2003 Honda S2000 Owners Manual

＃

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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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.

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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

156

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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

158

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

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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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Maintenance

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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.

CONTINUED

Maintenance 165

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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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Maintenance

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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.

CONTINUED

Maintenance 167

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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.

CONTINUED

Maintenance 169

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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.

Maintenance 171

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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 Brake Fluid DOT 3. If it is not available, you should use only DOT 3
or DOT 4 fluid, from a sealed container, as a temporary replacement. However, the use of any non-Honda brake fluid can cause corrosion and decrease the life of the system. Have the brake system flushed and refilled with Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3 as soon as possible.

Brake fluid marked DOT 5 is not compatible with your car’s braking system and can cause extensive damage.

Brake System

MAX

MIN

The fluid level should be between the MIN and MAX marks on the side of the reservoir. If the level is at or below the MIN mark, your brake system needs attention. Have the brake system inspected for leaks or worn brake pads.

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Brake and Clutch Fluid

Low fluid level can indicate a leak in the clutch system. Have this system inspected as soon as possible.

Clutch System

MAX

MIN

The fluid level should be between the MIN and MAX marks on the side of the reservoir. If it is not, add brake fluid to bring it up to that level. Use the same fluid specified for the brake system.

Maintenance

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Air Cleaner Element

The air cleaner element should be replaced according to the time and distance recommendations in the maintenance schedule.

Follow the replacement procedure for removal and reinstallation.

Replacement

CLAMPS

AIR CLEANER ELEMENT

To replace it:

1.

Unsnap the six clamps holding the air cleaner housing cover.

2.

Remove the air cleaner housing cover. Disconnect the air intake duct from the air cleaner element.

3.

Remove the old air cleaner element.

4.

Carefully clean the inside of the air cleaner housing with a damp rag.

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Maintenance

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Air Cleaner Element

5.

Attach the new air cleaner element to the duct. Install the new air cleaner element in the air cleaner housing. Make sure the pin on the edge of the element fits in the hole in the bottom of the housing.

6.

Reinstall the air cleaner housing cover, snap the six clamps back into place.

Maintenance 177

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Hood Latch, Spark Plugs

Hood Latch

PIVOTS

Replacement

Spark Plugs The spark plugs in your car are a special platinum-tipped design for longer life. They only need to be replaced every 7 years or 105,000
miles (168,000 km), whichever comes first.

Clean the hood latch assembly with a mild cleaner, then lubricate it with a multipurpose grease. Lubricate all the moving parts (as shown), including the pivot. Follow the time and distance recommendations in the Maintenance Schedule. If you are not sure how to clean and grease the latch, contact your Honda dealer.

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Maintenance

1.

Remove the four hexagon socket head cap bolts holding the ignition coil cover.

2.

Clean off any dirt and oil that have collected around the ignition coils.

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Spark Plugs

3.

Remove the bolt holding the ignition coil and pull the ignition coil straight up slightly. Disconnect the ignition coil connector by pushing the tab and pulling the connector back. Pull the ignition coil all the way up.

4.

Remove the spark plug with a five-eighths inch (16 mm) spark plug socket.

5.

Put the new spark plug into the socket, then screw it into the hole. Screw it in by hand so you do not crossthread it.

6.

Torque the spark plug. (If you do not have a torque wrench, tighten the spark plug two-thirds of a turn after it contacts the cylinder head.) Tightening torque: 18 lbf·ft (25 N·m , 2.5 kgf·m)

CONTINUED

Maintenance 179

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Specifications:

NGK: DENSO:

PFR7G-11S PK22PR-L11S

Spark Plug Gap:

0.04 in (1.1 mm) 0

＋ −

0.1 mm

Spark Plugs

Tighten the spark plugs caref ully. A spark plug that is too loose can overheat and damage the engine. Overtightening can cause damage to the threads in the cylinder head.

7.

Install the ignition coil. Reinstall the bolt.

8.

Repeat this procedure for the other three spark plugs.

9.

Reinstall the cover on the cylinder bank. Reinstall the four hexagon socket head cap bolts.

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Maintenance

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Check the condition of your car’s battery monthly. You should check the color of the test indicator window, and for corrosion on the terminals.

TEST INDICATOR WINDOW Check the battery condition by looking at the test indicator window on the battery. The label on the battery explains the test indicator’s colors.

Battery

Check the battery terminals for corrosion (a white or yellowish powder). To remove it, cover the terminals with a solution of baking soda and water. It will bubble up and turn brown. When this stops, wash it off with plain water. Dry off the battery with a cloth or paper towel. Coat the terminals with grease to help prevent future corrosion.

Battery posts,

WARNING: terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands after handling.

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Maintenance

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Battery

If you need to connect the battery to a charger, disconnect both cables to prevent damage to the car’s electrical system.

If the terminals are severely cor- roded, clean them with baking soda and water. Then use a wrench to loosen and remove the cables from the terminals. Always disconnect the negative ( ) cable first and recon- nect it last. Clean the battery termi- nals with a terminal cleaning tool or wire brush. Reconnect and tighten the cables, then coat the terminals with grease.

−

182

Maintenance

The battery gives off explosive hydrogen gas during normal operation.

A spark or flame can cause the battery to explode with enough force to kill or seriously hurt you.

Wear protective clothing and a face shield, or have a skilled mechanic do the battery maintenance.

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If your car’s battery is disconnected or goes dead, the audio system will disable itself. The next time you turn on the radio you will see ‘‘ ’’ in the frequency display. Use the Preset buttons to enter the five-digit code (see page

114

).

Charging the battery with the cables connected can seriously damage your car’s electronic controls. Detach the battery cables bef ore connecting the battery to a charger.

Battery

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Wiper Blades

Check the condition of the wiper blades at least every six months. Look for signs of cracking in the rubber, or areas that are getting hard. Replace the blades if you find these signs, or if they leave streaks and unwiped areas when used.

LOCK TAB

To replace the blade:

1.

Raise the wiper arm off the windshield.

2.

Disconnect the blade assembly from the wiper arm by pushing in the lock tab. Hold the lock tab in while you push the blade assembly toward the base of the arm.

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Maintenance

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BLADE

Wiper Blades

5.

Slide the new wiper blade into the holder until the tabs lock.

6.

Slide the wiper blade assembly onto the wiper arm. Make sure it locks in place.

7.

Lower the wiper arm down against the windshield.

3.

Remove the blade from its holder by grasping the tabbed end of the blade. Pull firmly until the tabs come out of the holder.

REINFORCEMENT Examine the new wiper blades. If 4. they have no plastic or metal rein- forcement along the back edge, remove the metal reinforcement strips from the old wiper blade and install them in the slots along the edge of the new blade.

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Air Conditioning System

Your car’s air conditioning is a sealed system. Any major maintenance, such as recharging, should be done by a qualified mechanic. You can do a couple of things to make sure the air conditioning works efficiently.

Periodically check the engine’s radiator and air conditioning condenser for leaves, insects, and dirt stuck to the front surface. These block the air flow and reduce cooling efficiency. Use a light spray from a hose or a soft brush to remove them.

The condenser and radiator f ins bend easily. Only use a low-pressure spray or sof t-bristle brush to clean them.

186

Maintenance

If the air conditioning does not get as cold as before, have your dealer check the system. Recharge the system with Refrigerant HFC-134a (R-134a). (See Specifications on page 251

.)

Whenever you have the air conditioning system serviced, make sure the service f acility uses a ref rigerant recycling system. This system captures the ref rigerant f or reuse. Releasing ref rigerant into the atmosphere can damage the environment.

AIR CONDITIONING CONDENSER

Run the air conditioning at least once a week during the cold weather months. Run it for at least ten minutes while you are driving at a steady speed with the engine at normal operating temperature. This circulates the lubricating oil con- tained in the refrigerant.

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The dust and pollen filter removes pollen and dust from the outside air, The heating and cooling system brings air into the interior. It should be replaced according to the time and distance recommendations in the maintenance schedule.

This filter should be replaced every