2000 Honda Prelude Owners Manual

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Tel: 1-888-9-HONDA-9 Fax: Toll-free 1-877-939-0909 Toronto (416) 287-4776 Warranty and Customer Relations Honda Canada Inc. National Office Main MenuTable of ContentsstWarranty Coverages U.S. Owners Your new Honda is covered by these warranties: New Car Limited Warranty — covers your new vehicle, except for the battery, emissions control systems and accessories, against defects in materials and workmanship. Emissions Control Systems Defects Warranty and Emissions Performance Warranty — these two warranties cover your vehicle's emis- sions control systems. Time, mileage, and coverage are conditional. Please read the warranty manual for exact information. Original Equipment Battery Limited Warranty — this warranty gives up to 100 percent credit toward a replacement battery. Seat Belt Limited Warranty — a seat belt that fails to function properly is covered for the useful life of the vehicle. Replacement Battery Limited Warranty — provides prorated coverage for a replacement battery purchased from a Honda dealer. Rust Perforation Limited Warranty — all exterior body panels are covered for rust-through from the inside for the specified time period with no mileage limit. Accessory Limited Warranty — Genuine Honda Accessories are covered under this warranty. Time and mileage limits depend on the type of accessory and other factors. Please read your warranty manual for details. Replacement Parts Limited Warranty — covers all Genuine Honda replacement parts against defects in materials and workman- ship. Replacement Muffler Lifetime Limited Warranty — provides coverage for as long as the pur- chaser of the muffler owns the car. Restrictions and exclusions apply to all these warranties. Please read the 2000 Honda Warranty Information booklet that came with your car for precise information on warranty coverages. Your Honda's original tires are covered by their manufacturer. Tire warranty infor- mation is in a separate booklet. Canadian Owners Please refer to the 2000 Warranty Manual that came with your car. Warranty and Customer Relations Main MenuTable of ContentsstReporting Safety Defects (U.S. Vehicles) If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying American Honda Motor Co., Inc. If NHTSA receives similar com- plaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your dealer, or American Honda Motor Co., Inc. To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-9393 (or 366-0123 in Washington D.C. area) or write to: NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington, D.C. 20590. You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from the Hotline. Warranty and Customer Relations Main MenuTable of ContentsstPurchasing Factory Authorized Manuals (U.S. only) The following publications covering the operation and servicing of your vehicle can be obtained from Helm Incorporated, either by filling out the attached form or, for credit card holders, calling the toll-free phone number on the form. For manuals prior to the year shown below, contact Helm Incorporated, P.O. Box 07280, Detroit, Michigan 48207, or call 1-800-782-4356. Authorized Manuals Valid only for sales within the U.S. Canadian owners should contact their authorized Honda dealer. By completing this form you can order the materials desired. You can pay by check or money order, or charge to your credit card. Mail to Helm Incorporated at the address shown on the back of the order form. 61S3003 61S3003EL 61S3030 31S30630 Main MenuTable of ContentsstAuthorized Manuals Service Manual: This manual covers maintenance and recommended procedures for repair to engine and chassis components. It is written for the Journeyman mechanic, but is simple enough for most mechanically-inclined owners to under- stand. Electrical Troubleshooting Manual: This manual complements the Service Manual by providing in-depth troubleshooting information for each electrical circuit in your vehicle. Body Repair Manual: This manual describes the procedures involved in the replacement of damaged body parts. These Publications cannot be returned for credit without receiving advance authorization within 14 days of delivery. On returns, a restocking fee may be applied against the original order. P.O. BOX 07280 DETROIT, MICHIGAN 48207 1 -800-782-4356 Main MenuTable of ContentsstSeat Belt Maintenance................ 44 Seat Belt System Components... 42 Additional Information About Your SRS...................................45 Additional Safety Precautions.... 48 How the SRS Indicator Light Works........................................ 47 How Your Airbags Work............ 45 SRS Components......................... 45 Additives, Engine Oil..................... 182 Adjustments Headlights.................................. 213 Head Restraints........................... 82 Mirrors.......................................... 88 Seats.............................................. 80 Steering Wheel............................ 66 Airbag (SRS).................................... 45 Air Cleaner Element...................... 195 Air Conditioning............................... 98 Maintenance............................... 202 Usage............................................. 98 Air Conditioning Filter.................. 203 Air Outlets (Vents)........................ 100 Air Pressure, Tires........................ 205 High Speed Driving................... 206 Normal Driving.......................... 206 Index Alcohol in Gasoline........................ 268 Antifreeze....................................... 185 Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) Indicator Light.................... 56, 156 Operation.................................... 154 Anti-theft Steering Column Lock............................................... 73 Appearance Care........................... 227 Ashtrays (Optional)......................... 94 Audio System................................. 106 Automatic Speed Control................ 67 Automatic Transmission............... 144 Capacity, Fluid........................... 264 Checking Fluid Level................ 191 Sequential SportShift Mode..... 147 Shifting........................................ 145 Shift Lever Position Indicator.. 144 Shift Lever Positions................. 145 Shift Lock Release..................... 151 CONTINUED Accessories and Modifications.... 133 Accessories................................. 133 Additional Safety Precautions.. 134 Modifications............................. 134 ACCESSORY (Ignition Key Position)........................................ 73 Accessory Power Socket................ 93 Active Torque Transfer System (ATTS) Indicator............................... 56, 157 Operation.................................... 157 Adding Automatic Transmission Fluid........................................ 191 Brake Fluid................................. 193 Clutch Fluid................................ 194 Engine Coolant........................... 185 Engine Oil................................... 181 Manual Transmission Fluid ..... 192 Power Steering Fluid................. 194 Windshield Washer Fluid......... 190 Additional Information About Your Seat Belts........................ 42 Lap/Shoulder Belt....................... 42 Main MenustIndex Battery Charging System Indicator............................ 55, 249 Jump Starting............................. 244 Maintenance............................... 198 Specifications............................. 265 Before Driving............................... 125 Belts, Seat........................................... 8 Beverage Holder.............................. 91 Body Repair.................................... 233 Brakes Anti-lock System (ABS)............ 154 Break-in, New Linings .............. 126 Fluid............................................ 193 Light, Burned-out....................... 219 Parking..........................................89 System Indicator.......................... 55 Wear Indicators......................... 153 Brakes, ABS Operation.................................... 154 System Indicator.................. 56, 156 Braking System.............................. 153 Break-in, New Car......................... 126 Brightness Control, Instruments... 63 Brights, Headlights......................... 62 Bulb Replacement Back-up Lights........................... 219 Brake Lights............................... 219 Ceiling Lights............................. 223 Courtesy Lights......................... 223 Front Parking Lights................. 216 Front Side Marker Lights......... 217 Headlights.................................. 214 High-mount Brake Light.......... 221 License Plate Light.................... 222 Rear Side Marker Lights.......... 219 Specifications............................. 265 Trunk Light................................ 224 Turn Signal Lights..................... 218 Bulbs, Halogen............................... 214 Cables, Jump Starting With.......... 244 Capacities Chart............................. 264 Carbon Monoxide Hazard.............. 49 Cargo, Loading............................... 135 Cassette Player Care............................................. 122 Operation.................................... 119 CAUTION, Explanation of ............... ii CD Changer.................................... 114 CD Player........................................ 112 Certification Label......................... 262 Chains............................................. 210 Change Oil How to......................................... 183 When to....................................... 172 Changing a Flat Tire..................... 237 Changing Engine Coolant............. 187 Charging System Indicator .... 55, 249 Checking Automatic Transmission Fluid........................................ 191 Battery Condition...................... 198 Brake Fluid................................. 193 Clutch Fluid................................ 194 Drive Belts.................................. 204 Engine Coolant........................... 131 Engine Oil................................... 130 Fuses...........................................254 Manual Transmission Fluid ..... 192 Power Steering Fluid................. 194 Checklist, Before Driving............. 140 Child Safety...................................... 21 Cleaner, Air.................................... 195 Main MenustCleaning Aluminum Wheels..................... 229 Carpeting.................................... 230 Exterior....................................... 228 Fabric.......................................... 230 Interior........................................ 230 Seat Belts.................................... 231 Vinyl............................................ 230 Windows..................................... 231 Clock, Setting the ............................ 90 Clutch Fluid.................................... 194 Coin Box........................................... 93 CO in the Exhaust......................... 270 Cold Weather, Starting in............. 141 Compact Spare............................... 236 Consumer Information*................ 274 Controls, Instruments and.............. 51 Coolant Adding......................................... 185 Checking.....................................131 Proper Solution.......................... 185 Replacing.................................... 187 Temperature Gauge.................... 59 Corrosion Protection..................... 232 Courtesy Lights............................... 95 Crankcase Emission Control System.........................................270 Cruise Control Operation............... 67 Customer Relations Office........... 274 DANGER, Explanation of................. ii Dashboard........................................ 52 Daytime Running Lights................. 62 Dead Battery, What to Do............ 244 Defects, Reporting Safety............. 278 Defog and Defrost......................... 104 Defogger, Rear Window................. 65 DEXRON® III Automatic Transmission Fluid.................... 191 Dimensions..................................... 264 Dimming the Headlights................ 62 Dipstick Automatic Transmission........... 191 Engine Oil...................................130 Directional Signals........................... 63 Disabled, Towing Your Car If...... 258 Disc Brake Wear Indicators......... 153 Disposal of Used Oil...................... 184 Index Doors Locking and Unlocking............... 74 Power Door Locks....................... 74 DOT Tire Quality Grading........... 266 Downshifting, 5-speed Manual Transmission.............................. 142 Drive Belts...................................... 204 Driving............................................ 139 Economy..................................... 132 In Bad Weather.......................... 158 In Foreign Countries................. 269 Economy, Fuel............................... 132 Emergencies on the Road............. 235 Batteiy, Jump Starting.............. 244 Brake System Indicator............ 251 Changing a Flat Tire................. 237 Charging System Indicator ...... 249 Checking the Fuses................... 254 Low Oil Pressure Indicator...... 248 Malfunction Indicator Lamp .... 250 Manually Closing Moonroof .... 252 Overheated Engine................... 246 CONTINUED Main MenustIndex Emergency Brake............................ 89 Emergency Flashers....................... 65 Emergency Towing....................... 258 Emission Controls......................... 270 Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge ..... 59 Malfunction Indicator Lamp................................. 55, 250 Oil Pressure Indicator......... 55, 248 Oil, What Kind to Use............... 181 Overheating................................ 246 Specifications............................. 264 Ethanol in Gasoline ....................... 268 Evaporative Emission Controls.... 270 Exhaust Fumes................................ 49 Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat Belts by......................................... 19 Exterior. Cleaning the................... 228 Fabric, Cleaning............................. 230 Fan, Interior...................................... 98 Features, Comfort and Convenience................................. 97 Filling the Fuel Tank..................... 127 Filters Air................................................ 195 Oil................................................ 183 First Gear, Shifting........................ 150 5-speed Manual Transmission Checking Fluid Level................ 192 Shifting the................................. 142 Flashers, Hazard Warning.............. 65 Flat Tire, Changing a.................... 237 Fluids Automatic Transmission........... 191 Brake........................................... 193 Clutch.......................................... 194 Manual Transmission............... 192 Power Steering........................... 194 Windshield Washer................... 190 FM Stereo Radio Reception.................................... 110 Folding Rear Seat............................ 84 Foreign Countries, Driving in...... 269 Four-way Flashers........................... 65 Front End, Towing by Emergency Wrecker................. 258 Fuel.................................................. 126 Fill Door and Cap....................... 127 Gauge............................................ 59 Octane Requirement................. 126 Oxygenated................................ 268 Reserve Indicator......................... 57 Tank, Filling the......................... 127 Fuses, Checking the...................... 254 Gas Mileage. Improving................ 132 Gasohol........................................... 268 Gasoline.......................................... 126 Fuel Reserve Indicator................ 57 Gauge............................................ 59 Octane Requirement................. 126 Tank, Filling the......................... 127 Gas Station Procedures................. 127 Gauges Engine Coolant Temperature .... 59 Fuel................................................ 59 Gearshift Lever Positions Automatic Transmission........... 144 5-speed Manual Transmission.......................... 142 Glass Cleaning............................... 231 Glove Box......................................... 79 Main MenustHalogen Headlight Bulbs.............. 214 Hazard Warning Flashers............... 65 Headlights Aiming......................................... 213 Daytime Running Lights............. 62 High Beam Indicator................... 62 High Beams, Turning on............ 62 Low Beams, Turning on............. 62 Reminder Chime.......................... 62 Replacing Halogen Bulbs......... 214 Turning on.................................... 62 Head Restraints............................... 82 Heating and Cooling........................ 98 High Altitude, Stalling at.............. 141 High-Low Beam Switch .................. 62 High-mount Brake Light............... 221 Hood Latch..................................... 196 Hood, Opening the........................ 128 Horn................................................... 61 Hot Coolant, Warning About........ 185 Hydraulic Clutch............................ 194 Hydroplaning.................................. 159 Identification Number, Vehicle.... 262 If Your Car Has to be Towed....... 258 Ignition Keys............................................... 70 Switch............................................ 72 Timing Control System............. 271 Immobilizer System......................... 71 Indicator Lights. Instrument Panel.............................................. 53 Infant Restraint................................ 29 Inflation, Proper Tire .................... 205 High Speed Driving................... 266 Normal Driving.......................... 206 Inside Mirror.................................... 88 Inspection, Tire.............................. 206 Instrument Panel............................. 52 Instrument Panel Brightness......... 63 Interior Cleaning............................ 230 Interior Lights.................................. 94 Introduction......................................... i Index Jack, Tire........................................ 238 Jump Starting................................. 244 Keys................................................... 70 Label, Certification........................ 262 Lane Change, Signaling.................. 63 Lap/Shoulder Belts......................... 42 Leaking of Exhaust into Car.......... 49 Learning Key.................................... 71 Lights Bulb Replacement..................... 214 Indicator........................................ 53 Parking.......................................... 62 Turn Signal................................... 63 Loading Cargo................................ 135 LOCK (Ignition Key Position)....... 73 Jacking up the Car......................... 239 CONTINUED Main MenustIndex Locks Anti-theft Steering Column........ 73 Fuel Fill Door............................. 127 Glove Box..................................... 79 Power Door.................................. 74 Trunk............................................ 78 Low Coolant Level......................... 131 Lower Gear, Downshifting to a.... 142 Low Fuel Indicator .......................... 57 Low Oil Pressure Indicator.... 55, 248 Lubricant Specifications Chart........................................... 264 Luggage.......................................... 135 Meters, Gauges................................ 58 Methanol in Gasoline.................... 268 Mirrors, Adjusting........................... 88 Moonroof.......................................... 87 Closing Manually....................... 252 Operation...................................... 87 Selecting Proper Viscosity Chart....................................... 182 ON (Ignition Key Position) ............ 73 Opening the Hood ......................... 128 Opening the Trunk.......................... 78 Operation in Foreign Countries... 269 Outside Mirrors............................... 88 Overheating, Engine..................... 246 Neutral Gear Position.................... 147 New Vehicle Break-in ................... 126 Normal Shift Speeds...................... 143 NOTICE, Explanation of.................... i Numbers, Identification................ 262 Panel Brightness Control............... 63 Park Gear Position......................... 146 Parking............................................ 152 Parking Brake.................................. 89 Parking Lights.................................. 62 Parking Over Things that Burn... 272 PGM-FI System.............................. 271 Polishing and Waxing................... 229 Power Door Locks................................... 74 Mirrors.......................................... 88 Steering....................................... 194 Windows....................................... 85 Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts.......... 19 Maintenance................................... 167 Owner Maintenance Checks.... 179 Record.................................. 177-178 Required Indicator....................... 60 Schedule.............................. 170-176 Malfunction Indicator Lamp .. 55, 250 Manual Transmission.................... 142 Manual Transmission Fluid ......... 192 Maximum Allowable Speeds................................. 143, 150 Octane Requirement, Gasoline.... 126 Odometer.......................................... 58 Odometer, Trip................................ 58 Oil Change, How to ......................... 183 Change, When to....................... 172 Checking Engine....................... 130 Pressure Indicator............... 55, 248 Main MenustProtecting Adults............................. 12 Additional Safety Precautions.... 19 Advice for Pregnant Women...... 19 Protecting Children......................... 21 Protecting Infants........................ 29 Protecting Larger Children........ 37 Protecting Small Children.......... 33 Using Child Seats with Tethers...................................... 40 Radiator Overheating.................... 246 Radio/CD Sound System.............. 106 Rear End Towing........................... 258 Rear Lights, Bulb Replacement... 219 Rear Seat Access ............................. 81 Rear Seat, Folding........................... 84 Rear View Mirror............................. 88 Rear Window Defogger.................. 65 Reclining the Seat Backs................ 80 Recommended Shift Speeds ........ 143 Reminder Lights.............................. 53 Remote Transmitter........................ 75 Replacement Information Air Cleaner Element.................. 195 Coolant........................................ 187 Engine Oil and Filter................. 183 Fuses...........................................254 Light Bulbs................................. 214 Schedule..................................... 170 Spark Plugs................................. 196 Timing Belt................................. 204 Tires............................................ 208 Wiper Blades.............................. 200 Replacing Seat Belts After a Crash.............................................44 Reserve Tank, Engine Coolant.... 131 Restraint, Child................................ 21 Reverse Gear Position................... 146 Rotation, Tire................................. 208 Safety Belts......................................... 8 Safety Features.................................. 7 Airbags............................................ 9 Door Locks................................... 11 Head Restraints........................... 10 Seat Belts........................................ 8 Seats & Seat-Backs...................... 10 Safety Labels, Location of.............. 50 Index Safety Messages................................ ii Seat Belt, Additional Information.. 42 Lap/Shoulder Belt....................... 42 Seat Belt Maintenance................ 44 Seat Belt System Components... 42 Seat Belts............................................8 Cleaning...................................... 231 Maintenance................................. 44 Reminder Light and Beeper....... 54 System Components.................... 42 Tether Attachment Points.......... 40 Use During Pregnancy................ 19 Seat Heaters..................................... 83 Seats, Adjusting the......................... 80 Sequential SportShift Mode ......... 147 Serial Number................................ 262 Service Intervals............................ 172 Service Manual* ............................ 279 Service Station Procedures .......... 127 Setting the Clock............................. 90 Shifting The Automatic Transmission .. 144 The 5-speed Manual Transmission.......................... 142 Shift Lever Position Indicator...... 144 CONTINUED Main MenustIndex Shift Lock Release......................... 151 Side Marker Lights, Bulb Replacement in.......................... 217 Signaling Turns................................ 63 Snow Tires...................................... 210 Solvent-type Cleaners.................... 228 Sound System................................. 106 Spare Tire Inflating....................................... 236 Specifications............................. 265 Spark Plugs, Replacing................. 196 Specifications Charts ........... 264, 265 Speed Control................................... 67 Speedometer.................................... 58 SRS, Additional Information........... 45 Additional Safety Precautions.... 48 How the SRS Indicator Light Works........................................ 47 HowYour Airbags Work............ 45 SRS Components......................... 45 SRS Service................................... 47 SRS Indicator.............................. 47, 55 START (Ignition Key Position)..... 73 Starting the Engine........................ 141 In Cold Weather at High Altitude................................... 141 With a Dead Battery................. 244 Steam Coming from Engine......... 246 Steering Wheel Adjustment................................... 66 Anti-theft Column Lock.............. 73 Stereo Sound System.................... 106 Storing Your Car............................ 225 Supplemental Restraint System..... 45 Servicing....................................... 47 SRS Indicator......................... 47, 55 Synthetic Oil................................... 182 Tachometer...................................... 58 Taillights, Changing Bulbs in....... 219 Taking Care of the Unexpected................................ 235 Tape Player..................................... 119 Technical Descriptions Emission Control Systems........ 270 Three Way Catalytic Converter................................ 272 Temperature Gauge........................ 59 Tether Attachment Points.............. 40 Three Way Catalytic Converter... 272 Time, Setting the............................. 90 Timing Belt..................................... 204 Tire Chains..................................... 210 Tire, How to Change a Flat.......... 237 Tires................................................ 205 Air Pressure............................... 205 Checking Wear.......................... 206 Compact Spare........................... 236 DOT Tire Quality Grading....... 266 Inflation....................................... 205 Inspection................................... 206 Maintenance............................... 207 Replacing.................................... 208 Rotating....................................... 208 Snow............................................ 210 Specifications............................. 265 Tire Chains................................. 210 Winter Driving........................... 209 Tools,Tire Changing.................... 237 Towing ATrailer...................................... 160 Emergency................................. 258 Main MenustTransmission Checking Fluid Level, Automatic............................... 191 Checking Fluid Level, Manual.................................... 192 Fluid Selection............................ 191 Identification Number............... 262 Shifting the Automatic.............. 144 Shifting the Manual................... 142 Treadwear...................................... 266 Trip Meter........................................ 58 Trunk................................................. 78 Opening the.................................. 78 Open Monitor Light.................... 57 Turn Signals..................................... 63 Underside, Cleaning...................... 232 Unexpected, Taking Care of the........................................... 235 Uniform Tire Quality Grading..... 266 Unleaded Gasoline......................... 126 Upholstery Cleaning...................... 230 Used Oil, How to Dispose of........ 184 Vehicle Capacity Load .................. 136 Vehicle Dimensions....................... 264 Vehicle Identification Number..... 262 Vehicle Storage.............................. 225 Ventilation...................................... 100 VTN.................................................. 262 Vinyl Cleaning................................ 230 Viscosity, Oil................................... 182 Warning Beepers Headlights on............................... 62 Key in Ignition.............................. 73 Seat Belts........................................ 8 WARNING, Explanation of.............. ii Warning Labels, Location of.......... 50 Warranty Coverages*................... 277 Washer, Windshield Checking the Fluid Level......... 190 Operation...................................... 65 Washing.......................................... 228 Waxing and Polishing................... 229 Index Wheels Adjusting the Steering................ 66 Alignment and Balance............. 207 Compact Spare........................... 236 Wrench....................................... 238 Windows Cleaning...................................... 231 Operating the Power................... 85 Rear, Defogger............................ 65 Windshield Cleaning........................................ 64 Defroster................................... 104 Wipers, Windshield Changing Blades........................ 200 Operation...................................... 64 Worn Tires..................................... 206 Wrecker, Emergency Towing...... 258 * U.S. and Canada only Main MenustService Information Summary Gasoline: Premium unleaded gasoline, pump octane number of 91 or higher. Fuel Tank Capacity: 15.9 US gal (60 l ,13.2 Imp gal) Recommended Engine Oil: API Service SJ "Energy Conserving" oil, SAE 5W-30 viscosity (see page 181). 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 a temporary replacement (see page 191). 5-speed Manual Transmission Fluid: Honda Manual Transmission Fluid preferred, or an API service SG, SH or SJ, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 motor oil as a temporary replacement (see page 192). Tire Pressure (measured cold): Front/Rear: 32 psi (220 kPa , 2.2 kgf/cm2) Spare Tire Pressure: 60 psi (420 kPa , 4.2 kgf/cm2) Capacity (including differential): Type SH 2.2 US qt (2.1 l ,1.8 Imp qt) Except Type SH 2.0 US qt (1.9 l ,1.7 Imp qt) 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 194). Brake Fluid: Genuine Honda DOTS Brake Fluid preferred, or a DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid as a temporary replacement (see page 193). Main Menust2000 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 Your Vehicle at a Glance.....................................................................................................................2 Driver and Passenger Safety ..............................................................................................................5 Proper use and care of your vehicle's seat belts, and Supplemental Restraint System. Instruments and Controls.................................................................................................................51 Instrument panel indicator and gauge, and how to use dashboard and steering column controls. Comfort and Convenience Features ................................................................................................97 How to operate the climate control system, the audio system, and other convenience features. Before Driving..................................................................................................................................125 What gasoline to use, how to break-in your new vehicle, and how to load luggage and other cargo. Driving ..............................................................................................................................................139 The proper way to start the engine, shift the transmission, and park, plus towing a trailer. Maintenance.....................................................................................................................................167 The Maintenance Schedule shows you when you need to take your vehicle to the dealer. Appearance Care..............................................................................................................................227 Tips on cleaning and protecting your vehicle. Things to look for if your vehicle ever needs body repairs. Taking Care of the Unexpected......................................................................................................235 This section covers several problems motorists sometimes experience, and how to handle them. Technical Information.....................................................................................................................261 ID numbers, dimensions, capacities, and technical information. Warranty and Customer Relations (U.S. and Canada)................................................................273 A summary of the warranties covering your new Acura, and how to contact us. Authorized Manuals (U.S. only)......................................................................................................279 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. 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 2000 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 car 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 car according to the schedules given in this manual helps to keep your driving trouble-free while it preserves your investment. When your car 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 car 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 car. You must use your own good judgement. You will find this important safety information in a variety of forms, including: Safety Labels — on the car. 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 car correctly and safely. This entire book is filled with important safety information — please read it carefully. Main MenustYour Car at a Glance DOOR LOCK SWITCHES (P.74) DIGITAL CLOCK (P.90) MIRROR CONTROLS (P.88) POWER WINDOW SWITCHES (P.85) FUEL FILL DOOR RELEASE (P.127) TRUNK RELEASE HANDLE (P.78) HOOD RELEASE HANDLE (P.128) HEATING/ COOLING CONTROLS (P.98) AUDIO SYSTEM (P.106) Main MenustYour Car at a Glance CRUISE CONTROL (P. 67) INSTRUMENT PANEL BRIGHTNESS (P. 63) HAZARD WARNING LIGHTS (P. 65) WINDSHIELD WIPERS/WASHERS (P. 64) MOONROOF (P. 87) HEADLIGHTS/ TURN SIGNALS (P. 62) TILT ADJUSTMENT (P. 66) HORN BUTTONS REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER (P. 65) 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 car. Important Safety Precautions .......... 6 Your Car's Safety Features .............. 7 Seat Belts........................................8 Airbags............................................ 9 Seats & Seat-Backs...................... 10 Head Restraints........................... 10 Door Locks................................... 11 Pre-Drive Safety Checklist......... 11 Protecting Adults............................. 12 1. Close and Lock the Doors...... 12 2. Adjust the Front Seats............ 13 3. Adjust the Seat-Backs............. 14 4. Adjust the Head Restraints.... 15 5. Fasten and Position the Seat Belts...................................... 16 6. Adjust the Steering Wheel..... 17 7. Maintain a Proper Sitting Position................................. 18 Advice for Pregnant Women...... 19 Additional Safety Precautions.... 19 Protecting Children......................... 21 All Children Must Be Restrained................................ 21 Children Should Sit in the Back Seat............................................22 The Passenger's Airbag Poses Serious Risks to Children....... 22 If You Must Drive with Several Children.................................... 24 Driver and Passenger Safety If a Child Requires Close Attention...................................24 Additional Safety Precaution...... 24 General Guidelines for Using Child Seats................................25 Protecting Infants........................ 29 Protecting Small Children.......... 33 Protecting Larger Children........ 36 Using Child Seats with Tethers......................................40 Additional Information About Your Seat Belts.................................. 42 Seat Belt System Components... 42 Lap/Shoulder Belt....................... 42 Seat Belt Maintenance................ 44 Additional Information About Your SRS............................................45 SRS Components......................... 45 How Your Airbags Work............ 45 How the SRS Indicator Light Works........................................47 SRS Service................................... 47 Additional Safety Precautions.... 48 Carbon Monoxide Hazard.............. 49 Safety Labels.................................... 50 Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenustImportant Safety Precautions Be Aware of Airbag Hazards While airbags can 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 7.) Don't Drink and Drive Alcohol and driving don't mix. Even one drink can reduce your ability to respond to changing conditions, and your reaction time gets worse with every additional drink. So don't drink and drive, and don't let your friends drink and drive, either. 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. Keep Your Car 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 170.) You'll find many safety recommendations throughout this section, and throughout this manual. The recommendations on this page are the ones we consider to be the 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 moderate to severe frontal collision. So even though your car is equipped with airbags, make sure you and your passengers always wear your seat belts, and wear them properly. (See page 16.) 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 21.) Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentsstYour Car's Safety Features Your car 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 Car's Safety Features Seat Belts For your safety, and the safety of your passengers, your car 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 car has airbags. Driver and Passenger Safety In addition, most states and all Canadian provinces require you to wear seat belts. 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 car's built-in safety features. Help protect you in almost every type of crash, including side and rear impacts and rollovers. (Your airbag can only be helpful in a moderate to severe frontal collision.) Help keep you from being thrown against the inside of the vehicle and against other occupants. Keep you from being thrown out of the vehicle. 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 airbag. 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 ContentsstThe most important things you need to know about your airbags are: Airbags do not replace seat belts. The seat belts are the occupants' primary protection in all types of collisions. The airbags supplement the seat belts by providing extra protection for the head and chest of each front seat occupant in a moderate to severe frontal collision. Airbags offer no protection in side impacts, rear impacts, rollovers, or minor collisions. Airbags are designed to deploy only during a moderate to severe frontal collision. Your Car's Safety Features 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. Airbags Your car 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. Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentsstWhat you should do: Move the front seats as far back as possible, and keep adjustable seat-backs in an upright position whenever the car 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. Your Car's Safety Features Seats & Seat-Backs Your car's 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 energy absorbing materials in the seats. 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 the risk of you or your passenger being injured by striking the inside of the car, or by an inflating airbag. Reclining a seat-back too far reduces the seat belt's effectiveness and increases the chance that the seat's occupant will slide under the seat belt in a crash and be seriously injured. Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentsstDoor Locks Keeping your doors locked reduces the chance of being thrown out of the car during a crash. It also helps prevent occupants from accidentally opening a door and falling out, and outsiders from unexpectedly opening your doors. Pre-Drive Safety Checklist To make sure you and your passengers get the maximum protection from your car'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 16). Any infant or small child is properly restrained in a child seat in the back seat (see page 21). Front seat occupants are sitting upright and as far back as possible from the steering wheel and dashboard (see page 13). Seat-backs are upright (see page 14). Your Car's Safety Features Head restraints are properly adjusted (see page 15). Both doors are closed and locked (see page 12 ). All cargo is properly stored or secured (see page 135). 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. 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 37 for important additional guidelines on how to properly protect larger children.) 1. Close and Lock the Doors After everyone has entered the car, be sure the doors are closed and locked. Your car 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 that a passenger, especially a child, will open a door while the car is moving and accidentally fall out. It also reduces the chance of someone being thrown out of the car during a crash. For security, locked doors can prevent an outsider from unexpectedly opening a door when you come to a stop. See page 74 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 the 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 from 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 back and forth to make sure the seat is locked in position. See page 80 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, but as far from the dashboard as possible. A passenger who sits too close to the dashboard could be injured if the airbag inflates. Reclining a seat-back so that the shoulder part of the belt no longer rests against the occupant's chest reduces the protective capability of the belt. It also increases the chance of sliding under the belt in a crash and being seriously injured. 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 80 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 occupants from whiplash and other crash injuries. See page 82 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 42 for additional information about your seat belt system and how to take care of your belts. 6. Adjust the Steering Wheel If a seat belt does not seem to work as it should, it may not protect the occupant in a crash. No one should sit in a seat with an inoperative seat belt. Anyone using a seat belt that is not working properly can be seriously injured or killed. 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 chest provides optimal protection from the airbag. See page 66 for how to adjust the steering wheel. Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentsstIn addition, an occupant who is out of position in the front seat can be seriously or fatally injured by striking interior parts of the car, 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 car'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, well back in their seats, with their 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 sideways, or puts one or both feet up, the chance of injury during a crash is greatly increased. Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentsstPregnant women should also sit upright and 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 check-up, 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 the seat belt 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 vehicle. Remember to keep the lap portion of the belt as low as possible across your hips. CONTINUED Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of Contentsstthe airbags inflate. 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. Do not attach or place objects on the front airbag covers. Any object attached to or placed on the covers marked "SRS AIRBAG" in the center of the steering wheel and on top of the dashboard could interfere with the proper operation of the airbags. Or, if the airbags inflate, the objects could be propelled inside the car and hurt someone. Keep your hands and arms away from the airbag covers. If your hands or arms are close to the airbag covers in the center of the steering wheel and on top of the dashboard, they could be injured if 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. A larger child 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 may 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 car, 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 25.) A larger child should always be restrained with a seat belt. (See page 37.) 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 and Transport Canada recommend that all children ages 12 and under be properly restrained in the back seat. In the back seat, children are less likely to be injured by striking hard interior parts during a collision or hard braking. Also, children cannot be injured by an inflating airbag when they ride in the back. The Passenger's Airbag Poses Serious Risks to Children Airbags have been designed to help protect adults in a moderate to 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's airbag. Whenever possible, larger children should sit in the back seat, properly restrained with a seat belt. (See page 37 for important information about protecting larger children.) Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentsstProtecting Children U.S. Models To remind you of the passenger's airbag hazards, and that children must be properly restrained in the back seat, your car 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. Canadian Models To remind you of the airbag hazards, your car has warning labels on the driver's and front passenger's visors. Please read and follow the instructions on these labels. Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentsstProtecting Children If You Must Drive with Several Children Your car 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 car: Place the largest child in the front seat, provided the child is large enough to wear a seat belt properly (see page 37). Move the vehicle seat as far to the rear as possible (see page 13). Have the child sit upright and well back in the seat (see page 19). Make sure the seat belt is properly positioned and secured (see page 17). Driver and Passenger Safety Additional Safety Precaution Do not leave children alone in your vehicle. Leaving children without adult supervision is illegal in most states and Canadian provinces, 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. 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 the child to hazards from the airbag, and paying close attention to a child distracts the driver from the important tasks of driving, placing both of you at risk. 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. 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 Standard 213 (CMVSS 213). 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 a rear-facing seat provides the proper support to protect an infant's head, neck, and back. See page 29 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 36 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. However, Honda is confident that one or more child seat models can fit and be properly installed in all recommended seating positions in your car. Before purchasing a child seat, we recommend that parents test the child seat in the specific vehicle seating position (or positions) where they intend to use the seat. If a previously purchased child seat does not fit, you may need to buy a different one that will fit. 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 car. 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 in this section. Protecting Children Front Passenger's Seat Infants: Never in the front seat, clue to the passenger's 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 34). Back Seats Infants: Recommended positions. Secure a rear-facing child seat with the seat belt (see page 30 ). Small children: Recommended positions. Secure a front-facing child seat with the seat belt (see page 34 ). 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 30 and 34 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 back-and-forth 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 in a crash and seriously injured. 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 car during a crash or sudden stop and injure someone. Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentsstPlacing 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 be restrained in a rear-facing child seat until the infant reaches the seat maker's weight or height limit and is able to sit up without support. Protecting Infants Child Seat Type Only a rear-facing child seat provides 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. Protecting Children Rear-Facing Child Seat Placement In this car, 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 placed facing forward, an infant could be very seriously injured during a frontal collision. CONTINUED Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentsstProtecting Children Rear-Facing Child 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 and 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

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2000 Honda Prelude Owners Manual