2003 Honda S2000 Owners Manual

−

Always drive

Driving Technique slower than you would in dry weather. It takes your car longer to react, even in conditions that may seem just barely damp. Apply smooth, even pressure to all the controls. Abrupt steering wheel movements or sudden, hard appli- cation of the brakes can cause loss of control in wet weather. Be extra cautious for the first few miles (kilometers) of driving while you adjust to the change in driving conditions. This is especially true in snow. A person can forget some snow-driving techniques during the summer months. Practice is needed to relearn those skills.

Exercise extra caution when driving in rain after a long dry spell. After months of dry weather, the first rains bring oil to the surface of the roadway, making it slippery.

Rain, fog, and snow conditions require a different driving technique because of reduced traction and visibility. Keep your car well- maintained and exercise greater caution when you need to drive in bad weather. The cruise control should not be used in these conditions.

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Driving

−

Being able to see

Visibility clearly in all directions and being visible to other drivers are important in all weather conditions. This is more difficult in bad weather. To be seen more clearly during daylight hours, turn on your headlights.

Inspect your windshield wipers and washers frequently. Keep the wind- shield washer reservoir full of the proper fluid. Have the windshield wiper blades replaced if they start to streak the windshield or leave parts unwiped. Use the defrosters and air conditioning to keep the windows from fogging up on the inside (see page

91

).

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Traction − Check your tires frequently for wear and proper pressure. Both are important in preventing ‘‘hydroplaning’’ (loss of traction on a wet surface). In the winter, mount snow tires on all four wheels for the best handling.

Watch road conditions carefully, they can change from moment to moment. Wet leaves can be as slip- pery as ice. ‘‘Clear’’ roads can have patches of ice. Driving conditions can be very hazardous when the outside temperature is near freezing. The road surface can become covered with areas of water puddles mixed with areas of ice, so your traction can change without warning.

Be careful when downshifting. If traction is low, you can lock up the drive wheels for a moment and cause a skid.

Driving in Bad Weather, Towing a Trailer

Towing a Trailer Your car is not designed to tow a trailer. Attempting to do so can void your warranties.

Be very cautious when passing, or being passed by other cars. The spray from large cars reduces your visibility, and the wind buffeting can cause you to lose control.

Driving

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Maintenance

This section explains why it is important to keep your car well maintained and how to follow basic maintenance safety precautions.

This section also includes Maintenance Schedules for normal driving and severe driving conditions, a Maintenance Record, and instruc- tions for simple maintenance tasks you may want to take care of yourself.

If you have the skills and tools to per- form more complex maintenance tasks on your Honda, you may want to purchase the Service Manual. See page for information on how to obtain a copy, or see your Honda dealer.

261

Maintenance Safety

...................... . 148
Important Safety Precautions . 149
Maintenance Schedule ................. . 150
Required Maintenance Record . 157
... . 159
Owner Maintenance Checks ....... .............................. Fluid Locations . 160
. 161
...................................... Engine Oil . 161
.................................. . 161
.................... . 162
.............................. .................................... . 162
. 163
..... . 165
............................. . 165
............ . 167
....... .................... . 171

Adding Oil Recommended Oil Synthetic Oil Additives Changing the Oil and Filter

Adding Engine Coolant Replacing Engine Coolant

Windshield Washers 6-speed Manual Transmission

Cooling System

Differential Fluid Brake and Clutch Fluid

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

. 172
. 173
. 174
. 174
. 175
. 176
. 178

Air Cleaner Element Hood Latch

Brake System Clutch System

Fluid

Spark Plugs

Replacement Specifications

Battery Wiper Blades Air Conditioning System Dust and Pollen Filter Drive Belt Tires

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

Inflation Inspection Maintenance Tire Rotation Tire Wear Replacing Tires and Wheels Wheels and Tires Winter Driving

Headlight Aiming Replacing Bulbs

Snow Tires Tire Chains

Storing Your Car

Lights

. 178
. 178
. 180
. 181
. 184
. 186
. 187
. 188
. 189
. 189
. 191
. 192
. 192
. 192
. 193
. 194
. 194
. 195
. 195
. 196
. 198
. 198
. 206

Maintenance 147

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Maintenance Safety

Regularly maintaining your car is the best way to protect your investment. Proper maintenance is essential to your safety and the safety of your passengers. It will also reward you with more economical, trouble-free driving, and help reduce air pollution.

This section includes instructions for simple maintenance tasks, such as checking and adding oil. Any service items not detailed in this section should be performed by a Honda technician or other qualified mechanic.

Some of the most important safety precautions are given here. However, we cannot warn you of every conceivable hazard that can arise in performing maintenance. Only you can decide whether or not you should perform a given task.

Improperly maintaining this car or failing to correct a problem before driving can cause a crash in which you can be seriously hurt or killed.

Always follow the inspection and maintenance recommendations and schedules in this owner’s manual.

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Maintenance

Failure to properly follow maintenance instructions and precautions can cause you to be seriously hurt or killed.

Always follow the procedures and precautions in this owner’s manual.

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Maintenance Safety

Important Safety Precautions Before you begin any maintenance, make sure your car is parked on level ground and that the parking brake is set. Also, be sure the engine is off. This will help to eliminate several potential hazards:

Carbon monoxide poisoning from engine exhaust. Be sure there is adequate ventilation whenever you operate the engine.

Burns from hot parts. Let the engine and exhaust system cool before touching any parts.

Injury from moving parts. not run the engine unless in- structed to do so.

Do

Read the instructions before you begin, and make sure you have the tools and skills required.

To reduce the possibility of fire or explosion, be careful when working around gasoline or batteries. Use a commercially available degreaser or parts cleaner, not gasoline, to clean parts. Keep cigarettes, sparks, and flames away from the battery and all fuel-related parts.

You should wear eye protection and protective clothing when working near the battery or when using compressed air.

Maintenance

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Maintenance Schedule

The Maintenance Schedule specifies how often you should have your car serviced and what things need attention. It is essential that you have your car serviced as scheduled to retain its high level of safety, dependability, and emissions control performance.

150

Maintenance

Which Schedule to Follow: Service your car according to the time and mileage periods on one of the Maintenance Schedules on the following pages. Select the schedule for ‘‘Severe Conditions’’ if most of your driving is done under one or more of the conditions listed on that page. Otherwise, follow the schedule for ‘‘Normal Conditions.’’

The services and time or distance intervals shown in the maintenance schedule assume you will use your car as normal transportation for your passenger and possessions. You should also follow these recommendations:

Avoid exceeding your car’s load limit. This puts excess stress on the engine, brakes, and many other parts of your car. The load limit is shown on the label on the driver’s doorjamb.

Operate your car on reasonable roads within the legal speed limit.

Drive your car regularly over a distance of several miles (kilometers).

Always use unleaded gasoline with the proper octane rating (see page 120

).

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Your authorized Honda dealer knows your car best and can provide competent, efficient service. However, service at a dealer is not mandatory to keep your warranties in effect. Maintenance may be done by any qualified service facility or person who is skilled in this type of automotive service. Keep all the receipts as proof of completion, and have the person who does the work fill out the Maintenance Record. Check your warranty booklet for more information.

We recommend the use of genuine Honda parts and fluids whenever you have maintenance done. These are manufactured to the same high- quality standards as the original components, so you can be confident of their performance and durability.

U.S. Cars: Maintenance, replacement or repair of emissions control devices and systems may be done by any automotive repair establishment or individual using parts that are ‘‘certified’’ to EPA standards.

Maintenance Schedule

＃

According to state and federal regulations, failure to perform maintenance on the items marked with will not void your emissions warranties. However, Honda recommends that all maintenance services be performed at the recommended time or mileage period to ensure long-term reliability.

Maintenance

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U.S. Owners Follow the Normal Conditions Maintenance Schedule if the severe driving conditions specified in the Severe Conditions Maintenance Schedule do not apply.

NOTE: If you only drive under a OCCASIONALLY ‘‘severe’’ condition, you should follow the Normal Conditions Maintenance Schedule.

Canadian Owners Follow the Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions.

＃

See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page

151

−

Service at the indicated distance or time whichever comes first. Replace engine oil Replace engine oil filter Check engine oil and coolant Replace air cleaner element Inspect valve clearance Replace spark plugs Inspect drive belt Inspect idle speed Replace engine coolant

Replace transmission fluid Replace rear differential fluid Inspect front and rear brakes Replace brake fluid Check parking brake adjustment Replace dust and pollen filter Check tire inflation and condition

miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
months

15
24
12

30
105
48
168
24
84
Replace every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 1 year

75
120
60

90
144
72

60
96
48

45
72
36

120
192
96

Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop

Adjust only if noisy

120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years, then every 60,000 miles

(96,000 km) or 5 years

Every 3 years (independent of mileage)

Visually inspect the following items:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)

Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots Suspension components Driveshaft boots Brake hoses and lines (including ABS) All fluid levels and condition of fluids Exhaust system ＃ Fuel lines and connections

＃

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Maintenance

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Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the items in U.S. Owners Canadian owners:

Follow the schedule for Severe Conditions.

to determine which schedule to use.

Refer to page

152

−

A, B, C

as required for each distance/time interval.

Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage).

Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage).

7,500 mi/12,000 km 15,000 mi/24,000 km/1 yr 22,500 mi/36,000 km 30,000 mi/48,000 km/2 yrs 37,500 mi/60,000 km 3 yrs 45,000 mi/72,000 km/3 yrs 52,500 mi/84,000 km 60,000 mi/96,000 km/4 yrs 67,500 mi/108,000 km 75,000 mi/120,000 km/5 yrs 82,500 mi/132,000 km 6 yrs 90,000 mi/144,000 km/6 yrs 97,500 mi/156,000 km 105,000 mi/168,000 km/7 yrs

112,500 mi/180,000 km 120,000 mi/192,000 km/8 yrs

9 yrs 120,000 mi/192,000 km/10 yrs

Do items in A. Do items in A, B. Do items in A. Do items in A, B, C. Do items in A. □ Do items in A, B. Do items in A. Do items in A, B, C. Do items in A. Do items in A, B. Do items in A. □ Do items in A, B, C. Do items in A. □ □ □ Do items in A, B. Do items in A. □ Do items in A, B, C. □ □ 60,000 mi/96,000 km/5 yrs.

Inspect valve clearance. Check idle speed. Replace spark plugs.

Replace transmission fluid.

Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage). Replace engine coolant, then replace every

＃

□ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □

Replace engine oil. Check tire inflation and condition. Replace engine oil filter. Inspect front and rear brakes. Check parking brake adjustment. Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots. Inspect suspension components. Inspect driveshaft boots. Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS). Check all fluid levels, condition of fluids, and check for leaks. Inspect exhaust system. □ ＃ Inspect fuel lines and connections. □ ＃ Replace air cleaner element. □ Replace rear differential fluid. □ Replace dust and pollen filter. □ Inspect drive belt. □

See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page

151

Note:

Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop. Check and adjust valve clearance, cold engine, only if noisy.

Maintenance 153

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miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
months

−

Service at the indicated distance or time whichever comes first. Replace engine oil and oil filter Check engine oil and coolant Replace air cleaner element Use normal schedule except in dusty conditions Inspect valve clearance Replace spark plugs Inspect drive belt Inspect idle speed Replace engine coolant

Replace transmission fluid Replace rear differential fluid Inspect front and rear brakes Replace brake fluid Check parking brake adjustment Replace dust and pollen filter ＊ Lubricate all hinges, locks and latches Check tire inflation and condition

15
24
12

30
48
24

45
72
36

60
96
48

75
120
60

90
144
72

105
168
84

120
192
96

Replace every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 months

Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop

Adjust only if noisy

120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years, then every 60,000 miles

(96,000 km) or 5 years

Inspect every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months

Every 3 years (independent of mileage)

Visually inspect the following items:

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)

Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots Suspension components, Driveshaft boots Brake hoses and lines (including ABS) All fluid levels and condition of fluids Exhaust system , Fuel lines and connections Lights and controls, Vehicle underbody

＃

＃

Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months

＊

1 :

Refer to page

187

for replacement information under special driving conditions.

154

Maintenance

U.S. Owners Follow the Severe Conditions Maintenance Schedule if you drive your vehicle MAINLY under one or more of the following conditions:

Driving less than 5 miles (8
km) per trip or, in freezing temperatures, driving less than 10 miles (16 km) per trip. Driving in extremely hot [over 90°F (32°C)] conditions. Extensive idling or long periods of stop-and-go driving. Driving in mountainous conditions. Driving on muddy, dusty, or de-iced roads.

Canadian Owners Follow the Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions.

＃

See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page

151

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Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the items in U.S. Owners Canadian Owners

Use the Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions.

to determine which schedule to use.

Refer to page

154

−

−

A, B, C, D, E

as required for each distance/time.

3,750 mi/6,000 km 7,500 mi/12,000 km 11,250 mi/18,000 km 15,000 mi/24,000 km/1 yr 18,750 mi/30,000 km 22,500 mi/36,000 km 26,250 mi/42,000 km 30,000 mi/48,000 km/2 yrs 33,750 mi/54,000 km 37,500 mi/60,000 km 41,250 mi/66,000 km 3 yrs 45,000 mi/72,000 km/3 yrs 48,750 mi/78,000 km 52,500 mi/84,000 km 56,250 mi/90,000 km 60,000 mi/96,000 km/4 yrs 63,750 mi/102,000 km 67,500 mi/108,000 km 71,250 mi/114,000 km 75,000 mi/120,000 km/5 yrs 78,750 mi/126,000 km

Do items in A. Do items in A, B. Do items in A. Do items in A, B, C. Do items in A. Do items in A, B. Do items in A. Do items in A, B, C, D. Do items in A. Do items in A, B. Do items in A. □ Do items in A, B, C. Do items in A. Do items in A, B. Do items in A. Do items in A, B, C, D, E. Do items in A. Do items in A, B. Do items in A. Do items in A, B, C. Do items in A.

Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage).

□ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □

Replace engine oil and filter. Inspect front and rear brakes. Check tire inflation and condition. Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots. Inspect suspension components. Inspect driveshaft boots. Replace air cleaner element. Check parking brake adjustment. Lubricate all hinges, locks and latches with multipurpose grease. Replace rear differential fluid. Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS). Check all fluid levels, condition of fluids, and check for leaks. Inspect exhaust system. □ ＃ Inspect fuel lines and connections. □ ＃ Check all lights. □ Inspect the underbody. □ Inspect drive belt. □ Replace dust and pollen filter . □ ＊ Replace transmission fluid. □

□ □ □

See dust and pollen filter on page conditions. See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page

for replacement information under special driving

187

＊

1 :

＃ Note:

Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop. Check and adjust valve clearance, cold engine, only if noisy.

151

CONTINUED Maintenance 155

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See dust and pollen filter on page information under special driving conditions. See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page

for replacement

151

187

＊

1 :

＃

NOTE:

Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop. Check and adjust valve clearance, cold engine, only if noisy.

Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage).

Inspect valve clearance. Check idle speed. Replace spark plugs.

Do items in A, B. Do items in A. □ Do items in A, B, C, D. Do items in A. Do items in A, B. Do items in A. □ □ □ Do items in A, B, C. Do items in A. Do items in A, B. Do items in A. Do items in A, B, C, D. □ □ 60,000 mi/96,000 km/5 yrs.

Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage). Replace engine coolant, then replace every

82,500 mi/132,000 km 86,250 mi/138,000 km 6 yrs 90,000 mi/144,000 km/6 yrs 93,750 mi/150,000 km 97,500 mi/156,000 km 101,250 mi/162,000 km 105,000 mi/168,000 km/7 yrs

108,750 mi/174,000 km 112,500 mi/180,000 km 116,250 mi/186,000 km 120,000 mi/192,000 km/8 yrs 9 yrs 120,000 mi/192,000 km/10 yrs

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Maintenance

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Required Maintenance Record (for Normal and Severe Schedules)

You or the servicing dealer can record all completed maintenance here, whether you follow the schedule for normal conditions (page conditions (page

). Keep the receipts for all work done on your vehicle.

154

152

) or severe

3,750 mi 6,000 km

7,500 mi 12,000 km

11,250 mi 18,000 km

15,000 mi 24,000 km (or 1 year)

18,750 mi 30,000 km

22,500 mi 36,000 km

26,250 mi 42,000 km

30,000 mi 48,000 km (or 2 years)

Signature or dealer stamp

mi/km

Date

mi/km

Date

mi/km

Date

mi/km

Date

mi/km

Date

mi/km

Date

mi/km

Date

mi/km

Date

33,750 mi 54,000 km

37,500 mi 60,000 km

41,250 mi 66,000 km

45,000 mi 72,000 km (or 3 years)

48,750 mi 78,000 km

52,500 mi 84,000 km

56,250 mi 90,000 km

60,000 mi 96,000 km (or 4 years)

Signature or dealer stamp mi/km

Date

mi/km

Date

mi/km

Date

mi/km

Date

mi/km

Date

mi/km

Date

mi/km

Date

mi/km

Date

CONTINUED 157

Maintenance

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Required Maintenance Record (for Normal and Severe Schedules)

63,750 mi 102,000 km

67,500 mi 108,000 km

71,250 mi 114,000 km

75,000 mi 120,000 km (or 5 years)

78,750 mi 126,000 km

82,500 mi 132,000 km

86,250 mi 138,000 km

90,000 mi 144,000 km (or 6 years)

Signature or dealer stamp mi/km

Date

mi/km

Date

mi/km

Date

mi/km

Date

mi/km

Date

mi/km

Date

mi/km

Date

mi/km

Date

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Maintenance

93,750 mi 150,000 km

97,500 mi 156,000 km

101,250 mi 162,000 km

105,000 mi 168,000 km (or 7 years)

108,750 mi 174,000 km

112,500 mi 180,000 km

116,250 mi 186,000 km

120,000 mi 192,000 km (or 8 years)

Signature or dealer stamp mi/km

Date

mi/km

Date

mi/km

Date

mi/km

Date

mi/km

Date

mi/km

Date

mi/km

Date

mi/km

Date

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Owner Maintenance Checks

You should check the following items at the specified intervals. If you are unsure of how to perform any check, turn to the page given.

Engine oil level time you fill the fuel tank. See page

Check every

123

−

Engine coolant level radiator reserve tank every time you fill the fuel tank. See page

Check the

124

−

−

Windshield washer fluid Check the level in the reservoir monthly. If weather conditions cause you to use the washers frequently, check the reservoir each time you stop for fuel. See page

171

−

Tires Check the tire pressure monthly. Examine the tread for wear and foreign objects. See page 189

−

Check the operation of

Lights the headlights, parking lights, taillights, high-mount brake light, turn signals, brake lights, and license plate lights monthly. See page

196

Brakes and clutch fluid level monthly. See page

Check the 174

−

Maintenance 159

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ENGINE OIL FILL CAP

CLUTCH FLUID (Gray cap)

BRAKE FLUID (Gray cap)

COOLANT RESERVOIR

Fluid Locations

WASHER FLUID (Blue cap)

ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK

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Maintenance

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Adding Oil

damage components in the engine compartment.

Make sure the API Certification Seal says ‘‘For Gasoline Engines.’’

Engine Oil

Recommended Oil Oil is major contributor to your engine’s performance and longevity. Always use a premium-grade detergent oil displaying the API Certification Seal. This seal indicates the oil is energy conserving, and that it meets the American Petroleum Institute’s latest requirements. It is highly recommended that you use Honda Motor Oil in your vehicle for as long as you own it.

To add oil, unscrew and remove the engine oil fill cap on top of the left valve cover. Pour in the oil, and replace the engine oil fill cap. Tighten it securely. Wait a few minutes and recheck the oil level. Do not fill above the upper mark; you could damage the engine.

Pour the oil slowly and carefully so you do not spill. Clean up any spills immediately. Spilled oil could

API CERTIFICATION SEAL

CONTINUED

Maintenance 161

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Engine Oil

The oil’s viscosity or weight is provided on the container’s label. Select the oil for your car according to this chart.

Ambient Temperature

Synthetic Oil You may use a synthetic motor oil if it meets the same requirements given for a conventional motor oil: it displays the API Certification Seal, and it is the proper weight as shown on the chart. When using synthetic oil, you must follow the oil and filter change intervals given in the maintenance schedule.

Additives Your Honda does not require any oil additives. Additives may adversely affect your engine’s or transmission’s performance and durability.

An oil with a viscosity of 10W-30 is preferred for optimum fuel economy and year-round protection in your Honda. You may use a 5W-40 oil if the temperature in your area goes below 0°F (

20°C).

−

162

Maintenance

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Engine Oil

Changing the Oil and Filter Always change the oil and filter according to the time and distance (miles/kilometers) recommenda- tions in the maintenance schedule. The oil and filter collect contami- nants that can damage your engine if they are not removed regularly.

Changing the oil and filter requires special tools and access from underneath the car. The car should be raised on a service station-type hydraulic lift for this service. Unless you have the knowledge and proper equipment, you should have this maintenance done by a skilled mechanic.

1.

Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature, then shut it off.

WASHER

OIL DRAIN BOLT

2.

Remove the engine oil fill cap. Remove the oil drain bolt from the bottom of the engine. Drain the oil into an appropriate container.

OIL FILTER

3.

Remove the oil filter and let the remaining oil drain. A special wrench (available from your Honda dealer) is required to remove the filter.

4.

Install a new oil filter according to instructions that come with it.

CONTINUED

Maintenance 163

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9.

Turn off the engine, let it sit for several minutes, then check the oil level. If necessary, add oil to bring the level to the upper mark on the dipstick.

Improper disposal of engine oil can be harmf ul to the environment. If you change your own oil, please dispose of the used oil properly. Put it in a sealed container and take it to a recycling center. Do not discard it in a trash bin or dump it on the ground.

Engine Oil

5.

Put a new washer on the drain bolt, then reinstall the drain bolt. Tighten it to: 33 lbf·ft (45 N·m , 4.6 kgf·m)

6.

Refill the engine with the recom- mended oil.

Engine oil change capacity (including filter): 5.1 US qt (4.8 )

7.

Replace the engine oil fill cap. Start the engine. The oil pressure indicator light should go out within five seconds. If it does not, turn off the engine and reinspect your work.

8.

Let the engine run for several minutes, then check the drain bolt and oil filter for leaks.

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Cooling System

Always use Honda All Season Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2. This coolant is pre-mixed with 50 percent antifreeze and 50 percent water. It does not require any additional mixing.

If it is not available, you may use another major-brand non-silicate coolant as a temporary replacement. Make sure it is a high-quality coolant recommended for aluminum engines. However, continued use of any non- Honda coolant can result in corrosion, causing the cooling system to malfunction or fail. Have the cooling system flushed and refilled with Honda antifreeze/ coolant as soon as possible.

If the reserve tank is completely empty, you should also check the coolant level in the radiator.

Removing the radiator cap while the engine is hot can cause the coolant to spray out, seriously scalding you.

Always let the engine and radiator cool down before removing the radiator cap.

1.

Make sure the engine and radiator are cool.

Adding Engine Coolant

RESERVE TANK

MAX

MIN

If the coolant level in the reserve tank is at or below the MIN line, add coolant to bring it up to the MAX line. Inspect the cooling system for leaks. The coolant you add should always be a mixture of 50 percent antifreeze and 50 percent water. Never add straight antifreeze or plain water.

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Cooling System

Fill up to here

RESERVE TANK

RADIATOR CAP

FILLER NECK

2.

Turn the radiator cap counter- clockwise, without pressing down on it, until it stops. This relieves any pressure remaining in the cooling system.

3.

Remove the radiator cap by pushing down and turning counterclockwise.

4.

The coolant level should be up to the base of the filler neck. Add coolant if it is low.

Pour the coolant slowly and carefully so you do not spill. Clean up any spills immediately. Spilled coolant could damage components in the engine compartment.

5.

Put the radiator cap back on. Tighten it fully.

6.

Pour coolant into the reserve tank. Fill it to halfway between the MAX and MIN marks. Put the cap back on the reserve tank.

Do not add any rust inhibitors or other additives to your car’s cooling system. They may not be compatible with the coolant or engine compo- nents.

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Replacing Engine Coolant The cooling system should be completely drained and refilled with new coolant according to the time and distance recommendations in the maintenance schedule. Only use Honda All season Antifreeze/ Coolant Type 2.

Draining the coolant requires access to the underside of the car. Unless you have the tools and knowledge, you should have this maintenance done by a skilled mechanic.

Cooling System

DRAIN BOLT

1.

Turn the ignition ON (II). Turn the heater temperature control dial fully clockwise. Turn the ignition off.

2.

Open the hood. Make sure the engine and radiator are cool to the touch.

3.

Remove the radiator cap.

DRAIN PLUG

4.

Loosen the drain plug on the bottom of the radiator. The coolant will drain through the splash guard. Remove the drain bolt and washer from the engine block.

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Cooling System

RESERVE TANK CAP

6.

When the coolant stops draining, tighten the drain plug at the bottom of the radiator. Apply non-hardening sealant to the drain bolt threads, put a new washer on the drain bolt, and reinstall the bolt in the engine block. Tighten it securely. Tightening torque: 61 lbf·ft (83 N·m , 8.5 kgf·m)

BLEEDER BOLT

RESERVE TANK HOLDER Remove the reserve tank from its 5. holder by pulling it straight up. Drain the coolant, then put the tank back in its holder.

7.

Loosen the bleeder bolt on top of the engine, and remove the bleeder cap near the engine oil fill cap.

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BLEEDER CAP

Fill up to here

RESERVE TANK

Cooling System

8.

Pour Honda All Season Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2 into the radiator up to the base of the filler neck. This coolant is a mixture of 50 percent antifreeze and 50 percent water. Pre-mixing is not required.

The cooling system capacity is: 1.72 US gal (6.5 )

FILLER NECK

9.

Tighten the bleeder bolt and reinstall the bleeder cap when coolant comes out in a steady stream with no bubbles.

10.

Start the engine and let it run for about 30 seconds. Then turn off the engine.

11.

Pour coolant into the radiator up to the base of the filler neck.

12.

Fill the reserve tank to the MAX mark. Install the reserve tank cap.

13.

Install the radiator cap, and tighten it to the first stop.

14.

Start the engine and let it run until the radiator fan comes on two times. Then stop the engine.

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Cooling System

15.

Remove the radiator cap.

16.

Pour coolant into the radiator up to the base of the filler neck and into the reserve tank up to the MAX mark.

17.

Start the engine and hold it at 1,500 rpm until the radiator fan comes on. Turn off the engine. Check the coolant level in the radiator and add coolant if needed.

18.

Install the radiator cap, and tighten it fully.

19.

If necessary, fill the reserve tank to the MAX mark. Install the reserve tank cap.

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RESERVOIR CAP

Check the reservoir’s fluid level by removing the cap and looking at the level gauge attached to the cap.

Check the level in the windshield washer reservoir at least monthly during normal usage. In bad weather, when you use the washers often, check the level every time you stop for fuel.

The windshield washer reservoir is located in the rear of the engine compartment on the passenger’s side.

Windshield Washers

Fill the reservoir with a good-quality windshield washer fluid. This increases the cleaning capability and prevents freezing in cold weather.

When you refill the reservoir, clean the edges of the windshield wiper blades with windshield washer fluid on a clean cloth. This will help to condition the blade edges.

Do not use engine antif reeze or a vinegar/water solution in the windshield washer reservoir.

Antif reeze can damage your car’s paint, while a vinegar/water solution can damage the windshield washer pump.

Use only commercially-available windshield washer f luid.

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6-speed Manual Transmission Fluid

The transmission should be drained and refilled with new fluid according to the time and distance recommen- dations in the maintenance schedule.

If Honda MTF is not available, you may use an SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40
viscosity motor oil with the API Certification seal that says ‘‘FOR GASOLINE ENGINES’’ as a temporary replacement. However, motor oil does not contain the proper additives and continued use can cause stiffer shifting. Replace as soon as it is convenient.

FILLER BOLT

CORRECT LEVEL

Check the fluid level with the transmission at normal operating temperature and the car sitting on level ground. Remove the transmission filler bolt and carefully feel inside the bolt hole with your finger. The fluid level should be up to the edge of the bolt hole. If it is not, add Honda Manual Transmis- sion Fluid (MTF) until it starts to run out of the hole. Reinstall the filler bolt and tighten it securely.

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Differential Fluid

Use an SAE 90 viscosity hypoid gear oil, API service classified GL5 or GL6 only, in the differential.

Put a new washer on the filler bolt, then reinstall the filler bolt. Tighten it securely. Tightening torque: 33 lbf·ft (45 N·m , 4.6 kgf·m)

The differential should be drained and refilled with new fluid according to the time and distance recommendations in the maintenance schedule.

FILLER BOLT

CORRECT LEVEL

Check the fluid level with the differential at normal operating temperature and the vehicle sitting on level ground. Remove the differential fluid filler bolt and washer and carefully feel inside the bolt hole with your finger. The fluid level should be up to the edge of the bolt hole. If it is not, slowly add fluid until it starts to run out of the hole.

Maintenance

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Brake and Clutch Fluid

Check the fluid level in the reser- voirs monthly. There are two reser- voirs. They are:

Brake fluid reservoir Clutch fluid reservoir

The brake fluid should be replaced according to the time recommenda- tion in the maintenance schedule.

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Maintenance

Always use Honda Heavy Duty