1998 Honda Prelude Owners Manual

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 ContentsstProtecting 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 Contentsst2. 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 ContentsstA 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 ContentsstProtecting 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 ContentsstProtecting 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 ContentsstProtecting 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 ContentsstIn 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 ContentsstPregnant 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.

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Driver and Passenger Safety

Main MenuTable of ContentsstProtecting 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 ContentsstChildren 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 ContentsstProtecting 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 ContentsstU.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 ContentsstAdditional 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 ContentsstProtecting 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.

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Driver and Passenger Safety

Main MenuTable of ContentsstProtecting 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 ContentsstPlacing 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).

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Driver and Passenger Safety

Main MenuTable of ContentsstProtecting 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 ContentsstProtecting 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.

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Driver and Passenger Safety

Main MenuTable of ContentsstProtecting 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 ContentsstProtecting 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.

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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 ContentsstProtecting 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 ContentsstProtecting 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.

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Driver and Passenger Safety

Main MenuTable of ContentsstChild 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 ContentsstProtecting 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.

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Driver and Passenger Safety

Main MenuTable of ContentsstProtecting 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 ContentsstProtecting 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.

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Driver and Passenger Safety

Main MenuTable of ContentsstHowever, 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 ContentsstProtecting 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.

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Driver and Passenger Safety

Main MenuTable of ContentsstProtecting 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.

Move the vehicle seat to the rear- most position.

Have the child sit up straight with their back against the seat and their feet on or near the floor.

Check that the child's seat belt is properly positioned and secured.

Closely supervise the child. Even mature children sometimes need to be reminded to fasten their seat belt or sit properly.

Your car has two attachment points on the rear shelf for securing a tether-style child seat to the car.

Main MenuTable of ContentsstSince a tether can provide additional security, we recommend using a tether whenever one is required or available. (Tethers are required in Canada. U.S. owners may check with the child seat maker to determine whether a tether is available for a particular child seat.)

To attach a tether to your car:

1. Using the illustration on page 38 ,

locate the attachment point you want to use.

2. Remove the plug with a small flat- tipped screwdriver or a fingernail file.

3. Install the anchor plate and

mounting hardware. The hardware is available for purchase from your Honda dealer (part number 82410-SE3-C01). For Canadian models, the hardware is supplied with the vehicle.

Protecting Children

When installing tether hardware, make sure the toothed washer is on the bottom of the bolt. Tighten the bolt to: 16 lbf.ft (22 N.m,2.2 kgf.m)

If a torque wrench was not used, see your Honda dealer as soon as possible to verify proper installation.

To attach the tether to the child seat, follow the child seat maker's instructions.

If you are not sure how to install the tether, or you need mounting hardware, contact your Honda dealer.

Driver and Passenger Safety

Main MenuTable of ContentsstAdditional Information About Your Seat Belts

Lap/Shoulder Belt

To fasten the belt, insert the latch plate into the buckle, then tug on the belt to make sure the buckle is latched.

To unlock the belt, push the red PRESS button on the buckle. Guide the belt across your body to the door pillar. After exiting the vehicle, be sure the belt is out of the way and will not get closed in the door.

This seat belt has a single belt that goes over your shoulder, across your chest and across your hips.

Seat Belt System Components Your seat belt system includes lap/ shoulder belts in all four seating positions.

The system also includes a light on the instrument

panel to remind you and your passengers to fasten your belts. If the driver's seat belt is not fastened before the ignition is turned ON (II), the light will come on and a beeper will also sound. The beeper will stop after a few seconds, but the light will stay on until the driver's seat belt is fastened.

Driver and Passenger Safety

Main MenuTable of ContentsstAdditional Information About Your Seat Belts

To deactivate the locking mechanism, unlatch the buckle and let the seat belt fully retract. To refasten the belt, pull it out only as far as needed.

See page 14 for instructions on how to wear the lap/shoulder belt properly.

All seat belts have an emergency locking retractor. In normal driving, the retractor lets you move freely in your seat while it keeps some tension on the belt. During a collision or sudden stop, the retractor automatically locks the belt to help restrain your body.

The seat belts in all seating positions except the driver's have an additional locking mechanism that must be activated to secure a child seat. (See pages 28 and 32 for instructions on how to secure child seats with this type of seat belt.)

If the shoulder part of the belt is pulled all the way out, the locking mechanism will activate. The belt will retract, but it will not allow a passenger to move freely.

Driver and Passenger Safety

Main MenuTable of ContentsstAdditional Information About Your Seat Belts

Not checking or maintaining seat belts can result in serious injury or death if the seat belts do not work properly when needed.

Check your seat belts regularly and have any problem corrected as soon as possible.

If a seat belt is worn during a crash, you should have your dealer inspect the belt, and replace it if necessary. A belt that has been worn during a crash may not provide the same level of protection in a subsequent crash. The dealer should also inspect the anchors for damage and replace them if needed.

For information on how to clean your seat belts, see page 223.

Seat Belt Maintenance For safety, you should check the condition of your seat belts regularly.

Pull each belt out fully and look for frays, cuts, burns, and wear. Check that the latches work smoothly and that the lap/shoulder belts retract easily. Any belt not in good condition or not working properly will not provide good protection and should be replaced as soon as possible.

Honda provides a lifetime warranty on seat belts. Honda will repair or replace any seat belt component that fails to function properly during normal use. Please see your Honda Warranty Information booklet for details.

Driver and Passenger Safety

Main MenuTable of ContentsstSRS Components Your Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) includes:

Two frontal airbags. The driver's airbag is stored in the center of the steering wheel; the front passenger's airbag is stored in the dashboard. Both are marked "SRS".

Sensors that can detect a severe frontal collision.

A sophisticated electronic system that continually monitors the sensors, control unit, the airbag activators, and all related wiring when the ignition is ON (II).

Additional Information About Your SRS

How Your Airbags Work

An indicator light on the instrument panel to alert you to a possible problem with the system (see page 45).

Emergency backup power in case your vehicle's electrical system is disconnected in a crash.

If you ever have a severe frontal collision, the sensors will detect rapid deceleration and signal the control unit to instantly inflate the airbags.

During a crash, your seat belt helps restrain your lower body and torso. Your airbag provides a cushion to help restrain and protect your head and chest.

CONTINUED

Driver and Passenger Safety

Main MenuTable of ContentsstAdditional Information About Your SRS

Since both airbags use the same sensors, both airbags normally inflate at the same time. However, it is possible for only one airbag to inflate.

This can occur when the severity of a collision is at the margin, or threshold, that determines whether or not the airbags will deploy. In such cases, the seat belt will provide sufficient protection, and the supplemental protection offered by the airbag would be minimal.

After inflating, the airbags immediately deflate, so they won't interfere with the driver's visibility, or the ability to steer or operate other controls.

The total time for inflation and deflation is approximately one-tenth of a second, so fast that most occupants are not aware that the airbags deployed until they see them lying in their laps.

Driver and Passenger Safety

After a crash, you may see what looks like smoke. This is actually powder from the airbag's surface. Although the powder is not harmful, people with respiratory problems may experience some temporary discomfort. If this occurs, get out of the car as soon as it is safe to do so.

U.S. Owners For additional information on how your airbags work, see the booklet titled SRS: What You Need to Know About Airbags that came with your owner's manual.

Main MenuTable of ContentsstHow Your SRS Indicator Light Works SRS you to a potential problem with your Supplemental Restraint System.

The purpose of the SRS indicator light is to alert

When you turn the ignition ON (II), this indicator will light up briefly then go out. This tells you that the system is working properly.

However, if the light comes on at any other time, you should have your system checked by your dealer. For example:

If the SRS indicator light does not come on after you turn the ignition ON (II).

If the light stays on after the engine starts.

Additional Information About Your SRS

If the light comes on or flashes on and off while you drive.

If you see any of these indications, your airbags may not deploy when you need them. See your Honda dealer as soon as possible.

SRS Service Your Supplemental Restraint System is virtually maintenance-free, and there are no parts you can safely service. However, you must have your vehicle serviced if:

Ignoring the SRS indicator light can result in serious injury or death if the airbags do not inflate when needed.

Have your vehicle checked by a dealer as soon as possible if the SRS light alerts you to a potential problem.

Your airbags ever inflate. The airbags and the control unit must be replaced. Do not try to remove or replace the airbags yourself. This must be done by a Honda dealer or a knowledgeable body shop.

The SRS indicator light alerts you to a problem. Take your vehicle to an authorized Honda dealer as soon as possible. If you ignore this indication, the airbags might not inflate when you need them.

Driver and Passenger Safety

Main MenuTable of ContentsstAdditional Information About Your SRS

Additional Safety Precautions

Do not attempt to deactivate your airbags. Together, airbags and seat belts provide the best protection in a severe frontal collision.

Do not tamper with SRS components or wiring for any reason. Tampering could cause the airbags to deploy, possibly causing very serious injury.

See page 127 for further information and precautions relating to your SRS.

Driver and Passenger Safety

Main MenuTable of ContentsstYour vehicle's exhaust contains carbon monoxide gas. You should have no problem with carbon monoxide entering the vehicle in normal driving if you maintain your vehicle properly. Have the exhaust system inspected for leaks whenever:

The vehicle is raised for an oil change. You notice a change in the sound of the exhaust. The vehicle was in an accident that may have damaged the under- side.

Carbon monoxide gas is toxic. Breathing it can cause unconsciousness and even kill you.

Avoid any enclosed areas or activities that expose you to carbon monoxide.

High levels of carbon monoxide can collect rapidly in enclosed areas, such as a garage. Do not run the engine with the garage door closed. Even with the door open, run the engine only long enough to move the vehicle out of the garage.

Carbon Monoxide Hazard

With the trunk lid open, air flow can pull exhaust gas into your vehicle's interior and create a hazardous condition. If you must drive with the trunk lid open, open all the windows and set the heating and cooling system as shown below.

If you must sit in your parked vehicle, even in an unconfined area, with the engine running, adjust the heating and cooling system as follows:

1. Select the Fresh Air mode. 2. Select the 3. Turn the fan on high speed. 4. Set the temperature control to a

mode.

comfortable setting.

Driver and Passenger Safety

Main MenuTable of ContentsstSafety Labels

These labels are in the locations shown. They warn you of potential hazards that could cause serious injury. Read these labels carefully.

If a label comes off or becomes hard to read, contact your Honda dealer for a replacement.

HOOD

DASH BOARD U.S. models only

RADIATOR CAP

Driver and Passenger Safety

SUN VISOR U.S. models

Canadian models

Main MenuTable of ContentsstThis section gives information about the controls and displays that contribute to the daily operation of your Honda. All the essential controls are within easy reach.

Tachometer.................................. 56
Odometer...................................... 56
Trip Meter.................................... 56
Fuel Gauge................................... 57
Temperature Gauge.................... 57
Maintenance Required

Indicator.................................... 58

Controls Near the Steering

Wheel........................................ 59
Headlights.................................... 60
Daytime Running Lights............. 60
Instrument Panel Brightness..... 61
Turn Signals................................. 61
Windshield Wipers...................... 62
Windshield Washers................... 63
Hazard Warning........................... 63
Rear Window Defogger.............. 63
Steering Wheel Adjustment....... 64
Steering Wheel Controls ................ 65
Cruise Control.............................. 65
Keys and Locks................................ 68
Keys...............................................68
Learning Key................................ 69
Immobilizer System..................... 69
Ignition Switch............................. 70
Power Door Locks....................... 72

Control Locations............................ 50
Indicator Lights................................ 51
Gauges.............................................. 56
Speedometer................................ 56

Instruments and Controls

Lockout Prevention..................... 73
Trunk............................................73
Glove Box.....................................74
Seat Adjustments............................. 75
Front Seat Adjustments.............. 75
Driver's Seat Height

Adjustment............................... 76
Rear Seat Access ......................... 76
Head Restraints........................... 77
Seat Heaters..................................... 78
Folding Rear Seat............................ 79
Power Windows............................... 80
Moonroof..........................................82
Mirrors.............................................. 83
Adjusting the Power Mirrors..... 83
Parking Brake.................................. 84
Digital Clock..................................... 85
Beverage Holder.............................. 86
Console Compartment.................... 87
Coin Box........................................... 88
Accessory Power Socket................ 88
Ashtrays............................................ 89
Interior Lights.................................. 89
Ceiling Lights............................... 89
Courtesy Lights........................... 90

Instruments and Controls

Main MenustControl Locations

MIRROR CONTROLS (P.83)

POWER WINDOW SWITCHES (P.80)

FUEL FILL DOOR RELEASE (P.121)

DOOR LOCK SWITCHES (P.72)

DIGITAL CLOCK (P.85)

HEATING/ COOLING CONTROLS (P.92)

AUDIO SYSTEM (P.100)

TRUNK RELEASE HANDLE (P.73)

HOOD RELEASE HANDLE (P.122)

Instruments and Controls

Main MenuTable of ContentsstThe instrument panel has many indicators to give you important information about your vehicle.

Lamp Check These indicator lights come on when you turn the ignition switch ON (II), allowing you to see that they are working:

SRS Indicator Malfunction Indicator Lamp Charging System Indicator Low Oil Pressure Indicator Anti-lock Brake System Indicator Seat Belt Reminder Light D4 Lamp Immobilizer System Indicator Active Torque Transfer System Indicator

If an indicator does not light during this test, it cannot alert you if that system develops a problem. Have the dealer check your vehicle for burned-out bulbs or other problems.

Indicator Lights

MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP

TRUNK-OPEN INDICATOR

DOOR-OPEN INDICATOR

SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM INDICATOR

PARKING BRAKE AND BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR*

ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR*

IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM INDICATOR

LOW OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR

SEAT BELT REMINDER LIGHT

LOW FUEL INDICATOR

CHARGING SYSTEM INDICATOR

HIGH BEAM INDICATOR

CRUISE CONTROL INDICATOR

* The U.S. instrument panel is shown. Differences for the Canadian model are noted in the text.

Instruments and Controls

Main MenuTable of ContentsstIndicator Lights

Seat Belt Reminder Light

This indicator lights when you turn the ignition switch ON (II). It is a reminder to you and your passengers to protect yourselves by fastening the seat belts. A beeper also sounds if you have not fastened your seat belt.

If you do not fasten your seat belt, the beeper will stop after a few seconds but the light stays on until you do. Both the light and the beeper stay off if you fasten your seat belt before turning on the ignition.

Instruments and Controls

MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP

TRUNK-OPEN INDICATOR

DOOR-OPEN INDICATOR

SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM INDICATOR

PARKING BRAKE AND BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR*

ACTIVE TORQUE TRANSFER SYSTEM INDICATOR

ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR*

IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM INDICATOR

LOW OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR CHARGING SYSTEM INDICATOR

SEAT BELT REMINDER LIGHT

LOW FUEL INDICATOR

HIGH BEAM INDICATOR

CRUISE CONTROL INDICATOR

* The U.S. Type SH instrument panel is shown. Differences for the Canadian model are noted in the text.

Main MenuTable of ContentsstSupplemental Restraint System Indicator

S R S This indicator lights when you turn the ignition switch ON (II). If it comes on at any other time, it indicates a problem in the supplemental restraint system. For complete information, see page 43.

Immobilizer System Indicator

This indicator comes on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition switch ON (II). It will then go off if you have inserted a properly-coded ignition key. If it is not a properly- coded key, the indicator will blink and the engine will not start (see page 69).

This indicator also blinks several times when you turn the ignition switch OFF (II).

Charging System Indicator

If this light comes on when the engine is running, the battery is not being charged. For complete information, see page 241.

Low Oil Pressure Indicator

The engine can be severely damaged if this light flashes or stays on when the engine is running. For complete information, see page 240.

Malfunction Indicator Lamp

See page 242.

Cruise Control Indicator

CRUISE CONTROL This lights when you set the cruise control. See page 65 for information on operating the cruise control.

Indicator Lights

Canada

U.S. BRAKE

Parking Brake and Brake System Indicator This light has two functions:

1. It lights as a reminder that you have not released the parking brake. Driving with the parking brake applied can damage the brakes and tires.

2. If it remains lit after you release

the parking brake while the engine is running, or comes on while driving, it can indicate a problem in the brake system. For complete information, see page 243.

Instruments and Controls

Main MenuTable of ContentsstIndicator Lights

Canada

Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Indicator

U.S. ABS This light normally comes on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition switch ON (II), and when the ignition switch is turned to START (III). If this light comes on at any other time, there is a problem in the ABS. If this happens, take the vehicle to your dealer to have it checked. With the light on, your vehicle still has normal braking ability but no anti-lock.

ATTS

Active Torque Transfer System (ATTS) Indicator

Type SH only This indicator normally comes on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition switch ON (II). If it comes on at any other time, there is a problem in the Active Torque Transfer System (ATTS). If this happens, take the vehicle to your dealer to have it checked. With the indicator on, your vehicle will corner normally, but you will not have active torque transfer.

Turn Signal and Hazard Warning Indicators

The left or right turn signal light blinks when you signal a lane change or turn. If the light does not blink or blinks rapidly, it usually means one of the turn signal bulbs is burned out (see page 210). Replace the bulb as soon as possible, since other drivers cannot see that you are signalling.

When you turn on the Hazard Warning switch, both turn signal lights blink. All turn signals on the outside of the vehicle should flash.

Instruments and Controls

Main MenuTable of ContentsstTrunk-open Indicator

Low Fuel Indicator

This light comes on if the trunk lid is not closed tightly.

Door-open Indicator

This light comes on if either door is not closed tightly.

High Beam Indicator

This light comes on with the high beam headlights. See page 60 for information on the headlight controls.

On Canadian models, this indicator comes on with reduced brightness when the Daytime Running Lights (DRL) are on (see page 60).

LOW FUEL INDICATOR

This indicator is located in the fuel gauge. It comes on as a reminder that you must refuel soon.

Indicator Lights

"Daytime Running Lights" Indicator

D R L Canadian models only This indicator lights when you turn the ignition to ON (II) with the headlight switch off and the parking brake set. It should go off if you turn on the headlights or release the parking brake. If it comes on at any other time, it means there is a problem with the DRL. There may also be a problem with the high beam headlights.

Instruments and Controls

Main MenuTable of ContentsstGauges

TACHOMETER

SPEEDOMETER TRIP METER

FUEL GAUGE

TEMPERATURE GAUGE

ODOMETER MAINTENANCE

REQUIRED INDICATOR

TRIP METER RESET BUTTON

Speedometer U.S. Models This shows your speed in miles per hour (mph). The smaller inner numbers are the speed in kilometers per hour (km/h).

Tachometer The tachometer shows the engine speed in revolutions per minute (rpm). To protect the engine from damage, never drive with the tachometer needle in the red zone.

Canadian Models This shows your speed in kilometers per hour (km/h). The smaller inner numbers are the speed in miles per hour (mph).

Instruments and Controls

Odometer The odometer shows the total dis- tance your vehicle has been driven. It measures miles in U.S. models and kilometers in Canadian models. It is illegal under federal law (in the U.S.) and provincial regulations (in Canada) to disconnect, reset, or alter the odometer with the intent to change the number of miles or kilometers indicated.

Trip Meter This meter shows the number of miles (U.S.) or kilometers (Canada) driven since you last reset it. To reset it, push the trip meter reset button.

Main MenuTable of ContentsstTACHOMETER

SPEEDOMETER

TRIP METER

FUEL GAUGE

TEMPERATURE GAUGE

ODOMETER MAINTENANCE

REQUIRED INDICATOR

TRIP METER RESET BUTTON

Fuel Gauge This shows how much fuel you have. It is most accurate when the vehicle is on level ground. It may show slightly more or less than the actual amount when you are driving on curvy or hilly roads.

The gauge stays at the same fuel level reading after you turn off the ignition. When you add fuel, the gauge slowly changes to the new reading after you turn the ignition switch back ON (II).

Gauges

Temperature Gauge This shows the temperature of the engine's coolant. During normal operation, the pointer should rise from the bottom white mark to about the middle of the gauge. In severe driving conditions, such as very hot weather or a long period of uphill driving, the pointer may rise to near the upper white mark. If it reaches the red (Hot) mark, pull safely to the side of the road. Turn to page 238 for instructions and precautions on checking the engine's cooling system.

Instruments and Controls

Main MenuTable of ContentsstWhen the distance driven since the last scheduled maintenance nears 7,500 miles (12,000 km), the indicator will turn yellow. If you exceed 7,500 miles (12,000 km), the indicator will turn red.

Your dealer will reset the indicator when he performs the scheduled maintenance. If someone else performs the maintenance, reset the indicator by inserting your master or valet key in the slot beside the indicator.

Gauges

Maintenance Required Indicator

SLOT

INDICATOR

This indicator reminds you that it is nearing 7,500 miles (12,000 km) since the last scheduled maintenance. Refer to the Maintenance Schedules for Normal and Severe Driving Conditions on pages 164 — 168.

Instruments and Controls

Main MenuTable of ContentsstControls Near the Steering Wheel

CRUISE CONTROL

INSTRUMENT PANEL BRIGHTNESS

HAZARD WARNING LIGHTS

WINDSHIELD WIPERS/WASHERS

The two levers on the steering column contain controls for driving features you use most often. The left lever controls the turn signals, headlights, and high beams. The right lever controls the windshield washers and wipers.

The controls under the left air vent are for the moonroof, cruise control and instrument panel brightness. The switches for the hazard warning lights and rear window defogger are to the right of the steering column.

The tilt adjustment lever on the underside of the steering column allows you to tilt the steering wheel.

MOONROOF

HEADLIGHTS/ TURN SIGNALS

TILT ADJUSTMENT

HORN BUTTONS

REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER

Instruments and Controls

Main MenuTable of ContentsstControls Near the Steering Wheel

Headlights

If you leave the lights on with the ignition switch in ACCESSORY (I) or LOCK (0), you will hear a reminder chime when you open the driver's door.

The rotating switch on the left lever controls the lights. Turning this switch to the on the parking lights, taillights, instrument panel lights, side-marker lights, and rear license plate lights. Turning the switch to the position turns on the headlights.

position turns

Instruments and Controls

To change between low beams and high beams, pull the turn signal lever until you hear a click, then let go. The blue high beam indicator will light (see page 55).

To flash the high beams, pull the turn signal lever back lightly, then release it. The high beams will come on and go off.

The high beams will stay on for as long as you hold the lever back, no matter what position the headlight switch is in.

Daytime Running Lights (Canadian Models) With the headlight switch off, the high beam headlights come on with reduced brightness when you turn the ignition switch to ON (II) and release the parking brake. They remain on until you turn the ignition off, even if you set the parking brake.

The headlights revert to normal operation when you turn them on with the switch.

Main MenuTable of ContentsstInstrument Panel Brightness

Turn Signals

Controls Near the Steering Wheel

To signal a lane change, push lightly on the turn signal lever in the proper direction and hold it. The lever will return to the center position as soon as you release it.

The dial on the dashboard to the left of the instrument panel controls the brightness of the instrument panel lights. Turn the dial to adjust the brightness.

TURN SIGNAL LEVER Signal a turn or lane change with this lever. Push down on the lever to signal a left turn, and up to signal a right turn. If you push it up or down all the way, the turn signal continues to blink even when you release the lever. It shuts off automatically as you complete the turn.