placing a forward-facing child seat in the front seat of a vehicle equipped with a passenger's airbag can be hazardous. If the vehicle seat is too far forward, or the child's head is thrown forward during a collision, an inflating airbag can strike the child with enough force to kill or very seriously injure a small child. Larger Children Children who have outgrown child seats are also at risk of being injured or killed by an inflating passenger airbag. Whenever possible, larger children should sit in the back seat, properly restrained with a seat belt. (See page 35 for important information about protecting larger children.) Main MenuTable of ContentsstU.S. Models To remind you of the passenger's airbag hazards, and that children must be properly restrained in the back seat, your vehicle has warning labels on the dashboard and on the driver's and front passenger's visors. Please read and follow the instructions on these labels. Protecting Children If You Must Drive with Several Children Your vehicle has two seating positions in the back seat where children can be properly restrained. If you ever have to carry more than two children in your vehicle: Place the largest child in the front seat, provided the child is large enough to wear a seat belt properly (see page 35). Move the vehicle seat as far to the rear as possible (see page 11). Have the child sit upright and well back in the seat (see page 16). Make sure the seat belt is properly positioned and secured (see page 14). Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentsstAdditional Safety Precaution Do not leave children alone in your vehicle. Leaving children without adult supervision is illegal in most states and can be very hazardous. For example, infants and small children left in a vehicle on a hot day can die from heatstroke. And children left alone with the key in the ignition can accidentally set the vehicle in motion, possibly injuring themselves or others. Protecting Children If a Child Requires Close Attention Many parents say they prefer to put an infant or small child in the front passenger seat so they can watch the child, or because the child requires attention. Placing a child in the front seat exposes them to hazards from the airbag, and paying close attention to a child distracts the driver from the important tasks of driving, creating serious safety risks. If a child requires physical attention or frequent visual contact, we strongly recommend that another adult ride with the child in the back seat. The back seat is far safer for a child than the front. Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentsstProtecting Children General Guidelines for Using Child Seats The following pages give general guidelines for selecting and installing child seats for infants and small children. Selecting a Child Seat To provide proper protection, a child seat should meet three requirements: 1. The child seat should meet safety standards. The child seat should meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 (FMVSS 213) or Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Look for the manufacturer's statement of compliance on the box and seat. 2. The child seat should be of the proper type and size to fit the child. Infants: Children up to about one year old should be restrained in a rear-facing, reclining child seat. Only rear-facing seats provide the support an infant needs to protect their head, neck, and back. See page 27 for additional information on protecting infants. Small Children: A child who is too large for a rear-facing child seat, and who can sit up without support, should be restrained in a forward- facing child seat. See page 31 for additional information on protecting small children. CONTINUED Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentsstProtecting Children 3. The child seat should fit the vehicle seating position (or positions) where it will be used. Due to variations in the design of child seats, vehicle seats, and seat belts, all child seats will not fit all vehicle seating positions. Whenever possible, we recommend that parents test a child seat in the specific vehicle seating position (or positions) where they intend to use the seat before making a purchase. If a previously purchased child seat does not fit, you may need to buy a different one that will fit. However, Honda is confident that one or more child seat models can fit and be properly installed in all recommended seating positions in your vehicle. Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentsstPlacing a Child Seat This page briefly summarizes Honda's recommendations on where to place rear-facing and forward- facing child seats in your vehicle. Airbags Pose Serious Risks to Children The passenger's airbag inflates with enough force to kill or seriously injure an infant in a rear-facing child seat. A small child in a forward-facing child seat is also at risk. If the vehicle seat is too far forward, or the child's head is thrown forward during a collision, an inflating airbag can kill or seriously injure the child. If a small child must ride in the front, follow the instructions provided. Protecting Children Front Passenger's Seat Infants: Never in the front seat, clue to the passenger airbag hazard. Small children: Not recommended, due to the passenger's airbag hazard. If a small child must ride in front, move the vehicle seat to the rear-most position and secure a front-facing child seat with the seat belt (see page 32). Back Seats Infants: Recommended positions. Secure a rear-facing child seat with the seat belt (see page 28). Small children: Recommended positions. Secure a front-facing child seat with the seat belt (see page 32). CONTINUED Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentsstProtecting Children Installing a Child Seat After selecting a proper child seat, and a good position to install the seat, there are three main steps in installing the seat: To provide security during normal driving maneuvers, as well as during a collision, we recommend that parents secure a child seat as firmly as possible. 1. Secure the child seat to the car with a seat belt. All child seats must be secured to the car with the lap part of a lap/shoulder belt. A child whose seat is not properly secured to the car can be endangered in a crash. See pages 28 and 32 for instructions on how to secure child seats in this car. 2. Make sure the child seat is firmly secured. After installing a child seat, push and pull the seat forward and from side to side to verify that it is secure. However, a child seat does not need to be "rock solid." In some vehicles or seating positions, it may be difficult to install a child seat so that it does not move at all. Some side-to- side or forward-and-back movement can be expected and should not reduce the child seat's effectiveness. If the child seat is not secure, try installing it in a different seating position, or use a different style of child seat that can be firmly secured in the desired seating position. 3. Secure the child in the child seat. Make sure the child is properly strapped in the child seat according to the child seat maker's instructions. A child who is not properly secured in a child seat can be thrown out of the seat and be seriously injured in a crash. Storing a Child Seat When you are not using a child seat, either remove it and store it in a safe place, or make sure it is properly secured. An unsecured child seat can be thrown around the vehicle during a crash or sudden stop and injure someone. Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentsstProtecting Infants Child Seat Type To provide proper support for a baby's head, neck and back, infants up to about one year of age must be restrained in a rear-facing child seat. Two types of seats may be used: a seat designed exclusively for infants, or a convertible seat used in the rear- facing, reclining mode. Placing a rear-facing child seat in the front seat can result in serious injury or death if the airbags inflate. Always place a rear-facing child seat in the back seat, not the front. We recommend that an infant stay in a rear-facing child seat as long as possible, until they reach the seat maker's weight or height limit and are able to sit up without support. Protecting Children Infant Seat Placement In this vehicle, a rear-facing child seat can be placed in any seating position in the back seat, but not in the front seat. Never put a rear-facing child seat in the front seat. If the passenger's airbag inflates, it can hit the back of the child seat with enough force to kill or seriously injure an infant. If an infant must be closely watched, we recommend that another adult sit in the back seat with the baby. Do not put a rear-facing child seat in a forward-facing position. If an infant faces forward, they could be very seriously injured during a frontal collision. CONTINUED Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentsstProtecting Children Infant Seat Installation The lap/shoulder belts in the back seats have a locking mechanism that must be activated to secure a child seat. The following pages provide instructions and tips on how to secure a rear-facing child seat with this type of seat belt. Driver and Passenger Safety 1. With the child seat in the desired back seating position, route the belt through the child seat according to the seat maker's instructions, then insert the latch plate into the buckle. 2. To activate the lockable retractor, slowly pull the shoulder part of the belt all the way out until it stops, then let the belt feed back into the retractor (you might hear a clicking noise as the belt retracts). 3. After the belt has retracted, tug on it. If the belt is locked, you will not be able to pull it out. If you can pull the belt out, it is not locked and you will need to repeat these steps. Main MenuTable of ContentsstProtecting Children To deactivate the locking mechanism in order to remove a child seat, unlatch the buckle, unroute the seat belt, and let the belt fully retract. CONTINUED Driver and Passenger Safety 4. After confirming that the belt is locked, grab the shoulder part of the belt near the buckle and pull up to remove any slack from the lap part of the belt. Remember, if the lap part of the belt is not tight, the child seat will not be secure. To remove slack, it may help to put weight on the child seat, or push on the back of the seat while pulling up on the belt. 5. Push and pull the child seat forward and from side to side to verify that it is secure enough to stay upright during normal driving maneuvers. If the child seat is not secure, unlatch the belt, allow it to retract fully, then repeat these steps. Main MenuTable of ContentsstProtecting Children Infant Seat Installation Tips For proper protection, an infant must ride in a reclined, or semi-reclined position. To determine the proper reclining angle, check with the baby's doctor or follow the seat maker's recommendations. To achieve the desired reclining angle, it may help to put a rolled up towel under the toe of the child seat, as shown above. Driver and Passenger Safety When properly installed, a rear- facing child seat may prevent the driver or a front-seat passenger from moving their seat as far back as recommended (see page 11). Or it may prevent the seat-back from locking in the desired position (see page 12). In either case, we recommend that you place the child seat directly behind the front passenger seat, move the front seat as far forward as needed, and leave it unoccupied. You may also wish to get a smaller child seat that allows you to safely carry a front passenger. Additional Precautions for Infants Never hold a baby on your lap. If you are not wearing a seat belt in a crash, you could be thrown forward into the dashboard and crush the child. If you are wearing a seat belt, the baby can be torn from your arms. For example, if the vehicle crashes into a parked vehicle at 30 mph (48 km/h), a 20 Ibs (9 kg) baby will become a 600 Ibs (275 kg) force, and you will not be able to hold it. Never put a seat belt over yourself and a baby. During a crash, the belt could press deep into the child and cause very serious injuries. Main MenuTable of ContentsstProtecting Small Children Of the different seats available, we recommend those that have a five- point harness system as shown. We also recommend that a small child stay in the child seat as long as possible, until they reach the weight or height limit for the seat. Child Seat Type A child who can sit up without support, and who fits within the child seat maker's weight and height limits, should be restrained in a forward-facing, upright child seat. Protecting Children Child Seat Placement In this vehicle, the best place to install a forward-facing child seat is in one of the seating positions in the back seat. Placing a forward-facing child seat in the front seat of a vehicle equipped with a passenger airbag can be hazardous. If the vehicle seat is too far forward, or the child's head is thrown forward during a collision, an inflating passenger's airbag can strike the child with enough force to cause very serious or fatal injuries. If a small child must be closely watched, we recommend that another adult sit in the back seat with the child. CONTINUED Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentsstChild Seat Installation The lap/shoulder belts in the back and front passenger seating positions have a locking mechanism that must be activated to secure a child seat. The following pages provide instructions and tips on how to secure a forward-facing child seat with this type of seat belt. 1. With the child seat in the desired seating position, route the belt through the child seat according to the seat maker's instructions, then insert the latch plate into the buckle. Protecting Children Improperly placing a forward- facing child seat in the front seat can result in serious injury or death if the airbags inflate. If you must place a forward- facing child seat in front, move the vehicle seat as far back as possible and properly restrain the child. If it is necessary to put a forward- facing child seat in the front, move the vehicle seat as far to the rear as possible, be sure the child seat is firmly secured to the car, and that the child is properly strapped in the seat. Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentsstProtecting Children 2. To activate the lockable retractor, slowly pull the shoulder part of the belt all the way out until it stops, then let the belt feed back into the retractor (you might hear a clicking noise as the belt retracts). 3. After the belt has retracted, tug on it. If the belt is locked, you will not be able to pull it out. If you can pull the belt out, it is not locked and you will need to repeat these steps. 4. After confirming that the belt is locked, grab the shoulder part of the belt near the buckle and pull up to remove any slack from the lap part of the belt. Remember, if the lap part of the belt is not tight, the child seat will not be secure. It may help to put weight on the child seat, or push on the back of the seat while pulling up on the belt. 5. Push and pull the child seat forward and from side to side to verify that it is secure enough to stay upright during normal driving maneuvers. If the child seat is not secure, unlatch the belt, allow it to retract fully, then repeat these steps. CONTINUED Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentsstProtecting Children To deactivate the locking mechanism in order to remove a child seat, unlatch the buckle, unroute the seat belt, and let the belt fully retract. Additional Precautions for Small Children Never hold a small child on your lap. If you are not wearing a seat belt in a crash, you could be thrown forward into the dashboard and crush the child. If you are wearing a seat belt, the child can be torn from your arms during a crash. For example, if the vehicle crashes into a parked vehicle at 30 mph (48 km/h), a 30 Ibs (14 kg) child will become a 900 Ibs (410 kg) force, and you will not be able to hold it. Never put a seat belt over yourself and a child. During a crash, the belt could press deep into the child and cause very serious injuries. Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentsstProtecting Children Checking Seat Belt Fit To determine whether a lap/ shoulder belt properly fits a child, first have the child put on the seat belt, following the instructions on page 14. Then check how the belt fits. Allowing a larger child to sit improperly in the front seat can result in injury or death if the airbags inflate. If a larger child must sit in front, they should move the seat as far back as possible and wear their seat belt properly. Protecting Larger Children When a child reaches the recommended weight or height limit for a forward-facing child seat, the child should sit in one of the back seats and wear a lap/shoulder belt. If a child is too short for the shoulder part of the belt to properly fit, we recommend that the child use a booster seat until they are tall enough to use the seat belt without a booster. The following pages give instructions on how to check proper seat belt fit, what kind of booster seat to use if one is needed, and important precautions for children who must sit in the front seat. CONTINUED Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentsstHowever, if the belt touches or crosses the child's neck, the child needs to use a booster seat. Do not let a child wear a seat belt across their neck. This could result in serious neck injuries during a crash. Do not let a child put the shoulder part of a seat belt behind their back or under their arm. This could cause very serious injuries during a crash. It also increases the chance of a child sliding under the belt and being injured in a crash. Do not put any accessories on a seat belt. Devices intended to improve occupant comfort, or reposition the shoulder part of a seat belt, severely compromise the protective capability of seat belts and increase the chance of serious injury in a crash. Two children should never use the same seat belt. If they do, they could be very seriously injured in a crash. Protecting Children If the shoulder part of the belt rests over the child's collarbone and against the center of the chest, as shown above, the child is large enough to wear the seat belt. Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentsstProtecting Children Using a Booster Seat A child may continue using a booster seat until the tops of their ears are even with the top of the seat-back. When a child reaches this height, they should be tall enough to use the lap/shoulder belt without a booster. When Can a Larger Child Sit in Front The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Transport Canada recommend that all children ages 12 and under ride in the back seat, properly restrained. If a child needs a booster seat, we recommend choosing a style that allows the child to use the lap/ shoulder belt directly, without a shield, as shown above. Whichever style you select, follow the booster seat maker's instructions. The back seat is the safest place for a child of any age or size. In addition, the passenger's airbag poses serious risks to children. If the seat is too far forward, or the child's head is thrown forward during a collision, or the child is unrestrained or out of position, an inflating airbag can kill or seriously injure the child. Of course, children vary widely. And while age may be one indicator of when a child can safely ride in the front, there are other important factors you should consider. CONTINUED Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentsstProtecting Children Physical Size Physically, a child must be large enough for the lap/shoulder belt to properly fit over their hips, chest, and shoulder (see page 14). If the seat belt does not fit properly, the child should not sit in the front. Maturity To safely ride in front, a child must be able to follow the rules, including sitting properly and wearing their seat belt properly throughout a ride. Driver and Passenger Safety If you decide that a child can safely ride up front, be sure to: Using Child Seats with Tethers Carefully read the owner's manual, and make sure you understand all seat belt instructions and all safety information.

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1998 Honda Prelude Owners Manual