Preparing To Drive; Starting The Engine - Honda 1997 Accord Wagon Owner's Manual

Preparing to Drive

You should do the following
checks and adjustments every day
before you drive your car.
1. Make sure all windows,
mirrors, and outside lights are
clean and unobstructed.
Remove frost, snow, or ice.
2. Check that the hood and
tailgate are fully closed.
3. Visually check the tires. If a
tire looks low, use a gauge to
check its pressure.
4. Check that any items you may
be carrying with you inside
are stored properly or fastened
down securely.
5. Check the adjustment of the
seat (see page 49).
Driving
6. Check the adjustment of the
inside and outside mirrors (see
page 54).
7. Check the adjustment of the
steering wheel (see page 40).
8. Make sure the doors are
securely closed and locked.
9. Fasten your seat belt. Check
that your passengers have
fastened their seat belts
(see page 7).
10. Turn the ignition ON (II).
Check the indicator lights in
the instrument panel.
11. Start the engine.
12. Check the gauges and
indicator lights in the
instrument panel
(see page 29).

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. Manual transmission: Push
the clutch pedal all the way
down. START (III) does not
function unless the clutch
pedal is depressed.
Automatic transmission: Make
sure the shift lever is in Park.
Press on the brake pedal.
4. Without touching the
accelerator pedal, turn the
ignition key to the START (III)
position. If the engine does
not start right away, do not
hold the key in START (III)
for more than 15 seconds at a
time. Pause for at least 10
seconds before trying again.