2003 Honda S2000 Owners Manual

signal.

, then

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Audio System

−

The SCAN function

SCAN samples all the stations with strong signals on the selected band. To activate it, press the SCAN button, then release it. You will see SCAN in the display. The system will scan up the band for a station with a strong signal. When it finds one, it will stop and play that station for approximately five seconds. If you do nothing, the system will then scan for the next strong station and play that for five seconds. When it plays a station that you want to continue listening to, press the SCAN button again.

−

You can store the

Preset frequencies of your favorite radio stations in the six preset buttons. Each button will store one frequency on the AM band, and two frequencies on the FM band.

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Comfort and Convenience Features

AM/FM BUTTON

STEREO INDICATOR

SCAN BUTTON

SCAN INDICATOR

PWR/VOL KNOB

PRESET BUTTONS

TUNE KNOB

SEEK/SKIP BAR

AUTO SELECT BUTTON

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To store a frequency:

1.

2.

3.

4.

Select the desired band, AM or FM. FM1 and FM2 let you store two frequencies with each preset button.

Use the TUNE, SEEK, or SCAN function to tune the radio to a desired station.

Pick the Preset button you want for that station. Press the button and hold it until you hear a beep.

Repeat steps 1 to 3 to store a total of six stations on AM and twelve on FM.

Once a station’s frequency is stored, simply press and release the proper Preset button to tune to it. The preset frequencies will be lost if your vehicle’s battery goes dead, is disconnected, or the radio fuse is removed.

Audio System

AM/FM BUTTON

PRESET BUTTONS

SEEK BAR

TUNE KNOB

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Audio System

− If you are

AUTO SELECT traveling far from home and can no longer receive the stations you preset, you can use the Auto Select feature to find stations in the local area.

To activate Auto Select, press the A. SEL button. A. SEL will flash in the display, and the system will go into scan mode for several seconds. It automatically scans both bands, looking for stations with strong signals. It stores the frequencies of six AM stations and twelve FM stations in the preset buttons. You can then use the preset buttons to select those stations.

If you are in a remote area, Auto Select may not find six strong AM stations or twelve strong FM stations. If this happens, you will see a ‘‘0’’ displayed when you press any preset button that does not have a station stored.

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Comfort and Convenience Features

AUTO SELECT INDICATOR

SCAN BUTTON

SEEK BAR

TUNE KNOB

A. SEL BUTTON

If you do not like the stations Auto Select has stored, you can store other frequencies in the preset buttons. Use the TUNE, SEEK, or SCAN function to find the desired frequencies, then store them in the selected preset buttons as described previously.

Auto Select does not erase the frequencies that you preset pre- viously. When you return home, turn off Auto Select by pressing the A. SEL button. The preset buttons will then select the frequencies you originally set.

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Adjusting the Sound Bass, Treble, Balance, and Fader are each adjustable. You select which of these you want to adjust by pressing the TUNE knob. The mode changes from BAS to TRE to FAD to BAL, and then back to the selected audio mode, each time you press the TUNE knob. Each mode is shown in the display as it changes.

Audio System

ADJUSTMENT LEVEL

−

These two

Balance/Fader modes adjust the strength of the sound coming from each speaker. BAL adjusts the side-to-side strength, while FAD adjusts the front-to-back strength.

Because there are no rear speakers, you will not hear any sound from the audio system if you adjust the fader to its full rear (

) position.

−

Select BAL or FAD by pressing the TUNE knob. Adjust the Balance or Fader to your liking by turning the TUNE knob. The displayed number shows you the current setting. When the adjustment level reaches the center, you will see ‘‘

’’.

−

Treble/Bass Use these modes to adjust the tone to your liking. Select TRE or BAS by pressing the TUNE knob. Adjust the desired mode by turning the TUNE knob. The

TUNE KNOB

displayed number shows you the current setting. When the adjustment level reaches the center, you will see ‘‘

’’.

The system will automatically return the display to the selected audio mode about five seconds after you stop adjusting a mode with the MODE knob.

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Audio System

Digital Clock The display of your audio system usually shows the time when the ignition switch is in ACCESSORY (I) or ON (II). It shows operation mode of radio, CD player, or optional CD changer when you operate them, and goes back to the time display after five seconds.

If an error occurs while operating the CD player or optional CD changer, the display will show the error code and will not switch to the time display until the error is corrected (see pages and

111

112

).

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Comfort and Convenience Features

TIME DISPLAY

CLOCK BUTTON

H BUTTON

R BUTTON

M BUTTON

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To set the hours, press the H (Preset 4) button while pressing the CLOCK (SCAN/RPT) button. Press and hold the H button until the hour advances to the desired time.

To set the minutes, press the M (Preset 5) button while pressing the CLOCK (SCAN/RPT) button. Press and hold the M button until the minutes numbers advance to the desired time.

You can use the R (Preset 6) button to quickly set the time to the nearest hour. Press the R button while pressing the CLOCK button. If the displayed time is before the half hour, pressing R sets the clock back to the previous hour. If the displayed time is after the half hour, pressing R sets the clock forward to the beginning of the next hour.

For example:

1:06 would RESET to 1:00
1:52 would RESET to 2:00

Audio System

If your car’s battery is disconnected or goes dead, the time setting will be lost. To set the time again, follow the setting procedure.

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Audio System

Audio System Lighting The audio system illuminates when the parking lights are on, even if the radio is turned off.

Radio Frequencies Your Honda’s radio can receive the complete AM and FM bands. Those bands cover these frequen- cies:

AM band: 530 to 1,710 kilohertz FM band: 87.7 to 107.9 megahertz

Radio stations on the AM band are assigned frequencies at least ten kilohertz apart (530, 540, 550). Stations on the FM band are assigned frequencies at least 0.2
megahertz apart (87.9, 88.1, 88.3).

Stations must use these exact frequencies. It is fairly common for stations to round-off the frequency in their advertising, so your radio could display a frequency of 100.9 even though the announcer may identify the station as ‘‘FM101.’’

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Radio Reception How well your Honda’s radio receives stations is dependent on many factors, such as the distance from the station’s transmitter, nearby large objects, and atmos- pheric conditions.

A radio station’s signal gets weaker as you get farther away from its transmitter. If you are listening to an AM station, you will notice the sound volume becoming weaker, and the station drifting in and out. If you are listening to an FM station, you will see the stereo indicator flickering off and on as the signal weakens. Eventually, the stereo indicator will go off and the sound will fade completely as you get out of range of the station’s signal.

Audio System

Driving very near the transmitter of a station that is broadcasting on a frequency close to the frequency of the station you are listening to can also affect your radio’s reception. You may temporarily hear both stations, or hear only the station you are close to.

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Audio System

Electrical interference from passing vehicles and stationary sources can cause temporary reception problems.

AsrequiredbytheFCC: Changesormodificationsnotexpressly approvedbythepartyresponsiblefor compliancecouldvoidtheuser’s authoritytooperatetheequipment.

Radio signals, especially on the FM band, are deflected by large objects such as buildings and hills. Your radio then receives both the direct signal from the station’s transmitter, and the deflected signal. This causes the sound to distort or flutter. This is a main cause of poor radio reception in city driving.

Radio reception can be affected by atmospheric conditions such as thunderstorms, high humidity, and even sunspots. You may be able to receive a distant radio station one day and not receive it the next day because of a change in conditions.

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Operating the CD Player You operate the CD player with the same controls used for the radio.

With the ignition switch in ACCESSORY (I) or ON (II), insert the disc into the CD slot. Push the disc in halfway, the drive will pull it in the rest of the way and begin to play. The number of the track that is playing is shown in the display.

You can also play 3-inch (8-cm) discs without using an adapter ring. Play only standard round discs. Odd- shaped CDs may jam in the drive or cause other problems.

For best results when using CD-R discs, use only high quality discs labeled for audio use. When recording a CD-R, the recording must be closed in order for the disc to be used by CD players. CD-RW discs will not work in this unit.

Audio System

AM/FM BUTTON

REPEAT INDICATOR

EJECT BUTTON

CD/TAPE BUTTON

CD SLOT

RPT BUTTON

PWR/VOL KNOB

RANDOM INDICATOR

SEEK/SKIP BAR

RDM BUTTON

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If you eject the disc, but do not remove it from the slot, the system will automatically reload the disc after 15 seconds and put the CD player in pause mode. To begin playing the disc, press the CD button.

You can use the SEEK/SKIP bar while a disc is playing to select passages and change tracks.

Each time you press and release the

side of the SEEK/SKIP bar,

the system skips forward to the beginning of the next track. Press and release the side to skip backward to the beginning of the current track. Press it again to skip to the beginning of the previous track.

To move rapidly within a track, press and hold the SEEK/SKIP bar. Press the side to move forward. You will see CUE in the display. Press the

side to move backward. You

will see REW displayed. Release the bar when the system reaches the point you want.

Audio System

When the system reaches the end of the disc, it will return to the begin- ning and play the disc again.

You can switch to the radio while a CD is playing by pressing the AM/ FM button. Press the CD button to return to playing the CD. The CD will begin playing where it left off.

If you turn the system off while a CD is playing, either with the PWR/VOL knob or by turning off the ignition, the disc will stay in the drive. When you turn the system back on, the CD will begin playing where it left off.

Press the eject button to remove the disc from the drive.

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Audio System

−

REPEAT To activate the Repeat feature, press and release the RPT button. You will see RPT in the display. The system continuously replays the current track. Press the RPT button again to turn it off.

−

RANDOM PLAY This feature, when activated, plays the tracks on the CD in random order, rather than in the order they are recorded on the CD. To activate Random Play, press and release the RDM button. You will see RDM in the display. The system will then select and play tracks randomly. This continues until you deactivate Random Play by pressing RDM again.

If the system is in Repeat mode, you must turn it off by pressing the RPT button before selecting Random Play.

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Audio System

Operating the CD Changer (Optional) A Compact Disc changer is available for your vehicle. It holds up to six discs, providing several hours of continuous entertainment. You operate this CD changer with the same controls used for the in-dash CD player.

Load the desired CDs in the magazine and load the magazine in the changer according to the instructions that came with the unit. Play only standard round discs. Odd- shaped CDs may jam in the drive or cause other problems.

For best results when using CD-R discs, use only high quality discs labeled for audio use. When recording a CD-R, the recording must be closed in order for the disc to be used by CD players. CD-RW discs will not work in this unit.

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If you eject the in-dash CD while it is playing, the system will automatically switch to the CD changer and begin play where it left off. If there are no CDs in the changer, the display will flash. You will have to select another mode (AM or FM) with the button.

When you switch back to CD mode, the system selects the same unit (in- dash or changer) that was playing when you switched out of CD mode.

To use the SKIP, REPEAT, and RANDOM functions, refer to the in- dash player operating instructions.

To select the CD changer, press the CD button. The disc and track numbers will be displayed.

＋

−

To select a different disc, use the Preset 5 (DISC ) or Preset 6
(DISC ) button. Press the Preset 6
button to select the next disc in the magazine. Press the Preset 5 button to select the previous disc. If you select an empty slot in the magazine, the changer will, after finding that slot empty, try to load the CD in the next slot. This continues until it finds a CD to load and play.

If you load a CD in the in-dash player while the changer is playing a CD, the system will stop the changer and begin playing the in-dash CD. To select the changer again, press the CD button. Play will begin where it left off. Use the CD button to switch between the player and the changer.

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Audio System

Protecting Compact Discs

When a CD is not being played, store it in its case to protect it from dust and other contamination. To prevent warpage, keep CDs out of direct sunlight and extreme heat.

Handle a CD by its edges; never touch either surface. Do not place stabilizer rings or labels on the CD. These, along with contamination from fingerprints, liquids, and felt-tip pens, can cause the CD to not play properly, or possibly jam in the drive.

To clean a disc, use a clean soft cloth. Wipe across the disc from the center to the outside edge.

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Audio System

Never try to insert foreign objects in the CD player or the magazine.

A new CD may be rough on the inner and outer edges. The small plastic pieces causing this roughness can flake off and fall on the re- cording surface of the disc, causing skipping or other problems. Remove these pieces by rubbing the inner and outer edges with the side of a pencil or pen.

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CD Player Error Indications If you see an error indication in the display while operating the CD player, find the cause in the chart to the right. If you cannot clear the error indication, take the vehicle to your Honda dealer.

Audio System

Indication

Cause

Solution

FOCUS Error

Mechanical Error

High Temperature

Press the EJECT button and pull out the disc. Check if the disc is inserted correctly in the CD player. Make sure the disc is not scratched or damaged. Press the EJECT button and pull out the disc. Check the disc for damage or deformation. If the CD cannot be pulled out or the error indication does not disappear after the disc is ejected, see your Honda dealer. Do not try to force the disc out of the player. Will disappear when the temperature returns to normal.

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Audio System

CD Changer Error Indications If you see an error indication in the display while operating the CD changer, find the cause in the chart to the right. If you cannot clear the error indication, take the vehicle to your Honda dealer.

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Comfort and Convenience Features

Indication

Cause

Solution

FOCUS Error

No CD in the CD magazine

Mechanical Error

High Temperature

No CD magazine in the CD changer

Press the magazine eject button and pull out the magazine, check for error indication. Insert the magazine again. If the code does not disappear or the magazine cannot be pulled out, consult your Honda dealer. Insert CD.

Press the magazine eject button and pull out the magazine, check for error indication. Insert the magazine again. If the code does not disappear or the magazine cannot be pulled out, consult your Honda dealer. Will disappear when the temperature returns to normal. Insert CD magazine.

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AUDIO CONTROL BUTTON

CHANNEL BUTTON

MUTE BUTTON

VOLUME LEVER

Four controls for the audio system are on the left side of the dashboard by the instrument panel. These let you control basic functions without distracting your attention from driving.

Use the VOLUME lever to adjust the volume. Push the lever up to increase the volume and down to decrease it. Hold the lever until the volume reaches the desired level, then release it.

If you want to mute the sound temporarily, push the MUTE button. The indicator in the button will light to indicate the mute function is on. Press the button again to cancel MUTE.

The AUDIO CONTROL button changes the mode. Pressing the button repeatedly selects AM, FM1, FM2, or CD (if a CD is loaded).

The CHANNEL button has two functions, depending on whether you are listening to the radio, or playing a CD.

If you are listening to the radio, use the CHANNEL button to change stations. Each time you press this button, the system advances to the next preset station on the band you are listening to. You will see the number of the selected Preset button in the audio system display.

Remote Audio Controls

If you are playing a CD, the system skips to the beginning of the next track each time you push the CHANNEL button.

These controls work only with the factory-installed audio system. They will not function if you install any other system.

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Main MenuTable of ContentsstYou will have to store your favorite stations in the Preset buttons after the system begins working. Your original settings were lost when power was disconnected.

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Theft Protection

Your car’s audio system will disable itself if it is disconnected from electrical power for any reason. To make it work again, the user must enter a specific five-digit code in the Preset buttons. Because there are hundreds of number combinations possible from five digits, making the system work without knowing the exact code is nearly impossible.

You should have received a card that lists your audio system’s code number and serial number. It is best to store this card in a safe place at home. In addition, you should write the audio system’s serial number in this Owner’s Manual. If you should happen to lose the card, you must obtain the code number from your Honda dealer. To do this, you will need the system’s serial number.

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If your car’s battery is disconnected or goes dead, or the radio fuse is removed, the audio system will disable itself. If this happens, you will see ‘‘Code’’ in the frequency display the next time you turn on the system. Use the Preset buttons to enter the five-digit code. If it is entered correctly, the radio will start playing.

If you make a mistake entering the code, do not start over or try to correct your mistake. Complete the five-digit sequence, then enter the correct code. You have ten tries to enter the correct code. If you are unsuccessful in ten attempts, you must then leave the system on for one hour before trying again.

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Cruise control allows you to maintain a set speed above 25 mph (40 km/h) without keeping your foot on the accelerator pedal. It should be used for cruising on straight, open highways. It is not recommended for conditions such as city driving, winding roads, slippery roads, heavy rain, or bad weather. You should have full control of the car under those conditions.

Improper use of the cruise control can lead to a crash.

Use the cruise control only when traveling on open highways in good weather.

The cruise control, as it operates, moves the accelerator pedal. You can damage your vehicle’s accelerator mechanism by resting your f oot under the pedal and blocking the movement.

Cruise Control

UsingtheCruiseControl

1.

Push in the Cruise Control Master Switch on the dashboard beside the steering column. The indicator by the switch will light.

2.

Accelerate to the desired cruising speed above 25 mph (40 km/h).

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Comfort and Convenience Features 115

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Cruise Control

RESUME/accel

SET/decel

3.

Press and release the SET/decel button on the steering wheel. The CRUISE CONTROL light on the instrument panel comes on to show the system is now activated.

The cruise control may not hold the set speed when you are going up and down hills. If your speed increases going down a hill, use the brakes to slow down to the desired speed. This will cancel the

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Comfort and Convenience Features

cruise control. To resume the set speed, press the RESUME/accel button. The CRUISE CONTROL light on the instrument panel comes on.

ChangingtheSetSpeed You can increase the set cruising speed in any of these ways:

Press and hold the RESUME/ accel button. The car will accelerate. When you reach the desired cruising speed, release the button.

Push on the accelerator pedal. Accelerate to the desired cruising speed and press the SET/decel button.

To increase your speed in very small amounts, tap the RESUME/ accel button repeatedly. Each time you do this, your car will speed up about 1 mph (1.6 km/h).

You can decrease the set cruising speed in any of these ways:

Press and hold the SET/decel button. The car will decelerate. Release the button when you reach the desired speed.

To slow down in very small amounts, tap the SET/decel button repeatedly. Each time you do this, your car will slow down about 1 mph (1.6 km/h).

Tap the brake or clutch pedal lightly with your foot. The CRUISE CONTROL light on the instrument panel will go out. When the car slows to the desired speed, press the SET/decel button. The car will then maintain the desired speed.

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Even with the cruise control turned on, you can still use the accelerator pedal to speed up for passing. After completing the pass, take your foot off the accelerator pedal. The car will return to the set cruising speed.

Resting your foot on the brake or clutch pedal will cause the cruise control to cancel.

CancellingtheCruiseControl You can cancel the cruise control in any of these ways:

Tap the brake or clutch pedal.

Press the SET/decel and RESUME/accel buttons at the same time.

Press the Cruise Control Master Switch.

When you tap the brake or clutch pedal, or press the SET and RESUME buttons at the same time, the CRUISE CONTROL light on the instrument panel will go out and the car will begin to slow down. You can use the accelerator pedal in the normal way.

The system remembers the previously-set cruising speed. To return to that speed, accelerate to above 25 mph (40 km/h), then press

Cruise Control

the RESUME/accel button. The CRUISE CONTROL light comes on, and the car will accelerate to the same cruising speed as before.

Pressing the Cruise Control Master Switch turns the system completely off and erases the previous cruising speed from memory. To use the system again, refer to Usingthe CruiseControl

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Before Driving

Before you begin driving your Honda, you should know what gasoline to use, and how to check the levels of important fluids. You also need to know how to properly store luggage or packages. The information in this section will help you. If you plan to add any accessories to your vehicle, please read the information in this section first.

Fuel Economy

Filling the Fuel Tank Opening the Hood

Oil Check Engine Coolant Check

Break-in Period Gasoline Service Station Procedures

. 120
. 120
. 121
. 121
. 122
. 123
. 124
. 125
. 125
. 125
Accessories and Modifications . 126
. 126
Accessories Modifications . 127
Additional Safety Precaution . 127
. 128
. 131

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Carrying Cargo General Precautions

Car Condition Driving Habits

Before Driving 119

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Break-in Period, Gasoline

Break-in Period Help assure your car’s future reliability and performance by paying extra attention to how you drive during the first 600 miles (1,000 km). During this period:

Avoid full-throttle starts and rapid acceleration. Do not exceed 5,500 rpm for the first 600 miles (1,000 km) of operation.

Avoid hard braking. New brakes need to be broken-in by moderate use for the first 200 miles (300
km).

Do not change the oil until the recommended time or mileage interval shown in the maintenance schedule.

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You should follow these same re- commendations with an overhauled or exchanged engine, or when the brakes are relined.

Using gasoline containing lead will damage your car’s emissions controls. This contributes to air pollution.

In Canada, some gasolines contain an octane-enhancing additive called MMT. If you use such gasolines, your emission control system performance may deteriorate and the Malfunction Indicator Lamp on your instrument panel may turn on. If this happens, contact your authorized Honda dealer for service.

Gasoline Your Honda is designed to operate on premium unleaded gasoline with a pump octane number of 91 or higher.

If you are unable to find premium unleaded gasoline, you may substi- tute an unleaded regular gasoline. The engine will compensate for the lower octane, but you may notice a slight decrease in power as a result.

We recommend gasolines containing detergent additives that help prevent fuel system and engine deposits.

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Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive. You can be burned or seriously injured when handling fuel.

Stop the engine and keep heat, sparks, and flame away. Handle fuel only outdoors. Wipe up spills immediately.

Filling the Fuel Tank

Pull

1.

Because the fuel fill cap is on the driver’s side of the car, park with that side closest to the service station pumps.

2.

Open the fuel fill door by pulling on the knob on the driver’s door jamb.

Service Station Procedures

FUEL FILL CAP Remove the fuel fill cap slowly. 3. You may hear a hissing sound as pressure inside the tank escapes. Place the cap in the holder on the fuel fill door.

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Service Station Procedures

4.

Stop filling the tank after the fuel nozzle automatically clicks off. Do not try to ‘‘top off’’ the tank, leave some room for the fuel to expand with temperature changes.

Your car has an on-board refueling vapor recovery system to help keep fuel vapors from going into the atmosphere. If the fuel nozzle keeps clicking off even though the tank is not full, there may be a problem with this system. Consult your dealer.

5.

Screw the fuel fill cap back on, tighten it until it clicks several times. If you do not properly tighten the cap, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp may come on (see page

234

).

6.

Push the fuel fill door closed until it latches.

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Before Driving

Opening the Hood

RELEASE HANDLE

1.

2.

Shift to Neutral and set the parking brake. Pull the hood release handle located under the lower left corner of the dashboard. The hood will pop up slightly.

Standing in front of the car, put your fingers under the front edge of the hood to the right of center. Slide your hand to the left until you feel the hood latch handle. Push this handle to the left until it

releases the hood. Lift the hood.

If you can open the hood without lifting the hood latch handle, or the hood latch handle moves stiffly or does not spring back as before, the mechanism should be cleaned and lubricated (see page 178

).

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Service Station Procedures

OilCheck

DIPSTICK

3.

Pull the support rod out of its clip and insert the end into the hole on the front of the hood around the center. To close the hood, lift it up slightly to remove the support rod from the hole. Put the support rod back into its holding clip. Lower the hood to about a foot (30 cm) above the fender, then let it drop. After closing the hood, make sure it is securely latched.

Check the engine oil level every time you fill the car with fuel. Wait a few minutes after turning the engine off before you check the oil.

1.

Remove the dipstick (black handle).

2.

Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth or paper towel.

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Service Station Procedures

DIPSTICK

EngineCoolantCheck

RESERVE TANK

UPPER MARK

LOWER MARK

3.

Insert it all the way back in its tube.

4.

Remove the dipstick again and check the level. It should be between the upper and lower marks.

If it is near or below the lower mark, see

Adding Oil

on page

161

124

Before Driving

MAX

MIN

Look at the coolant level in the radiator reserve tank. Make sure it is between the MAX and MIN lines. If Adding it is below the MIN line, see Engine Coolant for 165
information on adding the proper coolant.

on page

Owner Maintenance on page

Refer to Checks on checking other items in your Honda.

159

for information

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The condition of your car and your driving habits are the two most important things that affect the fuel mileage you get.

Car Condition Always maintain your car according to the maintenance schedule. This will keep it in top operating condition.

159

(see page

Owner Maintenance

An important part of that mainte- nance is the Checks ). For example, an underinflated tire causes more ‘‘rolling resistance,’’ which uses fuel. It also wears out faster, so check the tire pressure at least monthly.

In winter, the build-up of snow on your car’s underside adds weight and rolling resistance. Frequent cleaning helps your fuel mileage and reduces the chance of corrosion.

Driving Habits You can improve fuel economy by driving moderately. Rapid acceler- ation, abrupt cornering, and hard braking use more fuel.

Always drive in the highest gear that allows the engine to run and acceler- ate smoothly.

Depending on traffic conditions, try to maintain a constant speed. Every time you slow down and speed up, your car uses extra fuel. Use the cruise control, when appropriate, to increase fuel economy.

A cold engine uses more fuel than a warm engine. It is not necessary to ‘‘warm-up’’ a cold engine by letting it idle for a long time. You can drive away in about a minute, no matter how cold it is outside. The engine will warm up faster, and you get better fuel economy. To cut down on the number of ‘‘cold starts,’’ try to

Fuel Economy

combine several short trips into one.

The air conditioning puts an extra load on the engine which makes it use more fuel. Turn off the A/C to cut down on air conditioning use. Use the flow-through ventilation when the outside air temperature is moderate.

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Accessories and Modifications

Modifying your car, or installing some non-Honda accessories, can make your car unsafe. Before you make any modifications or add any accessories, be sure to read the following information.

Accessories Your dealer has genuine Honda accessories that allow you to personalize your car. These accessories have been designed and approved for your car, and are covered by warranty.

Non-Honda accessories are usually designed for universal applications. Although aftermarket accessories may fit on your car, they may not meet factory specifications, and could adversely affect your car’s handling and stability. (See ‘‘Modifications’’ on page 127
additional information.)

for

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Before Driving

Improper accessories or modifications can affect your car’s handling, stability, and performance, and cause a crash in which you can be hurt or killed.

Follow all instructions in this owner’s manual regarding accessories and modifications.

When properly installed, cellular phones, alarms, two-way radios, and low-powered audio systems should not interfere with your car’s computer-controlled systems, such as the SRS and anti-lock brake system.

However, if electronic accessories are improperly installed, or exceed your car’s electrical system capacity, they can interfere with the operation of your car, or even cause the airbags to deploy.

Before installing any accessory:

Make sure the accessory does not obscure any lights, or interfere with proper car operation or performance.

Be sure electronic accessories do not overload electrical circuits (see page

239

).

Have the installer contact your Honda dealer for assistance before installing any electronic accessory.

If possible, have your dealer inspect the final installation.

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Modifications Removing parts from your vehicle, or replacing components with non- Honda (aftermarket) components could seriously affect your vehicle’s handling, stability, and reliability.

Some examples are:

Lowering the vehicle with an aftermarket suspension kit that significantly reduces ground clearance can allow the undercarriage to impact speed bumps or other raised objects, which could cause the airbags to deploy.

Raising the vehicle with an aftermarket suspension kit can affect the handling and stability.

Aftermarket wheels, because they are a universal design, can cause excessive stress on suspension components.

Accessories and Modifications

Larger or smaller wheels and tires can interfere with the operation of your vehicle’s anti-lock brakes and other systems.

Do not modify your steering wheel or any other part of your Supplemental Restraint System. Modifications could make the system ineffective.

If you plan to modify your vehicle, consult with your Honda dealer.

Additional Safety Precaution Do not attach or place objects on the 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.

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Carrying Cargo

UPPER AND LOWER CONSOLE COMPARTMENTS

TRUNK

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Before Driving

Your car has several convenient storage areas so you can stow cargo safely.

The upper and lower console compartments are designed for small, lightweight items. The trunk is intended for larger, heavier items.

However, carrying too much cargo, or improperly storing it, can affect your car’s handling, stability, and operation, and make it unsafe. Before carrying any type of cargo, be sure to read the following pages.

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Overloading or improper loading can affect handling and stability and cause a crash in which you can be hurt or killed.

Follow all load limits and other loading guidelines in this manual.

Carrying Cargo

Carrying Items in the Passenger Compartment

Store or secure all items that could be thrown around and hurt someone during a crash.

Be sure items placed on the floor behind the front seats cannot roll under the seats and interfere with the driver’s ability to operate the pedals, or with the proper operation of the seats.

Load Limit The maximum load for your car is 400 lbs (185 kg).

This figure includes the total weight of all occupants, cargo, and accessories.

To figure out how much cargo you can carry:

Add up the weight of all occupants.

Subtract the total from 400 lbs (185 kg).

The final number is the total weight of cargo you can carry.

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Carrying Cargo

Carrying Cargo in the Trunk

Distribute cargo evenly on the floor of the trunk, placing the heaviest items on the bottom and as far forward as possible.

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Your Honda is designed to give you optimum handling and performance on well-maintained roads. As part of this design, your car has a minimum of ground clearance and very low- profile tires.

Use caution if you should drive your car on very rough or rutted roads. You could damage the suspension and underbody by bottoming out. Going too fast over parking lot ‘‘speed bumps’’ can also cause damage.

Curbs and steep inclines could damage the front and rear bumpers. Low curbs that do not affect the average car may be high enough to hit the bumper on your Honda. The front or rear bumper may scrape when trying to drive onto an incline, such as a steep driveway or trailer ramps.

General Precautions

Because of the low-profile tires fitted to your car, the alloy wheels are closer to the ground. Driving over a pothole or road debris at too high a speed can seriously damage a wheel. Slow down under these conditions.

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Driving

This section gives you tips on starting the engine under various conditions, and how to operate the manual transmission. It also includes important information on parking your car, and the braking system.

Preparing to Drive Starting the Engine

........................ .......................

. 134
. 135

Starting in Cold Weather

at High Altitude

6-speed Manual Transmission Recommended Shift Points Engine Speed Limiter Reverse Lockout

.................... .... ..... .............. ....................... ........................................... ..................... ............. ............... .......................

Brake Wear Indicators Brake System Design Anti-lock Brakes

Parking The Braking System

. 136
. 137
. 138
. 138
. 138
. 139
. 140
. 140
. 141
. 141

Important Safety

Reminders ABS Indicator

Driving in Bad Weather Towing a Trailer

......................... ........................ ............... ...........................

. 142
. 143
. 144
. 145

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4.

5.

6.

Check that any items you may be carrying with you inside are stored properly or fastened down securely.

Check the adjustment of the seat (see page

69

).

Check the adjustment of the inside and outside mirrors (see page

80

).

7.

Make sure the doors are securely closed and locked.

Preparing to Drive

You should do the following checks and adjustments every day before you drive your car.

1.

Make sure all windows, mirrors, and outside lights are clean and unobstructed. Remove frost, snow, or ice.

2.

Check that the hood and trunk are fully closed.

3.

Visually check the tires. If a tire looks low, use a gauge to check its pressure.

134

Driving

8.

9.

Fasten your seat belt. Check that your passenger has fastened his or her seat belt (see page

15

).

Turn the ignition switch ON (II). Check the indicator lights in the instrument panel.

10.

Start the engine (see page

135

).

11.

Check the gauges and indicator lights in the instrument panel (see page

45

).

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1.

Apply the parking brake.

2.

3.

In cold weather, turn off all electrical accessories to reduce the drain on the battery.

Push the clutch pedal down all the way. The ENGINE START button has no effect unless the clutch pedal is depressed.

4.

Turn the ignition key to ON (II) position.

ENGINE START BUTTON Without touching the accelerator 5. pedal, push the ENGINE START button. If the engine does not start right away, do not hold the ENGINE START button for more than 15 seconds at a time. Pause for at least 10 seconds before trying again.

Starting the Engine

6.

7.

If the engine does not start within 15 seconds, or starts but stalls right away, repeat step 5 with the accelerator pedal pressed half-way down. If the engine starts, release pressure on the accelerator pedal so the engine does not race.

If the engine still does not start, press the accelerator pedal all the way down and hold it there while starting in order to clear flooding. As before, hold the ENGINE START button for no more than 15 seconds. Return to step 6 if the engine does not start. If it starts, lift your foot off the accelerator pedal so the engine does not race.

Driving

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Starting the Engine

Starting in Cold Weather at High Altitude (Above 8,000 feet/ 2,400 meters) An engine is harder to start in cold weather. The thinner air found at high altitude above 8,000 feet (2,400 meters) adds to the problem.

Use the following procedure:

1.

Turn off all electrical accessories to reduce the drain on the battery.

2.

Push the accelerator pedal half- way to the floor and hold it there while starting the engine. Do not hold the ENGINE START button for more than 15 seconds. When the engine starts, release the accelerator pedal gradually as the engine speeds up and smooths out.

3.

If the engine fails to start in step 2, push the accelerator pedal to the floor and hold it there while you try to start the engine for no more than 15 seconds. If the engine does not start, return to step 2.

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6-speed Manual Transmission

Rapid slowing or speeding-up can cause loss of control on slippery surfaces. If you crash, you can be injured.

Use extra care when driving on slippery surfaces.

Come to a full stop before you shift into Reverse. You can damage the transmission by trying to shift into Reverse with the car moving. Push down the clutch pedal, and pause for a few seconds before shifting into Reverse, or shift into one of the forward gears for a moment. This stops the gears so they won’t ‘‘grind.’’

When slowing down, you can get extra braking from the engine by shifting to a lower gear. This extra braking can help you maintain a safe speed and prevent your brakes from overheating while going down a steep hill. Before downshifting, make sure engine speed will not go into the tachometer’s red zone in the lower gear.

Driving

137

The manual transmission is synchro- nized in all forward gears for smooth operation. It has a lockout so you cannot shift directly from Fifth to Reverse instead of Sixth (see page ). When shifting up or down, 138
make sure you push the clutch pedal down all the way, shift to the next gear, and let the pedal up gradually. When you are not shifting, do not rest your foot on the clutch pedal. This can cause your clutch to wear out faster.

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6-speed Manual Transmission

Recommended Shift Points Drive in the highest gear that lets the engine run and accelerate smoothly. This will give you the best fuel economy and effective emis- sions control. The following shift points are recommended:

Shift Up

Normal Acceleration

1st to 2nd 2nd to 3rd 3rd to 4th 4th to 5th 5th to 6th

15 mph (24 km/h) 25 mph (40 km/h) 40 mph (64 km/h) 47 mph (75 km/h) 52 mph (83 km/h)

Engine Speed Limiter If you exceed the maximum speed for the gear you are in, the engine speed will enter into the tachometer’s red zone. If this occurs, you may feel the engine cut in and out. This is caused by a limiter in the engine’s computer controls. The engine will run normally when you reduce the RPM below the red zone.

Before downshifting, make sure the engine will not go into the tachometer’s red zone.

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Driving

Reverse Lockout

The 6-speed manual transmission has a lockout so you cannot accidentally shift from Fifth to Reverse instead of Sixth.

With the clutch pedal depressed, move the shift lever to the Reverse side of the Neutral gate. Then push the shift lever down and shift to Reverse.

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Always use the parking brake when you park your car. The indicator on the instrument panel shows that the parking brake is not fully released; it does not indicate that the parking brake is firmly set. Make sure the parking brake is set firmly or your car may roll if it is parked on an incline.

If the car is facing uphill, turn the front wheels away from the curb and put the transmission in first gear. If the car is facing downhill, turn the front wheels toward the curb and put the transmission in reverse gear.

Make sure the parking brake is fully released before driving away. Driving with the parking brake partially set can overheat or damage the rear brakes.

Parking

Parking Tips

Make sure the convertible top and the windows are closed.

Turn off the lights.

Place any packages, valuables, etc., in the trunk or take them with you.

Lock the doors with the key or the remote transmitter.

Never park over dry leaves, tall grass, or other flammable materials. The three way catalytic converter gets very hot, and could cause these materials to catch on fire.

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The Braking System

Your Honda is equipped with disc brakes at all four wheels. A power assist helps reduce the effort needed on the brake pedal. The ABS helps you retain steering control when braking very hard.

Put your foot on the brake pedal only when you intend to brake. Resting your foot on the pedal keeps the brakes applied lightly, causing them to build up heat. Heat build-up can reduce how well your brakes work. It also keeps your brake lights on all the time, confusing drivers behind you.

Constant application of the brakes when going down a long hill builds up heat and reduces their effective- ness. Use the engine to assist the brakes by downshifting to a lower gear and taking your foot off the accelerator pedal.

Check your brakes after driving through deep water. Apply the brakes moderately to see if they feel normal. If not, apply them gently and frequently until they do. Since a longer distance is needed to stop with wet brakes, be extra cautious and alert in your driving.

Brake Wear Indicators All four brakes have audible brake wear indicators. When the brake pads need replacing, you will hear a distinctive metallic ‘‘screeching’’ sound when you apply the brakes. If you do not have the brake pads replaced, they will begin screeching all the time.

Your brakes may sometimes squeal or squeak when you apply them lightly. Do not confuse this with the brake wear indicators. They make a very audible ‘‘screeching.’’

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Driving

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The Braking System

Brake System Design The hydraulic system that operates the brakes has two separate circuits. Each circuit works diagonally across the car (the left-front brake is connected with the right-rear brake, etc.). If one circuit should develop a problem, you will still have braking at two wheels.

Anti-lock Brakes Your car has an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) as standard equipment. ABS helps to prevent the wheels from locking up and skidding during hard braking, allowing you to retain steering control.

When the front tires skid, you lose steering control; the car continues straight ahead even though you turn the steering wheel. The ABS helps to prevent lock-up and helps you retain steering control by pumping the brakes rapidly; much faster than a person can do it.

Front

CONTINUED

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The Braking System

You should never pump the brake pedal; this defeats the purpose of the ABS. Let the ABS work for you by always keeping firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal as you steer away from the hazard. This is sometimes referred to as ‘‘stompandsteer.’’

You will feel a pulsation in the brake pedal when the ABS activates, and you may hear some noise. This is normal; it is the ABS rapidly pumping the brakes.

Activation varies with the amount of traction your tires have. On dry pavement, you will need to press on the brake pedal very hard before you activate the ABS. However, you may feel the ABS activate immediately if you are trying to stop on snow or ice.

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Driving

ImportantSafetyReminders ABS does not reduce the time or distance it takes to stop the car; only helps with steering control during braking. You should always maintain a safe following distance from other vehicles.

it

on loose or

A car with ABS may require a longer distance to stop uneven surfaces, such as gravel or snow, than a car without anti-lock. Slow down and allow a greater distance between cars under those conditions.

ABS will not prevent a skid that results from changing direction abruptly, such as trying to take a corner too fast or making a sudden lane change. Always drive at a safe, prudent speed for the road and weather conditions.

ABS cannot prevent a loss of stability. Always steer moderately when you are braking hard. Severe or sharp steering wheel movement can still cause your car to veer into oncoming traffic or off the road.

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The Braking System

ABSIndicator

ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR

＊

＊

U.S. indicator shown

47

The ABS is self-checking. If anything goes wrong, the ABS indicator on the instrument panel comes on (see page ). This means the anti-lock function of the braking system has shut down. The brakes still work like a conventional system without anti- lock, providing normal stopping ability. You should have the dealer inspect your car as soon as possible.

Driving

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Driving in Bad Weather