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Honda 1991 Civic Wagon Online Reference Owner's Manual
Honda 1991 Civic Wagon Online Reference Owner's Manual

Honda 1991 Civic Wagon Online Reference Owner's Manual

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1991 Civic Wagon 4WD 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.
Owner's Identification
Features & Safety ................................................................................................................................
What you should know before driving your car.
Starting & Driving.............................................................................................................................
What gas to use, how to change gears, etc.
Maintenance .......................................................................................................................................
The Required Maintenance Schedule and some items you can service.
Emergency Service ..........................................................................................................................
Changing a flat, jump starting, towing.
Specifications ...................................................................................................................................
Dimensions, weights and capacities.
Consumer Information ....................................................................................................................
Reporting Safety Detects, warranty service, vehicle identification numbers, etc.
Index ................................................................................................................................................
Gas Station Information
Contents
2
39
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97
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108
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118

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Summary of Contents for Honda 1991 Civic Wagon

  • Page 1 1991 Civic Wagon 4WD 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 Features & Safety ..........................
  • Page 2 DEALER'S SIGNATURE The information and specifications included in this publication were in effect at the time of approval for printing. Honda Motor Co., Ltd. reserves the right however, to discontinue or change specifications or design at any time without notice and without incurring any...
  • Page 3 Honda CIVIC Wagon and CIVIC Wagon with Real Time Four-Wheel Drive (4WD). ® We urge you to read it carefully, become familiar with the controls it describes, and follow its recommendations, to help make your driving trouble-free and enjoyable.
  • Page 4 Keys and Locks Keys Two identical keys come with your car. You should keep one of them in a safe place, away from the car, as a spare. Also write down the number stamped on the key and keep it in your wallet or purse in case you ever need to have a duplicate made.
  • Page 5 Keys and Locks (cont'd) Tailgate Lock To open the tailgate from outside, put the ignition key in the lock and turn clockwise. The tailgate can also be opened inside the car by pulling the tailgate release lever up at the left side of the driver's seat. It locks automatically when closed.
  • Page 6 Seats Front Seat Adjust the seat position by pulling up on the adjustment lever under the front edge of the seat cushion, and sliding the seat to the desired position. Then release the lever and make sure the seat is locked in position by moving it back and forth.
  • Page 7 Seats (cont'd) Head Restraints The head restraints are designed to help reduce injuries due to whiplash. They are located at the top of each seat-back and have several height positions. They can be adjusted by pulling up to the recommended position. To lower them, slide the button next to the restraint's height bar, while pushing the restraint down.
  • Page 8 Pull up CAUTION: Make sure to fold the front seat-back forward whenever you attempt to fold up or down the rear seat-back, or you may damage the release located on top of the rear seat-back. Weight limits shown on the label located in the glove box must be observed.
  • Page 9 Seat Belts Your Honda is provided with seat belts to minimize the chance of injury to yourself and your passengers in a sudden stop or accident. For precautions on using seat belts for children, babies and pregnant women, see pages —...
  • Page 10 Normal movement of the shoulder belt buckle may cause injury. Be sure all parts of your body, especially fingers and hands, are clear of the shoulder buckle while it is moving. CAUTION: If the sunvisor is positioned near the door area, movement of the seat belt buckle can damage the sunvisor.
  • Page 11 Seat Belts (cont'd) Avoid placing the lap belt across your abdomen. In the event of a collision, the pressure of the belt on the abdomen may increase the extent of injury. Never use one belt for more than one person, child or adult. Comfort clips sold on the open market are not recommended since they could impair the function and safety of the belts.
  • Page 12 Emergency Belt Release (see page When the system does not function by either method, have the system checked by an authorized Honda dealer. If the lights and beeper do not function at all or if they come on even with the belts latched and doors fully closed, it indicates a malfunction in the seat belt system.
  • Page 13 Seat Belts (cont'd) Buckling the Rear Seat Belts In the rear seat, there are t w o one-piece combination lap/shoulder belts and a center lap belt. The seat-backs and seat belts provide best restraint when the occupant is sitting well back and straight up in the seat. The right and left rear seat belts are one-piece combination lap/ shoulder belts with an emergency locking retractor designed to lock only during a sudden stop or impact.
  • Page 14 3. To release the seat belt, push the "PRESS" button in the buckle; the belt should retract automatically when released. If the belt does not fully retract, pull it out and check for kinks or twists. CAUTION: Make sure both rear shoulder belts are positioned in front of the rear seat-backs whenever the seat-backs are in their upright position.
  • Page 15 Seat Belts (cont'd) Child Restraint Children riding in the car should be restrained to minimize the risk of injury in an accident, sudden stop or sudden maneuver. According to accident statistics provided to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), children are safer when properly restrained in the rear seating positions than in the front seat.
  • Page 16 When the child restraint system is not in use, remove it from the car or secure it with the seat belt to keep it from becoming a projectile in the event of an accident. NOTE: See your Honda dealer for installation of the child restraint system.
  • Page 17 Seat Belts (cont'd) Pregnant Women A pregnant woman should use the shoulder and lap belts to help lessen the chance of injury and/or the amount of injury in an accident. It is desirable that a pregnant woman ask her doctor at each medical check-up if she can drive, and also ask about the most appropriate way of wearing the lap/shoulder belt.
  • Page 18 Instrument Panel LIGHT SWITCH/ TURN SIGNAL/ HI/LO BEAM SWITCH DIGITAL WIPER/ CLOCK WASHER SWITCH H E A T I N G / DASH COOLING DASH CORNER HORN CONTROL CORNER VENT BUTTON CENTER PANEL VENT VENTS HOOD RELEASE HANDLE GLOVE BOX FUSE ASHTRAY IGNITION...
  • Page 19 Instrument Panel (cont'd) CIVIC WAGON SHIFT LEVER POSITION ODOMETER TACHOMETER INDICATOR (Automatic Trans. only) SPEEDOMETER TRIP METER TRIP METER COOLANT RESET BUTTON TEMPERATURE GAUGE FUEL GAUGE SHIFT LEVER POSITION INDICATOR TACHOMETER (Automatic ODOMETER Trans. only) SPEEDOMETER COOLANT TRIP METER TEMPERATURE FUEL GAUGE GAUGE TRIP...
  • Page 20 Gauges Speedometer The speed is indicated in miles per hour (outside scale) and kilometers per hour (inside scale). Odometer The numbers on the odometer indicate miles. The odometer registers total distance traveled, and serves as your guide for determining when periodic maintenance is due. Federal law makes it illegal to alter the odometer of any motor vehicle with the intent to change the number of miles indicated.
  • Page 21 It will also come on, and remain on, if there is a malfunction in the emission control system. If the light comes on while driving, avoid driving at high speed, and have the system checked by a Honda dealer as soon as possible.
  • Page 22 (see page Even if the oil level is correct, the engine should be checked by a Honda dealer before the car is driven again. NOTE: The oil pressure warning light will only light as a result of low oil pressure.
  • Page 23 Warning and Indicator Lights (cont'd) CIVIC WAGON Parking Brake/Brake Failure Warning Light BRAKE Check the brake warning light every time you start the car. With the parking brake set, the warning light should go on when the ignition switch is turned to II or III. With the parking brake released, the light should go on when the ignition switch is turned to III.
  • Page 24 Tilt Steering Tilt Steering The steering wheel position can be adjusted to suit the driver preference. 1. Push the lever located on the left side of the steering column all the way down and hold it while ad- justing the steering wheel to the desired position.
  • Page 25 Windshield Wipers/Washer/Defogger Windshield Wipers Switch the wipers to INT for inter- mittent operation; LO for low speed operation; and HI for high speed operation. In fog or very light rain, push the lever down to the MIST position for temporary high speed operation of the wipers.
  • Page 26 Rear Window Wiper/Washer Switch to " O N " to activate the rear WIPER wiper. Turn and hold the switch one more step clockwise to " " to activate the washer and wiper; or turn and hold the switch one step counterclockwise from "OFF"...
  • Page 27 Parking Brake and Mirrors Parking Brake To apply the parking brake, pull up Pull up on the lever. To release it, pull up slightly, push the button, and lower the lever; when fully released, the BRAKE warning light will go out. Rearview Mirrors Keep the inside and outside mirrors clean and adjusted for best visibility.
  • Page 28 Lights Turn Signals FIRST RIGHT TURN Push the turn signal lever down to signal a left turn, and up for a right STOP turn. The indicator and appropriate signal lights will blink. The lever will return automatically to its original FIRST position when the steering wheel is STOP...
  • Page 29 Lights (cont'd) Hazard Warning System This system should be used only when your car is stopped under emergency or hazardous conditions. To activate, push the hazard warn- Push ing switch ( ). The front and rear turn signals will blink simultaneously and both indicator lights will flash.
  • Page 30 Luggage Area Light The luggage area light has a two-position switch. In the first position it is OFF all the time, in the second position it goes ON only when the tailgate is opened.
  • Page 31 Hood and Glove Box Hood To open, pull back on the handle under the left side of the dash. Pull to release The hood latch is spring-loaded, so the hood will pop up slightly. Release the safety catch under the front center of the hood by pushing the rubber-tipped handle up.
  • Page 32 Cigarette Lighter and Ashtrays Cigarette Lighter Push in to heat up. It will automati- cally release when the element is hot. DO NOT hold it in while it is Push heating up, it may overheat and damage the lighter and the heating element.
  • Page 33 Clock Digital Clock The time is displayed continuously when the ignition is on. At all other times, push in on the lid to display the time. To adjust the time: 1. Lower the lid. 2. Push the minute button (MIN.) and hold it until the numbers advance to the desired minutes.
  • Page 34 Heating and Cooling The vents, heater and air conditioner are combined in one system; adjusting four basic controls to different settings can provide a full range of interior temperatures for safe and comfortable driving. Airconditioner: optional Ventilation The flow-through ventilation system can provide fresh air to the interior when the car is moving or stopped, even with the windows closed.
  • Page 35 Heating and Cooling (cont'd) Dash Vents The corner vents can be used for flow-through ventilation, or for heating and air conditioning. When the car is moving, the driver's corner vent can also route fresh air directly from the outside by sliding the corner vent lever below it to the right and shutting it off from the heater and air conditioner system.
  • Page 36 What the Controls Do: Fan Switch Switch the fan to low (1), medium (2), medium high (3) or high (4) speed, to circulate warm, cool, or outside air, depending on where the temperature control dial and function lever are set. Whenever the fan is switched on, air flows from the dash corner vents regardless of function selection.
  • Page 37 Heating and Cooling (cont'd) NOTE: The windows may become fogged if the system is in the sition for an extended period of time with the air conditioner off. As soon as the interior is warmed, slide the lever to the posi- tion.
  • Page 38 When using the air conditioner in heavy traffic, or while driving up long hills, watch the coolant temperature gauge: if the needle moves near the " H " end of the scale, turn the air conditioner off by pushing the A/C button; leave it off until the needle goes back into the middle of the scale.
  • Page 39 Heating and Cooling (cont'd) To Defrost To defrost or defog the windshield and door windows, turn the temperature control dial clockwise, slide the function lever to the (defrost) position, and switch the fan on. If there is actual frost on the windows, first select the posi- tion.
  • Page 40 If you notice steady spark knock while holding a steady speed on a level road, try changing brands of gasoline. If the spark knock persists, consult your Honda dealer. Failure to do so is considered misuse, and misuse is not covered under the New Car Warranty.
  • Page 41 These fuels may not be available in other countries. If you intend taking your car outside the U.S. or Canada, write to American Honda Consumer Affairs (stating the year and model of your car) at the address below for information regarding modifications you may need to have done.
  • Page 42 When reinstalling the fuel cap, be sure both tabs on the cap are engaged in the slots of the filler neck and turn the cap until it stops. If you replace the cap, use only a genuine Honda replacement part or its equivalent. Failure to use the proper part could cause serious fuel system problems.
  • Page 43 Ignition Switch The combined ignition switch/anti-theft lock is located on the right side of the steering column and has four positions: 0-LOCK position: The key can be removed or inserted in this position. To remove the key, push it in at position I, then turn it to 0 and pull it out.
  • Page 44 Starting the Engine Before Starting Manual Transmission: 1. Apply the parking brake. 2. Push the clutch pedal all the way in (see NOTE below). 3. Shift the transmission to neutral. NOTE: On cars equipped with manual transmissions, the engine will not crank unless the clutch pedal is fully depressed.
  • Page 45 Safety Items Before driving away, check that: The doors are closed properly. The mirrors are properly adjusted, and the windows clean. The driver and passengers are wearing properly adjusted seat belts. The head restraints are properly adjusted. The warning and indicator lights are operating properly. The brake pedal feels normal.
  • Page 46 Engine Exhaust Gas Warning A properly maintained car is your best protection against exhaust gas entering the passenger compartment. The exhaust system should be thoroughly inspected by a compe- tent mechanic whenever: The car is raised for oil change. You notice a change in the sound of the exhaust. The exhaust system or the rear or underside of the car is damaged.
  • Page 47 Shifting the 5 or 6 Speed The fully synchronized manual transmission is very easy to shift up or down. When you slow down for traffic, steep hills, or corners, shift to a lower gear before the engine starts to labor. When de- scending steep grades, select a lower gear to help maintain a safe speed and to prevent the brakes from overheating.
  • Page 48 Clutch Pedal Adjustment Clutch pedal free travel must adjusted periodically compensate for lining wear. There should be approximately 25 mm (1 in) of pedal free travel. If not, or if the clutch seems to slip or you have difficulty shifting, have your dealer check the clutch adjustment.
  • Page 49 Shifting the 5 or 6 Speed (cont'd) Recommended Shift Speeds For best fuel economy, and effective emission control, shift at the speeds shown: CIVIC WAGON...
  • Page 50 Neutral. 4. Return the key to the ignition switch, depress the brake pedal and restart the engine. NOTE: If you encounter any problem shifting out of Park, have your authorized Honda dealer check the system as soon as possible. (cont'd)
  • Page 51 Shifting the Automatic (CIVIC WAGON) (cont'd) Operating Tips For smoother operation, apply the brakes when shifting from Neutral or Park to a forward or reverse gear. When parking: bring the car to a stop with the foot brake, hold the brake on and shift into Park, set the hand brake and then turn off the engine.
  • Page 52 Driving Technique -4th Use the D range for normal in-town and highway driving. The car will start off in 1st and shift automatically to 2nd, 3rd, and 4th. The further down you push the accelerator, the later the transmission will shift and the faster the car will accelerate. -3rd Use of D will allow the transmission to start off in 1st and shift...
  • Page 53 SHIFT LOCK RELEASE 4. Return the key to the ignition switch, depress the brake pedal and restart the engine. NOTE: If you encounter any problem shifting out of Park, have your authorized Honda dealer check the system as soon as possible.
  • Page 54 Operating Tips For smoother operation, apply the brakes when shifting from Neutral or Park to a forward or reverse gear. When parking: bring the car to a stop with the foot brake, hold the brake on and shift into Park, set the hand brake and then turn off the engine.
  • Page 55 Shifting the Automatic (4WD) (cont'd) Driving Technique D-4th Use the D range for normal in-town and highway driving. The car will start off in 1st and shift automatically to 2nd, 3rd, and 4th. The further down you push the accelerator, the later the transmission will shift and the faster the car will accelerate.
  • Page 56 2-1st/2nd Use " 2 " to increase engine braking when driving downhill and engine power when driving uphill. Using " 2 " will allow the transmission to automatically shift up or down between the 1st gear and the 2nd gear. The maximum recommended speed for the "...
  • Page 57 Real Time 4 W D The 4WD system automatically engages between the front and rear wheels. Service To prevent sudden movement of the car, which may result in personal injury, always disengage the 4 W D system manually before performing service that requires either the front or rear wheels to be raised and turning.
  • Page 58 4 W D Disengagement (Automatic Transmission) 1. Locate the disengagement plate at the rear of the transmission case behind the right front wheel. DISENGAGEMENT LEVER 2. Loosen the lock bolt in the notch on the plate. NOTE: For better accessibility, use a socket and a long extension bar. CAUTION: Do not loosen the lock bolt more than 5 —...
  • Page 59 The Required Maintenance Schedule* specifies all maintenance required to keep your car in peak operating condition. Work should be done by a Honda dealer but may be done by any qualified service facility or individual who is competent in this type of work.
  • Page 60 Check the following items at each fuel stop: 1. Engine oil level. 2. Radiator coolant level. Check the following items periodically: 1. Brakes: for braking efficiency, brake pedal travel and hydraulic fluid level. 2. Lights: for operation of headlights, taillights, side marker lights, stoplights, turn signals and back-up lights.
  • Page 61 Maintenance Schedule and Records (cont'd) : Check oil and coolant level at each fuel stop. : Under severe driving conditions, service these items twice as often. (See page 62)
  • Page 62 Required Maintenance Record • Have your servicing dealer record all Required Maintenance below. • Keep receipts for all work done on your car. (cont'd)
  • Page 63 Maintenance Schedule and Records (cont'd) Severe Driving Conditions CAUTION: The following items must be serviced more frequently on cars normally used under severe driving conditions. Refer to the chart below for the appropriate maintenance intervals. Severe driving conditions include: A: Repeated short distance driving B: Driving in dusty conditions C: Driving in severe cold weather D: Driving in areas using road salt or other corrosive materials...
  • Page 65 Fluid Locations ENGINE OIL FILLER CAP AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION POWER STEERING FLUID RESERVOIR (CIVIC WAGON with automatic FLUID DIPSTICK transmission and 4WD) BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR RADIATOR WASHER FLUID ENGINE OIL RESERVOIR CAP DIPSTICK RADIATOR RESERVOIR...
  • Page 66 Engine Oil and Filter Checking Check the engine oil a couple of minutes after shutting the engine off, with the car parked on level ground. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean. Re-insert it all the way down, then pull it out and read the level.
  • Page 67 Engine Oil and Filter (cont'd) Fuel Efficient Oil For the best fuel economy from your car, it is recommended that you use a fuel efficient SG grade oil. This oil is usually identified by the words such as: "Energy Conserving II," "Gas Saving," and "Fuel Saving,"...
  • Page 68 6. Reinstall the filler cap securely. 7. Start the engine and make sure oil is not leaking from the drain bolt or the filter. 8. Shut off the engine and recheck the oil level. NOTE: Please dispose of used motor oil in a manner that is compatible with the environment.
  • Page 69 Transmission Oil/Fluid Check Transmission oil/fluid must be checked with the engine off and the car on level ground. If the engine has been running, some engine components may be hot enough to burn you. CAUTION: If the oil/fluid level is low, check for possible leaks before adding oil.
  • Page 70 Use the proper viscosity oil for the climate in which you drive: Ambient Temperature Automatic The automatic transmission fluid level is checked (with the engine off and the car on level ground) using the dipstick in the right end of the transmission housing.
  • Page 71 Rear Differential Oil (4WD) Rear differential oil must be checked or filled with the engine off and the car on the level ground. CAUTION: When checking the rear differential oil level, remember that if the car has been running, the differential and exhaust pipe will be hot.
  • Page 72 Cooling System The engine in your Honda contains a number of aluminum parts. Therefore, it requires an antifreeze/coolant specifically formulated to protect the aluminum parts from corrosion. Failure to use a suitable antifreeze/coolant may seriously shorten the life of the engine as the result of rapid corrosion damage.
  • Page 73 Cooling System (cont'd) Checking Coolant Check the coolant level in the reserve tank when the engine is at normal operating temperature. If the level is below the MAX RESERVE TANK mark, but still visible, add a 50/50 solution of antifreeze and water to bring it up to MAX.
  • Page 74 Replacing Coolant Replace coolant at 36 months or 45,000 miles (72,000 km), which- ever comes first. Thereafter, replace every 2 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km), whichever comes first. RADIATOR COOLANT REFILL CAPACITY: Manual Transmission (CIVIC WAGON): 4.1 (1.08 US gal, 0.90 Imp gal) (4WD): (1.06 US gal, 0.88 Imp gal) Automatic Transmission...
  • Page 75 Cooling System (cont'd) FILLER 7. Loosen the air bleed bolt in the NECK thermostat housing, then fill the radiator to the filler neck with the coolant mixture. Tighten the bleed bolt as soon as coolant starts to run out in a steady Fill to here stream without bubbles.
  • Page 76 Brake Wear Both front and rear brakes should be inspected for wear at the intervals shown in the Maintenance Schedule on page 60. When the brakes require maintenance, use only genuine Honda replacement parts or their equivalent. (cont'd)
  • Page 77 Brakes (cont'd) Front Brake Wear Indicators Your car is equipped with audible brake wear indicators. When the brake pads need to be replaced, the wear indicators will make a "screeching" sound or a high pitch chirp. NOTE: Due to some driving habits or climates, brakes may "squeal" when you first apply them or when you have them partially applied;...
  • Page 78 Do not overfill. CAUTION: Use only genuine Honda power steering fluid. The use of other fluids such as A.T.F. or other manufacturer's power steering fluid will damage the system.
  • Page 79 It should be replaced at 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months whichever comes first, or any time you suspect contaminated gas may have clogged it. CAUTION: Because the fuel system is under pressure, the filter should be replaced only by a qualified Honda technician.
  • Page 80 Spark Plugs Spark plugs should be replaced every 24 months or 30,000 miles (48,000 km), whichever comes first. Recommended spark plugs: CAUTION: Never use spark plugs with an improper heat range; they will adversely affect engine performance and durability. (cont'd)
  • Page 81 Spark Plugs (cont'd) Spark Plug Replacement Replace plugs one at a time, so you don't get the wires mixed up. 1. Clean any dirt from around the spark plug base. 2. Disconnect the plug cap, then remove and discard the old plug. 3.
  • Page 82 Wiper Blades For maximum visibility, replace worn or cracked wiper blades when you notice they do not wipe the windshield cleanly or smoothly. To Replace Worn-out Blades 1. Detach the blade assembly from the arm by pressing the lock tab in, then pushing the blade toward Press Lock the base of the arm.
  • Page 83 Battery The condition of the battery can be determined by checking the test indicator. Service as required according to the label on the battery. Any corrosion around the positive and negative terminals should be washed off with a solution of baking soda and warm water. Dry the terminals and then coat them with grease.
  • Page 84 A blown fuse may be just a symptom of some other problem. If a new fuse blows right away, the cause should be diagnosed and corrected by a qualified Honda technician. Never replace a fuse with anything but another fuse of the same or lower rating. A higher capacity fuse could cause damage and even start a fire.
  • Page 85 If the main fuse blows, have a Honda dealer check the system, repair the cause, and replace the fuse.
  • Page 86 Bulb Replacement NOTE: See page for bulb specifications. Front turn signal lights Front side marker and parking lights License plate lights (cont'd)
  • Page 87 Bulb Replacement (cont'd) Rear side marker, turn signal, brake/taillights and back-up lights Interior light Luggage area light High-mount brake light...
  • Page 88 If you have any questions about your car's tires, please contact your Honda dealer. Inflation Pressures The tire label in the glove box lists recommended...
  • Page 89 If you need further information on snow tires, please contact your Honda dealer. Tire Chains Use chains only when you have to. Check with local authorities or Provinces for requirements prior to installing tire chains.
  • Page 90 Tire Replacement Honda recommends that you replace tires in sets of four, or in pairs, front or rear. If you need to replace only one tire, mount the new tire opposite the tire showing the least amount of wear. For instance, if the left front tire shows the least amount of wear, mount the new tire on the front right side.
  • Page 91 Tire Rotation Tires may wear unevenly when used for a long time in the same position on the car. To avoid this, rotate the tires every 7,500 miles (12,000 km). If abnormal or uneven wear develops between rotations, the cause should be found and corrected as soon as possible.
  • Page 92 Air Conditioner Care Condenser and Radiator Check the engine radiator and the air conditioner condenser (in front of the radiator) for accumulated dirt, insects or leaves. Carefully brush or hose them off to assure maximum cooling performance. CAUTION: Radiator and condenser fins are very thin and easily damaged; do not bend them with the high water pressure or brush.
  • Page 93 Air Conditioner Care (cont'd) System Maintenance Run your air conditioner at least once a week for about ten minutes, even during the off season, to lubricate the seals and the inside of the compressor and, to verify that the system is functional. If the air conditioner is not cooling properly, it may indicate an undercharged system.
  • Page 94 During wiping, inspect the surface for stone chips and scratches; paint them with touch-up paint so they won't rust (touch-up paint is available through your Honda dealer). For further instructions on corrosion protection, refer to the Rust Prevention section on page 94.
  • Page 95 Appearance Care (cont'd) Waxing Wax the car when water will no longer "bead" on the paint. Always wash and dry the car before you wax it. Use a good quality liquid or paste wax, and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Wax all the metal trim to keep its luster. NOTE: Removing oil, tar, etc., with a spot remover will usually strip the wax from the surrounding finish.
  • Page 96 Preventive Service Check all drain holes in the doors and body panels for clogging and clear if necessary. When washing your car, also clean the underside of the car by using high pressure water; above subframe, inside front fender, rear suspension, inside rear wheel housing, under rear bumper.
  • Page 97 Replacement Body and Fender Parts If your vehicle incurs body damage and requires replacement parts, we encourage you to use only Genuine Honda sheet metal body and fender parts. Many insurance companies are specifying imitation sheet metal parts for collision repairs in an effort to reduce claim costs;...
  • Page 98 Spare Tire COMPACT Spare Tire Your car is supplied with a COMPACT spare tire and wheel for temporary use only in the event of a flat tire. Use the COMPACT spare only when you have to, and only to go as far as the next garage or dealer to have the regular tire repaired and reinstalled.
  • Page 99 Spare Tire (cont'd) The COMPACT spare tire has a much shorter tread life than regu- TREAD INDICATOR lar tires. Replace the tire as soon WEAR LOCATION as tread wear indicators appear INDICATOR MARK as solid bands across the tread. Replace with a tire of exactly the same size and construction.
  • Page 100 Changing a Flat Tire Do not attempt to change a tire unless the car is on firm, level ground and well out of the flow of traffic. Park the car on a firm, level surface, apply the parking brake, turn on the hazard warning switch and put the transmission in gear (Park for automatic).
  • Page 101 Changing a Flat Tire (cont'd) 5. Place the jack under the jack point nearest the wheel you are removing; align the jack head so the car frame will fit in the recess as you raise the jack. To reduce the possibility of injury, be sure to use the jack provided with the car and the correct jacking points;...
  • Page 102 " X " pattern as shown. 11 .Tighten the lug nuts to the recommended torque is: 110 N·m(11.0 kg-m,80 Ib-ft) If a torque wrench was not used, ask an authorized Honda dealer to verify the torque as soon as possible. TIGHTENING TORQUE: 110 N·m(11 kg-m,80 Ib-ft)
  • Page 103 Changing a Flat Tire (cont'd) 12. Repair or replace the damaged tire as soon as you can, reinstall it in its original position, then put the spare back in the car. Always stow the jack, tools and tire securely to prevent them from becoming dangerous projectiles in an accident.
  • Page 104 Jump Starting To start a car with a dead battery, use another battery of the same voltage, and the proper jumper cables. Procedures other than those below could cause injury or damage from battery acid spray, explosion or charging system overload.
  • Page 105 Towing If towing is necessary, contact a professional towing service. Your authorized Honda dealer can assist you with detailed towing instructions. Never use tow chains or rope to tow a car; your ability to safely control the car may be adversely affected.
  • Page 106 If Your Car Gets Stuck If your car gets stuck in sand, mud, or snow, call a professional towing service for assistance in getting your car out. CAUTION: Do not rev up the engine and allow the wheels to spin freely at high speed.
  • Page 107 Shoulder Belt Buckle Proceed as follows if the shoulder belt buckle stalls. 1. Lift the hood and remove the cover from the fuse case (for the automatic shoulder belt buckle motor) located on the battery's terminal. 2. Remove the fuse for the automatic ("passive") shoulder belt buckle motor that does not work.
  • Page 108 4. Remove the cover located on the center pillar. COVER 5. Set the wrench extension into the wrench grip (both provided in the tool bag) then insert the wrench into the socket and turn it counterclockwise until the shoulder belt buckle reaches its rear locked position.
  • Page 109 Specifications 1 Excluding the coolant in the reserve tank and that remaining in the engine: (0.11 US gal, 0.09 Imp gal) 2 Excluding the oil remaining but including that remaining in the oil fitter.
  • Page 110 page 79.
  • Page 111 Identification Numbers The Vehicle Identification Number (V.I.N.) is stamped on a plate attached to the top left side of the dashboard. It also appears on the Certification label attached to the left rear door jamb, as well as under the hood on the body, directly behind the engine.
  • Page 112 DOT Tire Quality Grades The tires on your car meet Federal Safety Requirements. All tires are also "graded" according to Department of Transportation (DOT) standards for tread wear, traction and temperature. Three grades are shown on the tire sidewall TIRE WHEEL RIM Tread Wear The tread wear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate...
  • Page 113 Temperature 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.
  • Page 114 Carbon monoxide does not react to form smog, but it is toxic. Honda Motor Co., Ltd. has developed a number of systems which are highly effective in reducing carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen and hydrocarbons.
  • Page 115 These systems are entirely separate from the crankcase and evaporative emission control systems described previously. HONDA PGM Fl System The PGM-FI system consists of three independent sub-systems; Air Intake, Electronic Control and Fuel Control, thus allowing more accurate control of air/fuel ratios under all operating conditions.
  • Page 116 — Don't change the ignition timing, or remove any emission control parts. — Use only the spark plugs specified in this manual. — Don't keep driving your car if it isn't running properly, or if its CHARGE warning light comes on; have it checked by your Honda dealer.
  • Page 117 After following these steps, if you wish to have the matter reviewed by American Honda you should contact the Zone Office serving your area, as shown on the map on the inside of the back cover.
  • Page 118 However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your dealer, or American Honda Motor Co., Inc. To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll- free at 1-800-424-9393 (or 366-0123 in Washington, D.C. area) or write to: NHTSA, U.S.
  • Page 119 Index Air Conditioner Capacities........Care........... Care and Cleaning......Operation........Catalytic Converter..... Air Filter.......... Certification Label....... Air Pressure, Tires......Chains, Tires........Antifreeze... See"Radiator Coolant" Check Engine Warning Light..Anti-theft Steering Column Lock Child Proof Door Locks....System........Child Restraint System ....AppearanceCare......
  • Page 120 Evaporative Emission Control System........Exhaust Gas Recirculation..Identification Numbers....Ignition Exterior Care........Keys..........Switch........Indicator Lights ......Filters Inflation Pressures, Tire ....Air..........Instrument Panel......Engine Oil........Instrument Panel Brightness Control ..........Fuel........... Fluid........See "Oil" Interior Light........Foreign Countries, Operation in ... Interior Trim Care ......
  • Page 121 Index (cont'd) Reminder Lights ....See"Warning Lights" Maintenanse Replacement Air Filter........Non-Scheduled Maintenance Record........Body and Fender Parts.... Required Maintenance Record Bulb..................Engine Oil........Schedule ........Fuel Filter........Manual Transmission Fuse........... Clutch Pedal Adjustment..Oil Filter........Maximum Allowable Speeds .. Radiator Coolant......
  • Page 122 Turn Signals........Shift Lever Position Indicator..Spare Tire Changing a Flat Tire ....COMPACT Spare Tire..... Vehicle Identification Number..Spark Plugs Ventilation........Replacement ......Specifications......Speedometer......... Starting the Engine......Warning Lights....... Steering Anti-theft Column Lock ..Warranty Service......Power Steering......Washer Tilt Steering......
  • Page 123 1500 Morrison Parkway Hato Rey, Puerto Rico 00919 Alpharetta, Georgia 30201 (809) 765-8070 (404) 442-2045 The above addresses and telephone numbers are subject to change. If you cannot reach your Zone office, ask your Honda dealer for the current information.
  • Page 124 2.4 l (2.5 US q t , 2.1 Imp qt) 4WD: 3.2 l (3.4 US q t , 2.8 Imp qt) Honda Motor Co., Ltd. 1990 All Rights Reserved AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 1919 Torrance Blvd. Torrance, CA 90501- 2722...