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2006 EN-US

2006 S2000 Online Reference Owner's Manual
Use these links (and links throughout this manual) to navigate through this reference. For a printed owner's manual, click on authorized manuals or go to www.helminc.com.

Contents

Owner's Identification Form
Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... i
A Few Words About Safety................................................................................................................. ii Your Vehicle at a Glance.....................................................................................................................3
Driver and Passenger Safety ..............................................................................................................5 Proper use and care of your vehicle's seat belts, and Supplemental Restraint System.
Instruments and Controls................................................................................................................. 43 Instrument panel indicator and gauge, and how to use dashboard and steering column controls.
Comfort and Convenience Features .............................................................................................. 81 How to operate the climate control system, the audio system, and other convenience features.
Before Driving.................................................................................................................................. 107 What gasoline to use, how to break-in your new vehicle, and how to load luggage and other cargo.
Driving .............................................................................................................................................. 119 The proper way to start the engine, shift the transmission, and park, plus towing a trailer.
Maintenance ..................................................................................................................................... 131 The Maintenance Schedule shows you when you need to take your vehicle to the dealer. Taking Care of the Unexpected ...................................................................................................... 169 This section covers several problems motorists sometimes experience, and how to handle them.
Technical Information..................................................................................................................... 193 ID numbers, dimensions, capacities, and technical information.
Warranty and Customer Relations (U.S. and Canada) ................................................................ 205 A summary of the warranties covering your new Acura, and how to contact us.
Authorized Manuals (U.S. only)...................................................................................................... 209 How to order manuals and other technical literature.
Index...................................................................................................................................................... I
Service Information Summary A summary of information you need when you pull up to the fuel pump.

Introduction

Congratulations on your selection of the 2006 Honda S2000. We are certain you will be pleased with your purchase of one of the most sophisticated and technologically-advanced sports cars in the world.
One of the best ways to enhance the enjoyment of your new vehicle is to read this manual. In it, you will learn how to operate its driving controls and convenience items. Afterwards, keep this owner's manual in your vehicle so you can refer to it at any time.
Several warranties protect your new vehicle. Read the warranty booklet thoroughly so you understand the coverages and are aware of your rights and responsibilities.
Maintaining your vehicle according to the messages shown on the information display helps to keep your driving trouble-free while it preserves your investment. When your vehicle needs maintenance, keep in mind that your dealer's staff is specially trained in servicing the many systems unique to your vehicle. Your Honda dealer is dedicated to your satisfaction and will be pleased to answer any questions and concerns.

As you read this manual, you will

find information that is preceded by

symbol. This

information is intended to help you

avoid damage to your vehicle, other

property, or the environment.

California Proposition 65 Warning

WARNING: This product contains or emits chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

Event Data Recorders

This vehicle is equipped with one or more recording devices commonly referred to as event data recorders or sensing and diagnostic modules.

A Few Words About Safety

Your safety, and the safety of others, is very important. And operating this vehicle safely is an important responsibility.
To help you make informed decisions about safety, we have provided operating procedures and other information on labels and in this manual. This information alerts you to potential hazards that could hurt you or others.
Of course, it is not practical or possible to warn you about all the hazards associated with operating or maintaining your vehicle. You must use your own good judgement.

You will find this important safety information in a variety of forms, including:
Safety Labels on the vehicle. Safety Messages preceded by a safety alert symbol and one of
three signal words: DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION. These signal words mean:
You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don't follow instructions.
You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don't follow instructions.
You CAN be HURT if you don't follow instructions.
Safety Headings such as Important Safety Reminders or Important Safety Precautions.
Safety Section such as Driver and Passenger Safety. Instructions how to use this vehicle correctly and safely.
This entire book is filled with important safety information please read it carefully.

Your Vehicle at a Glance

INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATORS (P.46) GAUGES (P.51)
DRIVER'S AIRBAG (P.9, 20)
POWER DOOR LOCK (P.63)
POWER WINDOW SWITCHES (P.68)

PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF INDICATOR (P.26)

PASSENGER'S AIRBAG (P.9, 20)
AUDIO SYSTEM (P.86)
MANUAL TRANSMISSION (P.123)

MIRROR CONTROLS
(P.75)

ROOF SWITCH (P.71)

REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER BUTTON (P.59)

HAZARD WARNING BUTTON (P.58)

Your Vehicle at a Glance

REMOTE AUDIO CONTROLS CLOCK SET

(P.101)

BUTTON

(P.54)

INSTRUMENT PANEL BRIGHTNESS (P.58)

VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST (VSA) SYSTEM OFF SWITCH (P.129)

ENGINE START BUTTON (P.122)

HEADLIGHTS/ TURN SIGNALS (P.57)

HOOD RELEASE HANDLE (P.110)
4

CRUISE BUTTON (P.103)

HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING (P.82)
WINDSHIELD WIPERS/ WASHERS (P.56)
CRUISE CONTROL (P.103) HORN

Driver and Passenger Safety

This section gives you important information about how to protect yourself and your passenger. It shows you how to use seat belts. It explains how your airbags work. And it tells you how to properly restrain children in your vehicle.

Important Safety Precautions .......... 6 Your Vehicle's Safety Features........ 7
Seat Belts ........................................ 8 Airbags............................................ 9 Protecting Adults and Teens.......... 10 1. Close and Lock the Doors ...... 10 2. Adjust the Seats ....................... 10 3. Adjust the Seat-Backs ............. 11 4. Fasten and Position the
Seat Belts.............................. 12 5. Maintain a Proper Sitting
Position ................................. 13 Advice for Pregnant Women...... 14 Additional Safety Precautions.... 15 Additional Information About
Your Seat Belts ........................ 16 Seat Belt System Components... 16 Lap/Shoulder Belt....................... 17 Automatic Seat Belt
Tensioners................................ 18 Seat Belt Maintenance ................ 18 Additional Information About Your
Airbags...................................... 20 Airbag System Components....... 20 How Your Front Airbags
Work.......................................... 22

How the SRS Indicator Works ... 25 How the Passenger Airbag Off
Indicator Works....................... 26 Airbag Service.............................. 27 Additional Safety Precautions.... 27 Protecting Children General Guidelines..................................... 28 All Children Must Be
Restrained ................................ 28 Your Vehicle is Not
Recommended for Child Passengers ........................... 29
The Passenger's Airbag Poses Serious Risks............................ 29
Additional Safety Precautions.... 31 Protecting Small Children .............. 32 Selecting a Child Seat...................... 33 Installing a Child Seat ..................... 33 Protecting Larger Children ............ 36
Checking Seat Belt Fit ................ 36 Using a Booster Seat ................... 37 When Can a Child Ride in This
Vehicle ...................................... 38 Additional Safety Precautions.... 39 Carbon Monoxide Hazard .............. 40 Safety Labels .................................... 41

Important Safety Precautions

You'll find many safety recommendations throughout this section, and throughout this manual. The recommendations on this page are the ones we consider to be the most important.
Always Wear Your Seat Belt A seat belt is your best protection in all types of collisions. Airbags are designed to supplement seat belts, not replace them. So even though your vehicle is equipped with airbags, make sure you and your passenger always wear your seat belts, and wear them properly (see page 12 ).
Your Vehicle is Not Recommended for Child Passengers Since all children are safest in the back seat of a vehicle, and your vehicle does not have a back seat, we recommend that you do not carry a child passenger.

Due to the passenger's airbag hazard, you should never carry an infant in a rear-facing child seat in this vehicle. If an older child must ride in this vehicle, follow all child safety instructions and warnings in this manual (see pages 28 40 ).
Be Aware of Airbag Hazards While airbags can save lives, they can cause serious or fatal injuries to occupants who sit too close to them, or are not properly restrained. Infants, young children, and short adults are at the greatest risk. Be sure to follow all instructions and warnings in this manual.
Don't Drink and Drive Alcohol and driving don't mix. Even one drink can reduce your ability to respond to changing conditions, and your reaction time gets worse with every additional drink. So don't drink and drive, and don't let your friends drink and drive, either.

Control Your Speed Excessive speed is a major factor in crash injuries and deaths. Generally, the higher the speed, the greater the risk, but serious injuries can also occur at lower speeds. Never drive faster than is safe for current conditions, regardless of the maximum speed posted.
Keep Your Vehicle in Safe Condition Having a tire blowout or a mechanical failure can be extremely hazardous. To reduce the possibility of such problems, check your tire pressures and condition frequently, and perform all regularly scheduled maintenance (see page 139 ).

Your Vehicle's Safety Features

Driver and Passenger Safety

(1) (8)

(9) (8) (3) (4) (7) (6)
(2) (5)
(1) Safety Cage (2) Crush Zones (3) Seats and Seat-Backs (4) Head Restraints (5) Collapsible Steering Column (6) Seat Belts (7) Seat Belt Tensioners
(2) (8) Airbags
(9) Door Locks

Your vehicle is equipped with many features that work together to protect you and your passenger during a crash.
Some features do not require any action on your part. These include a strong steel framework that forms a safety cage around the passenger compartment; front and rear crush zones, a collapsible steering column; and tensioners that tighten the seat belts in a crash.
However, you and your passenger can't take full advantage of these features unless you remain sitting in a proper position and always wear your seat belts. In fact, some safety features can contribute to injuries if they are not used properly.
The following pages explain how you can take an active role in protecting yourself and your passenger.

Your Vehicle's Safety Features

Seat Belts Your vehicle is equipped with seat belts in both seating positions.
Your seat belt system also includes an indicator on the instrument panel to remind you and your passenger to fasten your seat belts.
Why Wear Seat Belts Seat belts have proven to be the single most effective safety device for adults and larger children.
Not wearing a seat belt properly increases the chance of serious injury or death in a crash, even though your vehicle has airbags.
In addition, most states and all Canadian provinces require you to wear seat belts.

Not wearing a seat belt properly increases the chance of serious injury or death in a crash, even though your vehicle has airbags.
Be sure you and your passenger always wear seat belts and wear them properly.
When properly worn, seat belts:
Keep you connected to the vehicle so you can take advantage of the vehicle's built-in safety features.
Help protect you in almost every type of crash, including frontal, side, and rear impacts and rollovers.

Help keep you from being thrown against the inside of the vehicle and against a passenger.
Keep you from being thrown out of the vehicle.
Help keep you in a good position should the airbags ever deploy. A good position reduces the risk of injury from an inflating airbag and allows you to get the best advantage from the airbag.
Of course, seat belts cannot completely protect you in every crash. But in most cases, seat belts can reduce your risk of serious injury.
What you should do: Always wear your seat belt, and make sure you wear it properly.

Driver and Passenger Safety

Your Vehicle's Safety Features

Airbags

The most important things you need to know about your airbags are:

Airbags do not replace seat belts. They are designed to supplement the seat belts.

Front airbags offer no protection in side impacts, rear impacts, rollovers, or minor collisions.

Your vehicle has a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) with front airbags to help protect the heads and chests of the driver and a passenger during a moderate to severe frontal collision (see page 22 for more information on how your airbags work).

Airbags can pose serious hazards. To do their job, airbags must inflate with tremendous force. So while airbags help save lives, they can cause minor injuries or more serious or even fatal injuries if occupants are not properly restrained or sitting properly.

What you should do: Always wear your seat belt properly, and sit upright and as far back from the steering wheel as possible while allowing full control of the vehicle. A passenger should move the seat as far back from the dashboard as possible.
The rest of this section gives more detailed information about how you can maximize your safety.
Remember, however, that no safety system can prevent all injuries or deaths that can occur in a severe crash, even when seat belts are properly worn and the airbags deploy.

Protecting Adults and Teens

Introduction The following pages provide instructions on how to properly protect the driver, an adult passenger or teenage child large enough and mature enough to drive or ride in your vehicle. See pages 28 40 for important guidelines on how to properly protect a small or larger child.
1.Close and Lock the Doors After everyone has entered the vehicle, be sure the doors are closed and locked.
Your vehicle has door and trunk monitor indicators on the instrument panel to indicate when either door or the trunk is not tightly closed.

Locking the doors reduces the chance of someone being thrown out of the vehicle during a crash, and it helps prevent a passenger from accidentally opening a door and falling out.
Locking the doors also helps prevent an outsider from unexpectedly opening a door when you come to a stop.
See page 63 for how to lock the doors, and page 47 for how the dooropen indicator works.

2.Adjust the Seats
Adjust the driver's seat as far to the rear as possible while allowing you to maintain full control of the vehicle. Have a passenger adjust his or her seat as far to the rear as possible. If you sit too close to the steering wheel or dashboard, you can be seriously injured by an inflating airbag, or by striking the steering wheel or dashboard.

Protecting Adults and Teens

Driver and Passenger Safety

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Transport Canada recommend that drivers allow at least 10 inches (25 cm) between the center of the steering wheel and the chest.
If you cannot get far enough away from the steering wheel and still reach the controls, we recommend that you investigate whether some type of adaptive equipment may help.
Once your seat is adjusted correctly, rock it back and forth to make sure the seat is locked in position.
See page 67 for how to adjust the seats.

Sitting too close to a front airbag can result in serious injury or death if the front airbags inflate.
Always sit as far back from the front airbags as possible.

3.Adjust the Seat-Backs
Adjust the driver's seat-back to a comfortable, upright position, leaving ample space between your chest and the airbag cover in the center of the steering wheel. A passenger should also adjust their seat-back to a comfortable, upright position.
CONTINUED
11

Protecting Adults and Teens

Reclining a seat-back so that the shoulder part of the belt no longer rests against the occupant's chest reduces the protective capability of the belt. It also increases the chance of sliding under the belt in a crash and being seriously injured. The farther a seat-back is reclined, the greater the risk of injury.
See page 67 for how to adjust the seat-backs.
Reclining the seat-back too far can result in serious injury or death in a crash.
Adjust the seat-back to an upright position, and sit well back in the seat.

4.Fasten and Position the Seat Belts
Insert the latch plate into the buckle, then tug on the belt to make sure the belt is securely latched. Check that the belt is not twisted, because a twisted belt can cause serious injuries in a crash.
Position the lap part of the belt as low as possible across your hips, then pull up on the shoulder part of the belt so the lap part fits snugly. This lets your strong pelvic bones take the force of a crash and reduces the chance of internal injuries.

Driver and Passenger Safety

Protecting Adults and Teens

If necessary, pull up on the belt again to remove any slack, then check that the belt rests across the center of your chest and over your shoulder. This spreads the forces of a crash over the strongest bones in your upper body.
Never place the shoulder portion of a lap/shoulder belt under your arm or behind your back. This could cause very serious injuries in a crash.

If a seat belt does not seem to work properly, it may not protect the occupant in a crash.
No one should sit in a seat with an inoperative seat belt. Using a seat belt that is not working properly can result in serious injury or death. Have your dealer check the belt as soon as possible.
See page 18 for additional information about your seat belts and how to take care of them.

Improperly positioning the seat belts can cause serious injury or death in a crash.

Make sure all seat belts are properly positioned before driving.

5.Maintain a Proper Sitting Position
After occupants have adjusted their seats and put on seat belts, it is very important that they continue to sit upright, well back in their seats, with their feet on the floor, until the vehicle is parked and the engine is off.
Sitting improperly can increase the chance of injury during a crash. For example, if an occupant slouches, lies down, turns sideways, sits forward, leans forward or sideways, or puts one or both feet up, the chance of injury during a crash is greatly increased.

CONTINUED
13

Protecting Adults and Teens

In addition, an occupant who is out of position can be seriously or fatally injured in a crash by striking interior parts of the vehicle or being struck by an inflating front airbag.

Advice for Pregnant Women

Sitting improperly or out of position can result in serious injury or death.
Always sit upright, well back in the seat, with your feet on the floor.

If you are pregnant, the best way to protect yourself and your unborn child when driving or riding in a vehicle is to always wear a seat belt, and keep the lap part of the belt as low as possible across the hips.

When driving, remember to sit upright and adjust the seat as far back as possible while allowing full control of the vehicle. When riding as a passenger, adjust the seat as far back as possible.
This will reduce the risk of injuries to both you and your unborn child that can be caused by a crash or an inflating front airbag.
Each time you have a checkup, ask your doctor if it's okay for you to drive.

Driver and Passenger Safety

Protecting Adults and Teens

Additional Safety Precautions Two people should never use the same seat belt. If they do, they could be very seriously injured in a crash.
Do not put any accessories on seat belts. Devices intended to improve occupant comfort or reposition the shoulder part of a seat belt can reduce the protective capability of the belt and increase the chance of serious injury in a crash.

Do not place hard or sharp objects between yourself and a front airbag. Carrying hard or sharp objects on your lap, or driving with a pipe or other sharp object in your mouth, can result in injuries if your front airbag inflates.
Do not attach or place objects on the front airbag covers. Objects on the covers marked ``SRS AIRBAG'' could interfere with the proper operation of the airbags or be propelled inside the vehicle and hurt someone if the airbags inflate.

Keep your hands and arms away from the airbag covers. If your hands or arms are close to an airbag cover, they could be injured if the airbag inflates.

Additional Information About Your Seat Belts

Seat Belt System Components Your seat belt system includes lap/ shoulder belts in both seating positions. The seat belts are also equipped with automatic seat belt tensioners.
The seat belt system includes an indicator on the instrument panel and a beeper to remind you and your passenger to fasten your seat belts.
This system monitors the seat belts. If you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position before your seat belt is fastened, the beeper will sound and the indicator will flash. If your seat belt is not fastened before the beeper stops, the indicator will stop flashing but remain on.

If a passenger does not fasten their seat belt, the indicator will come on about 6 seconds after the ignition switch is turned to the ON (II) position.
If either the driver or passenger does not fasten their seat belt while driving, the beeper will sound and the indicator will flash again at regular intervals.
When no one is sitting in the passenger's seat, or a small child is riding there, the indicator will not come on and the beeper will not sound.

The seat belts use the same monitoring system as the airbags. The system may not work properly under these conditions:
Placing heavy items on the passenger's seat.
The passenger is not sitting properly.
Have your vehicle checked by a dealer if the indicator comes on or the beeper sounds when there is no passenger or objects on the seat.

Additional Information About Your Seat Belts

Driver and Passenger Safety

Lap/Shoulder Belt The lap and shoulder belt goes over your shoulder, across your chest, and across your hips.
To fasten the belt, insert the latch plate into the buckle, then tug on the belt to make sure the buckle is latched (see page 12 for how to properly position the belt).
To unlock the belt, press the red PRESS button on the buckle. Guide the belt across your body so that it retracts completely. After exiting the vehicle, be sure the belt is out of the way and will not get closed in the door.

Both seat belts have an emergency retractor. In normal driving, the retractor lets you move freely in your seat while it keeps some tension on the belt. During a collision or sudden stop, the retractor automatically locks the belt to help restrain your body.
The passenger's seat belt has an additional locking mechanism that must be activated to secure a forward-facing child seat (see page 34 ).
If the shoulder part of the belt is pulled all the way out, the locking mechanism will activate. The belt will retract, but it will not allow the passenger to move freely.
To deactivate the locking mechanism, unlatch the buckle and let the seat belt fully retract. To refasten the seat belt, pull it out only as far as needed.

Additional Information About Your Seat Belts

Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners
For added protection, the seat belts are equipped with automatic seat belt tensioners. When activated, the tensioners immediately tighten the belts to help hold the driver and a passenger in place.

The tensioners are designed to activate primarily in frontal collisions, and they should activate in any collision severe enough to cause airbag inflation.
However, the tensioners can be activated during a collision in which the front airbags do not deploy. In this case, the airbags would not be needed, but the additional restraint could be helpful.
When the tensioners are activated, the seat belts will remain tight until they are unbuckled in the normal manner.
If the seat belt tensioners ever activate, they must be replaced, because the belts would no longer retract properly.

Seat Belt Maintenance For safety, you should check the condition of your seat belts regularly.
Pull each belt out fully and look for frays, cuts, burns, and wear. Check that the latches work smoothly and the belts retract easily. If a belt does not retract easily, cleaning it may correct the problem (see page 157 ). Any belt that is not in good condition or not working properly will not provide good protection and should be replaced as soon as possible.
Honda provides a lifetime warranty on seat belts for U.S. models. See your Honda Warranty Information booklet for details.
If a seat belt is worn during a crash, it must be replaced by your dealer. A belt that has been worn during a crash may not provide the same level of protection in a subsequent crash.

Driver and Passenger Safety

Additional Information About Your Seat Belts

The dealer should also inspect the anchors for damage and replace them if needed. If the automatic seat belt tensioners activate during a crash, they must be replaced.

Not checking or maintaining seat belts can result in serious injury or death if the seat belts do not work properly when needed.
Check your seat belts regularly and have any problem corrected as soon as possible.

Additional Information About Your Airbags
Airbag System Components
(8)

(1)

(1) Driver's Airbag (2) Passenger's Airbag (3) Control Unit (4) Front Seat Belt Tensioners (5) Driver's Seat Position Sensor (6) Passenger's Weight Sensors (7) Passenger's Weight Sensor Unit (8) Front Impact Sensors (9) Passenger Airbag Off Indicator

(3) (5)

(2) (9)
(4) (4) (6)
(6) (7)

Additional Information About Your Airbags

Driver and Passenger Safety

Your airbag system includes:
Two SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) airbags. The driver's airbag is stored in the center of the steering wheel; the passenger's airbag is stored in the dashboard. Both are marked ``SRS AIRBAG.''
Automatic seat belt tensioners (see page 18 ).
Sensors that can detect a moderate to severe front impact.
Sensors that can detect whether a child is in the passenger's airbag path and signal the control unit to turn the airbag off (see page 24 ).
A driver's seat position sensor that monitors the distance of the seat from the airbag. If the seat is too far forward, the airbag will inflate with less force (see page 24 ).

Weight sensors and unit that monitor the weight on the passenger's seat. These automatically turn off the passenger's airbag if they detect an infant or small child may be in the seat (see page 24 ).
A sophisticated electronic system that continually monitors and records information about the sensors, the control unit, the airbag activators, the seat belt tensioners, and driver and passenger seat belt use when the ignition switch is in the ON (II) position.
An indicator on the instrument panel that alerts you to a possible problem with your airbags, sensors, or seat belt tensioners (see page 25 ).

An indicator on the dashboard that alerts you that the passenger's airbag has been turned off (see page 26 ).
Emergency backup power in case your vehicle's electrical system is disconnected in a crash.

Additional Information About Your Airbags

How Your Front Airbags Work

During a frontal crash, your seat belt restrains your lower body and torso, and the airbag helps protect your head and chest.

Although both airbags normally inflate within a split second of each other, it is possible for only one airbag to deploy.

If you ever have a moderate to severe frontal collision, sensors will detect the vehicle's rapid deceleration.
If the rate of deceleration is high enough, the control unit will instantly inflate the driver's and passenger's airbags, at the time and with the force needed.

This can happen if the severity of a collision is at the margin, or threshold, that determines whether or not the airbags will deploy. In such cases, the seat belt will provide sufficient protection, and the supplemental protection offered by the airbag would be minimal.
Only the driver's airbag will deploy if there is no passenger in the passenger's seat, or if the advanced airbag system has turned the passenger's airbag off (see page 24 ).

After inflating, the airbags will immediately deflate, so they won't interfere with the driver's visibility, or the ability to steer or operate other controls.
The total time for inflation and deflation is one-tenth of a second, so fast that most occupants are not aware that the airbags deployed until they see them lying in their laps.

Driver and Passenger Safety

Additional Information About Your Airbags

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

Dual-Stage Airbags Your airbags are dual-stage airbags. This means they have two inflation stages that can be ignited sequentially or simultaneously, depending on crash severity.
In a more severe crash, both stages will ignite simultaneously to provide the quickest and greatest protection.
In a less severe crash, one stage will ignite first, then the second stage will ignite a split second later. This provides longer airbag inflation time with a little less force.

Dual-Threshold Airbags Your airbags are also dual-threshold airbags. Airbags with this feature have two deployment thresholds that depend on whether or not the occupant is wearing a seat belt.
If the occupant's belt is not latched, the airbag will deploy at a slightly lower threshold, because the occupant would need extra protection.
If the occupant's belt is latched, the airbag will inflate at a slightly higher threshold, when the airbag would be needed to supplement the protection provided by the seat belt.

Additional Information About Your Airbags

Advanced Airbags Your airbags are also advanced airbags. The main purpose of this feature is to help prevent airbagcaused injuries to short drivers and children who ride in the passenger's seat.
For both advanced airbags to work properly:
Occupants must sit upright and wear their seat belts properly.
Do not spill any liquids on or under the seats, cover the sensors, or put any cargo or metal objects under the seats.
Failure to follow these instructions could damage the sensors or prevent them from working properly.

DRIVER'S SEAT POSITION SENSOR

PASSENGER'S SEAT WEIGHT SENSOR

The driver's advanced airbag system includes a seat position sensor under the seat. If the seat is too far forward, the airbag will inflate with less force, regardless of the severity of the impact.

The passenger's advanced airbag system has weight sensors and unit under the seat. If the sensors detect an infant or small child may be in the seat, the system will automatically turn the passenger's airbag off.

If there is a problem with the sensor, the SRS indicator will come on, and the airbag will inflate in the normal manner regardless of the driver's seating position.

Additional Information About Your Airbags

Driver and Passenger Safety

When the airbag is turned off, an indicator in the center of the dashboard will come on indicating passenger airbag ``OFF'' (see page 26 ).
If there is no passenger in the front seat, the airbag will be off. However, the passenger airbag off indicator will not come on.
To ensure that the passenger's advanced front airbag system will work properly, do not do anything that would increase or decrease the weight on the front passenger's seat. This includes:
Moving the front seat forcibly back against cargo on the seat or floor behind it.

Hanging heavy items on the passenger seat, or placing heavy items in the seat-back pocket.

How the SRS Indicator Works The SRS indicator alerts you to a potential problem
with your airbags or seat belt tensioners (see page 18 ).
When you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position, this indicator comes on briefly then goes off. This tells you the system is working properly.
If the indicator comes on at any other time, or does not come on at all, you should have the system checked by your dealer. For example:
If the SRS indicator does not come on after you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position. If the indicator stays on after the engine starts. If the indicator comes on or flashes on and off while you drive.
CONTINUED
25

Additional Information About Your Airbags

If you see any of these indications, the airbags and seat belt tensioners may not work properly when you need them.
Ignoring the SRS indicator can result in serious injury or death if the airbag systems or tensioners do not work properly.
Have your vehicle checked by a dealer as soon as possible if the SRS indicator alerts you to a possible problem.

How the Passenger Airbag Off Indicator Works

U. S.

Canada

PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF INDICATOR
This indicator alerts you that the passenger's airbag has been shut off because weight sensors detect an infant or small child may be in the passenger's seat. It does not mean there is a problem with the airbag. When you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position, this indicator comes on briefly then goes off.

If no one is riding in the passenger's seat, the airbag will be automatically shut off. However, the indicator will not come on.
If the indicator comes on with no passenger in the seat, or with an adult in the seat, there may be a problem with the advanced airbag system. Have the vehicle checked by your dealer as soon as possible.
The passenger airbag off indicator may also come on and off repeatedly if total weight on the seat is near the airbag cutoff threshold.
If this happens, move the seat as far to the rear as possible and have the passenger sit upright and wear the seat belt properly.

Driver and Passenger Safety

Additional Information About Your Airbags

Airbag Service Your airbag systems are virtually maintenance free, and there are no parts you can safely service. However, you must have your vehicle serviced if:
An airbag ever inflates. Any airbag that has deployed must be replaced along with the control unit and other related parts. If a front airbag inflates, the seat belt tensioners must also be replaced.
Do not try to remove or replace any airbag by yourself. This must be done by your dealer or a knowledgeable body shop.

The SRS indicator alerts you to a problem. Take your vehicle to an authorized dealer as soon as possible. If you ignore this indication, your airbags may not operate properly.
If your vehicle has a moderate to severe impact. Even if your airbags do not inflate, your dealer should inspect the driver's seat position sensor and the passenger's weight sensors to make sure they are operating properly.

Additional Safety Precautions Do not attempt to deactivate your airbags. Together, airbags and seat belts provide the best protection.
Do not tamper with airbag components or wiring for any reason. Tampering could cause the airbags to deploy, possibly causing very serious injury.
Do not remove or modify a seat without consulting your dealer. This could make the driver's seat position sensor or the passenger's weight sensors ineffective. If it is necessary to remove or modify a seat to accommodate a person with disabilities, first contact Honda Automobile Customer Service at (800) 999-1009.

Protecting Children General Guidelines

Children depend on adults to protect them. However, despite their best intentions, many adults do not know how to properly protect child passengers.
If you ever need to drive with a child in your vehicle, be sure to read this section. It begins with important general guidelines, then presents special information for infants, small children and larger children.

All Children Must Be Restrained Each year, many children are injured or killed in vehicle crashes because they are either unrestrained or not properly restrained. In fact, vehicle accidents are the number one cause of the death of children ages 12 and under.
To reduce the number of child deaths and injuries, every state and Canadian province requires that infants and children be properly restrained when they ride in a vehicle.
Any child who is too small to wear a seat belt must be restrained in an approved child seat that is properly secured to the vehicle (see pages 33 35 ).

A larger child must be restrained with a lap/shoulder belt and ride on a booster seat until the seat belt fits him or her properly (see pages 36 39 ).
Children who are unrestrained or improperly restrained can be seriously injured or killed in a crash.
Any child too small for a seat belt should be properly restrained in a child seat. A larger child should be properly restrained with a seat belt and use a booster seat if necessary.

Driver and Passenger Safety

Protecting Children General Guidelines

Your Vehicle is Not Recommended for Child Passengers The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Transport Canada recommend that all children age 12 and under be properly restrained in a back seat.

The Passenger's Airbag Pose Serious Risks Airbags have been designed to help protect adults in a moderate to severe frontal collision. To do this, the passenger's airbag is quite large and it can inflate with enough force to cause very serious injuries.

Since this vehicle does not have a back seat, we strongly recommend that you do not carry any child who is not large enough or mature enough to ride in front (see page 38 ).

Even though your vehicle has an advanced airbag system, which can automatically turn the passenger's airbag off (see page 24 ), please follow the guidelines below.

Inf ants
Never put a rear-facing child seat in this vehicle. If the airbag inflates, it can hit the back of the child seat with enough force to kill or very seriously injure an infant.

Small Children Placing a forward-facing child seat in the passenger's seat can be hazardous. If the vehicle seat is too far forward, or the child's head is thrown forward during a collision, an inflating passenger's airbag can strike the child with enough force to kill or very seriously injure a small child.
Larger Children Children who have outgrown child seats are also at risk of being injured or killed by an inflating passenger's airbag. If a larger child must ride in this vehicle, see page 38 for important guidelines on how to decide when a child is ready to ride in and how to properly protect the child.

Protecting Children General Guidelines

To remind you of the passenger's airbag hazards, your vehicle has warning labels on the dashboard (U.S. models) and on the driver's and passenger's visors. Please read and follow the instructions on these labels.

U.S. Models
Sun Visor

Canadian Models
Sun Visor

Dashboard

Driver and Passenger Safety

Protecting Children General Guidelines

Additional Safety Precautions Never hold a small child on your lap. If you are not wearing a seat belt in a crash, you could be thrown forward and crush the child against the dashboard. If you are wearing a seat belt, the child can be torn from your arms and be seriously hurt or killed.
Never put a seat belt over yourself and a child. During a crash, the belt could press deep into the child and cause serious or fatal injuries.
Never let two children use the same seat belt. If they do, they could be very seriously injured in a crash.

Do not leave children alone in a vehicle. Leaving children without adult supervision is illegal in most states and Canadian provinces, and can be very hazardous.
For example, a small child left in a vehicle on a hot day can die from heatstroke. A child left alone with the key in the ignition switch can accidentally set the vehicle in motion, possibly injuring themselves or others.
Lock both doors and the trunk when your vehicle is not in use. Children who play in vehicles can accidentally get trapped inside. Teach your children not to play in or around vehicles. Know how to operate the emergency trunk opener and decide if your children should be shown how to use this feature (see page 63 ).

Keep vehicle keys and remote
transmitters out of the reach of children. Even very young children learn how to unlock vehicle doors, turn on the ignition switch, and open the trunk, which can lead to accidental injury or death.

Protecting Small Children

Because an inflating airbag can seriously injure or kill small children, we recommend that you do not carry a small child as a passenger in this vehicle.
If you decide to transport a small child in this vehicle, be sure to move the passenger seat as far to the rear as possible, and follow the instructions and guidelines in the following pages.

A child who is at least one year old, and who fits within the child seat maker's weight and height limits, should be restrained in a forwardfacing, upright child seat.
Of the different seats available, we recommend those that have a fivepoint harness system as shown.

We also recommend that a small child use the child seat until the child reaches the weight or height limit for the seat.
Placing a forward-facing child seat in the passenger's seat can result in serious injury or death if the airbag inflates.
If you must place a forwardfacing child seat in the passenger's seat, move the vehicle seat as far back as possible and properly restrain the child.

Selecting a Child Seat, Installing a Child Seat

Driver and Passenger Safety

Selecting a Child Seat To provide proper protection, a child seat should meet three requirements:

Installing a Child Seat After selecting a proper child seat, there are three main steps in installing a child seat:

1. The child seat should meet U.S. or Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213. Look for FMVSS 213 or CMVSS 213 on the box.
2. The child seat should be of the proper type and size to fit the child.

1. Properly secure the child seat to the vehicle. All child seats must be secured to the vehicle with the lap part of a lap/shoulder belt. A child whose seat is not properly secured to the vehicle can be endangered in a crash.

3. The child seat should fit the passenger's seat.
Before purchasing a child seat, or using a previously purchased one, we recommend that you test the seat to make sure it fits properly in the passenger's seat.

2. Make sure the child seat is firmly secured. After installing a child seat, push and pull the seat forward and from side-to-side to verify that it is secure.
A child seat secured with a seat belt should be installed as firmly as possible. However, it does not need to be ``rock solid.'' Some sideto-side movement can be expected and should not reduce the child seat's effectiveness.

If the child seat is not secure, use a different style of child seat that can be firmly secured.
3. Secure the child in the child seat. Make sure the child is properly strapped in the child seat according to the child seat maker's instructions. A child who is not properly secured in a child seat can be seriously injured in a crash.
The following pages provide guidelines on how to properly install a forward-facing child seat.

Installing a Child Seat

In this vehicle, a child seat must be secured to the vehicle with the lap part of the lap/shoulder belt. In addition, the passenger's lap/ shoulder belt has a locking mechanism that must be activated to secure a child seat.
1. Move the vehicle seat to the rearmost position. Moving the seat as far back as possible reduces the chance of a child being injured or killed if the passenger's airbag inflates.

2. With the child seat in position, route the belt through the child seat according to the seat maker's instructions, then insert the latch plate into the buckle.
3. To activate the lockable retractor, slowly pull the shoulder part of the belt all the way out until it stops, then let the belt feed back into the retractor.

4. After the belt has retracted, tug on it. If the belt is locked, you will not be able to pull it out. If you can pull the belt out, it is not locked and you will need to repeat these steps.

Installing a Child Seat
To deactivate the locking mechanism and remove a child seat, unlatch the buckle, unroute the seat belt, and let the belt fully retract.

Driver and Passenger Safety

5. After confirming that the belt is locked, grab the shoulder part of the belt near the buckle, and pull up to remove any slack from the lap part of the belt. Remember, if the lap part of the belt is not tight, the child seat will not be secure.
To remove slack, it may help to put weight on the child seat, or push on the back of the seat while pulling up on the belt.

6. Push and pull the child seat forward and from side-to-side to verify that it is secure enough to stay upright during normal driving maneuvers. If the child seat is not secure, unlatch the belt, allow it to retract fully, then repeat these steps.

Protecting Larger Children

When a child reaches the recommended weight or height limit for a forward-facing child seat, the child should sit in a back seat on a booster seat and wear a lap/shoulder belt.
Since this vehicle does not have a back seat, we recommend that you do not carry a larger child, age 12 or under, as a passenger.
However, the following pages provide guidelines to help you decide when a given child may ride in this vehicle, and how to properly protect the child.

Allowing a larger child age 12 or under to ride in the vehicle can result in injury or death if the passenger's front airbag inflates.
If a larger child must ride in the vehicle, move the vehicle seat as far back as possible, use a booster seat if needed, have the child sit up properly and wear the seat belt properly.

Checking Seat Belt Fit
To determine if a lap/shoulder belt properly fits a child, have the child put on the seat belt, then ask yourself: 1. Does the child sit all the way back
against the seat? 2. Do the child's knees bend
comfortably over the edge of the seat?

Protecting Larger Children

Driver and Passenger Safety

3. Does the shoulder belt cross between the child's neck and arm?
4. Is the lap part of the belt as low as possible, touching the child's thighs?
5. Will the child be able to stay seated like this for the whole trip?
If you answer yes to all these questions, the child is ready to wear the lap/shoulder belt correctly. If you answer no to any question, the child needs to ride on a booster seat.

Using a Booster Seat
A child who has outgrown a forwardfacing child seat should use a booster seat until the lap/shoulder belt fits them properly without the booster. Some states and Canadian provinces also require children to use a booster seat until they reach a given age or weight (e.g., 6 years or 60 lbs). Be sure to check current laws in the states or provinces where you intend

to drive.
Booster seats can be high-back or low-back. Whichever style you select, make sure the booster meets federal safety standards and that you follow the booster seat maker's instructions.
If a child who uses a booster seat rides in this vehicle, move the vehicle seat as far to the rear as possible, and be sure the child is wearing the seat belt properly.
A child may continue using a booster seat until the tops of their ears are even with the top of the vehicle's or booster's seat-back. A child of this height should be tall enough to use the lap/shoulder belt without a booster seat.

Protecting Larger Children

When Can a Larger Child Ride in This Vehicle As noted earlier, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Transport Canada recommend that all children age 12 and under ride properly restrained in a back seat.
If the passenger's front airbag inflates in a moderate to severe frontal collision, the airbag can cause serious injuries to a child who is unrestrained, improperly restrained, sitting too close to the airbag, or out of position.
Of course, children vary widely. And while age may be one indicator of when a child can safely ride in this vehicle. There are other important factors you should consider.

Physical Size Physically, a child must be large enough for the lap/shoulder belt to properly fit (see page 36 ). If the seat belt does not fit properly, with or without the child sitting on a booster, the child should not sit in this vehicle.

If you decide that a child can safely ride in this vehicle, be sure to:
Carefully read the owner's manual, and make sure you understand all seat belt instructions and all safety information.

Maturity To safely ride in this vehicle, a child must be able to follow the rules, including sitting properly, and wearing the seat belt properly throughout ride.

Move the vehicle seat to the rearmost position.
Have the child sit up straight, back against the seat, and feet on or near the floor.

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

Supervise the child. Even mature children sometimes need to be reminded to fasten the seat belts or sit properly.

Additional Safety Precautions Do not let a child wear a seat belt across the neck. This could result in serious neck injuries during a crash.
Do not let a child put the shoulder part of a seat belt behind the back or under the arm. This could cause very serious injuries during a crash. It also increases the chance that the child will slide under the belt in a crash and be injured.
Two children should never use the same seat belt. If they do, they could be very seriously injured in a crash.
Do not put any accessories on a seat belt. Devices intended to improve a child's comfort or reposition the shoulder part of a seat belt can make the belt less effective and increase the chance of serious injury in a crash.

Protecting Larger Children
39

Driver and Passenger Safety

Carbon Monoxide Hazard

Your vehicle's exhaust contains carbon monoxide gas. You should have no problem with carbon monoxide entering the vehicle in normal driving if you maintain your vehicle properly.
Have the exhaust system inspected for leaks whenever:
The vehicle is raised for an oil change.
You notice a change in the sound of the exhaust.
The vehicle was in an accident that may have damaged the underside.

Carbon monoxide gas is toxic. Breathing it can cause unconsciousness and even kill you.
Avoid any enclosed areas or activities that expose you to carbon monoxide.
High levels of carbon monoxide can collect rapidly in enclosed areas, such as a garage. Do not run the engine with the garage door closed. Even with the door open, run the engine only long enough to move the vehicle out of the garage.

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

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

1. Select the fresh air mode.

2. Select the

mode.

3. Set the fan speed to high.

4. Set the temperature control to a

comfortable setting.

Driver and Passenger Safety

These labels are in the locations shown. They warn you of potential hazards that could cause serious injury. Read these labels carefully.
If a label comes off or becomes hard to read (except for the U.S. dashboard label which may be removed by the owner), contact your dealer for a replacement.
DASHBOARD U.S. models only

SUN VISOR U.S. models

RADIATOR

Canadian models

Safety Labels

SEAT BELT TENSIONER BATTERY

HOOD Canadian models

U.S. models

Instruments and Controls

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

Control Locations ............................ 44 Instrument Panel ............................. 45 Instrument Panel Indicators........... 46 Gauges .............................................. 51
Odometer...................................... 51 Trip meter..................................... 51 Select Button ................................ 51 Fuel Gauge ................................... 52 Temperature Gauge .................... 52 Outside Temperature
Indicator.................................... 52 Check Fuel Cap Indicator........... 53 Maintenance Minder................... 54 Clock ............................................. 54 Controls Near the Steering Wheel ............................................ 55 Windshield Wipers and Washers ........................................ 56 Turn Signal and Headlights............ 57 Instrument Panel Brightness ......... 58 Hazard Warning Button.................. 58 Rear Window Defogger .................. 59 Keys and Locks................................ 60 Immobilizer System......................... 61 Ignition Switch ................................. 62 Power Door Locks........................... 63

Trunk................................................. 63 Emergency Trunk Opener ......... 64
Remote Transmitter........................ 65 Seats .................................................. 67 Power Windows ............................... 68 Convertible Top ............................... 70 Mirrors.............................................. 75 Parking Brake .................................. 76 Interior Convenience Items............ 77
Beverage Holder.......................... 78 Accessory Power Socket ............ 78 Console Compartments .............. 78 Audio Panel .................................. 79 Dashboard Lower Pocket ........... 79 Interior Light.................................... 80

Control Locations

HOOD RELEASE HANDLE (P.110)

POWER DOOR LOCK (P.63)
POWER WINDOW SWITCHES (P.68)

MIRROR
CONTROLS (P.75)

ROOF SWITCH (P.71)

ACCESSORY POWER SOCKET (P.78)

HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING (P.82)
CRUISE CONTROL (P.103)
AUDIO SYSTEM (P.86)
HAZARD WARNING BUTTON (P.58)
REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER BUTTON (P.59)

Instrument Panel

Instruments and Controls

TURN SIGNAL AND HAZARD WARNING INDICATORS (P.48)

VSA ACTIVATION INDICATOR (P.50)

OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE INDICATOR (P.52)

VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST (VSA) SYSTEM INDICATOR (P.50)

ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) INDICATOR (P.47)

SEAT BELT REMINDER INDICATOR (P.46)

MAINTENANCE MINDER INDICATOR (P.50) INFORMAITION DISPLAY (P.133)
HIGH BEAM INDICATOR (P.48)
DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS INDICATOR (P.48)
LOW FUEL INDICATOR (P.49)

ELECTRIC POWER

STEERING (EPS)

INDICATOR

(P.47)

PARKING BRAKE AND

BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR

(P.46, 184)

DOOR-OPEN INDICATOR (P.47)
TRUNK-OPEN INDICATOR (P.47) IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM INDICATOR (P.49) CRUISE CONTROL INDICATOR (P.47) MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (P.47, 183)

SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM LOW OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR (P.46, 182)

INDICATOR (P.47)

CHARGING SYSTEM INDICATOR (P.40, 182)

The U.S. instrument panel is shown. Differences for Canadian models are noted in the text. 45

Instrument Panel Indicators

The instrument panel has many indicators to give you important information about your vehicle.
Seat Belt Reminder Indicator This indicator comes on when you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position. It reminds you and your passenger to fasten your seat belts. A beeper also sounds if you and your front passenger have not fastened your seat belts.
If you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position before fastening your seat belts, the beeper sounds, and the indicator flashes. If you do not fasten your seat belts before the beeper stops, the indicator stops flashing but remains on.

If your passenger does not fasten their seat belt, the indicator comes on about 6 seconds after the ignition switch is turned to the ON (II) position.
If either of you do not fasten your seat belt while driving, the beeper will sound and the indicator will flash again at regular intervals. For more information, see page 16 .
Low Oil Pressure Indicator The engine can be severely damaged if this indicator flashes or stays on when the engine is running. For more information, see page 182 .
Charging System Indicator If this indicator comes on when the engine is running, the battery is not being charged. For more information, see page 182 .

U.S. Canada Parking Brake and Brake System Indicator
This indicator has two functions:
1. It comes on when you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position. It is a reminder to check the parking brake. A beeper sounds if you try to drive with the parking brake not fully released. Driving with the parking brake not fully released can damage the brakes and tires.
2. If it stays on after you fully release the parking brake while the engine is running, or if it comes on while driving, there could be a problem with the brake system. For more information, see page 184 .

Instruments and Controls

Instrument Panel Indicators

Supplemental Restraint System Indicator This indicator comes on when you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position. If it comes on at any other time, it indicates a potential problem with your front airbags or automatic seat belt tensioners. For more information, see page 25 .
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) Indicator This indicator normally comes on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position, and when you push the START button. If it comes on at any other time, there is a problem with the ABS. If this happens, have your vehicle checked at a dealer. With this indicator on, your vehicle still has normal braking ability but no anti-lock function. For more information, see page 127 .

Malfunction Indicator Lamp See page 183 .
Trunk-open Indicator
This indicator comes on if the trunk lid is not closed tightly.
Door-open Indicator
This indicator comes on if either door is not closed tightly.
Cruise Control Indicator
This indicator comes on when you set the cruise control. See page 103 for information on operating the cruise control.

Electric Power Steering (EPS) Indicator This indicator normally comes on when you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position and goes off after the engine starts. If it comes on at any other time, there is a problem in the electric power steering system. If this happens, stop the vehicle in a safe place, and turn off the engine. Reset the system by restarting the engine. If the indicator does not go off, or comes back on while driving, take the vehicle to your dealer to have it checked. With the indicator on, the EPS is turned off, making the vehicle harder to steer.

Instrument Panel Indicators

Turn Signal and Hazard Warning Indicators The left or right turn signal indicator blinks when you signal a lane change or turn. If the indicator does not blink or blinks rapidly, it usually means one of the turn signal bulbs is burned out (see page 154 ). Replace the bulb as soon as possible, since other drivers cannot see that you are signaling.
When you press the hazard warning button, both turn signal indicators blink. All turn signals on the outside of the vehicle should flash.

``Daytime Running Lights'' Indicator If this indicator comes on when the ignition switch is turned to the ON (II) position and the parking brake is released, it means there is a problem in the high beam headlight's circuit. Have your vehicle checked by your dealer.

High Beam Indicator
This indicator comes on with the high beam headlights. For more information, see page 57 .
When the daytime running lights (DRL) are on, this indicator comes on with reduced brightness.

Instruments and Controls

Instrument Panel Indicators

Immobilizer System Indicator This indicator comes on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position. It will then go off if you have inserted a properly-coded ignition key. If it is not a properly-coded key, the indicator will blink, and the engine will not start (see page 60 ).
This indicator also blinks several times when you turn the ignition switch from the ON (II) position to the ACCESSORY (I) or LOCK (0) position.

Low Fuel Indicator
This indicator comes on as a reminder that you must refuel soon. When the indicator comes on, there is about 2.22 US gal (8.4 ) of fuel remaining in the tank before the reading reaches E. There is a small reserve of fuel remaining in the tank when the reading does reach E.

Instrument Panel Indicators

Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) System Indicator This indicator normally comes on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position.
If it comes on and stays on at any other time, or if it does not come on when you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position, there is a problem with the VSA system. Take your vehicle to a dealer to have it checked. Without VSA, your vehicle still has normal driving ability, but will not have VSA traction and stability enhancement. See page 128 for more information on the VSA system.

VSA Activation Indicator
This indicator has three functions:
1. It comes on as a reminder that you have turned off the vehicle stability assist (VSA) system.
2. It flashes when VSA is active (see page 128 ).
3. It comes on along with the VSA system indicator if there is a problem with the VSA system.
This indicator normally comes on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position. For more information, see page 128 .

Maintenance Minder Indicator This indicator reminds you that it is time to take your vehicle in for scheduled maintenance. The maintenance main items and sub items will be displayed in the information display. See page 133 for more information on the maintenance minder.
This indicator goes off when your dealer resets it after completing the required maintenance service.

Gauges

Instruments and Controls

TACHOMETER CLOCK BUTTON

OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE INDICATOR SPEEDOMETER TEMPERATURE GAUGE
FUEL GAUGE

TRIP BUTTON

BUTTON BUTTON

CLOCK TRIP METER

ODOMETER/CHECK FUEL CAP INDICATOR SELECT BUTTON

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

Trip Meter This trip meter shows the number of miles or kilometers driven since you last reset it.
There are two trip meters: Trip A and Trip B. Switch between these displays by pressing the TRIP button repeatedly. Each trip meter works independently, so you can keep track of two different distances.

To reset a trip meter, display it, and then press and hold the TRIP button until you hear a beep and the number resets to ``0.0''.
Select Button The select button switches the speedometer reading between miles per hour and kilometers per hour. It also changes the odometer and trip meters to read in miles or kilometers correspondingly. To change the readings, push the SELECT button, and hold it until you hear a beep.

Gauges

Fuel Gauge This shows how much fuel you have. It may show slightly more or less than the actual amount.
Avoid driving with an extremely low f uel level. Running out of f uel could cause the engine to misf ire, damaging the catalytic converter.

Temperature Gauge This shows the temperature of the engine's coolant. During normal operation, the reading should be in the middle of the gauge. In severe driving conditions, such as very hot weather or a long period of uphill driving, the reading may reach near the red mark. If it reaches the red (Hot) mark, pull safely to the side of the road. See page 179 for instructions and precautions on checking the engine's cooling system.

Outside Temperature Indicator This indicator displays the outside temperature in Fahrenheit (U.S. models) or Centigrade (Canadian models).
The temperature sensor is in the front bumper. Therefore, the temperature reading can be affected by heat reflection from the road surface, engine heat, and the exhaust from surrounding traffic. This can cause an incorrect temperature reading when your speed is under 19 mph (30 km/h).
The sensor delays the indicator update until it reaches the correct outside temperature. This may take several minutes.
If the outside temperature is incorrectly displayed, you can adjust it up 5°F in U.S. models (3°C in Canadian models) warmer or cooler.

Instruments and Controls

Gauges

NOTE: The temperature must be stabilized before doing this procedure.
To adjust the outside temperature indicator, make sure the outside temperature indicator is shown in the display, then press and hold the TRIP button for 10 seconds (the TRIP A or B is also reset). The following sequence will appear for 1 second each: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0 (U.S.) or 0, 1, 2, 3, 3, 2, 1, 0 (Canada).
When it reaches the desired value, release the TRIP button. You should see the new outside temperature displayed.
In certain weather conditions, temperature readings near freezing (32°F, 0°C) could mean that ice is forming on the road surface.

Check Fuel Cap Indicator If your fuel fill cap is loose or missing, a ``CHECK FUEL CAP'' message appears on the information display after you start the engine. The message goes from CHECK to FUEL, then to CAP repeatedly. You will also hear a beep.
Turn the engine off, and confirm the fuel fill cap is installed. If it is, loosen the cap, then retighten it until it clicks at least once. When you restart the engine, the message appears again. To clear the message, press and hold the RESET button until the odometer display returns.

If the system still detects a loose or missing fuel fill cap, the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) comes on. Turn the engine off, and check or retighten the fuel fill cap until it clicks at least once. The MIL goes out after several days of normal driving once the cap is tightened or replaced. If it does not go out, have your dealer inspect the vehicle. For more information, see page 183 .

Gauges

Maintenance Minder The information display in the instrument panel shows you the engine oil life and maintenance service items when the ignition switch is in the ON (II) position. This information helps to keep you aware of the periodic maintenance your vehicle needs for continued troublefree driving. Refer to page 133 for more information.

Clock The clock displays the time with the ignition switch in the ON (II) position.
To set the clock:
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position.
2. Press and hold the CLOCK button until the minute display blinks. Adjust the minute by pressing the or button.
3. When you finish the minute adjustment, press and release the CLOCK button. The hour display will blink. Adjust the hour by pressing the or button.

4. When you finish your adjustments, press the CLOCK button again.

HEADLIGHTS/TURN SIGNALS CLOCK SET BUTTON

(P.57)

(P.54)

REMOTE AUDIO CONTROLS (P.101)

ENGINE START BUTTON (P.122)

Controls Near the Steering Wheel
INSTRUMENT PANEL BRIGHTNESS (P.58)
VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST (VSA) SYSTEM OFF SWITCH (P.129)
HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING (P.82)

Instruments and Controls

HOOD RELEASE HANDLE (P.110)

CRUISE BUTTON (P.103)

HORN

To use the horn, press the pad around the ``H'' logo.

WINDSHIELD WIPERS/WASHERS (P.56)
CRUISE CONTROL (P.103)
55

Windshield Wipers and Washers

1. MIST
2. OFF
3. INT Intermittent 4. LO Low speed 5. HI High speed 6. Windshield washers

Push the right lever up or down to select a position.
MIST The wipers run at high speed until you release the lever.
OFF The wipers are not activated.

Windshield Washers Pull the wiper control lever toward you, and hold it. The washers spray until you release the lever. The wipers run at low speed, then complete one more sweep after you release the lever.

INT The wipers operate every few seconds. In low speed and high speed, the wipers run continuously.

LO The wipers run at low speed.

HI The wipers run at high speed.

1. Turn Signal 2. Off 3. Parking and indicator lights 4. Headlights on 5. High beams 6. Flash high beams

Turn Signal and Headlights

Turn Signal Push down on the lever to signal a left turn and up to signal a right turn. To signal a lane change, push lightly on the lever, and hold it. The lever will return to center when you release it or complete a turn.
Headlights On Turning the switch to the `` '' position turns on the parking lights, taillights, instrument panel lights, side-marker lights, and rear license plate lights.
Turning the switch to the `` '' position turns on the headlights. If you leave the lights on with the key removed from the ignition switch, you will hear a reminder buzzer when you open the driver's door.

High Beams Push the lever forward until you hear a click. The high beam indicator will come on (see page 48 ). Pull the lever back to return to the low beams.
To flash the high beams, pull the lever back lightly, then release it. The high beams will stay on as long as you hold the lever back.
Daytime Running Lights With the headlight switch off, the high beam headlights and the high beam indicator come on with reduced brightness when you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position and release the parking brake. They remain on until you turn the ignition switch off, even if you set the parking brake.
The headlights revert to normal operation when you turn them on with the switch.

Instruments and Controls

Instrument Panel Brightness, Hazard Warning Button

Instrument Panel Brightness

To reduce glare at night, the instrument panel illumination dims when you turn the light switch to
or position. Adjust the brightness to the desired level with the headlight switch off, and also with the headlight switch on. Both settings will remain at those levels until you change them.

Hazard Warning Button

The buttons in the lower left corner of the instrument panel adjust the brightness of the display in five steps. Push the or button five times to see the full range.

With the headlight switch on, you can switch the display to full daytime brightness by pushing and holding the button. Push the button to return the display to the original brightness.

Push the red button next to the parking brake to turn on the hazard warning lights (four-way flashers). This causes all four outside turn signals and both indicators in the instrument panel to flash. Use the hazard warning lights if you need to park in a dangerous area near heavy traffic, or if your vehicle is disabled.

Do not push the defogger button when the convertible top is folded.
Make sure the rear window is clear and you have good visibility before starting to drive.
The defogger wires on the inside of the rear window can be accidentally damaged. When cleaning the glass, always wipe side-to-side.
The rear window defogger will clear fog, frost, and thin ice from the window. Push the defogger button to turn it on and off. The indicator in the button comes on to show the defogger is on. If you do not turn it off, the defogger will shut itself off after about 15 minutes. It also shuts off when you turn off the ignition switch. You have to turn the defogger on again when you restart the vehicle.

Rear Window Defogger
59

Instruments and Controls

Keys and Locks

MASTER KEYS VALET KEY KEY

(BLACK)

(GREY)

NUMBER

TAG

The master key fits all the locks on your vehicle.

The valet key works only in the ignition and the door locks. You can keep the trunk and the lower console compartment locked when you leave your vehicle and the valet key at a parking facility.
You should have received a key number tag with your keys. You will need this key number if you ever have to get a key replaced. Use only Honda-approved key blanks.

These keys contain electronic circuits that are activated by the immobilizer system. They will not work to start the engine if the circuits are damaged.
Protect the keys from direct sunlight, high temperature, and high humidity.
Do not drop the keys or set heavy objects on them.

Keep the keys away from liquids. If they get wet, dry them immediately with a soft cloth.

The keys do not contain batteries. Do not try to take them apart.

Instruments and Controls

Immobilizer System

The immobilizer system protects your vehicle from theft. If an improperly-coded key (or other device) is used, the engine's fuel system is disabled.
When you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position, the immobilizer system indicator should come on for a few seconds, then go off. If the indicator starts to blink, it means the system does not recognize the coding of the key. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK (0) position, remove the key, reinsert it, and turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position again. The system may not recognize your key's coding if another immobilizer key or other metal object (i.e. key fob) is near the ignition switch when you insert the key.

If the system repeatedly does not recognize the coding of your key, contact your dealer.
Do not attempt to alter this system or add other devices to it. Electrical problems could result that may make your vehicle undrivable.
If you lose your key and cannot start the engine, contact your dealer.

As required by the FCC: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
This device complies with Industry Canada Standard RSS-210. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

Ignition Switch

The ignition switch has three positions: LOCK (0), ACCESSORY (I), and ON (II).
LOCK (0) You can insert or remove the key only in this position. To turn the key, push it in slightly.
If the front wheels are turned, the anti-theft lock may make it difficult to turn the key. Firmly turn the steering wheel to the left or right as you turn the key.

ACCESSORY (I) You can operate the audio system and the accessory power sockets in this position.
ON (II) This is the normal key position when driving. Several of the indicators on the instrument panel come on as a test when you turn the ignition switch from the ACCESSORY (I) to the ON (II) position. The engine can be started with the key in this position by pressing the engine START button (see page 122 ).
You will hear a reminder beeper if you leave the key in the ignition switch in the LOCK (0) or the ACCESSORY (I) position and open the driver's door. Remove the key to turn off the beeper.

Removing the key from the ignition switch while driving locks the steering. This can cause you to lose control.
Remove the key from the ignition switch only when parked.

Power Door Locks, Trunk

Instruments and Controls

Power Door Locks
LOCK TAB
Each door has a lock tab next to the inside door handle. When you push in the lock tab on the driver's door, both doors lock. Pulling out the lock tab on the driver's door only unlocks that door. The lock tab on the passenger's door only locks and unlocks that door.

To lock the passenger's door when getting out of the vehicle, push the lock tab in and close the door. To lock the driver's door, remove the key from the ignition switch, pull out either the inside or outside door handle and push the lock tab in, then close the door.
Both doors lock when you use the key in the driver's door. Using the key in the passenger's door only locks and unlocks that door. To unlock only the driver's door from the outside, insert the key in the driver's door lock, turn the key and release it. If you turn the key and hold it, both doors will unlock.

Trunk

Push

TRUNK RELEASE BUTTON
To open the trunk, press the trunk release button in the lower console compartment. To protect items in the trunk when you need to give the key to someone else, lock the lower console compartment with the master key, and give the other person the valet key.
To close the trunk, press down on the trunk lid.

Trunk

Keep the trunk lid closed at all times while driving to avoid damaging the lid, and to prevent exhaust gas from getting into the interior. See Carbon Monoxide Hazard on page 40 .

Emergency Trunk Opener

MASTER KEY
You can also use the master key to open the trunk lock. To open the trunk with the remote transmitter, press and hold the TRUNK RELEASE button for about 1 second (see page 63 ).
64

As a safety feature, your vehicle has a release lever on the trunk latch so the trunk can be opened from the inside. To open the trunk, push the release lever to the left.
Parents should decide if their children should be shown how to use this feature. For more information about child safety, see page 31 .

Remote Transmitter

Instruments and Controls

LED
UNLOCK BUTTON

LOCK BUTTON
TRUNK RELEASE BUTTON
PANIC BUTTON

LOCK Press this button once to lock both doors. Some exterior lights will flash. When you push LOCK twice within 5 seconds, you will hear a beep to verify that the doors are locked.
UNLOCK Press this button once to unlock the driver's door. Push it twice to also unlock the passenger's door.
The interior light (if the interior light

switch is in the center position) will come on when you press the UNLOCK button. If you do not open either door within 30 seconds, the light goes out. If you relock the doors with the remote transmitter before 30 seconds have elapsed, the light will go off immediately.
If you do not open either door within 30 seconds, the doors automatically relock.
You cannot lock or unlock the doors with the remote transmitter if either door is not fully closed or the key is in the ignition switch.
TRUNK Press this button for about 1 second to open the trunk. You cannot open the trunk if the key is in the ignition switch.
PANIC Press this button for about 1 second to attract attention; the horn will sound and the exterior

lights will flash for about 30 seconds. To cancel panic mode, press any other button on the remote transmitter, or turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position.
Remote Transmitter Care Avoid dropping or throwing the transmitter.
Protect the transmitter from extreme temperature.
Do not immerse the transmitter in any liquid.
If you lose a transmitter, the replacement needs to be reprogrammed by your dealer.

Remote Transmitter

Replacing the Transmitter Battery

BATTERY

ROUND COVER

If it takes several pushes on the button to lock or unlock the doors, replace the battery as soon as possible. Battery type: CR2025

To replace the battery, remove the round cover on the back of the transmitter by turning it counterclockwise with a coin. Insert a new battery with the side facing up. Align the ~ mark on the cover with the mark on the transmitter. Set the cover in place, and turn it clockwise.

Instruments and Controls

See pages 10 12 for important safety information and warnings about how to properly position the seats and seatbacks.
Make all seat adjustments before you start driving.

Seats

To adjust the seat forward and backward, pull up on the lever under the seat cushion's front edge. Then try to move the seat to make sure it is locked in position.

To change the seat-back angle, pull up on the lever on the outside of the seat bottom.

Power Windows

Turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position to raise or lower either window. To open the window, push the switch down and hold it. Release the switch when you want the window to stop. Pull back on the switch and hold it to close the window.

DRIVER'S WINDOW SWITCH
MAIN SWITCH

Closing a power window on someone's hands or fingers can cause serious injury.
Make sure your passenger is away from the window before closing it.

PASSENGER'S WINDOW SWITCH
The driver's armrest has a master power window control panel. To open the passenger's window, push down on the switch and hold it until the window reaches the desired position. To close the window, pull back on the window switch. Release the switch when the window gets to the position you want.

The master control panel also contains these extra features:
AUTO To open the driver's window fully, push the window switch firmly down to the second detent, and release it. The window automatically goes all the way down. To stop the window, pull back on the window switch briefly.
To open the driver's window only partially, push the window switch down lightly and hold it. The window will stop as soon as you release the switch.
The AUTO function only works to lower the driver's window. To raise the window, you must pull back on the window switch and hold it until the window reaches the desired position.

If the MAIN switch is OFF, the passenger's window cannot be raised or lowered. Keep the MAIN switch off when you have a child in the vehicle so the child does not get injured by operating the window unintentionally.

Power Windows
69

Instruments and Controls

Convertible Top

The convertible top on your vehicle lowers and raises electrically.
It is advisable to raise the top whenever you park the vehicle. This helps to protect the vehicle from unexpected weather changes, and from theft of your valuables.
Do not operate the convertible top in f reezing weather. You can damage the material and the mechanism. Do not operate the top if it is wet, dirty, or covered with ice or snow. Never drive the vehicle with the convertible top half open. Do not operate the convertible top if the vehicle is on a jack, a hoist, or on jack stands. Park your vehicle in the shade whenever possible. Extended exposure to sunlight can cause the convertible top to deteriorate.

Lowering the Convertible Top

LATCH

TAB

Before operating the convertible top,

make sure the vehicle is parked on

level ground, the rear defogger is off,

and there is enough clearance above

the top.

1. Apply the parking brake. The convertible top will not operate unless the parking brake is fully engaged.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position.

LOCKING LEVER
3. There is a latch on each side. Push in the tabs, and pull the locking levers down.

Convertible Top

Instruments and Controls

LOCKING LEVER
4. With the latches released, push the locking levers up until they latch.

ROOF SWITCH
5. Pull back and hold the ROOF switch. The windows lower and the roof folds back. Release the ROOF switch when the roof is retracted completely into the rear shelf.

Operating the convertible top while any part of a passenger is in the way of the convertible top can cause serious injury.
Make sure that you, your passenger, or any other people around the vehicle are clear of the moving convertible top.

Do not sit on the f olded convertible top, or place any items on top of it. You could damage the top or the rear window.
71

Convertible Top

Convertible Top Cover Use the convertible top cover when the top is folded to help prevent foreign objects, dirt, etc., from getting into the material and the mechanism.
The cover is attached to the body with four snaps: two behind the roll bars, and one on the side of each seat. To install or remove the convertible top cover correctly, do this:

SNAPS

SNAP

1. Remove the convertible top cover from the trunk, and lay it into position behind the roll bar.

2. Hold the cover in place with its snap on the driver's side of the roll bar aligned with the pin on the roll bar. Press on both sides of the snap to attach it to the pin. Do not push or pull the snap button when installing the snap.
3. Align the snap on the passenger's side of the roll bar with the pin. Press on both sides of the snap to attach it to the pin.

Convertible Top

Instruments and Controls

FASTENER STRAP

SNAP

4. Pull down the strap on the passenger's side of the cover, and align its snap with the pin on the trim panel behind the door. Press on both sides of the snap to attach it to the pin.
5. Pull down the strap on the driver's side of the cover, and align its snap with the pin on the trim panel behind the door. Press on both sides of the snap to attach it to the pin.

6. Fit the rear of the cover into the space between the convertible top and its molding.
7. To remove the cover, reverse the procedure.

Raising the Convertible Top
1. Apply the parking brake. The convertible top will not operate unless the parking brake is fully engaged.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position.
3. Push the ROOF switch forward and hold it. The windows, if raised, will lower automatically.
The convertible top will rise. Release the ROOF switch when the top reaches the windshield header.

Convertible Top

TAB

LATCH

LOCKING LEVER
4. Push in the tab to release the locking levers, and pull them down. Note the movement of the latch when you push in the tab.
5. While holding the lever down, push in the tab to engage the latch in the windshield header. Pull the top down and forward if necessary.

6. Push the locking levers up while holding the tab. When the latch is in place, release the tab. Make sure the convertible top is securely latched.
Operating the convertible top while any part of a passenger is in the way of the convertible top can cause serious injury.
Make sure that you, your passenger, or any other people around the vehicle are clear of the moving convertible top.
Do not put any heavy items on the f olded convertible top. You could damage the material and the mechanism.

Maintenance Dust is the main cause of creaks or other sounds coming from the convertible top.
Regularly clean the body seals with glass cleaner and a soft cloth. Do not use a scraper or de-icing chemicals to remove frost, snow, or ice from the top or the rear window.
Every 3 to 6 months, depending on how often the top is folded, rub a thin film of Shin-Etsu Silicon Grease (available from your dealer, P/N 08798-9013) onto the seals wherever they touch the convertible top or each other.

Convertible Top, Mirrors

Instruments and Controls

To reduce the possibility of leaks: Do not lean or sit on an open door.
Do not push or pull the door glass to open and close the door.
The convertible top seals are designed to promote the flow of water off the roof. Spraying highpressure water directly on the seals can distort them, causing a leak. Use only a low-pressure water stream when using a hose, and avoid commercial car washes.

Mirrors
TAB
Keep the inside and outside mirrors clean and adjusted for best visibility. Be sure to adjust the mirrors before you start driving. The inside mirror has day and night positions. The night position reduces glare from headlights behind you. Flip the tab on the bottom edge of the mirror to select the day or night position.

Adjusting the Power Mirrors
SELECTOR SWITCH
ADJUSTMENT SWITCH
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position.
2. Move the selector switch to L (driver's side) or R (passenger's side).
3. Push the appropriate edge of the adjustment switch to move the mirror right, left, up, or down.

Mirrors, Parking Brake

4. When you finish, move the selector switch to the center (off) position. This turns the adjustment switch off to keep your settings.

Parking Brake

If you try to drive the vehicle without releasing the parking brake, the ABS indicator may come on, and the ABS may not work properly.

Driving the vehicle with the parking brake applied can damage the rear brakes and axles.

To apply the parking brake, pull the lever up fully. To release it, pull up slightly, push the button, and lower the lever. The parking brake indicator on the instrument panel should go out when the parking brake is fully released (see page 46 ).

If you drive at certain speeds without fully releasing the parking brake, a beeper sounds continuously.

CONSOLE COMPARTMENT

Interior Convenience Items
ACCESSORY POWER SOCKET

AUDIO PANEL

Instruments and Controls

BEVERAGE HOLDER

DASHBOARD LOWER POCKET

Interior Convenience Items

Beverage Holder

Accessory Power Socket

Console Compartments

Open the beverage holder by pushing on the tab. The lid will slide open.
Be careful when you are using the beverage holder. A spilled liquid that is very hot can scald you or your passenger. Spilled liquids can also damage the upholstery, carpeting, and electrical components in the interior.

This socket is intended to supply power for 12 volt DC accessories that are rated 120 watts or less (10 amps).
They will not power an automotive type cigarette lighter element.

The area between the seats has two compartments. Open the lower compartment by squeezing the handle. Close it with a firm push. You can lock or unlock the lower compartment with the master key.

Audio Panel

Interior Convenience Items
Dashboard Lower Pocket

Instruments and Controls

The lever to open the upper compartment is inside the lower compartment. Push up the lever, and lift the lid. To close, lower the lid, and push it down until it latches.

To open the audio panel, push on the top center, and let the panel swing down. To close, pivot the panel up, and push on it until it latches.

The dashboard lower pocket is located next to the audio panel.

Interior Light

DOOR ACTIVATED

If the switch is in the center position, the interior light will come on when you remove the key from the ignition switch.

The interior light has a threeposition switch; ON, Door Activated, and OFF. In the Door Activated (center) position, the light comes on when you:
Open either door. Unlock the doors with the key or the remote transmitter.
80

When the switch is in the center position with both doors closed, the two bulbs in the interior light can each be turned on and off with the button next to it.

Features

The heating and air conditioning system in your vehicle provides a comfortable driving environment in all weather conditions.
The standard audio system has many features. This section describes those features and how to use them. (If you have an optional audio system, refer to the operating instructions that came with it.)

Vents, Heating, and A/C ................ 82 Playing the AM/FM Radio............. 86 AM/FM Radio Reception............... 89 Playing the XM Satellite Radio .... 91 Playing a CD..................................... 96 CD Changer...................................... 98 Protecting Your CDs ....................... 98 CD Player Error Messages ............ 99 CD Changer Error Messages ...... 100 Remote Audio Controls................. 101 Radio Theft Protection.................. 102 Cruise Control................................ 103

Features

Vents, Heating, and A/C
REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER BUTTON
AIR CONDITIONING BUTTON FAN CONTROL LEVER

RECIRCULATION BUTTON

MODE CONTROL DIAL
TEMPERATURE CONTROL DIAL

Vents, Heating, and A/C

Features

Controlling the Airflow
Fan Control Lever Push this lever up and down to increase or decrease the fan speed and airflow. The indicators next to the lever show you the speed and airflow selected.
Temperature Control Dial Turning this dial clockwise increases the temperature of the airflow.
Air Conditioning (A/C) Button This button turns the air conditioning on and off. The indicator in the button comes on when the A/C is on.

Recirculation Button When the recirculation indicator is on, air from the vehicle's interior is sent through the system again (recirculation mode). When the indicator is off, air is brought in from the outside of the vehicle (fresh air mode).
The outside air intakes for the heating and cooling system are at the base of the windshield. Keep this area clear of leaves and other debris.
The system should be left in fresh air mode under almost all conditions. Keeping the system in recirculation mode, particularly with the A/C off, can cause the windows to fog up.
Switch to recirculation mode when driving through dusty or smoky conditions, then return to fresh air mode.

Rear Window Defogger Button This button turns the rear window defogger off and on (see page 59 ).
Do not push the defogger button when the convertible top is folded.
Mode Control Dial Use the mode control dial to select the vents the air flows from. Some air will flow from the dashboard vents in all modes.
Air flows from the vents on both sides of the instrument panel, and from the dashboard vent in front of the passenger.
Airflow is divided between the vents in the dashboard and the floor vents.
CONTINUED

Vents, Heating, and A/C

Air flows from the center vents in the dashboard above the audio system, the vents on both sides of the instrument panel, and from the floor vents. Select this position when you drive with the convertible top folded.

Air flows from the floor vents and the vents on both sides of the instrument panel.

Airflow is divided between the floor vents and the defroster vents at the base of the windshield, and the vents on both sides of the instrument panel.

Air flows from the defroster vents at the base of the windshield and the vents on both sides of the instrument panel.

When you select

the system automatically switches to

fresh air mode and turns on the A/C.

Ventilation The flow-through ventilation system draws in outside air, circulates it through the interior, then exhausts it through vents behind the seat-backs.

1. Set the temperature to the lower

limit.

2. Make sure the A/C is off.

3. Select

and fresh air mode.

4. Set the fan to the desired speed.

Using the Heater The heater uses engine coolant to warm the air. If the engine is cold, it will be several minutes before you feel warm air coming from the system.

1. Select

and fresh air mode.

2. Set the fan to the desired speed.

3. Adjust the warmth of the air with

the temperature control dial.

Using the A/C Air conditioning places an extra load on the engine. Watch the engine coolant temperature gauge (see page 52 ). If it moves near the red zone, turn off the A/C until the gauge reading returns to normal.

1. Turn on the A/C by pressing the

button. The indicator in the button

comes on when a fan speed is

selected.

2. Make sure the temperature is set

to maximum cool.

3. Select

4. If the outside air is humid, select

recirculation mode. If the outside

air is dry, select fresh air mode.

5. Set the fan to the desired speed.

If the interior is very warm, you can cool it down more rapidly by partially opening the windows, turning on the A/C, and setting the fan to maximum speed in fresh air mode.

Vents, Heating, and A/C

Features

To Dehumidify the Interior Air conditioning, as it cools, removes moisture from the air. When used in combination with the heater, it makes the interior warm and dry.

1. Turn the fan on.

2. Turn on the air conditioning.

3. Select

and fresh air mode.

4. Adjust the temperature to your

preference.

This setting is suitable for all driving conditions whenever the outside temperature is above 32°F (0°C).

To Defog and Defrost To remove fog from the inside of the windows:

1. Set the fan to the desired speed.

Select high for faster defrosting.

2. Select

. The system

automatically switches to fresh air

mode and turns on the A/C.

3. Adjust the temperature so the

airflow feels warm.

4. Select

to help clear the

rear window.

5. To increase airflow to the

windshield, close the corner vents.

When you switch to another mode

from

, the A/C stays on.

Press the A/C button to turn it off.

To Remove Exterior Frost or Ice From the Windows

1. Select

. The system

automatically switches to fresh air

mode and turns on the A/C.

2. Select

3. Set the fan and temperature

controls to the maximum level.

To clear the windows faster, you can close the dashboard corner vents and the vents on both sides of the instrument panel by rotating the wheel below the vent. This will send more warm air to the windshield

defroster vents. Once the windshield is clear, select fresh air mode to avoid fogging the windows.
For your safety, make sure you have a clear view through all the windows before driving.
To Turn Everything Off Push the fan control level down until the indicator goes off. A lack of airflow can cause the windows to fog up. You should keep the fan on at all times so stale air and moisture do not build up in the interior and cause fogging.

Playing the AM/FM Radio

AUTO SELECT INDICATOR STEREO INDICATOR

AM/FM BUTTON

SCAN INDICATOR

SCAN BUTTON
AUTO SELECT BUTTON

SEEK BAR POWER/VOLUME KNOB

PRESET BUTTONS

TUNE KNOB

Playing the AM/FM Radio

Features

To Play the Radio The ignition switch must be in the ACCESSORY (I) or the ON (II) position. Turn the system on by pushing the PWR/VOL knob or the FM/AM button. Adjust the volume by turning the PWR/VOL knob.
The band and frequency that the radio was last tuned to is displayed. To change bands, press the FM/AM button. On the FM band, ST will be displayed if the station is broadcasting in stereo. Stereo reproduction on AM is not available.
To Select a Station You can use any of five methods to find radio stations on the selected band: TUNE, SEEK, SCAN, the preset buttons, and AUTO SELECT.
TUNE Use the TUNE knob to tune the radio to a desired frequency. Turn the knob right to tune to a higher frequency, or left to tune to a

lower frequency.
SEEK The seek function searches up and down from the current frequency to find a station with a strong signal. To activate it, press the or side of the bar, then release it.
SCAN The scan function samples all 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 for a station with a strong signal. When it finds one, it will stop and play that station for about 5 seconds.
If you do nothing, the system will scan for the next strong station and play it for 5 seconds. When it plays a station you want to listen to, press the SCAN button again.

Preset Each preset button can store one frequency on AM and two frequencies on FM.
1. Select the desired band, AM or FM. FM1 and FM2 let you store two frequencies with each preset button.
2. Use the tune, seek, or scan function to tune the radio to a desired station.
3. Pick a preset button, and hold it until you hear a beep.
4. Repeat steps 1 through 3 to store a total of six stations on AM and twelve stations on FM.
The preset frequencies will be lost if your vehicle's battery goes dead, is disconnected, or the radio fuse is removed.
CONTINUED

Playing the AM/FM Radio

AUTO SELECT If you are traveling far from home and can no longer receive your preset stations, you can use the auto select feature to find stations in the local area.
Press the A. SEL button. ``A.SEL'' flashes in the display, and the system goes into scan mode for several seconds. It stores the frequencies of six AM and twelve FM stations in the preset buttons.
You will see a ``0'' displayed after pressing a preset button if auto select cannot find a strong station for every preset button.
If you do not like the stations auto select has stored, you can store other frequencies on the preset buttons as previously described.

To turn off auto select, press the A. SEL button. This restores the presets you originally set.
Adjusting the Sound BAL Adjusts the balance, or sideto-side strength of the sound.
FAD Adjusts the fader, or the front-to-back strength of the sound.
TRE Adjusts the treble in the sound.
BAS Adjusts the bass in the sound.
Press the SOUND (TUNE) knob repeatedly to display the bass (BAS), treble (TRE), balance (BAL), and fader (FAD) setting.

Turn the knob to adjust the setting. When the level reaches the center, you will see a ``C'' in the display. The system will return to the audio display in about 5 seconds.
Audio System Lighting You can use the instrument panel brightness control buttons to adjust the illumination of the audio system (see page 58 ). The audio system illuminates when the parking lights are on, even if the radio is off.

AM/FM Radio Reception

Features

Radio Frequencies The radio can receive the complete AM and FM bands. Those bands cover these frequencies:
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 10 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.''

Radio Reception How well the radio receives stations is dependent on many factors, such as the distance from the station's transmitter, nearby large objects, and atmospheric 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.

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.

CONTINUED
89

AM/FM Radio Reception

As required by the FCC: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

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

Features

Playing the XM Satellite Radio (Optional on U.S. Models)

Optional on U.S. models Not available on Canadian models Your vehicle is capable of receiving XM Satellite Radio anywhere in the United States, except Hawaii and Alaska.
XM is a registered trademark of XM Satellite Radio, Inc.
Satellite radio receives signals from two satellites to produce clear, highquality digital reception. It offers many channels in several categories. Along with a large selection of different types of music, satellite radio also allows you to view channel and category selections in the audio display.

AM/FM BUTTON CD/XM BUTTON

TUNE KNOB SCAN BUTTON

POWER/VOLUME KNOB

PRESET BUTTONS

CATEGORY BAR

MORE BUTTON DISPLAY/MODE BUTTON

Playing the XM Satellite Radio (Optional on U.S. Models)

Playing the Satellite Radio To listen to satellite radio, turn the ignition switch to the ACCESSORY (I) or the ON (II) position. Push the PWR/VOL knob to turn on the audio system, and press the CD/XM button. Adjust the volume by turning the PWR/VOL knob. The last channel you listened to will show in the display.
DISPLAY/MODE Each time the DISP button is pressed and released, the display information changes in the following sequence: channel name, channel number, category, artist name, and music title.

You may experience periods when XM radio does not transmit the artist name and or the song title information. If this happens, there is nothing wrong with your system. This information is not available under certain situations.
If you press and hold the DISP/ MODE button for 5 seconds, it will change between category mode and channel mode. The display will show CH for the channel mode or CATEGORY for the category mode.
In the channel mode, you can receive all of the available channels in all of the different categories. In category mode, you will receive only the stations within the selected category.
MORE Expands the display to show the 6 remaining letters beyond the first 10 letters in an artist's name or song title. The system is set up so only 16 letters can be displayed for

any title or name. Press MORE to view the next 6 letters. The system will return to the original display after 8 seconds.
TUNE Turn the TUNE knob left to go down the channels or right to go up. In the channel mode, the TUNE knob will tune up or down through all the channels available from the XM radio. In the category mode, the TUNE knob will cycle through only the channels within the category you have currently selected.
CATEGORY (SEEK/SKIP) Use the CATEGORY bar to select a desired category, such as jazz, rock, classical, etc. In both category mode and channel mode, pressing the category bar will change the category up or down.

Features

Playing the XM Satellite Radio (Optional on U.S. Models)

SCAN The scan function gives you a sampling of all channels while in the channel mode. In the category mode, only the channels within that category are scanned. To activate scan, press the SCAN button. The system plays each channel in numerical order for a few seconds, then selects the next channel. When you hear a channel you want to continue listening to, press the button again.

To store a channel: Preset You can store up to 12 preset channels using the six preset buttons. Each button stores one channel from the XM1 band and one channel from the XM2 band.
To store a channel: 1. Press the CD/XM button. Either
XM1 or XM2 will show in the display.
2. Use the TUNE knob, the CATEGORY bar, or the SCAN buttons to tune to a desired channel.
In category mode, only channels within that category can be selected. In channel mode, all channels can be selected.

3. Pick the preset button you want for that channel. Press and hold the button until you hear a beep.
4. Repeat steps 2 through 3 to store the first six channels.
5. Press the CD/XM button again. The available XM band will show. Store the next six channels using steps 2 through 3.
Once a channel is stored, simply press and release the proper preset button to tune to it.
The presets will be lost if your vehicle's battery goes dead, is disconnected, or the radio fuse is removed.

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93

Playing the XM Satellite Radio (Optional on U.S. Models)

Signal may be blocked by mountains or large obstacles to the south.

Signal is weaker in these areas.

SATELLITE

The XM satellites are in orbit over the equator; therefore, objects south of the vehicle may cause satellite reception interruptions. To help compensate for this, ground-based repeaters are placed in major metropolitan areas.
Satellite signals are more likely to be blocked by tall buildings and mountains the farther north you travel from the equator.

GROUND REPEATER
94

Playing the XM Satellite Radio (Optional on U.S. Models)

Features

Depending on where you drive, you may experience reception problems. Interference can be caused by any of these conditions:
Driving on the south side of an east/west mountain road.
Driving on the north side of a large commercial truck on an east/west road.
Driving in tunnels.
Driving on a road beside a vertical wall, steep cliff, or hill to the south of you.
Driving on the lower level of a multi-tiered road.
Driving on a single lane road alongside dense trees taller than 50 ft. (15 m) to the south of you.

There may also be other geographic situations that could affect satellite radio reception.
As required by the FCC: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
Receiving Satellite Radio Service If your XM Radio service has expired, or you purchased your vehicle from a previous owner, you can listen to a sampling of the broadcasts available on XM Satellite Radio. With the ignition switch in the ACCESSORY (I) or the ON (II) position, push the PWR/VOL knob to turn on the audio system, and press the CD/XM button. A variety of music types and styles will play.
If you decide to purchase XM satellite radio service, contact XM Radio at www.xmradio.com, or at

1-800-852-9696. You will need to give them your radio I.D. number and your credit card number. To get your radio I.D. number, turn the TUNE knob until ``0'' appears in the display. Your I.D. will appear in the display.
After you've registered with XM Radio, keep your audio system in the Satellite Radio mode while you wait for activation. This should take about 30 minutes.
While waiting for activation, make sure your vehicle remains in an open area with good reception. Once your audio system is activated, ``category'' or ``CH'' will appear in the display, and you'll be able to listen to XM Radio broadcasts. XM Radio will continue to send an activation signal to your vehicle for at least 12 hours from the activation request. If the service has not been activated after 36 hours, contact XM Radio.

Playing a CD

AM/FM BUTTON CD BUTTON

CD SLOT REPEAT INDICATOR

EJECT BUTTON

REPEAT BUTTON RANDOM BUTTON

SEEK/SKIP BAR POWER/VOLUME KNOB

RANDOM INDICATOR

Playing a CD

Features

To Play a CD With the ignition switch in the ACCESSORY (I) or the ON (II) position, insert a CD into the CD slot. The drive will pull the CD in the rest of the way and begin to play it. The number of the track playing is shown in the display. The system will continuously play a CD until you change modes.
Do not use discs with adhesive labels. The label can curl up and cause the disc to jam in the unit.

SKIP Each time you press and release the side of the skip bar, the player skips forward to the beginning of the next track. Press and release the side of the bar 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 or side. You will see CUE or REW in the display.
REPEAT To continuously replay a track, press and release the RPT button. You will see RPT in the display. Press it again to turn it off.
RANDOM This feature plays the tracks in random order. To activate random play, press and release the RDM button. You will see RDM in the display. Press it again to return to normal play.

To Stop Playing a CD Press the eject button ( ) to remove the CD. If you eject the CD, but do not remove it from the slot, the system will automatically reload the CD after 15 seconds and put it in pause mode. To begin playing, press the CD button. Press the AM/FM button to switch to the radio while a CD is playing.
If you turn the system off while a CD is playing, either with the PWR/VOL knob or by turning off the ignition switch, the CD will stay in the drive. When you turn the system back on, the CD will begin playing where it left off.

CD Changer, Protecting Your CDs

Operating the Optional CD Changer An optional six disc CD changer is available for your vehicle. This CD changer uses the same controls used for the in-dash CD player.
Load the desired CDs into the magazine, and load the magazine into the changer according to the instructions that came with the unit.
To select the CD changer, press the CD button. The CD and track numbers will be displayed. To select a different CD, use the preset 5 (DISC ) or preset 6 (DISC ) button. 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.

Protecting Your CDs General Information
When using CD-R discs, use only high quality CDs labeled for audio use.
When recording a CD-R, the recording must be closed for it to be used by the system.
CD-RW discs will not work in this unit.
Play only standard round CDs. Odd-shaped CDs may jam in the drive or cause other problems.
Handle your CDs properly to prevent damage and skipping.

Protecting CDs 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.
To clean a CD, use a clean soft cloth. Wipe across the CD from the center to the outside edge.
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 recording surface of the CD, causing skipping or other problems. Remove these pieces by rubbing the inner and outer edges with the side of a pencil or pen.
Never try to insert foreign objects in the CD player or the magazine.

Features

Protecting Your CDs, CD Player Error Messages

CD Player Error Messages If you see an error message in the display while playing a CD, find the cause in the chart below. If you cannot clear the error message, take the vehicle to your dealer.

Error Message

Cause

FOCUS Error

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.

Mechanical Error High temperature

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

CD Changer Error Messages

If you see an error message in the display while playing a CD, find the cause in the chart to the right. If you cannot clear the error message, take the vehicle to your dealer.

Error Message

Cause

FOCUS Error
No CD in the CD magazine
Mechanical Error
High temperature No CD magazine in the CD changer

Solution
Press the magazine eject button, pull out the magazine, and check for an error message. Insert the magazine again. If the error message does not disappear or the magazine cannot be pulled out, see your dealer. Insert CD.
Press the magazine eject button, and pull it out. Check for an error message, and insert the magazine again. If the error message does not disappear or the magazine cannot be pulled out, see your dealer. Will disappear when the temperature returns to normal. Insert CD magazine.

100

Remote Audio Controls

Features

AUDIO CONTROL BUTTON

CHANNEL BUTTON
MUTE BUTTON
VOLUME BAR

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 bar to adjust the volume. Push to increase the volume and 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 come on to indicate the mute function is on. Press the button again to cancel mute.

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

The AUDIO CONTROL button changes the mode. Pressing the button repeatedly selects AM, FM1, FM2, or CD (if a CD is loaded), XM1, XM2 (if you have the optional satellite radio feature).

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

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

101

Radio Theft Protection

Your vehicle's audio system will disable itself if it is disconnected from electrical power for any reason. To make it work again, you 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 and serial numbers. 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 lose the card, you must obtain the code number from a dealer. To do this, you will need the system's serial number.

If your vehicle'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. The code is on the radio code card included in your owner's manual kit. When it is entered correctly, the radio will start playing.
If you make a mistake entering the code, do not start over; complete the five-digit sequence, then enter the correct code. You have 10 tries to enter the correct code. If you are unsuccessful in 10 attempts, you must then leave the system on for 1 hour before trying again.

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

102

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 city driving, winding roads, slippery roads, heavy rain, or bad weather.

Using Cruise Control

Cruise Control
CANCEL BUTTON RESUME/accel

Features

Improper use of the cruise control can lead to a crash.
Use the cruise control only when traveling on open highways in good weather.

CRUISE BUTTON
1. Push in the CRUISE button. The indicator over the button comes on.
2. Accelerate to the desired cruising speed above 25 mph (40 km/h).

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

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.

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103

Cruise Control

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. This will cancel the cruise control. To resume the set speed, press the RESUME/accel button. The indicator on the instrument panel will come back on.

Changing the Set Speed You can increase the set cruising speed in any of these ways:
Press and hold the RESUME/ accel button. 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 the speed in very small amounts, tap the RESUME/ accel button. Each time you do this, your vehicle speeds 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. Release the button when you reach the desired speed.
To slow down in very small amounts, tap the SET/decel button. Each time you do this, your vehicle will slow down about 1 mph (1.6 km/h).
Tap the brake or clutch pedal lightly with your foot. The CRUISE CONTROL indicator on the instrument panel goes out. When the vehicle slows to the desired speed, press the SET/ decel button.

104

Cruise Control

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 vehicle will return to the set cruising speed.
Resting your foot on the brake or clutch pedal causes the cruise control to cancel.

Canceling Cruise Control You can cancel cruise control in any of these ways:
Tap the brake or clutch pedal.
Push the CANCEL button on the steering wheel.
Push the CRUISE button.

Resuming the Set Speed When you push the CANCEL button, or tap the brake or clutch pedal, the system will remember the previously set cruising speed. To return to that speed, accelerate to above 25 mph (40 km/h), then press and release the RESUME/accel button. The CRUISE CONTROL indicator comes on. The vehicle will accelerate to the same cruising speed as before.
Pressing the CRUISE button turns the system off and erases the previous cruising speed.

Features

105

Before Driving

Before you begin driving your vehicle, 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.

Break-in Period .............................. 108 Fuel Recommendation .................. 108 Service Station Procedures .......... 109
Refueling..................................... 109 Opening and Closing the
Hood........................................ 110 Oil Check .................................... 111 Engine Coolant Check .............. 112 Fuel Economy ................................ 112 Accessories and Modifications .... 113 Carrying Cargo .............................. 115

Before Driving

107

Break-in Period, Fuel Recommendation

Break-in Period Help assure your vehicle'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.
Do not change the oil until the scheduled maintenance time.
Avoid hard braking for the first 200 miles (300 km).
You should also follow these recommendations with an overhauled or exchanged engine, or when the brakes are replaced.

Fuel Recommendation Your vehicle is designed to operate on premium unleaded gasoline with a pump octane of 91 or higher. Use of a lower octane gasoline can cause occasional metallic knocking noises in the engine and will result in decreased engine performance. Use of a gasoline with a pump octane less than 87 can lead to engine damage.
We recommend quality gasoline containing detergent additives that help prevent fuel system and engine deposits.
In addition, in order to maintain good performance, fuel economy, and emissions control, we strongly recommend, in areas where it is available, the use of gasoline that does NOT contain manganese-based fuel additives such as MMT.

and cause the malfunction indicator lamp on your instrument panel to come on. If this happens, contact your authorized dealer for service.
Some gasoline today is blended with oxygenates such as ethanol or MTBE. Your vehicle is designed to operate on oxygenated gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol by volume and up to 15% MTBE by volume. Do not use gasoline containing methanol.
If you notice any undesirable operating symptoms, try another service station or switch to another brand of gasoline.
For further important fuel-related information, please refer to your Quick Start Guide.

Use of gasoline with these additives may adversely affect performance,

108

Service Station Procedures

Before Driving

Ref ueling
Pull
1. Park with the driver's side closest to the service station pump.
2. Open the fuel fill door by pulling on the knob on the driver's door jamb.

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.

3. Remove the fuel fill cap slowly. You may hear a hissing sound as pressure inside the tank escapes. Place the cap in the holder on the fuel fill door.
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.
If the fuel nozzle keeps clicking off even though the tank is not full, there may be a problem with your vehicle's fuel vapor recovery system. The system helps keep fuel vapors from going into the atmosphere. Try filling at another pump. If this does not fix the problem, consult your dealer.

FUEL FILL CAP

CONTINUED
109

Service Station Procedures

5. Screw the fuel fill cap back on until it clicks at least once. If you do not properly tighten the cap, the malfunction indicator lamp may come on (see page 183 ).
6. Push the fuel fill door closed until it latches.

Opening and Closing the Hood
RELEASE HANDLE

1. Park the vehicle, 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.

If the hood latch handle moves stiffly, or if you can open the hood without lifting the handle, the mechanism should be cleaned and lubricated.

2. Put your fingers under the front edge of the hood near the center. Slide your hand to the left until you feel the hood latch handle. Push this handle to the left to release the hood. Lift up the hood.

3. Pull the support rod out of its clip and insert the end into the designated hole in the hood.

110

Oil Check

DIPSTICK

Service Station Procedures

Before Driving

UPPER MARK LOWER MARK

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. Make sure it is securely latched.

Wait a few minutes after turning the engine off before you check the oil.
1. Remove the dipstick (black handle).
2. Wipe off the dipstick with a clean cloth or paper towel.

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 Engine Oil on page 143 .

3. Insert it all the way back in its hole.

111

Service Station Procedures, Fuel Economy

Engine Coolant Check
RESERVE TANK

Fuel Economy Improving Fuel Economy
Always maintain your vehicle according to the maintenance messages displayed on the information display. See Owner's Maintenance Checks on page 138 .

MAX

MIN

Look at the coolant level in the radiator reserve tank. Make sure it is between the MAX and MIN lines. If it is below the MIN line, see Adding Engine Coolant on page 146 for information on adding the proper coolant.

Refer to Owner's Maintenance Checks on page 138 for information about checking other items on your vehicle.

For example, an underinflated tire causes more ``rolling resistance,'' which uses more fuel.
The build-up of snow or mud on your vehicle's underside adds weight and rolling resistance. Frequent cleaning helps your fuel mileage and reduces the chance of corrosion.
Drive moderately. Rapid acceleration, abrupt cornering, and hard braking use more fuel.
Always drive in the highest gear possible.

112

Try to maintain a constant speed. Every time you slow down and speed up, your vehicle uses extra fuel. Use cruise control when appropriate.
Combine several short trips into one.
The air conditioning puts an extra load on the engine which makes it use more fuel. Use the fresh-air ventilation when possible.

Accessories and Modifications

Modifying your vehicle, or installing some non-Honda accessories, can make your vehicle unsafe. Before you make any modifications or add any accessories, be sure to read the following information.
Accessories Your dealer has Honda accessories that allow you to personalize your vehicle. These accessories have been designed and approved for your vehicle, and are covered by warranty.

Improper accessories or modifications can affect your vehicle'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.

Although non-Honda accessories may fit on your vehicle, they may not meet factory specifications, and could adversely affect your vehicle's handling and stability.

When properly installed, cellular phones, alarms, two-way radios, and low-powered audio systems should not interfere with your vehicle's computer controlled systems, such as your airbags and anti-lock brakes.

Before installing any accessory: Make sure the accessory does not obscure any lights, or interfere with proper vehicle operation or performance.
Be sure electronic accessories do not overload electrical circuits (see page 186 ) or interfere with proper operation.
Before installing any electronic accessory, have the installer contact your dealer. If possible, have your dealer inspect the final installation.

Before Driving

113

Accessories and Modifications

Modifying Your Vehicle Removing parts from your vehicle, or replacing components with non-Honda components could seriously affect your vehicle's handling, stability, and reliability.
Some examples are: Lowering the vehicle with a nonHonda suspension kit that significantly reduces ground clearance can allow the undercarriage to hit speed bumps or other raised objects, which could cause the airbags to deploy.
Raising your vehicle with a non-Honda suspension kit can affect the handling and stability.
Non-Honda wheels can cause excessive stress on suspension components.

Larger or smaller wheels and tires can interfere with the operation of your vehicle's anti-lock brakes and other systems.
Modifying your steering wheel or any other part of your vehicle's safety systems could make the systems ineffective.
If you plan to modify your vehicle, consult your dealer.

114

Carrying Cargo

Before Driving

UPPER AND LOWER CONSOLE COMPARTMENTS

DOOR POCKETS

TRUNK SEAT-BACK POCKET CONSOLE SIDE NET DASHBOARD LOWER POCKET

Your vehicle has several convenient storage areas:
Upper and lower console compartments
Dashboard lower pocket
Door pockets
Console side net
Seat-back pocket
Trunk
However, carrying too much cargo, or improperly storing it, can affect your vehicle's handling, stability, stopping distance, and tires, which may make it unsafe. Before carrying any type of cargo, be sure to read the following pages.

115

Carrying Cargo

Load Limits The maximum load for your vehicle is 400 lbs (185 kg). This figure includes the total weight of all occupants, cargo, and accessories.
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.

Steps for determining correct load limit:
1. Locate the statement, ``the combined weight of occupants and cargo should never exceed 400 lbs'' on your vehicle's placard. (The placard is on the driver's doorjamb.)
2. Determine the combined weight of the driver and passenger that will be riding in your vehicle.
3. Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passenger from 400 pounds or 185 kilograms.

4. The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load capacity. For example, if the maximum load is 400 lbs and there will be two 150 lb. passengers in your vehicle, the amount of available cargo and luggage load capacity is 100 lbs. [400 300 (2 150) = 100 lbs.]
5. Determine the combined weight of luggage and cargo being loaded in the vehicle. That weight may not safely exceed the available cargo and luggage load capacity in step 4.
In addition, the total weight of the vehicle, all passengers, accessories, and cargo must not exceed the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). Both are on a label on the driver's doorjamb.

116

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 seats cannot roll under the seats and interfere with the driver's ability to operate the pedals or the proper operation of the seats.

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.

Carrying Cargo

Before Driving

117

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 vehicle, and the braking system.

Driving Guidelines......................... 120 Preparing to Drive ......................... 121 Starting the Engine........................ 122 Manual Transmission.................... 123 Parking............................................ 125 Braking System.............................. 125 Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) ................ 126 Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)
System......................................... 128 Towing a Trailer ............................ 129

Driving

119

Driving Guidelines

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

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

120

Preparing to Drive

You should do the following checks and adjustments before you drive your vehicle.

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

1. Make sure all windows, mirrors, and outside lights are clean and unobstructed. Remove frost, snow, or ice.
2. Check that the hood is fully closed.

6. Check the seat adjustment (see page 67 ).
7. Check the adjustment of the inside and outside mirrors (see page 75 ).

3. Check that the trunk is fully closed.

8. Make sure the doors are securely closed and locked.

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

9. Fasten your seat belt. Check that your passenger has fastened his or her seat belt (see page 12 ).
10. When you start the engine, check the gauges and indicators in the instrument panel (see page 45 ).

Driving

121

Starting the Engine

1. Apply the parking brake.
2. In cold weather, turn off all electrical accessories to reduce the drain on the battery.
3. Push the clutch pedal down all the way. The ENGINE START button has no effect unless the clutch pedal is pressed.
4. Turn the ignition key to the ON (II) position.
5. Without touching the accelerator pedal, push the ENGINE START button. Do not hold the ENGINE START button for more than 15 seconds at a time. If the engine does not start right away, pause for at least 10 seconds before trying again.

ENGINE START BUTTON
The immobilizer system protects your vehicle f rom thef t. If an improperlycoded key (or other device) is used, the engine's f uel system is disabled. For more inf ormation, see page 61 .

6. If the engine does not start within 15 seconds, or starts but stalls right away, repeat step 5 with the accelerator pedal pressed halfway down. If the engine starts, release pressure on the accelerator pedal so the engine does not race.
7. If the engine fails to start, press the accelerator pedal all the way down and hold it there while starting to clear flooding. If the engine still does not start, return to step 6.
The engine is harder to start in cold weather. Also, the thinner air f ound at altitudes above 8,000 f eet (2,400 meters) adds to this problem.

122

Manual Transmission

Driving

Come to a full stop before you shift into reverse. You can damage the transmission by trying to shift into reverse with the vehicle 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.''

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.

The manual transmission is synchronized 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 116 ). When shifting up or down, 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.

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 the engine speed will not go into the tachometer's red zone in the lower gear.

Your vehicle is equipped with an aluminum shift lever. If you leave the vehicle parked outside for a long time on a hot day, be careful before moving the shift lever. Because of the heat, the shift lever may be extremely hot. If the outside temperature is low, the shift lever feels cold.

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Manual Transmission

Recommended Shift Points Drive in the highest gear that lets the engine run and accelerate smoothly. This will give you good fuel economy and effective emissions 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.

Reverse Lockout

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

The manual transmission has a lockout so you cannot accidentally shift from fifth to reverse instead of sixth while the vehicle is moving.

With the clutch pedal pressed, 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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Parking, Braking System

Driving

Parking Always use the parking brake when you park your vehicle. Make sure the parking brake is set firmly or your vehicle may roll if it is on an incline.
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.
Never park over dry leaves, tall grass, or other flammable materials. The hot three way catalytic converter could cause these materials to catch on fire.

If the vehicle is facing uphill, turn the front wheels away from the curb, and put the transmission in first gear.
If the vehicle 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.

Braking System Your vehicle is equipped with disc brakes at all four wheels. A power assist helps reduce the effort needed on the brake pedal. The anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps you retain steering control when braking very hard. Resting your foot on the pedal keeps the brakes applied lightly, builds up heat, and reduces their effectiveness. 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 effectiveness. Use the engine to assist the brakes by taking your foot off the accelerator and downshifting to a lower gear.

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Braking System, Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)

Check the 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. Be extra cautious in your driving.
Braking System Design The hydraulic system that operates the brakes has two separate circuits. Each circuit works diagonally across the vehicle (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.

Brake Wear Indicators If the brake pads need replacing, you will hear a distinctive, metallic screeching sound when you apply the brake pedal. If you do not have the brake pads replaced, they will screech all the time. It is normal for the brakes to occasionally squeal or squeak when you apply them.

Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) The anti-lock brake system (ABS) helps prevent the brakes from locking up and helps you retain steering control by pumping the brakes rapidly; much faster than a person.
You should never pump the brake pedal. Let the ABS work for you by always keeping firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal. This is sometimes referred to as ``stomp and steer.''
You will feel a pulsation in the brake pedal when the ABS activates, and may hear some noise. This is normal: it is the ABS rapidly pumping the brakes. On dry pavement, you will need to press on the brake pedal very hard before the ABS activates. However, you may feel the ABS activate immediately if you are trying to stop on snow or ice.

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ABS Indicator
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR
If this indicator comes on, the antilock function of the braking system has shut down. The brakes still work like a conventional system, but without anti-lock. You should have your dealer inspect your vehicle as soon as possible.

Important Safety Reminders ABS does not reduce the time or distance it takes to stop the vehicle; it only helps with steering control during braking.
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.
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 vehicle to veer into oncoming traffic or off the road.
A vehicle with ABS may require a longer distance to stop on loose or uneven surfaces, such as gravel or snow, than a vehicle without antilock.

Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
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Driving

Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) System

The vehicle stability assist (VSA) system helps to stabilize the vehicle during cornering if the vehicle turns more or less than desired. It also assists you in maintaining traction while accelerating on loose or slippery road surfaces. It does this by regulating the engine's output and by selectively applying the brakes.
When VSA activates, you may notice that the engine does not respond to the accelerator in the same way it does at other times.
The VSA system cannot enhance the vehicle's driving stability in all situations and does not control your vehicle's entire braking system. It is still your responsibility to drive and corner at reasonable speeds and to leave a sufficient margin of safety.

VSA Activation Indicator
When VSA activates, you will see the VSA activation indicator blink (see page 50 ).
VSA System Indicator
If this indicator comes on while driving, pull to the side of the road when it is safe, and turn off the engine. Reset the system by restarting the engine. If the VSA system indicator stays on, or comes back on while driving, have the VSA system inspected by your dealer.
If the indicator does not come on when the ignition switch is turned to the ON (II) position, there may be a problem with the VSA system. Have your dealer inspect your vehicle as soon as possible (see page 50 ).

Without VSA, your vehicle still has normal braking and cornering ability, but it does not have VSA traction and stability enhancement.

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Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) System, Towing a Trailer

VSA Off Switch
VSA OFF SWITCH
This switch is at the left side of the right vent. Press it to turn VSA on and off. When VSA is off, the VSA activation indicator comes on as a reminder. VSA is turned on every time you start the engine, even if you turned it off the last time you drove the vehicle.

VSA and Tire Sizes Driving with varying tire or wheel sizes may cause the VSA to malfunction. When replacing tires, make sure they are of the same size and type as your original tires (see page 164 ).
Deactivate the VSA system if you need to drive with the compact spare tire installed (see page 170 ).
If you install winter tires, make sure they are the same size as those that were originally supplied with your vehicle. Exercise the same caution during winter driving as you would if your vehicle was not equipped with VSA.

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

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Maintenance

This section explains why it is important to keep your vehicle well maintained and how to follow basic maintenance safety precautions.
This section also includes instructions on how to read the maintenance minder messages on the information display, a maintenance record, and instructions for simple maintenance tasks you may want to take care of yourself.
If you have the skills and tools to perform more complex maintenance tasks on your vehicle, you may want to purchase the service manual. See page 209 for information on how to obtain a copy, or see your dealer.

Maintenance Safety....................... 132 Maintenance Minder..................... 133 Maintenance Record ..................... 140 Fluid Locations............................... 142 Adding Engine Oil ......................... 143 Changing the Oil and Filter.......... 144 Engine Coolant............................... 146 Windshield Washers ..................... 148 Manual Transmission Fluid ......... 149 Differential Fluid ........................... 150 Brake and Clutch Fluid................. 151 Lights .............................................. 152 Cleaning the Seat Belts................. 157 Floor Mats ...................................... 158 Dust and Pollen Filter ................... 158 Wiper Blades .................................. 159 Tires ................................................ 160 Checking the Battery .................... 166 Vehicle Storage.............................. 167

Maintenance

131

Maintenance Safety

All service items not detailed in this section should be performed by a certified technician or other qualified mechanic.
Important Safety Precautions To eliminate potential hazards, read the instructions before you begin, and make sure you have the tools and skills required.
Make sure your vehicle is parked on level ground, the parking brake is set, and the engine is off.

Improperly maintaining this vehicle 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, maintenance recommendations, and schedules in this owner's manual.

To clean parts, use a commercially available degreaser or parts cleaner, not gasoline.
To reduce the possibility of fire or explosion, keep cigarettes, sparks, and flames away from the battery and all fuel-related parts.
Wear eye protection and protective clothing when working with the battery or compressed air.

Potential Vehicle Hazards Carbon Monoxide poison 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.

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Injury from moving parts. Do not run the engine unless instructed to do so.
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.
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.

Maintenance Minder

Your vehicle displays engine oil life and maintenance service items on the information display to show you when you should have your dealer perform engine oil replacement and indicated maintenance service.

Engine Oil Life Indicator
TRIP BUTTON

Based on the engine operating conditions and accumulated engine revolutions, the onboard computer in your vehicle calculates the remaining engine oil life and displays it as a percentage.

ENGINE OIL LIFE DISPLAY

To see the current engine oil life, turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position, and push and release the TRIP button repeatedly until the engine oil life display appears (see page 51 ).

The remaining engine oil life is displayed on the engine oil life display according to this table:

Calculated Engine Oil Life (%) 100 % 91 % 90 % 81 % 80 % 71 % 70 % 61 % 60 % 51 % 50 % 41 % 40 % 31 % 30 % 21 % 20 % 16 % 15 % 11 % 10 % 6 % 5%1% 0%

Displayed Engine Oil Life (%)
100 % 90 % 80 % 70 % 60 % 50 % 40 % 30 % 20 % 15 % 10 % 5% 0%

Maintenance

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133

Maintenance Minder

MAINTENANCE MINDER INDICATOR

The maintenance item code or codes indicate the main and sub items required at the time of the oil change (see page 140 ).

ENGINE OIL LIFE INDICATOR MAINTENANCE ITEM CODE(S)
If the remaining engine oil life is 15 to 6 percent, you will see the engine oil life indicator every time you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position. The maintenance minder indicator will also come on, and the maintenance item code(s) for other scheduled maintenance items needing service will be displayed next to the engine oil life indicator.
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When the remaining engine oil life is 5 to 1 percent, you will see a ``SERVICE OIL LIFE'' message along with the same maintenance item code(s), every time you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position.

Maintenance Minder

When the remaining engine oil life is 0 percent, the engine oil life indicator will be blinking. The display comes on every time you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position. When you see this message, have the indicated maintenance performed by your dealer as soon as possible.

If you still do not perform the indicated maintenance, you will see a negative mileage. It is displayed when you drive over 10 miles (for U.S. models) or 10 km (for Canadian models) after seeing the 0 percent message. Afterward, it shows your driving distance if you continue to drive. Immediately have the indicated maintenance done by your dealer.

The maximum total mileage shown is ``9999.''
You can change the information display from the engine oil life display to the odometer, the trip meter, or the outside temperature (if equipped) every time you press and release the TRIP button.
When the engine oil life is 0 percent or negative mileage, the maintenance minder indicator remains on even if you change the information display.
Immediately have the service performed, and make sure to reset the display as described on the next page.

Maintenance

135

Maintenance Minder

Maintenance Main Items and Sub Items
ENGINE OIL LIFE INDICATOR MAINTENANCE ITEM CODE
When the vehicle needs maintenance, maintenance codes appear on the information display. For an explanation of the maintenance codes, see page 139 .

Resetting the Engine Oil Life Indicator Your dealer will reset the display after completing the required maintenance service. You will see ``OIL LIFE 100 %'' on the odometer/ trip meter display the next time you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position.
If maintenance service is done by someone other than your dealer, reset the maintenance minder as follows:
1. Turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position.
2. Press the TRIP button until the engine oil life indicator is displayed.

3. Press the TRIP button for more than 10 seconds. The engine oil life indicator and the maintenance item code(s) will blink.

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Maintenance Minder

Important Maintenance Precautions If you have the required service done but do not reset the display, or reset the display without doing the service, the system will not show the proper maintenance intervals. This can lead to serious mechanical problems because you will no longer have an accurate record of when maintenance is needed.

4. Press the TRIP button for more than 5 seconds. The maintenance items code(s) will disappear, and the engine oil life will reset to ``100.''

Your authorized Honda dealer knows your vehicle 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. Make sure to have the service facility or person reset the display as previously described. Keep all 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 using Honda parts and fluids whenever you have maintenance done. These are manufactured to the same highquality standards as the original components, so you can be confident of their performance and durability.

Maintenance

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137

Maintenance Minder

U.S. Vehicles: 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.
According to state and federal regulations, failure to perform maintenance on the items marked with will not void your emissions warranties. However, all maintenance services should be performed in accordance with the intervals indicated by the information display.

Owner's 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 appropriate page listed.
Engine oil level Check every time you fill the fuel tank. See page 111 . Engine coolant level Check the radiator reserve tank every time you fill the fuel tank. See page 112 . Brakes and clutch Check the fluid level monthly. See page 151 . Tires Check the tire pressure monthly. Examine the tread for wear and foreign objects. See page 161 .

Lights Check the operation of the headlights, parking lights, taillights, high-mount brake light, and license plate lights monthly. See page 152 .

138

Maintenance Minder

Symbol A B

Maintenance Main Items Replace engine oil1 Replace engine oil and oil filter Inspect front and rear brakes Check parking brake adjustment Inspect these items:
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

1 : If the message ``SERVICE DUE NOW'' does not appear more than 12 months after the display is reset, change the engine oil every year.

: See information on maintenance and emissions warranty on page 138.

NOTE:

Independent of the maintenance minder messages, replace the brake fluid every 3 years. Inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (256,000 km). Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 only if they are noisy.

Symbol 1 2
3 4 5 6

Maintenance Sub Items Check tire inflation and condition Replace air cleaner element
If you drive in dusty conditions, replace every 15,000 miles (24,000 km). Replace dust and pollen filter If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high concentrations of soot in the air from industry and from diesel-powered vehicles, replace every 15,000 miles (24,000 km). Inspect drive belt Replace transmission fluid Replace spark plugs Inspect valve clearance Replace engine coolant Replace rear differential fluid Driving in mountainous areas results in higher level of mechanical (shear) stress to fluid. This requires differential fluid changes more frequently than recommended by the maintenance minder. If you regularly drive your vehicle under these conditions, have the differential fluid changed every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).

Maintenance Minder

139

Maintenance Record

You or the servicing dealer can record all completed maintenance here. When maintenance is performed, record the mileage, circle the coded item(s) completed, and write in any other non-coded items (such as brake fluid replacement) below the codes. Keep the receipts for all work done on your vehicle. Maintenance can also be recorded in your Honda service history booklet.

Mileage

Maintenance Performed

Signature Date

Mileage

Maintenance Performed

Signature Date

mi A B 1 2 3 4 5 6 km

140

Mileage
mi km

Maintenance Performed
AB123456

Signature Date

mi A B 1 2 3 4 5 6 km

Maintenance Record

Mileage
mi km

Maintenance Performed
AB123456

Signature Date

mi A B 1 2 3 4 5 6 km

141

Maintenance

Fluid Locations
WASHER FLUID (Blue cap) ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK (Black handle)
142

ENGINE OIL FILL CAP

CLUTCH FLUID (Gray cap) BRAKE FLUID (Gray cap)
ENGINE COOLANT RESERVOIR
RADIATOR CAP

Adding Engine Oil

Maintenance

Unscrew and remove the engine oil fill cap on top of the valve cover. Pour in the oil slowly and carefully so you do not spill. Clean up any spills immediately. Spilled oil could damage components in the engine compartment.
Install the engine oil fill cap, and tighten it securely. Wait a few minutes, and recheck the oil level. Do not fill above the upper mark; you could damage the engine.

Recommended Engine 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.

Make sure the API Certification Seal says ``For Gasoline Engines.''
API CERTIFICATION SEAL
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Adding Engine Oil, Changing the Oil and Filter

The oil's viscosity or weight is provided on the container's label. Select the oil for your vehicle according to this chart.
Ambient Temperature
An oil with a viscosity of 10W-30 is preferred for optimum fuel economy and year-round protection in your vehicle. You may use 5W-40 oil if the temperature in your area goes below 0°F (20°C).

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. You must follow the oil and filter change intervals shown on the information display.
Engine Oil Additives Your vehicle does not require any oil additives. Additives may adversely affect the engine or transmission performance and durability.

Changing the Oil and Filter Always change the oil and filter according to the recommendations in the maintenance schedule. The oil and filter collect contaminants that can damage your engine if they are not removed regularly.
Changing the oil and filter requires special tools and access from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle should be raised on a service stationtype 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.

144

Changing the Oil and Filter

Maintenance

WASHER

OIL DRAIN BOLT

2. Open the hood, and remove the engine oil fill cap. Remove the oil drain bolt and washer 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 dealer) is required.
4. Check the oil filter to make sure its gasket did not stick to the engine block. A stuck gasket could cause an oil leak.

5. Install a new oil filter according to the instructions that come with it. Make sure to clean off any dirt and dust on the connecting surface of a new oil filter.
6. Put a new washer on the drain bolt, then reinstall the drain bolt. Tighten the drain bolt to: 33 lbf·ft (45 N·m , 4.6 kgf·m)
7. Refill the engine with the recommended oil.
Engine oil change capacity (including filter): 5.1 US qt (4.8 )
8. Install the engine oil fill cap. Start the engine. The oil pressure indicator should go out within 5 seconds. If it does not, turn off the engine, and check your work.

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145

Changing the Oil and Filter, Engine Coolant

9. Let the engine run for several minutes, then check the drain bolt and oil filter for leaks.
10.Turn off the engine and let it sit for several minutes, then check the oil level on the dipstick. If necessary, add more oil.
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.

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.

If Honda antifreeze/coolant 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. 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.

Always use Honda Long-Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2. This coolant is pre-mixed with 50 % antifreeze and 50 % water. Never add straight antifreeze or plain water.

146

Engine Coolant

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.

RADIATOR CAP
1. When the radiator and engine are cool, relieve any pressure in the cooling system by turning the radiator cap counterclockwise, without pressing down.
2. Remove the radiator cap by pushing down and turning counterclockwise.

3. 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 any. Clean up any spill immediately; it could damage components in the engine compartment.
4. Put the radiator cap on, and tighten it fully.
5. 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 vehicle's cooling system. They may not be compatible with the coolant or engine components.

Maintenance

147

Windshield Washers

Check the fluid level in the windshield washer reservoir at least monthly during normal use.
RESERVOIR CAP

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 them.

Do not use engine antif reeze or a vinegar/water solution in the windshield washer reservoir. Antif reeze can damage your vehicle's paint, while a vinegar/water solution can damage the windshield washer pump. Use only commercially-available windshield washer f luid.

LEVEL GAUGE
Check the fluid level by looking at the level gauge attached to the cap.

148

Manual Transmission Fluid

FILLER BOLT
CORRECT LEVEL
Check the fluid level with the transmission at normal operating temperature and the vehicle 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 Transmission Fluid (MTF) until it starts to run out of the hole. Install the filler bolt, and tighten it securely.

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.
The transmission should be drained and refilled with new fluid according to the intervals shown on the information display.
If you are not sure how to check and add fluid, contact your dealer.

Maintenance

149

Differential Fluid

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.

Use an SAE 90 viscosity hypoid gear oil, API service classified GL5 or GL6 only.
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 intervals shown on the information display.
If you are not sure how to check and add fluid, contact your dealer.

150

Brake and Clutch Fluid

Check the brake fluid level in the reservoirs monthly.
Replace the brake fluid according to the time recommendation in the maintenance schedule.
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.
Using 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 vehicle's braking system and can cause extensive damage.

Brake Fluid
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.

Clutch Fluid

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

Maintenance

151

Lights

Headlight Aiming The headlights were properly aimed when your vehicle was new. If you regularly carry heavy items in the trunk, readjustment may be required. Adjustment should be done by your dealer or other qualified mechanic.

Replacing a Headlight Bulb The low beam headlight bulbs are a type of high voltage discharge tube. High voltage can remain in the circuit even with the light switch off and the key removed. Because of this, you should not attempt to examine or change a low beam headlight bulb yourself. If a low beam headlight bulb fails, take the vehicle to your dealer to have it replaced.

Halogen bulbs are used for the high beam headlight bulbs. When replacing a high beam headlight bulb, handle it by its base, and protect the glass from contact with your skin or hard objects. If you touch the glass, clean it with denatured alcohol and a clean cloth.
Halogen headlight bulbs get very hot when lit. Oil, perspiration, or a scratch on the glass can cause the bulb to overheat and shatter.

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Lights

1. Open the hood. If you need to change the high beam headlight bulb on the driver's side, remove the coolant reserve tank from its holder by pulling it straight up.
2. Remove the electrical connector from the bulb by squeezing the connector to unlock the tab, then slide the connector off the bulb.

3. Remove the rubber weather seal by pulling on the tab.
4. Unclip the end of the hold-down wire from its slot. Pivot it out of the way, and remove the bulb socket.
5. Pull the bulb straight out of its socket. Push the new bulb straight into the socket until it bottoms.

6. Insert the socket back into the headlight assembly. Make sure the bulb is installed correctly by looking through the headlight lens. The pins on the base of the bulb should fit in the holes in the headlight assembly. Pivot the holddown wire back in place, and clip the end into the slot.
7. Install the rubber seal over the back of the headlight assembly.
8. Push the electrical connector onto the new bulb. Turn on the headlights to test the new bulb.
9. (Driver's side) Reinstall the coolant reserve tank.

Maintenance

153

Lights
Replacing Front Turn Signal and Side Marker/Parking Light Bulbs 1. If you are changing the bulb on
the driver's side, start the engine, turn the steering wheel all the way to the right, then turn off the engine. If you are changing the bulb on the passenger's side, turn the steering wheel to the left.

2. Use a flat-tipped screwdriver to remove the three holding clips from the inner fender.
3. Pull the inner fender cover back.

6. Install the new bulb in the socket.
7. Insert the socket back into the headlight assembly. Turn it clockwise to lock it in place.

4. Remove the socket from the headlight assembly by turning it one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
5. Pull the bulb straight out of its socket.

8. Turn on the lights to make sure the new bulb is working.
9. Put the inner fender cover in place. Install the three holding clips. Lock each clip in place by pushing on the center.

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Replacing a Side Turn Signal Bulb 3. Pull the bulb straight out of its socket. Push the new bulb straight into the socket until it bottoms.

4. Put the bulb holder back into its hole in the lens, and turn it clockwise until it locks.

5. Turn on the lights to make sure the new bulb is working.

1. Use a small flat-tipped screwdriver to pry carefully on the back edge of the side turn signal assembly until it pops out of the body.

6. Put the side turn signal assembly back into the body, front first. Push on the back edge until it snaps into place.

2. Turn the bulb holder one-quarter turn counterclockwise to remove it from the lens.

Lights
155

Maintenance

Lights
Replacing Rear Bulbs

1. Open the trunk.
2. Remove the fasteners from the trunk lining. To remove a fastener, push on the center of the head until it pops in, then pull the fastener out.

4. Determine which bulb is burned out: turn signal or back-up light.

3. Pull the lining back.

5. Remove the socket by turning it one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
6. Remove the burned out bulb by pulling it straight out of its socket.

156

Lights, Cleaning the Seat Belts

7. Install the new bulb into the socket.
8. Push the socket into the light assembly, and turn it clockwise until it locks.
9. Turn on the lights to make sure the new bulb is working.

10.Install the trunk lining, and secure it with the fasteners. To reinstall a fastener, reset the fastener by pushing on the pointed end until it pops back almost flush with the fingers on the housing. Put the fastener in the hole of the trunk lining, and push on the center until it locks (the center is flush with the head).

Cleaning the Seat Belts If your seat belts get dirty, use a soft brush with a mixture of mild soap and warm water to clean them. Do not use bleach, dye, or cleaning solvents. Let the belts air-dry before you use the vehicle.
Dirt build-up in the loops of the seat belt anchors can cause the belts to retract slowly. Wipe the insides of the loops with a clean cloth dampened in mild soap and warm water or isopropyl alcohol.

Maintenance

157

Floor Mats, Dust and Pollen Filter

Floor Mats

If you use a non-Honda floor mat, make sure it fits properly and that it can be used with the floor mat anchor. Do not put additional floor mats on top of the anchored mat.

The floor mats that came with your vehicle hook over the floor mat anchors. This keeps them from sliding forward and possibly interfering with vehicle operation.
If you remove a floor mat, make sure to re-anchor it when you put it back in your vehicle.

Dust and Pollen Filter This filter removes the dust and pollen that is brought in from the outside through the heating and cooling system.
Have your dealer replace this filter every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) under normal conditions. It should be replaced every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) if you drive primarily in urban areas that have high concentrations of soot in the air, or if the flow from the heating and cooling system becomes less than usual.

158

Wiper Blades

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

To replace a wiper blade: 1. Raise the wiper arm off the
windshield.

LOCK TAB

BLADE

Do not open the hood when the wiper arms are raised, or you will damage the hood and the wiper arms.

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.

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.

Maintenance

CONTINUED
159

Wiper Blades, Tires

BLADE

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.

Tires To safely operate your vehicle, your tires must be the proper type and size, in good condition with adequate tread, and correctly inflated.
The following pages give more detailed information on how to take care of your tires and what to do when they need to be replaced.

REINFORCEMENT
4. Examine the new wiper blades. If they have no plastic or metal reinforcement 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.

Using tires that are excessively worn or improperly inflated can cause a crash in which you can be seriously hurt or killed.
Follow all instructions in this owner's manual regarding tire inflation and maintenance.

160

Tires

Inflation Guidelines Keeping the tires properly inflated provides the best combination of handling, tread life, and riding comfort.
Underinflated tires wear unevenly, adversely affect handling and fuel economy, and are more likely to fail from being overheated.
Overinflated tires can make your vehicle ride more harshly, are more prone to damage from road hazards, and wear unevenly.
We recommend that you visually check your tires every day. If you think a tire might be low, check it immediately with a tire gauge.

Use a gauge to measure the air pressure in each tire at least once a month. Even tires that are in good condition may lose 1 to 2 psi (10 to 20 kPa, 0.1 to 0.2 kgf/cm ) per month. Remember to check the spare tire at the same time.
Check the air pressures when the tires are cold. This means the vehicle has been parked for at least 3 hours, or driven less than 1 mile (1.6 km). Add or release air, if needed, to match the recommended cold tire pressures on page 162 .

If you check air pressures when the tires are hot [driven for several miles (kilometers)], you will see readings 4 to 6 psi (30 to 40 kPa, 0.3 to 0.4 kgf/cm ) higher than the cold readings. This is normal. Do not let air out to match the recommended cold air pressure. The tire will be underinflated.
You should use your own tire pressure gauge whenever you check your tire pressures. This will make it easier for you to tell if a pressure loss is due to a tire problem and not due to a variation between gauges.
While tubeless tires have some ability to self-seal if they are punctured, you should look closely for punctures if a tire starts losing pressure.

Maintenance

161

Tires

Recommended Tire Pressures The following chart shows the recommended cold tire pressures for most normal and high-speed driving conditions.

Front:
Tire Size
215/45R17 87W

Cold Tire Pressure 32 psi (220 kPa , 2.2 kgf/cm )

Rear:
Tire Size
245/40R17 91W

Cold Tire Pressure 32 psi (220 kPa , 2.2 kgf/cm )

The compact spare tire pressure is: 60 psi (420 kPa , 4.2 kgf/cm )
For convenience, the recommended cold air pressures and tire sizes are on a label on the driver's doorjamb.
For additional information about your tires, see page 208 .

Tire Inspection Every time you check inflation, you should also examine the tires for damage, foreign objects, and wear. You should look for:
Bumps or bulges in the tread or side of the tire. Replace the tire if you find either of these conditions.
Cuts, splits, or cracks in the side of the tire. Replace the tire if you can see fabric or cord.
Excessive tread wear.

TREAD WEAR INDICATORS
INDICATOR LOCATION MARKS
Your tires have wear indicators molded into the tread. When the tread wears down, you will see a 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) wide band across the tread. This shows there is less than 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) of tread left on the tire. A tire this worn gives very little traction on wet roads. You should replace the tire if you can see three or more tread wear indicators.

162

Tires

Tire Maintenance In addition to proper inflation, correct wheel alignment helps to decrease tire wear. If you find a tire is worn unevenly, have your dealer check the wheel alignment.
Have your dealer check the tires if you feel a consistent vibration while driving. A tire should always be rebalanced if it is removed from the wheel. When you have new tires installed, make sure they are balanced. This increases riding comfort and tire life. For best results, have the installer perform a dynamic balance.
Improper wheel weights can damage your vehicle's aluminum wheels. Use only Honda wheel weights f or balancing.

Tire Rotation You should not rotate your vehicle's tires. The front and rear tires are different sizes, so they cannot be rotated front-to-rear. The originalequipment tires on your vehicle have a unidirectional tread pattern, so they cannot be rotated side-to-side.
Tire Wear The tires that came on your vehicle were designed and constructed to provide superior grip during acceleration, braking, and cornering.
As a trade-off, they will wear more rapidly than tires used on ordinary passenger vehicles. Because of the vehicle's weight distribution, and the fact that the rear wheels are the driving wheels, you can expect them to wear more rapidly than the front tires.

The mileage you can expect from your vehicle tires is the same as comparable mid-and rear-engine sports cars, and it will vary greatly with your driving habits.
If you drive moderately, the rear tires could last more than 10,000 miles (16,000 km). However, the mileage will be substantially less if you tend to drive your vehicle at the upper limits of its capabilities.
You should carefully inspect your vehicle's tires for wear, damage, and proper inflation every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or when tire inspection is indicated on the information display (see page 139 ).

Maintenance

163

Tires

Replacing Tires and Wheels Replace your tires with radial tires of the same size, load range, speed rating, and maximum cold tire pressure rating (as shown on the tire's sidewall).
Mixing radial and bias-ply tires on your vehicle can reduce braking ability, traction, and steering accuracy. Using tires of a different size or construction can cause the ABS to work inconsistently.
It is best to replace all four tires at the same time. If that is not possible or necessary, replace the two front tires or two rear tires as a pair. Replacing just one tire can seriously affect your vehicle's handling.

The ABS works by comparing the speed of the wheels. When replacing tires, use the same size originally supplied with the vehicle. Tire size and construction can affect wheel speed and may cause the system to activate.
If you ever replace a wheel, make sure that the wheel's specifications match those of the original wheels. Replacement wheels are available at your dealer.
Installing improper tires on your vehicle can affect handling and stability. This can cause a crash in which you can be seriously hurt or killed.
Always use the size and type of tires recommended in this owner's manual.

Wheel and Tire Specifications Wheels:
Front: 17 x 7 JJ
Rear: 17 x 8 1/2 JJ
Tires: Front: 215/45R17 87W Rear: 245/40R17 91W
See page 198 for information about DOT Tire Quality Grading, and page 200 for tire size and labeling information.

164

Tires

Winter Driving Tires marked ``M S'' or ``All Season'' on the sidewall have an allweather tread design suitable for most winter driving conditions.
For the best performance in snowy or icy conditions, you should install snow tires or tire chains. They may be required by local laws under certain conditions.
Snow Tires If you mount snow tires on your vehicle, make sure they are radial tires of the same size and load range as original tires. Mount snow tires on all four wheels. The traction provided by snow tires on dry roads may be lower than your original tires. Check with the tire dealer for maximum speed recommendations.

Tire Chains Because your vehicle has limited tire clearance, mount only SAE Class ``S'' cable-type traction devices, with rubber chain tensioners on the rear tires. Use traction devices only when required by driving conditions or local laws. Make sure they are the correct size for your tires. Metal linktype ``chains'' should not be used.
When installing cables, follow the manufacturer's instructions, and mount them as tight as you can. Make sure they are not contacting the brake lines or suspension. Drive slowly with them installed. If you hear them coming into contact with the body or chassis, stop and investigate. Remove them as soon as you begin driving on cleared roads.

Traction devices that are the wrong size or improperly installed can damage your vehicle's brake lines, suspension, body, and wheels. Stop driving if they are hitting any part of the vehicle.

Maintenance

165

Checking the Battery

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

Check the 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.
If additional battery maintenance is needed, see your dealer or a qualified technician.
WARNING: Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds. Wash your hands after handling.

If you need to connect the battery to a charger, disconnect both cables to prevent damaging your vehicle's electrical system. Always disconnect the negative () cable first, and reconnect it last.
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.

166

Vehicle Storage

If you need to park your vehicle for an extended period (more than 1 month), there are several things you should do to prepare it for storage. Proper preparation helps prevent deterioration and makes it easier to get your vehicle back on the road. If possible, store your vehicle indoors.
Fill the fuel tank.
Change the engine oil and filter.
Wash and dry the exterior completely.
Clean the interior. Make sure the carpeting, floor mats, etc., are completely dry.
Raise the convertible top cover.
Leave the parking brake off. Put the transmission in reverse.

Block the rear wheels.
If the vehicle is to be stored for a longer period, it should be supported on jackstands so the tires are off the ground.
Leave one window open slightly (if the vehicle is being stored indoors).
Disconnect the battery.
Support the front wiper blade arms with a folded towel or rag so they do not touch the windshield.
To minimize sticking, apply a silicone spray lubricant to all door and trunk seals. Also, apply a vehicle body wax to the painted surfaces that mate with the door and trunk seals.

Cover the vehicle with a ``breathable'' cover, one made from a porous material such as cotton. Non-porous materials, such as plastic sheeting, trap moisture, which can damage the paint.
If possible, periodically run the engine until it reaches full operating temperature (the cooling fan cycles on and off twice). Preferably, do this once a month.

Maintenance

167

Taking Care of the Unexpected

This section covers the more common problems that motorists experience with their vehicles. It gives you information about how to safely evaluate the problem and what to do to correct it. If the problem has stranded you on the side of the road, you may be able to get going again. If not, you will also find instructions on getting your vehicle towed.

Compact Spare Tire....................... 170 Changing a Flat Tire ..................... 171 If the Engine Won't Start.............. 176 Jump Starting ................................. 178 If the Engine Overheats ............... 179 Low Oil Pressure Indicator .......... 182 Charging System Indicator........... 182 Malfunction Indicator Lamp ........ 183 Brake System Indicator ................ 184 Closing the Convertible Top ........ 185 Fuses ............................................... 186
Checking and Replacing ........... 187 Fuse Locations ............................... 189 Emergency Towing ....................... 191 If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck........... 191

Taking Care of the Unexpected

169

Compact Spare Tire

Use the compact spare tire as a temporary replacement only. Get your regular tire repaired or replaced, and put it back on your vehicle as soon as you can.
Check the inflation pressure of the compact spare tire every time you check the other tires. It should be inflated to: 60 psi (420 kPa , 4.2 kgf/cm )

Follow these precautions:
Never exceed 50 mph (80 km/h).
This tire gives a harsher ride and less traction on some road surfaces. Use greater caution while driving.
Do not mount tire chains on it.
Do not use your compact spare tire on another vehicle unless it is the same make and model.

Do not use a compact spare tire mounted on a rear wheel; it will damage the limited slip differential (see page 171 ).

INDICATOR LOCATION MARK
TREAD WEAR INDICATOR BAR
Replace the tire when you can see the tread wear indicator bars. The replacement should be the same size and design tire, mounted on the same wheel. The spare tire is not designed to be mounted on a regular wheel, and the spare wheel is not designed for mounting a regular tire.

170

Changing a Flat Tire

If you have a flat tire while driving, stop in a safe place to change it. Drive slowly along the shoulder until you get to an exit or an area that is far away from the traffic lanes.
The vehicle can easily roll off the jack, seriously injuring anyone underneath.
Follow the directions for changing a tire exactly, and never get under the vehicle when it is supported only by the jack.
The compact spare tire is smaller than a standard tire, which will affect the vehicle's handling. Drive cautiously when this spare is mounted on your vehicle.

The size difference may also cause damage to the rear differential, so do not mount the compact spare on the rear. If either rear tire goes flat, remove the front tire on that same side, mount the compact spare tire on the front, then mount the front tire on the rear.
1. Park the vehicle on firm, level, and non-slippery ground. Put the transmission in reverse. Apply the parking brake.
2. Turn on the hazard warning lights, and turn the ignition switch to the LOCK (0) position. Have your passenger get out of the vehicle while you change the tire.

TOOL BOX LID
JACK
3. Open the trunk. Lift up the tool box lid, and take the jack, wheel wrench, and extension out of the tool box.
Use the jack that came with your vehicle. If you try to raise another vehicle with this jack or use another jack to raise your vehicle, the vehicle or jack can be damaged.
CONTINUED

171

Taking Care of the Unexpected

Changing a Flat Tire
SPARE TIRE COVER

WHEEL NUT WRENCH

JACKING POINT

4. Remove the three clips holding the spare tire cover by pulling the rings straight back. Remove the spare tire cover.

5. Unscrew the wing bolt, and take the spare tire out of the spare tire shelf.
6. Loosen each wheel nut 1/2 turn with the wheel nut wrench.

7. Place the jack under the jacking point nearest the tire you need to change. Turn the end bracket clockwise until the top of the jack contacts the jacking point. Make sure the center of the jacking point tab is resting in the jack notch.

172

Changing a Flat Tire

Taking Care of the Unexpected

EXTENSION
8. Use the extension and the wheel nut wrench as shown to raise the vehicle until the flat tire is off the ground.

BRAKE HUB

9. Remove the wheel nuts, then remove the flat tire. Handle the wheel nuts carefully; they may be hot from driving. Place the flat tire on the ground with the outside surface facing up.

10.Before mounting the spare tire, wipe any dirt off the mounting surface of the wheel and hub with a clean cloth. Wipe the hub carefully; it may be hot from driving.

CONTINUED
173

Changing a Flat Tire

11.Put on the spare tire. Put the wheel nuts back on finger-tight, then tighten them in a crisscross pattern with the wheel nut wrench until the wheel is firmly against the hub. Do not try to tighten them fully.

12.Lower the vehicle to the ground, and remove the jack.

13.Tighten the wheel nuts securely in a crisscross pattern. Have the wheel nut torque checked at the nearest automotive service facility. Tighten the wheel nuts to: 80 lbf·ft (108 N·m , 11 kgf·m)

174

14.Remove the tool box from the trunk well, and replace the jack, wheel wrench, and extension in the tool box.
15.Place the tool box into the spare tire shelf in the trunk.

Changing a Flat Tire

16.Replace the spare tire cover. Secure it with the three clips. Push each clip in securely, and pivot the ring down flat.

17.Put the flat tire in the trunk well vertically as shown.

Taking Care of the Unexpected

175

If the Engine Won't Start

Diagnosing why the engine won't start falls into two areas, depending on what you hear when you press the ENGINE START button.
You hear nothing, or almost nothing. The engine's starter motor does not operate at all, or operates very slowly.
You can hear the starter motor operating normally, or the starter motor sounds like it is spinning faster than normal, but the engine does not start up and run.

Nothing Happens or the Starter Motor Operates Very Slowly When you press the ENGINE START button, you do not hear the normal noise of the engine trying to start. You may hear a clicking sound or series of clicks, or nothing at all. Check these things:
Check the transmission interlock. The clutch pedal must be pushed all the way to the floor or the starter will not operate.
Turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position. Turn on the headlights, and check their brightness. If the headlights are very dim or do not come on at all, the battery is discharged. See Jump Starting on page 178 .

Press the ENGINE START button, then release it. If the headlights do not dim, check the condition of the fuses. If the fuses are OK, there is probably something wrong with the electrical circuit for the ignition switch or starter motor. You will need a qualified mechanic to determine the problem. (See Emergency Towing on page 191 .)

176

If the Engine Won't Start

If the headlights dim noticeably or go out when you try to start the engine, either the battery is discharged or the connections are corroded. Check the condition of the battery and terminal connections (see page 166 ). You can then try jump starting the vehicle from a booster battery (see page 178 ).

The Starter Operates Normally In this case, the starter motor's speed sounds normal, or even faster than normal, when you press the ENGINE START button, but the engine does not run.
Are you using a properly coded key? An improperly coded key will cause the immobilizer system indicator in the instrument panel to blink rapidly (see page 61 ).
Are you using the proper starting procedure? Refer to Starting the Engine on page 122 .
Do you have fuel? Check the fuel gauge; the low fuel indicator may not be working.

There may be an electrical problem, such as no power to the fuel pump. Check all the fuses (see page 186 ).
If you find nothing wrong, you will need a qualified mechanic to find the problem. See Emergency Towing on page 191 .

Taking Care of the Unexpected

177

Jump Starting

Although this seems like a simple procedure, you should take several precautions.
A battery can explode if you do not follow the correct procedure, seriously injuring anyone nearby.
Keep all sparks, open flames, and smoking materials away from the battery.

To jump start your vehicle:
1. Open the hood, and check the physical condition of the battery. In very cold weather, check the condition of the electrolyte. If it seems slushy or frozen, do not try jump starting until it thaws.

If a battery sits in extreme cold, the electrolyte inside can f reeze. Attempting to jump start with a f rozen battery can cause it to rupture.
2. Turn off all the electrical accessories: heater, A/C, audio system, lights, etc. Put the transmission in neutral, and set the parking brake.

The numbers in the illustration show you the order to connect the jumper cables.
3. Connect one jumper cable to the positive () terminal on your battery. Connect the other end to the positive () terminal on the booster battery.

178

Jump Starting, If the Engine Overheats

4. Connect the second jumper cable to the negative () terminal on the booster battery. Connect the other end to the grounding strap as shown. Do not connect this jumper cable to any other part of the engine.

6. Start your vehicle. If the starter motor still operates slowly, check that the jumper cables have good metal-to-metal contact.
7. Once your vehicle is running, disconnect the negative cable from your vehicle, then from the booster battery. Disconnect the positive cable from your vehicle, then from the booster battery.
Keep the ends of the jumper cables away from each other and any metal on the vehicle until everything is disconnected. Otherwise, you may cause an electrical short.

If the Engine Overheats The reading on your vehicle's temperature gauge should stay in the midrange under most conditions. If it reaches the red mark, you should determine the reason (hot day, driving up a steep hill, etc.).
If your vehicle overheats, you should take immediate action. The only indication may be the temperature gauge reading reaching the red mark. Or you may see steam or spray coming from under the hood.
Driving with the temperature gauge reading at the red mark can cause serious damage to your engine.

5. If the booster battery is in another vehicle, have an assistant start that vehicle and run it at a fast idle.

CONTINUED

179

Taking Care of the Unexpected

If the Engine Overheats
Steam and spray from an overheated engine can seriously scald you. Do not open the hood if steam is coming out.

1. Safely pull to the side of the road. Put the transmission in neutral, and set the parking brake. Turn off the all accessories, and turn on the hazard warning indicators.
2. If you see steam and/or spray coming from under the hood, turn off the engine. Wait until you see no more signs of steam or spray, then open the hood.
3. If you do not see steam or spray, leave the engine running, and watch the temperature gauge. If the high heat is due to overloading, the engine should start to cool down almost immediately. If it does, wait until the temperature gauge comes down to the midpoint, then continue driving.

4. If the temperature gauge stays at the red mark, turn off the engine.
5. Look for any obvious coolant leaks, such as a split radiator hose. Everything is still extremely hot, so use caution. If you find a leak, it must be repaired before you continue driving (see Emergency Towing on page 191 ).
6. If you don't find an obvious leak, check the coolant level in the radiator reserve tank. Add coolant if the level is below the MIN mark (see Adding Engine Coolant on page 146 ).

180

If the Engine Overheats

7. If there was no coolant in the reserve tank, you may need to add coolant to the radiator. Let the engine cool down until the reading reaches the middle of the temperature gauge or lower before checking 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.

8. Using gloves or a large heavy cloth, turn the radiator cap counterclockwise, without pushing down, to the first stop. After the pressure releases, push down on the cap, and turn it until it comes off.
9. Start the engine, and set the temperature control dial to maximum heat. Add coolant to the radiator up to the base of the filler neck. If you do not have the proper coolant mixture available, you can add plain water. Remember to have the cooling system drained and refilled with the proper mixture as soon as you can.

10.Put the radiator cap back on tightly. Run the engine, and watch the temperature gauge. If it goes back to the red mark, the engine needs repair (see Emergency Towing on page 191 ).
11.If the temperature stays normal, check the coolant level in the radiator reserve tank. If it has gone down, add coolant to the MAX mark. Put the cap back on tightly.

Taking Care of the Unexpected

181

Low Oil Pressure Indicator, Charging System Indicator

Low Oil Pressure Indicator This indicator should never come on when the engine is
running. If it starts flashing or stays on, the oil pressure has dropped very low or lost pressure. Serious engine damage is possible, and you should take immediate action.
Running the engine with low oil pressure can cause serious mechanical damage almost immediately. Turn of f the engine as soon as you can saf ely get the vehicle stopped.

1. Safely pull off the road, and shut off the engine. Turn on the hazard warning indicators.
2. Let the vehicle sit for a minute. Open the hood, and check the oil level (see page 111 ). An engine very low on oil can lose pressure during cornering and other driving maneuvers.
3. If necessary, add oil to bring the level back to the full mark on the dipstick (see page 143 ).
4. Start the engine, and watch the oil pressure indicator. If it does not go out within 10 seconds, turn off the engine. There is a mechanical problem that needs to be repaired before you can continue driving (see Emergency Towing on page 191 ).

Charging System Indicator If the charging system indicator comes on brightly
when the engine is running, the battery is not being charged.
Immediately turn off all electrical accessories. Try not to use other electrically operated controls such as the power windows. Keep the engine running; starting the engine will discharge the battery rapidly.
Go to a service station or garage where you can get technical assistance.

182

Malfunction Indicator Lamp

If this indicator comes on while driving, it means one of the engine's emissions control systems may have a problem. Even though you may feel no difference in your vehicle's performance, it can reduce your fuel economy and cause increased emissions. Continued operation may cause serious damage.
If you have recently refueled your vehicle, the indicator coming on could be due to a loose or missing fuel fill cap. Tighten the cap until it clicks at least once. Tightening the cap will not turn the indicator off immediately; it can take several days of normal driving.

If the indicator comes on repeatedly, even though it may go off as you continue driving, have your vehicle checked by a dealer as soon as possible.
If you keep driving with the malf unction indicator lamp on, you can damage your vehicle's emissions controls and engine. Those repairs may not be covered by your vehicle's warranties.
Readiness Codes Your vehicle has certain ``readiness codes'' that are part of the on-board diagnostics for the emissions systems. In some states, part of the emissions testing is to make sure these codes are set. If they are not set, the test cannot be completed.

If your vehicle battery has been disconnected or gone dead, these codes are erased. It takes at least three days of driving under various conditions to set the codes again.
To check if they are set, turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position, without starting the engine. The malfunction indicator lamp will come on for 20 seconds. If it then goes off, the readiness codes are set. If it blinks five times, the readiness codes are not set. If possible, do not take your vehicle for a state emissions test until the readiness codes are set. Refer to State Emissions Testing for more information (see page 204 ).

Taking Care of the Unexpected

183

Brake System Indicator

U.S. Canada The brake system indicator normally comes on when
you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position, and as a reminder to check the parking brake. It will stay on if you do not fully release the parking brake.
If the brake system indicator comes on while driving, the brake fluid level is probably low. Press lightly on the brake pedal to see if it feels normal. If it does, check the brake fluid level the next time you stop at a service station (see page 151 ).
If the fluid level is low, take your vehicle to a dealer, and have the brake system inspected for leaks or worn brake pads.

However, if the brake pedal does not feel normal, you should take immediate action. A problem in one part of the system's dual circuit design will still give you braking at two wheels. You will feel the brake pedal go down much farther before the vehicle begins to slow down, and you will have to press harder on the pedal.
Slow down by shifting to a lower gear, and pull to the side of the road when it is safe. Because of the long distance needed to stop, it is hazardous to drive the vehicle. You should have it towed and repaired as soon as possible (see Emergency Towing on page 191 ).
If you must drive the vehicle a short distance in this condition, drive slowly and carefully.

184

Closing the Convertible Top

If the electric motor will not close the convertible top, do the following.
1. Check the fuse for the convertible top motor (see page 186 ). If the fuse is blown, replace it with one of the same or lower rating.
2. Try closing the convertible top. If the new fuse blows immediately or the convertible top still does not operate, you can close it manually.

CONNECTOR
3. Locate the electrical connector for the convertible top motor. It is under the lower corner of the dashboard on the passenger's side. Disconnect the connector by pushing the tab and pulling the connector down.

4. Holding each corner of the convertible top, raise the top and push it forward as far as it will go.
5. Follow steps 4 through 6 of the closing procedure on page 74 .

Taking Care of the Unexpected

185

Fuses

The vehicle's fuses are contained in three fuse boxes.
INTERIOR

UNDER-HOOD (PRIMARY)

UNDER-HOOD (AUXILIARY)

KNOB
The interior fuse box is underneath the dashboard on the driver's side. To open it, turn the knob.

The primary under-hood fuse box is on the passenger's side next to the battery. To open it, push the two tabs as shown.

The auxiliary fuse box is on the driver's side, near the brake fluid reservoir. To open it, push the tab on each side, and remove the lid.

186

Fuses

Checking and Replacing Fuses If something electrical in your vehicle stops working, check for a blown fuse first. Determine from the chart on pages 189 and 190 , or the diagram on the fuse box lid, which fuse or fuses control that device. Check those fuses first, but check all the fuses before deciding that a blown fuse is the cause. Replace any blown fuses, and check if the device works.

BLOWN
1. Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK (0) position. Make sure the headlights and all other accessories are off.
2. Remove the cover from the fuse box.

3. Check each of the large fuses in the primary under-hood fuse box by looking through the top at the wire inside. Removing these fuses requires a Phillips-head screwdriver.
4. Check the smaller fuses in the under-hood fuse boxes and all the fuses in the interior fuse box by pulling out each one with the fuse puller provided in the primary under-hood fuse box.

Taking Care of the Unexpected

CONTINUED
187

Fuses

BLOWN
5. Look for a blown wire inside the fuse. If it is blown, replace it with one of the spare fuses of the same rating or lower.

If you cannot drive the vehicle without fixing the problem, and you do not have a spare fuse, take a fuse of the same rating or a lower rating from one of the other circuits. Make sure you can do without that circuit temporarily (such as the accessory power socket or radio).
If you replace the blown fuse with a spare fuse that has a lower rating, it might blow out again. This does not indicate anything wrong. Replace the fuse with one of the correct rating as soon as you can.

Replacing a f use with one that has a higher rating greatly increases the chances of damaging the electrical system. If you do not have a replacement f use with the proper rating f or the circuit, install one with a lower rating.
6. If the replacement fuse of the same rating blows in a short time, there is probably a serious electrical problem with your vehicle. Leave the blown fuse in that circuit, and have your vehicle checked by a qualified mechanic.
If the radio fuse is removed, the audio system will disable itself. The next time you turn on the radio you will see ``Code'' in the frequency display. Use the preset buttons to enter the five-digit code (see page 102 ).

188

INTERIOR FUSE BOX

Fuse Locations

No. Amps.

Circuits Protected

1 7.5 A
2 15 A 3 7.5 A 4 7.5 A 5 10 A 6 20 A 7 7.5 A 8 15 A 9 7.5 A 10 11 7.5 A 12 15 A 13 10 A

Windshield Wiper, Auto Stop Signal Washer Motor IGP (DBW) IGP (LAF) Accessory Socket Windshield Wiper Turn signal Light ACG Meter, Backup Lights Not used Engine Start Fuel Pump, SRS SRS

No. Amps.

Circuits Protected

14 10 A 15 15 A 16 7.5 A 17 7.5 A 18 10 A 19 15 A 20 21 7.5 A
22 7.5 A 23 20 A 24 20 A 25 15 A 26 20 A 27 15 A

Daytime Running Lights Keyless Entry Back-up Interior Light Small Lights Radio Not used Heater Control, Cooling Fan Relay Power Mirrors Right Power Window Left Power Window IG Coil LAF DBW

CONTINUED
189

Taking Care of the Unexpected

Fuse Locations
UNDER-HOOD FUSE BOXES (PRIMARY FUSE BOX)
(AUXILIARY FUSE BOX)
190

No. Amps.

Circuits Protected

4 40 A

5 20 A

7 30 A

8 20 A

9 40 A

10 20 A

11 20 A

Lighting 1 Relay Lighting 2 Relay Horn Relay Power Window Motor Right Roof Motor Not used Backup ACC Left Roof Motor Heater Motor Condenser Fan DBW Condenser Fan Relay Cooling Fan Relay

No. Amps.

Circuits Protected

1 20 A

3 70 A

Rear Window Defogger Not used EPS Not used

No. Amps.

Circuits Protected

14 15 20 A 16 15 A 17 10 A 18 20 A 19 20 15 A 21 20 A 22 30 A 23 30 A 24 100 A 25 40 A

Magnetic Clutch Relay Right Headlight ACG S Hazard Warning Lights Cooling Fan Not used Stop Left Headlight VSA F/S VSA Motor Battery IG1 Main

Emergency Towing, If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck

Emergency Towing If your vehicle needs to be towed, call a professional towing service or organization. Never tow your vehicle with just a rope or chain. It is very dangerous.
The only way you can safely tow your vehicle is with flat-bed equipment. The operator will load your vehicle on the back of a truck. Any other method of towing will damage the drive system. When you contact the towing agency, inform them a flat-bed is required.

If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck If your vehicle gets stuck in sand, mud, or snow, call a towing service to pull it out (see the previous column).
For very short distances, such as freeing the vehicle, you can use the detachable towing hook that mounts on the anchors in the front and rear bumpers.

To use the towing hook: 1. Remove the cover from the
bumper.
2. Remove the towing hook, hook extension, and wheel nut wrench from the tool box.
3. Using the wheel nut wrench, fasten the extension into the bolt hole in the anchor.

CONTINUED
191

Taking Care of the Unexpected

If Your Vehicle Gets Stuck
4. Screw the towing hook into the extension and tighten it securely by hand.
To avoid damage to your vehicle, use the towing hook f or straight, f lat ground towing only. Do not tow at an angle. The tow hook should not be used to tow the vehicle onto a f lat bed. Do not use it as a tie down. 192

Technical Information

The diagrams in this section give you the dimensions and capacities of your vehicle, and the locations of the identification numbers. It also includes information you should know about your vehicle's tires and emissions control systems.

Identification Numbers................. 194 Specifications ................................. 196 DOT Tire Quality Grading
(U.S. Vehicles) ....................... 198 Uniform Tire Quality
Grading ................................... 198 Treadwear .................................. 198 Traction....................................... 198 Temperature .............................. 199 Tire Labeling.................................. 200

Emissions Controls........................ 201 The Clean Air Act...................... 201 Crankcase Emissions Control System..................................... 201 Evaporative Emissions Control System..................................... 201 Onboard Refueling Vapor Recovery ................................. 201 Exhaust Emissions Controls .... 202 PGM-FI System ..................... 202 Ignition Timing Control System................................. 202 Three Way Catalytic Converter............................ 202 Replacement Parts..................... 202
Three Way Catalytic Converter... 203 State Emissions Testing ............... 204

Technical Information

193

Identification Numbers

Your vehicle has several identifying numbers located in various places.
The vehicle identification number (VIN) is the 17-digit number your dealer uses to register your vehicle for warranty purposes. It is also necessary for licensing and insuring your vehicle. The easiest place to find the VIN is on a plate fastened to the top of the dashboard. You can see it by looking through the windshield on the driver's side. It is also on the certification label attached to the driver's doorjamb, and is stamped on the engine compartment bulkhead. The VIN is also provided in bar code on the certification label.

VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER

194

CERTIFICATION LABEL

The engine number is stamped on the front right corner of the engine block, below the valve cover.
The transmission number is on a label underneath the transmission.

TRANSMISSION NUMBER

Identification Numbers

Technical Information

ENGINE NUMBER

195

Specif ications

Dimensions Length Width Height Wheelbase Track

Front Rear

Weights Gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR)

Engine Type

Bore x Stroke Displacement Compression ratio Spark plugs

Spark Plug Gap

162.0 in (4,115 mm) 68.9 in (1,750 mm) 50.6 in (1,285 mm) 94.5 in (2,400 mm) 57.9 in (1,470 mm) 59.4 in (1,510 mm)

See the certification label attached to the driver's doorjamb.

Water cooled 4-stroke DOHC

VTEC 4-cylinder gasoline engine

3.43 x 3.57 in (87.0 x 90.7 mm)

132 cu-in (2,157 cm )

11.1 : 1

NGK : PFR7G-11S

DENSO : PK22PR-L11S

0.04

(1.1

mm)

0 mm 0.1 mm

Capacities

Fuel tank

Engine coolant

Change1

Total

Engine oil

Change2

Including filter

Without filter

Total

Manual

Change

transmission Total

fluid

Differential Change

fluid

Total

Windshield U.S. Vehicles

washer

Canadian

reservoir

Vehicles

13.2 US gal (50 )
1.72 US gal (6.5 ) 2.01 US gal (7.6 )
5.1 US qt (4.8 ) 4.8 US qt (4.5 ) 5.9 US qt (5.6 ) 1.6 US qt (1.5 ) 1.7 US qt (1.6 )
0.78 US qt (0.74 ) 0.81 US qt (0.77 ) 2.6 US qt (2.5 ) 6.3 US qt (6.0 )

1 : Including the coolant in the reserve tank and that remaining in the engine Reserve tank capacity: 0.16 US gal (0.6 )
2 : Excluding the oil remaining in the engine

196

Lights

Headlights

High

Low

Front turn signal lights

Rear turn signal lights

Front side marker/

parking lights

Back-up lights

License plate light

Interior light

Trunk light

Side turn signal lights

: High voltage discharge type

Air conditioning Refrigerant type Charge quantity

Lubricant type

1 : U. S. model 2 : Canadian model

12 V 55 W (H1) 12 V 35 W 12 V 21 W 12 V 21 W 12 V 5 W
12 V 21 W 12 V 5 W 12 V 5 W 12 V 5 W 12 V 5 W
HFC-134a (R-134a) 21.222.9 oz (600650 g)1 24.726.5 oz (700750 g)2
SP-10

Specif ications

Battery Capacity
Fuses Under-hood
Interior

Alignment Toe Camber Caster Tires Size
Pressure

Front Rear Front Rear Front
Front Rear Spare Tire Front Rear Spare Tire

12 V 36 AH/5 HR
See page 190 or the fuse box cover. See page 189 or the fuse label attached to the inside of the fuse box door under the dashboard.
0.00 in (0.0 mm) in 0.15 in (3.7 mm)
0°30' 1°30'
6°
215/45R17 87W 245/40R17 91W T125/70D16 96M 32 psi (220 kPa , 2.2 kgf/cm ) 32 psi (220 kPa , 2.2 kgf/cm ) 60 psi (420 kPa , 4.2 kgf/cm )

Technical Information

197

DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)

The tires on your vehicle meet all U.S. Federal Safety Requirements. All tires are also graded for treadwear, traction, and temperature performance according to Department of Transportation (DOT) standards. The following explains these gradings.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading Quality grades can be found where applicable on the tire sidewall between the tread shoulder and the maximum section width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
All passenger car tires must conform to Federal Safety Requirements in addition to these grades.

Treadwear The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and onehalf (1 1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices, and differences in road characteristics and climate.

Traction AA, A, B, C The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades represent the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction performance.
Warning: The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics.

198

DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)

Temperature A, B, C The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, representing the tire's resistance to the generation of heat, and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. Grade C corresponds to a level of performance that all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law.

Warning: The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.

Technical Information

199

Tire Labeling

The tires that came on your vehicle have a number of markings. Those you should be aware of are described below.
Tire Size Whenever tires are replaced, they should be replaced with tires of the same size. The following is an example of tire size with an explanation of what each component means.
245/40R17 91W
245 Tire width in millimeters.
40 Aspect ratio (the tire's section height as a percentage of its width).
R Tire construction code (R indicates radial).
17 Rim diameter in inches.

91 Load index (a numerical code associated with the maximum load the tire can carry).
W Speed symbol (an alphabetical code indicating the maximum speed rating).
Tire Identification Number The tire identification number (TIN) is a group of numbers and letters that look like this example:
DOT B97R FW6X 2202
DOT This indicates that the tire meets all requirements of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
B97R Manufacturer's identification mark.
FW6X Tire type code.
2202 Date of manufacture.

Maximum Tire Pressure Max Press The maximum air pressure the tire can hold.
Maximum Tire Load Max Load The maximum load the tire can carry at maximum air pressure.

200

Emissions Controls

The burning of gasoline in your vehicle's engine produces several byproducts. Some of these are carbon monoxide (CO), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), and hydrocarbons (HC). Gasoline evaporating from the tank also produces hydrocarbons. Controlling the production of NOx, CO, and HC is important to the environment. Under certain conditions of sunlight and climate, NOx and HC react to form photochemical ``smog.'' Carbon monoxide does not contribute to smog creation, but it is a poisonous gas.

The Clean Air Act The United States Clean Air Act sets standards for automobile emissions. It also requires that automobile manufacturers explain to owners how their emissions controls work and what to do to maintain them. This section summarizes how the emissions controls work. Scheduled maintenance is on page 139 .
In Canada, Honda vehicles comply with the Canadian emission requirements, as specified in an agreement with Environment Canada, at the time they are manufactured.
Crankcase Emissions Control System Your vehicle has a positive crankcase ventilation system. This keeps gasses that build up in the engine's crankcase from going into the atmosphere. The positive

crankcase ventilation valve routes them from the crankcase back to the intake manifold. They are then drawn into the engine and burned.
Evaporative Emissions Control System As gasoline evaporates in the fuel tank, an evaporative emissions control canister filled with charcoal adsorbs the vapor. It is stored in this canister while the engine is off. After the engine is started and warmed up, the vapor is drawn into the engine and burned during driving.
Onboard Refueling Vapor Recovery The onboard refueling vapor recovery (ORVR) system captures the fuel vapors during refueling. The vapors are adsorbed in a canister filled with activated carbon. While driving, the fuel vapors are drawn into the engine and burned off.

201

Technical Information

Emissions Controls

Exhaust Emissions Controls The exhaust emissions controls include three systems: PGM-FI, ignition timing control, and three way catalytic converter. These three systems work together to control the engine's combustion and minimize the amount of HC, CO, and NOx that comes out the tailpipe. The exhaust emissions control systems are separate from the crankcase and evaporative emissions control systems.
PGM-FI System The PGM-FI System uses sequential multiport fuel injection. It has three subsystems: air intake, engine control, and fuel control. The engine control module (ECM) uses various sensors to determine how much air is going into the engine. It then controls how much fuel to inject under all operating conditions.

Ignition Timing Control System This system constantly adjusts the ignition timing, reducing the amount of HC, CO, and NOx produced.
Three Way Catalytic Converter The three way catalytic converter is in the exhaust system. Through chemical reactions, it converts HC, CO, and NOx in the engine's exhaust to carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen (N2), and water vapor.

Replacement Parts The emissions control systems are designed and certified to work together in reducing emissions to levels that comply with the Clean Air Act. To make sure the emissions remain low, you should use only new Honda replacement parts or their equivalent for repairs. Using lower quality parts may increase the emissions from your vehicle.
The emissions control systems are covered by warranties separate from the rest of your vehicle. Read your warranty manual for more information.

202

Three Way Catalytic Converter

The three way catalytic converter contains precious metals that serve as catalysts, promoting chemical reactions to convert the exhaust gasses without affecting the metals. The catalytic converter is referred to as a three-way catalyst, since it acts on HC, CO, and NOx. A replacement unit must be an original Honda part or its equivalent.
The three way catalytic converter must operate at a high temperature for the chemical reactions to take place. It can set on fire any combustible materials that come near it. Park your vehicle away from high grass, dry leaves, or other flammables.

THREE WAY CATALYTIC CONVERTER
A defective three way catalytic converter contributes to air pollution, and can impair your engine's performance. Follow these guidelines to protect your vehicle's three way catalytic converter.
Always use unleaded gasoline. Even a small amount of leaded gasoline can contaminate the catalyst metals, making the three way catalytic converter ineffective.

Keep the engine tuned-up.
Have your vehicle diagnosed and repaired if it is misfiring, backfiring, stalling, or otherwise not running properly.

Technical Information

203

State Emissions Testing

Testing of Readiness Codes If you take your vehicle for a state emissions test shortly after the battery has been disconnected or gone dead, it may not pass the test. This is because of certain ``readiness codes'' that must be set in the onboard diagnostics for the emissions systems. These codes are erased when the battery is disconnected, and set again only after several days of driving under a variety of conditions.
If the testing facility determines that the readiness codes are not set, you will be requested to return at a later date to complete the test. If you must get the vehicle retested within the next two or three days, you can condition the vehicle for retesting by doing the following.
Make sure the gas tank is nearly, but not completely, full (around 3/4).
204

Make sure the vehicle has been parked with the engine off for 6 hours or more.
Make sure the ambient temperature is between 40° and 95°F.
Without touching the accelerator pedal, start the engine, and let it idle for 20 seconds.
Keep the vehicle in Neutral. Increase the engine speed to 2,000 rpm, and hold it there until the temperature gauge rises to at least 1/4 of the scale (about 3 minutes).
Select a nearby lightly traveled major highway where you can maintain a speed of 50 to 60 mph (80 to 97 km/h) for at least 20 minutes. Drive on the highway in 5th. Do not use the cruise control. When traffic allows, drive for 90 seconds without moving the

accelerator pedal. (Vehicle speed may vary slightly; this is okay.) If you cannot do this for a continuous 90 seconds because of traffic conditions, drive for at least 30 seconds, then repeat it two more times (for a total of 90 seconds).
Then drive in city/suburban traffic for at least 10 minutes. When traffic conditions allow, let the vehicle coast for several seconds without using the accelerator pedal or the brake pedal.
If the testing facility determines the readiness codes are still not set, see your dealer.

Warranty and Customer Relations

Warranty and Customer Relations
Customer Service Information................................. 206
Warranty Coverages ..................... 207 Reporting Safety Defects
(U.S. Vehicles) ........................... 208 Authorized Manuals ...................... 209
205

Customer Service Information

Honda dealership personnel are trained professionals. They should be able to answer all your questions. If you encounter a problem that your dealership does not solve to your satisfaction, please discuss it with the dealership's management. The service manager or general manager can help. Almost all problems are solved in this way.
If you are dissatisfied with the decision made by the dealership's management, contact your Honda Customer Service Office.
U.S. Owners:
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Automobile Customer Service Mail Stop 500-2N-7A 1919 Torrance Boulevard Torrance, California 90501-2746
Tel: (800) 999-1009

Canadian Owners:
CUSTOMER RELATIONS RELATIONS AVEC LA CLIENTÉLE Honda Canada Inc. 715 Milner Avenue Toronto, ON M1B 2K8
Tel: 1-888-9-HONDA-9 Fax: Toll-free 1-877-939-0909
Toronto (416) 287-4776
In Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands:
Vortex Motor Corp. Bella International P.O. Box 190816 San Juan, PR 00919-0816
Tel: (787) 620-7028

When you call or write, please give us this information:
Vehicle identification number (see page 194 )
Name and address of the dealer who services your vehicle
Date of purchase
Mileage on your vehicle
Your name, address, and telephone number
A detailed description of the problem
Name of the dealer who sold the vehicle to you

206

Warranty Coverages

Warranty and Customer Relations

U.S. Owners Your new vehicle is covered by these warranties:
New Vehicle Limited Warranty covers your new vehicle, except for the battery, emissions control systems, and accessories, against defects in materials and workmanship.
Emissions Control Systems Defects Warranty and Emissions Performance Warranty these two warranties cover your vehicle's emissions control systems. Time, mileage, and coverage are conditional. Please read your warranty booklet for exact information.
Original Equipment Battery Limited Warranty this warranty gives up to 100 percent credit toward a replacement battery.

Seat Belt Limited Warranty a seat belt that fails to function properly is covered for the useful life of the vehicle.
Rust Perforation Limited Warranty all exterior body panels are covered for rust-through from the inside for the specified time period with no mileage limit.
Accessory Limited Warranty Honda accessories are covered under this warranty. Time and mileage limits depend on the type of accessory and other factors. Please read your warranty booklet for details.
Replacement Parts Limited Warranty covers all Honda replacement parts against defects in materials and workmanship.

Replacement Battery Limited Warranty provides prorated coverage for a replacement battery purchased from your dealer.
Replacement Muffler Lifetime Limited Warranty provides coverage for as long as the purchaser of the muffler owns the vehicle.
Restrictions and exclusions apply to all these warranties. Please read the 2006 Honda warranty information booklet that came with your vehicle for precise information on warranty coverages. Your vehicle's original tires are covered by their manufacturer. Tire warranty information is in a separate booklet.
Canadian Owners Please refer to the 2006 warranty manual that came with your vehicle.

207

Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Vehicles)

If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your dealer, or American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

To contact NHTSA, you may call the Vehicle Safety Hotline toll-free at 1888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153); go to http://www.safercar.gov; or write to: Administrator, NHTSA, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, 20590.
You can also obtain other
information about motor vehicle
safety from http://www.safercar.gov.

208

Authorized Manuals

Purchasing Factory Authorized Manuals (U.S. only)
The publications shown below can be purchased from Helm Incorporated. You can order in any of three ways:
Detach and mail the order form on the right half of this page Call Helm Inc. at 1-800-782-4356 (credit card orders only) Go online at www. helminc. com If you are interested in other years or models, contact Helm Inc. at 1-800-782-4356.

Publication

From Description

Price

Form Number

Each

61S2A06

2000-2006 Honda S2000

$75.00

Service Manual

61S2A06EL

2000-2006 Honda S2000

$50.00

Electrical Troubleshooting Manual

61S2A30

2000-2006 Honda S2000

$44.00

Body Repair Manual

31S2A660

2006 Honda S2000

$35.00

Owner's Manual

31S2AM10

2006 Honda S2000

$12.00

Honda Service History

31S2AQ30

2006 Honda S2000

$12.00

Quick Start Guide

HON-R

Order Form for Previous Years-

FREE

Indicate Year and Model Desired

Prices are subject to change without notice and without incurring obligation.

Valid only for sales within the United States. Canadian owners should contact their authorized Honda dealer.

ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-782-4356
(NOTE: For Credit Card Holder Orders Only) Monday-Friday 8:00 A.M. 6:00 P.M. EST MINIMUM CREDIT CARD PURCHASE $10.00
OR
By completing this form you can order the materials desired. You can pay by check or money order, or charge to your credit card. Mail to Helm Incorporated at the address shown on the back of the order form.

PUBLICATION NUMBER

VEHICLE MODEL

Qty

Name

Year

Price Each

Total Price

Prices are subject to change without notice and without incurring obligation.
Orders are mailed within 10 days. Please allow adequate time for delivery.

TOTAL MATERIAL
Mich. Purchases Add 6% Sales Tax
HANDLING CHARGE

$6.95

GRAND TOTAL

209

Authorized Manuals

NOTE: Dealers and Companies please provide dealer or company name, and also the name of the person to whose attention the shipment should be sent. For purchases outside U.S.A. please write to the address shown below for a quotation.

Customer Name

Attention

Street Address No P.O. Box Number

City

( Daytime Telephone Number

)

Apartment Number State & Zip Code

Check or money order enclosed payable to Helm Inc U.S. funds only. Do not send cash

Master Card
Account Number

VISA

Check here if your billing address is different from the shipping address shown above.
Expiration: Mo. Yr.

CUSTOMER SIGNATURE

DATE

These Publications cannot be returned for credit without receiving advance authorization within 14 days of delivery. On returns, a restocking fee may be applied against the original order.

210

P.O. BOX 07280·DETROIT, MICHIGAN 48207·1-800-782-4356

Service Manual: This manual covers maintenance and recommended procedures for repair to engine and chassis components. It is written for the journeyman mechanic, but is simple enough for most mechanically-inclined owners to understand.
Electrical Troubleshooting Manual: This manual complements the service manual by providing in-depth troubleshooting information for each electrical circuit in your vehicle.
Body Repair Manual: This manual describes the procedures involved in the replacement of damaged body parts.

Index

A
Accessories..................................... 113 ACCESSORY (Ignition Key
Position)........................................ 62 Accessory Power Socket ................ 78 Additives, Engine Oil..................... 144 Airbag (SRS) ................................ 9, 20 Air Conditioning System................. 82
Usage............................................. 84 Air Pressure, Tires ........................ 162 Alcohol in Gasoline........................ 108 AM/FM Stereo Radio
Reception ...................................... 89 Antifreeze ....................................... 146 Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
Indicator................................ 47, 127 Operation .................................... 126 Anti-theft Steering Column Lock .. 61 Anti-theft System........................... 102 Audio Panel....................................... 79 Audio System ................................... 86 Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners .... 18 Automatic Speed Control.............. 103

B
Back-up Light Replacement ......... 156 Battery
Charging System Indicator............................ 46, 182
Jump Starting ............................. 178 Maintenance............................... 166 Specifications ............................. 197 Before Driving ............................... 107 Belts, Seat ..................................... 8, 16 Beverage Holder.............................. 78 Booster Seats ................................... 37 Brakes ............................................. 125 Anti-lock System (ABS)............ 126 Break-in, New Linings .............. 108 Fluid ............................................ 151 Parking.......................................... 75 System Design ........................... 126 System Indicator.................. 46, 184 Wear Indicators ......................... 126 Braking System.............................. 125 Break-in, New Vehicle .................. 108 Brightness Control, Instruments... 58 Brights, Headlights ......................... 57

Bulb Replacement.......................... 152 Back-up Lights ........................... 156 Headlights .................................. 152 Side Turn Signal Lights ............ 155 Specifications ............................. 197 Turn Signal Lights............. 154, 156
Bulbs, Halogen............................... 152
C
Capacities Chart............................. 196 Carbon Monoxide Hazard .............. 40 Cargo, How to Carry ..................... 115 CAUTION, Explanation of ............... ii CD Care ............................................ 98 CD Changer...................................... 98 CD Changer Error Messages ...... 100 CD Error Messages......................... 99 CD Player.......................................... 96 Certification Label ......................... 194 Chains, Tires .................................. 165 Changing a Flat Tire ..................... 171
CONTINUED

INDEX

Index

Changing Oil How to......................................... 144 When to....................................... 139
Charging System Indicator .... 46, 182 Checklist, Before Driving............. 121 Child Safety ...................................... 28
Booster Seats ............................... 37 Child Seats.................................... 33 Important Safety Reminders ...... 31 Larger Children ........................... 36 Risk with Airbags ........................ 29 Small Children.............................. 32 Child Seats........................................ 33 Cleaning Seat Belts........................ 157 Clock.................................................. 54 Clutch Fluid.................................... 151 CO in the Exhaust ......................... 201 Cold Weather, Starting in ............. 122 Compact Spare Tire....................... 170 Consumer Information................ 206 Controls, Instruments and.............. 43 Convertible Top ............................... 70 Convertible Top Cover................ 72 Lowering the Convertible Top... 70 Maintenance................................. 74 Raising the Convertible Top ...... 73

Coolant Adding......................................... 146 Checking..................................... 112 Proper Solution .......................... 146 Temperature Gauge .................... 52
Crankcase Emission Control System......................................... 201
Cruise Control Indicator ................. 47 Cruise Control Operation ............. 103 Cup Holder ....................................... 78 Customer Service Office .............. 206
D
DANGER, Explanation of ................. ii Dashboard .................................... 3, 44 Dashboard Lower Pocket ............... 79 Daytime Running Lights................. 57 Daytime Running Lights
Indicator........................................ 48 Dead Battery .................................. 178 Defects, Reporting Safety .......... 208 Defogger, Rear Window ................. 59 Defrosting the Windows................. 85 Differential Fluid ........................... 150 Dimensions..................................... 196

Dimming the Headlights ................ 57 Dipstick
Engine Oil................................... 111 Directional Signals........................... 57 Disc Brake Wear Indicators......... 126 Disposal of Used Oil...................... 146 Do Not Tow a Trailer .................... 129 Doors
Locking and Unlocking............... 63 Monitor Indicator ........................ 47 Power Door Locks....................... 63 DOT Tire Quality Grading ......... 198 Downshifting, Manual Transmission.............................. 123 Driver and Passenger Safety............ 5 Driving ............................................ 119 Economy ..................................... 112 Driving Guidelines......................... 120 Dust and Pollen Filter ................... 158
E
Economy, Fuel ............................... 112 Emergencies................................... 169
Battery, Jump Starting .............. 178 Brake System Indicator ............ 184

Index

Changing a Flat Tire ................. 171 Charging System Indicator ...... 182 Checking the Fuses................... 186 Closing the Convertible Top .... 185 Hazard Warning Flashers .......... 57 Jump Starting ............................. 178 Low Oil Pressure Indicator ...... 182 Malfunction Indicator Lamp .... 183 Overheated Engine ................... 179 Towing ........................................ 191 Emergency Brake............................ 76 Emergency Flashers ....................... 58 Emergency Towing ....................... 191 Emergency Trunk Opener ............. 64 Emissions Controls........................ 201 Emissions Testing, State .............. 204 Engine Adding Engine Coolant............. 146 Coolant Temperature Gauge ..... 52 If It Won't Start .......................... 176 Malfunction Indicator
Lamp ................................. 47, 183 Oil Life Indicator........................ 133 Oil Pressure Indicator......... 46, 182 Oil, What Kind to Use ............... 143 Overheating................................ 179

Specifications ............................. 196 Speed Limiter............................. 124 Start Button ................................ 122 Starting........................................ 122 Ethanol in Gasoline ....................... 108 Evaporative Emission Controls.... 201 Exhaust Fumes ................................ 40 Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat Belts by ......................................... 14
F
Fan, Interior...................................... 83 Features ............................................ 81 Filling the Fuel Tank..................... 109 Filters
Dust and Pollen.......................... 158 Oil ................................................ 144 Flashers, Hazard Warning.............. 58 Flat Tire, Changing a .................... 171 Fluids Brake........................................... 151 Clutch.......................................... 151 Manual Transmission ............... 149 Windshield Washer ................... 148 Four-way Flashers ........................... 58

Fuel.................................................. 108 Fill Door and Cap....................... 109 Gauge ............................................ 52 Low Fuel Indicator ...................... 49 Octane Requirement ................. 108 Oxygenated ................................ 108 Tank, Refueling ......................... 109
Fuel Economy ................................ 112 Fuel Station Procedures ............... 109 Fuses, Checking the...................... 186
G
Gas Mileage, Improving................ 112 Gasohol ........................................... 108 Gasoline .......................................... 108
Gauge ............................................ 52 Low Fuel Indicator ...................... 49 Octane Requirement ................. 108 Tank, Refueling ......................... 109 Gauges .............................................. 51 Engine Coolant Temperature .... 52 Fuel................................................ 52
CONTINUED

III

INDEX

Index

Gearshift Lever Positions Manual Transmission ............... 124
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).............................. 116, 196
H
Halogen Headlight Bulbs.............. 152 Hazard Warning Flashers............... 58 Headlights
Aiming......................................... 152 Daytime Running Lights............. 57 High Beam Indicator................... 48 Reminder Tone ............................ 57 Replacing Halogen Bulbs ......... 152 Turning on.................................... 57 Heating and Cooling System.......... 82 High Beam Lever............................. 57 Hood, Opening the ........................ 110 Horn................................................... 55 Hydraulic Clutch............................ 151
I
Identification Number, Vehicle ........................................ 194

Ignition Keys............................................... 60 Switch............................................ 62 Timing Control System............. 201
Immobilizer System......................... 61 Important Safety Precautions .......... 6 Indicators
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake)............... 47 Brake (Parking and Brake
System)............................. 47, 184 Charging System ................. 46, 182 Cruise Control.............................. 47 Door-open ..................................... 47 DRL(Daytime Running
Lights)....................................... 48 EPS (Electrical Power
Steering) ................................... 47 High Beam.................................... 48 Key (Immobilizer System) ......... 49 Low Fuel ....................................... 49 Low Oil Pressure ................. 46, 182 Maintenance Required................ 50 Malfunction Indicator
Lamp ................................. 47, 183 Seat Belt........................................ 46 SRS ................................................ 47

Trunk-open ................................... 47 Turn Signal and Hazard
Warning .................................... 48 VSA (Vehicle Stability Assist) ... 50 Indicators, Instrument Panel.......... 46 Inflation, Proper Tire .................... 161 Recommended Pressures......... 162 Inside Mirror .................................... 75 Inspection, Tire .............................. 162 Installing a Child Seat ..................... 33 Instrument Panel ............................. 45 Instrument Panel Brightness ......... 58 Interior Lights .................................. 80 Introduction......................................... i
J
Jacking Up the Vehicle ................. 172 Jack, Tire ........................................ 171 Jump Starting ................................. 178
K
Keys................................................... 60

Index

L
Label, Certification ........................ 194 Lane Change, Signaling .................. 57 Lap/Shoulder Belts ................... 12, 16 Lights
Bulb Replacement ..................... 152 Indicator........................................ 46 Turn Signal ................................... 57 Load Limits..................................... 116 LOCK (Ignition Key Position) ....... 62 Locks Anti-theft Steering Column ........ 62 Fuel Fill Door ............................. 109 Power Door .................................. 63 Trunk ............................................ 63 Low Coolant Level......................... 112 Low Fuel Indicator .......................... 49 Low Oil Pressure Indicator .... 46, 182 Lubricant Specifications Chart .... 196 Luggage, Storing (Cargo) ............ 115
M
Maintenance................................... 131 Minder......................................... 133

Minder Indicator.......................... 50 Owner's Maintenance
Checks .................................... 138 Record......................................... 140 Safety........................................... 132 Malfunction Indicator Lamp .. 47, 183 Manual Transmission.................... 123 Manual Transmission Fluid ......... 149 Meters, Gauges................................ 51 Methanol in Gasoline .................... 108 Mirrors, Adjusting ........................... 75 Modifying Your Vehicle................ 114
N
New Vehicle Break-in ................... 108 Normal Shift Speeds...................... 124 NOTICE, Explanation of.................... i Numbers, Identification................ 194
O
Octane Requirement, Gasoline.... 108 Odometer.......................................... 51 Odometer, Trip ................................ 51

Oil Change, How to ......................... 144 Change, When to ....................... 139 Checking Engine ....................... 111 Pressure Indicator ............... 46, 182 Selecting Proper Viscosity Chart ....................................... 144
ON (Ignition Key Position) ............ 62 Onboard Refueling Vapor
Recovery ..................................... 201 Opening the Trunk.......................... 63 Outside Mirrors ............................... 75 Outside Temperature Indicator..... 52 Overheating, Engine ..................... 179 Owner's Maintenance Checks ..... 138 Oxygenated Fuels.......................... 108
P
Panel Brightness Control ............... 58 Parking............................................ 125 Parking Brake .................................. 76 Parking Brake and Brake System
Indicator...................................... 184
CONTINUED

INDEX

Index

Parking Lights.................................. 57 PGM-FI System.............................. 202 Pollen Filter .................................... 158 Power Door Locks........................... 63 Power Socket Location ................... 77 Power Windows ............................... 68 Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts .......... 14 Preparing to Drive ......................... 121 Protecting Adults and Teens.......... 10
Additional Safety Precautions.... 15 Advice for Pregnant Women...... 14 Protecting Children ......................... 28 General Guidelines ...................... 28 Protecting Larger Children ........ 36 Protecting Small Children .......... 32
R
Radiator Overheating.................... 179 Radio/CD Sound System................ 86 Radio Theft Protection.................. 102 Readiness Codes.................... 183, 204 Rear Lights, Bulb Replacement ... 156 Rear View Mirror............................. 75 Rear Window Defogger .................. 59 Reclining the Seat-backs................. 67

Recommended Shift Speeds ........ 124 Recovery Vehicle, Emergency
Towing ........................................ 191 Refueling......................................... 109 Reminder Indicators........................ 45 Remote Transmitter........................ 65 Replacement Information
Dust and Pollen Filter ............... 158 Engine Oil and Filter ................. 144 Fuses ........................................... 186 Light Bulbs ................................. 152 Schedule ..................................... 133 Tires ............................................ 164 Wiper Blades.............................. 159 Replacing Seat Belts After a Crash ............................................. 18 Reporting Safety Defects ........... 208 Reserve Tank, Engine Coolant................................ 112, 146 Restraint, Child ................................ 28 Reverse Lockout ............................ 124 Rotation, Tire ................................. 163
S
Safety Belts................................... 8, 16

Safety Defects, Reporting .......... 208 Safety Features .................................. 7
Airbags............................................ 9 Seat Belts ........................................ 8 Safety Labels, Location of .............. 41 Safety Messages ................................ ii Satellite Radio................................. 91 Seat Belts ...................................... 8, 16 Additional Information................ 16 Advice for Pregnant Women...... 14 Automatic Seat Belt
Tensioners................................ 18 Cleaning ...................................... 157 Lap/Shoulder Belt....................... 17 Maintenance................................. 18 Reminder Indicator and
Beeper................................. 16, 46 System Components.................... 16 Use During Pregnancy................ 14 Seats, Adjusting the......................... 67 Serial Number ................................ 194 Service Intervals ............................ 139 Service Manual ............................ 209 Service Station Procedures .......... 109 Setting the Clock ............................. 54

Index

Shifting Manual Transmission ............... 123
Side Turn Signal, Bulb Replacement............................... 155
Signaling Turns................................ 57 Snow Tires...................................... 165 Sound System................................... 86 Spare Tire
Inflating....................................... 162 Specifications ............................. 197 Spark Plugs..................................... 196 Specifications ................................. 196 Speed Control................................. 103 Speed Limiter ................................. 124 SRS, Additional Information........... 20 Additional Safety Precautions.... 27 Airbag Service.............................. 27 Airbag System Components....... 20 How the SRS Indicator
Works........................................ 25 How Your Front Airbags
Work.......................................... 22 SRS Indicator.............................. 25, 47 Start Button .................................... 122

Starting the Engine........................ 122 In Cold Weather at High Altitude ................................... 122 With a Dead Battery ................. 178
State Emissions Testing ............... 204 Steam Coming from Engine......... 179 Steering Wheel
Anti-theft Column Lock .............. 62 Stereo Sound System ...................... 86 Storing Your Vehicle ..................... 167 Stuck Vehicle ................................. 191 Supplemental Restraint System
Servicing ................................... 27 SRS Indicator.......................... 25, 47 System Components.................... 20 Synthetic Oil................................... 144
T
Taillights, Changing Bulbs ........... 156 Taking Care of the Unexpected .. 169 Technical Descriptions
DOT Tire Quality Grading ..... 198 Emissions Control Systems...... 201 Three Way Catalytic
Converter................................ 203

Temperature Gauge ........................ 52 Tensioners, Seat Belts .................... 18 Theft Protection, Radio................. 102 Three Way Catalytic Converter... 203 Time, Setting the ............................. 54 Tire Chains ..................................... 165 Tire, How to Change a Flat .......... 171 Tire Labeling.................................. 200 Tires ................................................ 161
Air Pressure ............................... 162 Balancing .................................... 163 Chains ......................................... 165 Checking Wear .......................... 162 Compact Spare Tire .................. 170 DOT Tire Quality Grading ..... 198 Inflation....................................... 161 Inspection ................................... 162 Replacing .................................... 164 Rotation, Do not......................... 163 Snow ............................................ 165 Specifications ............................. 197 Wear ............................................ 163 Tools, Tire Changing .................... 171
CONTINUED

VII

INDEX

Index

Towing A Trailer, Do Not ....................... 129 Emergency Wrecker ................. 191
Trailer, Do Not Tow a ................... 129 Transmission
Checking Fluid Level, Manual Transmission.......................... 149
Fluid Selection............................ 149 Identification Number............... 195 Shifting the Manual
Transmission.......................... 123 Treadwear ...................................... 198 Trip Meter ........................................ 51 Trunk................................................. 63
Emergency Trunk Opener ......... 64 Opening the.................................. 63 Open Monitor Indicator .............. 47 Turn Signals ..................................... 57
U
Unexpected, Taking Care of the ........................................... 169
Uniform Tire Quality Grading ... 198 Unleaded Gasoline......................... 108 Used Oil, How to Dispose of ........ 146

V
Vehicle Capacity Load .................. 116 Vehicle Dimensions....................... 196 Vehicle Identification Number..... 194 Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA)
System..................................... 128 VSA System Indicator ................. 50 VSA Activation Indicator ............ 50 VSA Off Switch .......................... 129 Vehicle Storage.............................. 167 Ventilation......................................... 84 VIN .................................................. 194 Viscosity, Oil................................... 144
W
WARNING, Explanation of .............. ii Warning Labels, Location of .......... 41 Warranty Coverages ................... 207 Washer, Windshield
Checking the Fluid Level ......... 148 Operation ...................................... 56 Wheels ............................................ 164 Alignment and Balance............. 163 Wrench, Nut............................... 172

Windows, Operating the Power..... 67 Windshield
Cleaning ........................................ 56 Defroster ...................................... 85 Washers ........................................ 56 Wipers, Windshield Changing Blades........................ 159 Operation ...................................... 56 Worn Tires ..................................... 163 Wrecker, Emergency Towing...... 191
X
XM Satellite Radio ......................... 91
: U.S. only

VIII

Service Information Summary

Gasoline: Premium unleaded gasoline, pump octane number of 91 or higher.
Fuel Tank Capacity: 13.2 US gal (50 )
Recommended Engine Oil: API premium grade 10W-30 detergent oil (see page 143 ).
Oil change capacity (including filter):
5.1 US qt (4.8 )

Manual Transmission Fluid: Honda Manual Transmission Fluid preferred, or an SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 motor oil as a temporary replacement (see page 149 ).
Capacity: 1.7 US qt (1.6 )
Brake Fluid: Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3 preferred, or a DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid as a temporary replacement (see page 151 ).

Tire Pressure (measured cold): Front:
32 psi (220 kPa , 2.2 kgf/cm )
Rear: 32 psi (220 kPa , 2.2 kgf/cm )
Spare Tire Pressure: Front:
60 psi (420 kPa , 4.2 kgf/cm )