Page 1: Table Of Contents
1997 Accord Coupe 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 ............................A Few Words About Safety.........................
Page 2: Introduction
It will give you years of driving pleasure. symbol. This NOTICE One of the best ways to enhance the enjoyment of your new Honda is to information is intended to help you read this manual. In it, you will learn how to operate its driving controls and avoid damage to your Honda, other convenience items.
Page 3: A Few Words About Safety
A Few Words About Safety You will find this important safety information in a variety of forms, Your safety, and the safety of others, is very important. And operating this including: vehicle safely is an important Safety Labels — on the vehicle. responsibility.
Page 4: Driver And Passenger Safety
Driver and Passenger Safety Why Wear Seat Belts....This section gives you important Door Locks........information about occupant protec- Important Safety Reminders..Storing Cargo Safely....tion. It shows how to use seat belts Seat Belt System Components..Driving with Pets......properly.
Page 5: Your Occupant Protection System
Your Occupant Protection System Your Honda is equipped with seat Two indicator lights are also part of To get the maximum protection from belts and other features that work your safety system. One reminds you your occupant protection system, together to protect you and your...
Page 6: And How It Works
The Seat Belt System and How It Works Why Wear Seat Belts Two people should never use the Wearing seat belts, and wearing same seat belt. If they do, they could them properly, is fundamental to Not wearing a seat belt be very seriously injured in a crash.
Page 7: Seat Belt System Components
The Seat Belt System and How It Works The lap/shoulder belt retractor in Seat Belt System Components Lap/Shoulder Belt each passenger seating position has Your Honda has seat belts in all five SHOULDER UPPER SEAT an additional locking mechanism seating positions. The front seats...
Page 8: Lap Belt
The Seat Belt System and How It Works Lap Belt Wearing Seat Belts Properly Wearing a Lap/Shoulder Belt You can increase the effectiveness of Before putting on the seat belt, move BUCKLE your seat belts if you take a little the driver's seat as far back as is time to read the following pages and practical while still allowing you to...
Page 9: The Seat Belt System And How It Works
The Seat Belt System and How It Works 1. Pull the latch plate across your 2. Check that the belt is not twisted. 4. Pull up on the shoulder part of the body and insert it into the buckle. belt to remove any slack. Make Tug on the belt to make sure the 3.
Page 10: Wearing The Lap Belt
The Seat Belt System and How It Works 5. If the shoulder belt crosses your Wearing the Lap Belt neck while you are sitting in one of the outside positions of the rear seat, you need to adjust your seating position. Move toward the center of the seat until the belt fits over your collarbone.
Page 11: Advice For Pregnant Women
The Seat Belt System and How It Works Advice for Pregnant Women 2. Position the belt as low as possible To unlatch the belt, push the red Protecting the mother is the best across your hips and pelvic bones, PRESS button on the buckle. way to protect her unborn child.
Page 12: Seat Belt Maintenance
The Seat Belt System and How It Works If possible, use a lap/shoulder seat Seat Belt Maintenance belt, remembering to keep the lap For safety, you should check the condition of your seat belts regularly. portion as low as possible (see page Pull out each belt fully and look for Each time you have a check-up, ask frays, cuts, burns, and wear.
Page 13: What Happens In A Crash
Supplemental Restraint System Your car is equipped with a Supple- SRS Components What Happens In a Crash mental Restraint System (SRS) to If you ever have a severe frontal Your supplemental restraint system help protect the head and chest of collision, the sensors will detect includes: the driver and front seat passenger...
Page 14: Important Facts About Airbags
Supplemental Restraint System After the crash, you may see what Just from viewing the vehicle Frontal Collision Range looks like smoke. This is actually damage after a crash, it is very powder from the airbag's surface. difficult to accurately determine if People with respiratory problems the airbags should or should not may experience some temporary...
Page 15: How The Driver's Airbag Works
Supplemental Restraint System How the Driver's Airbag Works To do its job, the airbag inflates with considerable force. So, while it can reduce serious injuries and even save your life, the airbag might cause some facial abrasions or other injuries. To reduce the possibility of injury, you should always sit back as far from the steering wheel as practical while still maintaining full...
Page 16: How The Passenger's Airbag Works
Supplemental Restraint System The driver's airbag is stored in the How the Passenger's Airbag This airbag is quite large and inflates center of the steering wheel. For Works with considerable force. It can your safety, do not attach any items seriously hurt a front seat passenger to the steering wheel.
Page 17: System Service
If you see any of these indications, discard the airbags yourself. This the airbag may not work when must be done by a Honda dealer. needed in an accident. Take the car to your dealer promptly for diagnosis and service.
Page 18: System Service Precautions
Do not modify your steering wheel uninflated airbags can be dangerous. supplemental restraint system or any other part of the supplemental Get assistance from a Honda dealer inspected as soon as possible. If restraint system. Modifications could if your car must be scrapped.
Page 19: Head Restraint Position
Additional Safety Information The seat belts and airbags are obvi- Seat-back Position Head Restraint Position ously important parts of your occu- The seat-backs should be in an pant protection system. upright position for you and your passengers to get the most protec- In addition, you should know that tion from the seat belts.
Page 20: Door Locks
Additional Safety Information Door Locks The recommended way to restrain a Be sure to keep compartment doors It is not safe to leave your car doors medium-sized or larger dog is with a closed when the car is moving. If a unlocked.
Page 21: Where Should Children Sit
Child Safety Where Should Children Sit? According to accident statistics, children of all sizes and ages are An infant or child who is not safer when they are properly properly restrained can be killed restrained in the rear seat rather or seriously injured in a crash.
Page 22: Important Safety Reminders
Child Safety Two children should never use the If a toddler seat is used in the front Important Safety Reminders same seat belt. If they do, they could passenger's seat, the vehicle seat Never hold a baby or child on your be very seriously injured in a crash.
Page 23: Child Safety
Child Safety General Guidelines for To properly route a seat belt through Restraining an Infant Who Restraining Children Under a child seat, follow the seat maker's Weighs Less Than 20 lbs 40 lbs (18 kg) instructions. If you use a lap/ (9 kg) Use an approved child seat.
Page 24: A Child Who Weighs Between 20 And 40 Ibs (9 And 18Kg)
Child Safety The preferred place to put a toddler We recommend that, whenever Restraining a Child Who Weighs seat is in the center position of the possible, you put the infant seat in Between 20 and 40 Ibs rear seat. Use the car's lap belt to the center position of the rear seat (9 and 18 kg) secure the seat to the car.
Page 25: Restraining A Child Who Weighs Over 40 Ibs (18 Kg)
Child Safety Restraining a Child Who Weighs Put the lap/shoulder belt on your Securing a Child Seat with a Lap/ child and check its fit. The shoulder Over 40 Ibs ( 18 kg) Shoulder Belt belt should fit over the collarbone The lap/shoulder belt retractors in and across the chest.
Page 26: Using Child Restraints With Tethers
310 mm (12.2 in) To unlatch the seat belt, push the Your Honda has three attachment red PRESS button on the buckle. points for tether-style child seat. Guide the belt across to the door They are located on the rear shelf.
Page 27: Storing A Child Seat
Child Safety Storing a Child Seat Canadian Models When you are not using an infant seat or other child restraint, either remove it or make sure it is properly TOOTHED WASHER secured so it cannot be thrown around the car during a crash. The anchor plate and mounting hardware for a top tether are supplied with the car.
Page 28: Alcohol And Drugs
Alcohol and Drugs Driving a car requires your full at- The safest thing you can do is never If you have no choice but to drive, tention and alertness. Traffic condi- drink and drive. This can be done if stop drinking and give yourself lots tions change rapidly.
Page 29: Carbon Monoxide Hazard
Carbon Monoxide Hazard With the trunk lid open, air flow can Your car's exhaust contains carbon pull exhaust gas into your car's monoxide gas. You should have no interior and create a hazardous problem with carbon monoxide Carbon monoxide gas is toxic. condition.
Page 30 They warn you of potential hazards that could cause serious injury. Read these labels carefully and don't remove them. If a label comes off or becomes hard to read, contact your Honda dealer for a replacement. RADIATOR CAP BATTERY Driver and Passenger Safety...
Page 31: Instruments And Controls
Glove Box........Odometer........37 contribute to the daily operation of Trip Meter........Seat Adjustments......your Honda. All the essential Temperature Gauge....Front Seat Adjustments....controls are within easy reach. Fuel Gauge........Driver's Seat Power Height Maintenance Required Adjustment.......
Page 32 Control Locations DIGITAL CLOCK HEATING/COOLING MIRROR CONTROL CONTROLS (P.68) (P.66) (P.74) DOOR LOCK SWITCH (P.51) AUDIO SYSTEM (P.81, 87, 99) POWER WINDOW SWITCHES (P.64) FUEL FILL DOOR RELEASE (P.122) TRUNK RELEASE HOOD RELEASE HANDLE HANDLE (P.56) (P.123) Instruments and Controls...
Page 33: Indicator Lights
Indicator Lights The instrument panel has many SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT indicators to give you important HIGH BEAM INDICATOR SYSTEM INDICATOR information about your car. SEAT BELT REMINDER PARKING BRAKE AND LIGHT Lamp Check BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR* These indicator lights come on when you turn the ignition switch ON (II), CRUISE CONTROL CHARGING SYSTEM INDICATOR...
Page 34 Indicator Lights Seat Belt Reminder Light Low Oil Pressure Parking Brake U.S. Canada Indicator and Brake BRAKE This indicator lights when you turn The engine can be severely damaged System the ignition ON (II). It is a reminder if this light flashes or stays on when Indicator to you and your passengers to the engine is running.
Page 35 Indicator Lights Door and Brake Lamp Monitor Supplemental Restraint U.S. Anti-lock Brake System System Indicator (ABS) Indicator This indicator lights when you turn the ignition ON (II). If it comes on at Canada any other time, it indicates a problem in the supplemental restraint system.
Page 36 Indicator Lights High Beam Indicator Turn Signal and "Daytime Running D R L Hazard Warning Lights" Indicator Indicators Canadian models only This light comes on with the high The left or right turn signal light This indicator lights when you turn beam headlights.
Page 37 Gauges Odometer TEMPERATURE TACHOMETER ODOMETER SPEEDOMETER FUEL GAUGE The odometer shows the total dis- GAUGE tance your car has been driven. It measures miles in U.S. models and kilometers in Canadian models. It is illegal under federal law (in the U.S.) and provincial regulations (in Canada) to disconnect, reset, or alter the odometer with the intent to...
Page 38 Gauges Temperature Gauge The gauge stays at the same fuel INDICATOR This shows the temperature of the level reading after you turn off the engine's coolant. During normal ignition. When you add fuel, the operation, the pointer should rise gauge slowly changes to the new from the bottom white mark to about reading after you turn the ignition the middle of the gauge.
Page 39: Controls Near The Steering Wheel
Controls Near the Steering Wheel The two levers on the steering column contain controls for driving features you use most often. The left lever controls the turn signals, headlights, and high beams. The right lever controls the windshield washers and wipers. The rear window defogger switch is on the dashboard to the right of the MOONROOF...
Page 40 Controls Near the Steering Wheel Headlights If you leave the lights on with the To flash the high beams, pull the ignition switch in ACCESSORY (I) turn signal lever back lightly, then or LOCK (0), you will hear a release it. The high beams will come reminder chime when you open the on and go off.
Page 41 Controls Near the Steering Wheel To signal a lane change, push lightly Turn Signals Instrument Panel Brightness on the turn signal lever in the proper direction and hold it. The lever will return to the center position as soon as you release it. TURN SIGNAL LEVER The knob on the dashboard to the Signal a turn or lane change with this...
Page 42 Controls Near the Steering Wheel Windshield Wipers In intermittent, the wipers operate every few seconds. In low speed and high speed, the wipers run continu- ously. The right lever controls the wind- To operate the wipers in mist mode, shield wipers and washers. The push the control lever down.
Page 43 Controls Near the Steering Wheel Windshield Washers Hazard Warning On all models except Canadian LX To clean the windshield, pull back on Push the red button to the left of the model clock to turn on the hazard warning the wiper control lever. The washers lights (four-way flashers).
Page 44 Controls Near the Steering Wheel Rear Window Defogger Make sure the rear window is clear Steering Wheel Adjustment and you have good visibility before You can adjust the steering wheel starting to drive. height to suit your preference. Do this before you begin driving. The defogger and antenna wires on the inside of the rear window can be accidentally damaged.
Page 45 Controls Near the Steering Wheel 3. Move the steering wheel up or down to the desired position. Position the wheel so you can see all the instrument panel gauges and warning lights. Push the lever up to lock the steering wheel in that position.
Page 46: Steering Wheel Controls
Steering Wheel Controls Cruise Control Using the Cruise Control Cruise control allows you to maintain a set speed above 25 mph (40 km/h) Improper use of the cruise CRUISE CONTROL MASTER SWITCH without keeping your foot on the control can lead to a crash. accelerator pedal.
Page 47 Steering Wheel Controls You can decrease the set cruising Changing the Set Speed You can increase the set cruising speed in either of two ways: RESUME/ speed in either of two ways: accel Press and hold the SET/decel button. The car will decelerate. Press and hold the RESUME/ Release the button when you accel button.
Page 48 Steering Wheel Controls Even with the cruise control turned If you use the brake or clutch pedal Cancelling the Cruise Control on, you can still use the accelerator You can cancel the cruise control in to cancel cruise control, the system pedal to speed up for passing.
Page 49: Keys And Locks
Keep the plate stored in a safe place. When replacing keys, use only Honda-approved key blanks. The ignition switch is on the right Your vehicle comes with two kinds side of the steering column. It has of keys: a master key and a valet key.
Page 50 Keys and Locks LOCK (0) — You can insert or ACCESSORY (I) — In this position, remove the key only in this position. you can operate the audio system When you turn the key from LOCK Removing the key from the and the cigarette lighter.
Page 51 Keys and Locks Door Locks The doors can also be locked and Power Door Locks unlocked from the outside with the LOCK TAB MASTER DOOR LOCK SWITCH key. Each door has a lock tab next to the On all models except Canadian LX inside door handle.
Page 52 Keys and Locks To lock the passenger's door when Remote Transmitter The ceiling light (if the ceiling light getting out of the car, push the lock switch is in the center position) will tab in and close the door. To lock the LOCK come on when you press the BUTTON...
Page 53 Keys and Locks To turn the audible signal off, repeat Audible Signal Operation Panic Mode The system will signal you when the the above procedure. You should see Panic mode allows you to remotely doors lock and unlock by flashing the LED blink twice.
Page 54 Keys and Locks Replacing the Battery BATTERY ROUND When the remote transmitter's COVER battery begins to get weak, it may take several pushes on the button to lock or unlock the doors, and the CUSHION LED will not light. Replace the Open RING battery as soon as possible.
Page 55 If you lose a transmitter, you will need to have the replacement programmed to your car's system by your Honda dealer. Any other transmitters you have will also need to be reprogrammed. Instruments and Controls...
Page 56 Keys and Locks Trunk TRUNK RELEASE HANDLE MASTER KEY You can open the trunk in two ways: To close the trunk, press down on To protect items in the trunk when you need to give the key to someone the trunk lid. else: Pull the trunk release handle to the left of the driver's seat.
Page 57 Keys and Locks Glove Box An open glove box can cause serious injury to your passenger in a crash, even if the passenger is wearing the seat belt. Always keep the glove box closed while driving. GLOVE BOX Open the glove box by pulling the bottom of the handle.
Page 58: Seat Adjustments
Seat Adjustments Front Seat Adjustments Reclining the seat-back can decrease the protection you get from your seat belt in a crash. You can slide under the seat belt and be seriously injured. Adjust the seat-back to an upright position and sit well back in the seat.
Page 59 Seat Adjustments Driver's Seat Power Height Driver's Seat Power Adjustments Adjustment Pull up or push down on the front of Optional on EX model in the U.S. The long horizontal switch adjusts the switch to move the seat bottom's On EX model in the U.S., and EX-R the seat bottom in several directions.
Page 60 Seat Adjustments Reclining the seat-back can decrease the protection you get from your seat belt in a crash. You can slide under the seat belt and be seriously injured. Adjust the seat-back to an upright position and sit well back in the seat. Pull the center of the horizontal To change the angle of the seat-back, switch up to raise the seat.
Page 61 Seat Adjustments Driver's Lumbar Support Rear Seat Access To get into the back seat on the On EX model in the U.S., and EX-R To get into the back seat on the passenger's side, pull up on the model in Canada driver's side, pull up on the seat-back Vary the lumbar support by moving release lever on the side of the seat-...
Page 62 Seat Adjustments Head Restraints The front head restraints adjust for height. You need both hands to adjust the restraint. Do not attempt Driving your car without head to adjust it while driving. To raise it, restraints can lead to serious pull upward.
Page 63: Folding Rear Seat
Folding Rear Seat Make sure both rear shoulder belts MASTER KEY are positioned in front of the rear seat-back whenever the seat-back is in its upright position. Make sure all items in the trunk, or items extending through the opening into the back seat, are tied down.
Page 64: Power Windows
Power Windows On all models except Canadian LX MAIN SWITCH model Your car's windows are electrically- Closing a power window on a powered. Turn the ignition switch to child's hands or fingers can ON (II) to raise or lower any window. cause serious injury.
Page 65 Power Windows, Moonroof The master control panel also con- The MAIN switch controls power to Moonroof tains these extra features: the passenger's window. With this switch off, the passenger's window AUTO — To open the driver's cannot be raised or lowered. The window fully, push the window MAIN switch does not affect the switch firmly down and release it.
Page 66 Moonroof, Mirrors Adjusting the Power Mirrors The moonroof has a key-off delay. Mirrors You can still open and close the SELECTOR SWITCH moonroof for up to ten minutes after you turn off the ignition. The key-off delay cancels as soon as you open either door.
Page 67: Mirrors, Parking Brake
Mirrors, Parking Brake Parking Brake NOTICE Driving the car with the parking brake applied can damage the rear brakes and axles. ADJUSTMENT SWITCH PARKING BRAKE LEVER 3. Push the appropriate edge of the To apply the parking brake, pull the adjustment switch to move the lever up fully.
Page 68: Digital Clock
Digital Clock 3. Press and hold the H button until RESET the hour advances to the desired time. 4. Press and hold the M button until the numbers advance to the desired time. You can use the RESET button to quickly set the time to the nearest hour.
Page 69: Beverage Holder
Beverage Holder Be careful when you are using the beverage holder. A spilled liquid that is very hot can scald you or your Push passenger. Spilled liquids can also damage the upholstery, carpeting, and electrical components in the interior. To open the beverage holder, push Use the beverage holder only when on the top.
Page 70 Vanity Mirror, Cigarette Lighter, Ashtrays Vanity Mirror Cigarette Lighter Ashtrays CIGARETTE LIGHTER ASHTRAY To use a vanity mirror on the back of The ignition switch must be in Open the front ashtray by swinging the sun visor, pull down the cover. ACCESSORY (I) or ON (II) for the the lid down.
Page 71 Ashtrays, Interior Lights Ceiling Light NOTICE Use the ashtray only for cigarettes, cigars, and other smoking materials. To prevent a possible fire and damage to your car, don't put paper or other things that can burn in the ashtray. ASHTRAY DOOR ACTIVATED The rear ashtray is at the rear end of The ceiling light has a three-position...
Page 72: Interior Lights
Interior Lights On Special Edition model in the U.S. Courtesy Lights The ceiling light (with the switch in IGNITION SWITCH LIGHT the center position) also comes on when you unlock the door with the remote transmitter (see page 52). DOOR LIGHT On all models except Canadian LX On all models except Canadian LX model...
Page 73: Comfort And Convenience Features
Comfort and Convenience Features The heating and air conditioning Operating the Optional CD Heating and Cooling......systems in your Honda provide a What Each Control Does.... Changer........comfortable driving environment in How to Use the System....CD Changer Error Indications...
Page 74 Heating and Cooling Proper use of the Heating and FRESH AIR/RECIRCULATION AIR CONDITIONING Cooling system can make the BUTTON BUTTON interior dry and comfortable, and keep the windows clear for best visibility. What Each Control Does Fan Control Dial Turning this dial clockwise increases the fan's speed, which increases air MODE BUTTONS FAN CONTROL...
Page 75: Heating And Cooling
Heating and Cooling Mode Buttons Use the MODE buttons to select the vents the air flows from. Air flows from the center and corner vents in the dashboard. Air flow is divided between the vents in the dashboard and the floor vents.
Page 76 Heating and Cooling Vent Controls How to Use the System This section covers how to set up the CENTER VENT SIDE VENT system controls for ventilation, heating, cooling, dehumidifying, and defrosting. The engine must be running for the heater and air conditioning to generate hot and cold air.
Page 77 Heating and Cooling It is best to leave the system in AIR CONDITIONING FRESH AIR/RECIRCULATION mode under almost all BUTTON BUTTON conditions. Keeping the system in mode, particularly with the A/C off, can cause the windows to fog up. Switch to mode when you are driving through smoky or dusty conditions, then switch back to...
Page 78 To Cool with AIC FRESH AIR/RECIRCULATION AIR CONDITIONING 1. Turn on the A/C by pressing the BUTTON BUTTON button. The light above the button should come on. 2. Make sure the temperature control dial is all the way to the left, 3.
Page 79 Heating and Cooling To Heat To Defog and Defrost To Heat and Dehumidify with Air To warm the interior: To remove fog from the inside of the Conditioning Air conditioning, as it cools, removes windows: 1. Start the engine. moisture from the air. When used in 2.
Page 80 Heating and Cooling To remove exterior frost or ice from To Turn Everything Off These settings direct all the air flow the windshield and side windows To shut off the system temporarily, to the defroster vents at the base of after the car has been sitting out in turn the fan speed and temperature the windshield and the side window...
Page 81: Audio System
AM/FM/Cassette Stereo Audio TUNE/SEEK BAR SW-VOL/BAL KNOB System For Canadian LX model only Your Honda's audio system provides clear reception on both AM and FM bands, while the preset buttons allow you to easily select your favorite stations. The cassette system features autoreverse for continuous play.
Page 82 Audio System Operating the Radio TUNE/SEEK BAR SW-VOL/BAL KNOB The ignition switch must be in ACCESSORY (I) or ON (II) to STEREO INDICATOR operate the audio system. Turn the system on by pushing the SW-VOL/ BAL knob. Adjust the volume by turning the SW-VOL/BAL knob.
Page 83 Audio System You can use any of three methods to SEEK — The SEEK function To store a frequency: find radio stations on the selected searches the band for a station with band: TUNE, SEEK, or the Preset a strong signal. To activate it, press 1.
Page 84 Audio System Adjusting the Sound BALANCE CONTROL Balance/Fader — These two controls adjust the strength of the sound coming from each speaker. The Balance control adjusts the side- to-side strength, while the Fader control adjusts the front-to-back strength. Adjust the Fader to your liking by turning the outside ring.
Page 85 Audio System Operating the Cassette Player FAST FORWARD REWIND EJECT Turn the audio system ON. Make BUTTON BUTTON BUTTON sure the tape opening on the cassette is facing to the right, then insert the cassette most of the way into the slot. The system will pull it in the rest of the way, and begin to play.
Page 86 Audio System Tape Search Functions REWIND FAST FORWARD BUTTON BUTTON F F / R E W — Fast Forward and Rewind move the tape rapidly. Press the REW button to rewind the tape, the FF button to fast forward. To take the system out of rewind, press the FF button briefly.
Page 87 (U.S.: LX) System For LX and EX models in the U.S. and EX-R model in Canada Your Honda's audio system provides clear reception on both AM and FM bands, while the preset buttons allow you to easily select your favorite stations.
Page 88 Audio System SEEK — The SEEK function Operating the Radio TUNE — Use the TUNE/SEEK searches the band for a station with The ignition switch must be in AC- switch to tune the radio to a desired a strong signal. To activate it, push CESSORY (I) or ON (II) to operate frequency.
Page 89 Audio System To store a frequency: (U.S.: LX) ON/OFF/VOL KNOB 1. Select the desired band, AM or FM. FM1 and FM2 let you store two frequencies with each Preset button. 2. Use the TUNE or SEEK function to tune the radio to a desired station.
Page 90 Audio System On U.S. EX and Canadian EX-R models (U.S.: EX, Canada. EX-R) AUTO SELECT — If you are traveling far from home and can no AUTO SELECT LIGHT longer receive the stations you preset, you can use the Auto Select feature to find stations in the local area.
Page 91 Adjusting the Sound Balance/Fader—These two controls adjust the strength of the sound coming from each speaker. The Balance control adjusts the side- to-side strength, while the Fader control adjusts the front-to-back strength. To use these controls, push on the knob to get them to pop out. Adjust FADER BALANCE BASS...
Page 92 Audio System Operating the Cassette Player reaches the end of the tape while in When the system reaches the end of fast forward or rewind, it auto- Turn the audio system ON. Make the tape, it will automatically reverse matically stops that function, sure the tape opening on the cassette direction and play the other side.
Page 93 Audio System CASSETTE SLOT TAPE DIRECTION INDICATOR REPEAT — The Repeat function (U.S.: LX) continuously replays the current song or passage. Press the REPEAT button to activate it; you will see RPT displayed as a reminder. When the system reaches the end of the song or passage currently playing, it will automatically go into rewind.
Page 94 Audio System CASSETTE SLOT TAPE DIRECTION INDICATOR The TMS and REPEAT functions (U.S.: LX) use silent periods on the tape to find the end of a song or passage. These features may not work to your satisfaction if there is almost no gap between selections, a high noise level between selections, or a silent period in the middle of a selection.
Page 95 Audio System RPT INDICATOR Operating the Optional CD ON/OFF/VOL KNOB (U.S.: LX) Changer A Compact Disc changer is available from your dealer. It holds up to six discs, providing several hours of continuous entertainment. You operate the CD changer with the same controls used for the radio and cassette player.
Page 96 Audio System To operate the CD changer, the You can use the TUNE/SEEK REPEAT — When you activate the ignition must be in ACCESSORY (I) switch to select tracks within a disc. Repeat feature by pressing the or ON (II) and the audio system If you push and release the T U N E / REPEAT button, the system continu- must be on.
Page 97 Audio System If the system is in Repeat mode, you ON/OFF/VOL KNOB (U.S.: LX) RPT INDICATOR must turn it off by pressing A. SELECT/REPEAT before you can select Random Play. Then press the button again until you see A. SELECT displayed. To take the system out of CD mode, press the AM or FM button, or insert a cassette in the player.
Page 98 If you see an error indication in the display while operating the CD changer, find the cause in the chart to the right. If you cannot clear the error indication, take the car to your Honda dealer. Comfort and Convenience Features...
Page 99 A M / F M / C D Audio System TUNE BAR For Special Edition model in the U.S. AM/FM 1-2 BUTTON Your Honda's audio system provides clear reception on both AM and FM bands, while the preset buttons allow you to easily select your favorite stations.
Page 100 Audio System Operating the Radio SEEK — The SEEK function You can use any of three methods to The ignition switch must be in searches the band for a station with find radio stations on the selected ACCESSORY (I) or ON (II) to a strong signal.
Page 101 Audio System To store a frequency: TUNE BAR AM/FM 1-2 BUTTON 1. Select the desired band, AM or FM. FM1 and FM2 let you store two frequencies with each Preset button. 2. Use the TUNE or SEEK function to tune the radio to a desired station.
Page 102 Audio System AUTO SELECT — If you are traveling far from home and can no TUNE BAR SEEK BAR longer receive the stations you preset, you can use the Auto Select feature to find stations in the local area. To activate Auto Select, press the A.
Page 103 Audio System Adjusting the Sound Bass, Treble, Balance, and Fader are MODE BUTTON each adjustable. You select which of these you want to adjust by pressing the MODE button several times. The selected mode, BAS, TRE, FAD, or BAL is shown in the display. Balance/Fader —...
Page 104 Audio System Radio Frequencies Radio Reception Your Honda's radio can receive the How well your Honda's radio complete AM and FM bands. receives stations is dependent on Those bands cover these frequen- many factors, such as the distance cies: from the station's transmitter,...
Page 105 Audio System Electrical interference from passing vehicles and stationary sources can cause temporary reception problems. Radio signals, especially on the FM Radio reception can be affected by band, are deflected by large objects atmospheric conditions such as such as buildings and hills. Your thunderstorms, high humidity, and radio then receives both the direct even sunspots.
Page 106 Audio System Operating the CD Player CD SLOT CD INDICATOR You operate the CD player with the AM/FM 1-2 CD BUTTON BUTTON same controls used for the radio. With the system on, insert the disc into the CD slot. Push the disc in halfway, the drive will pull it in the rest of the way and begin to play.
Page 107 Audio System If you turn the system off while a CD You can use the TUNE and SEEK RANDOM PLAY — This feature, is playing, either with the PWR/VOL bars while a disc is playing to select when activated, plays the tracks on knob or by turning off the ignition, passages and changes tracks.
Page 108 Audio System When you switch back to CD mode, Operating the CD Changer To select a different disc, press the the system selects the same unit (in- (Optional) appropriate preset button (1 — 6). If dash or changer) that was playing A trunk-mounted Compact Disc you select an empty slot in the when you switched out of CD mode.
Page 109 Audio System Protecting Compact Discs Handle a CD by its edges; never To clean a disc, use a clean soft cloth. A new CD may be rough on the touch either surface. Contamination Wipe across the disc from the center inner and outer edges.
Page 110 If you see an error indication in the display while operating the CD player, find the cause in the chart to the right. If you cannot clear the error indication, take the car to your Honda dealer. Comfort and Convenience Features...
Page 111 If you see an error indication in the display while operating the CD changer, find the cause in the chart to the right. If you cannot clear the error indication, take the car to your Honda dealer. Comfort and Convenience Features...
Page 112 Audio System Operating the Cassette Player The tape direction indicator will light If you turn the system off while a (Optional) to show you which side of the tape is playing, either with the PWR/ cassette is playing. The indicates VOL knob or by turning off the The cassette system features Dolby the side you inserted facing upward...
Page 113 Audio System Tape Search Functions FAST FORWARD/ With a cassette playing, you can use REWIND the FF, REW, TMS, or REPEAT function to find a desired program. F F / R E W — Fast Forward and Rewind move the tape rapidly. Press and release the side of the TUNE bar to fast forward the tape,...
Page 114 Audio System TMS — The Tape Music Search T M S function allows you to find the FAST FORWARD/ REWIND beginning of a song or passage. To activate TMS, press the SEEK bar. Press the side to advance to the beginning of the next song or passage, or the side to return to...
Page 115 Audio System Caring for the Cassette Player Use 100-minute or shorter cassettes. CLEAN INDICATOR The cassette player picks up dirt and Cassettes longer than that use oxides from the tape. This contami- thinner tape that may break or jam nation builds up over time and the drive.
Page 116 Owner's Manual. If you should happen to lose the card, you must obtain the code number from your Honda dealer. To do this, you will need the system's serial number. Comfort and Convenience Features...
Page 117: Security System
Security System On Special Edition model in the U.S. With the system set, you can still SECURITY SYSTEM LIGHT The security system helps to protect open the trunk with the master key your car and valuables from theft. without triggering the alarm. The The alarm sounds and all the alarm will sound if the trunk is exterior lights flash if someone...
Page 118: Before Driving
Before Driving Before you begin driving your Honda, Break-in Period......you should know what gasoline to Gasoline.......... use, and how to check the levels of Oxygenated Fuels...... important fluids. You also need to Driving in Foreign Countries... know how to properly store luggage Service Station Procedures ..
Page 119 Break-in Period Gasoline Oxygenated Fuels Some conventional gasolines are Help assure your car's future Your Honda is designed to operate being blended with alcohol or an reliability and performance by paying on unleaded gasoline with a pump ether compound. These gasolines extra attention to how you drive octane number of 86 or higher.
Page 120 Driving in Foreign Countries If you are planning to take your percentages of oxygenates: operating symptoms, try another Honda outside the U.S. or Canada, service station or switch to another contact the tourist bureaus in the ETHANOL (ethyl or grain alcohol) brand of gasoline.
Page 121 Service Station Procedures Filling the Fuel Tank 3. Remove the fuel fill cap slowly. You may hear a hissing sound as pressure inside the tank escapes. Gasoline is highly flammable Place the cap in the holder on the and explosive. You can be fuel fill door.
Page 122 Service Station Procedures Opening the Hood HOOD RELEASE HANDLE SUPPORT ROD LATCH 1. Shift to Park or Neutral and set 2. Standing in front of the car, put 3. Pull the support rod out of its clip the parking brake. Pull the hood your fingers under the front edge and insert the end into the hole on release handle located under the...
Page 123 Service Station Procedures Oil Check DIPSTICK 3. Insert it all the way back in its tube. Check the engine oil level every time 2. Wipe the dipstick with a clean you fill the car with fuel. Wait at least cloth or paper towel. two minutes after turning the engine off before you check the oil.
Page 124 Refer to Owner Maintenance Engine Coolant Check Checks on page for information RESERVE TANK on checking other items in your Honda. UPPER MARK LOWER MARK M A X M I N 4. Remove the dipstick again and Look at the coolant level in the check the level.
Page 125: Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy The condition of your car and your Driving Habits A cold engine uses more fuel than a driving habits are the two most warm engine. It is not necessary to You can improve fuel economy by important things that affect the fuel "warm-up"...
Page 126 Strong electronic inter- technicians who are familiar with installation and use on your car, and ference can affect their operation. your Honda. If possible, have your are covered by warranty. Honda dealer inspect the final installation. Electronic communications equip-...
Page 127: Loading Cargo
The maximum load you can carry in To figure out how much cargo you Where you store this cargo, and how your Honda is 850 Ibs (395 kg). It can carry: well you secure it, are just as includes the total weight of all important as how much it weighs.
Page 128: Driving
Driving This section gives you tips on Preparing to Drive......starting the engine under various Starting the Engine......conditions, and how to operate the Starting in Cold Weather 5-speed manual and automatic at High Altitude ..... transmissions. It also includes 5-speed Manual Transmission..
Page 129: Preparing To Drive
Preparing to Drive 5. Check the adjustment of the seat 10. Turn the ignition ON (II). Check You should do the following checks the indicator lights in the instru- and adjustments every day before (see page 58). ment panel. you drive your car. 6.
Page 130 Starting the Engine 1. Apply the parking brake. 4. Without touching the accelerator 6. If the engine still does not start, pedal, turn the ignition key to the press the accelerator pedal all the 2. In cold weather, turn off all START (III) position.
Page 131 Starting the Engine, 5-speed Manual Transmission Starting in Cold Weather at High 5-speed Manual Transmission 3. If the engine fails to start in step 2, Altitude (Above 8,000 feet/ push the accelerator pedal to the 2,400 meters) floor and hold it there while you An engine is harder to start in cold try to start the engine for no more weather.
Page 132: Speed Manual Transmission
5-speed Manual Transmission Come to a full stop before you shift Recommended Shift Points into Reverse. You can damage the Drive in the highest gear that lets transmission by trying to shift into Rapid slowing or speeding-up the engine run and accelerate Reverse with the car moving.
Page 133 5-speed Manual Transmission, Automatic Transmission Automatic Transmission Maximum Speeds (U.S.: EX, Canada: EX-R) Your Honda's transmission has four The speeds in this table are the forward speeds, and is electronically maximums for the given gears. If controlled for smoother shifting. It you exceed these speeds, the engine also has a "lock-up"...
Page 134: Automatic Transmission
ON (II). If it flashes off the accelerator pedal. while driving (in any shift position), it indicates a possible problem in the transmission. Avoid rapid acceler- ation and have the transmission checked by an authorized Honda dealer as soon as possible. CONTINUED Driving...
Page 135 Park (P) — This position mechani- Neutral (N) — Use Neutral if you need to restart a stalled engine, or if cally locks the transmission. Use Park whenever you are turning off or it is necessary to stop briefly with the engine idling.
Page 136 Automatic Transmission Drive (D3) —This position is similar Second (2) — To shift to Second, First (1) — To shift from Second to to D , except only the first three press the release button on the side First, press the release button on the gears are selected.
Page 137 Park to If you need to use the Shift Lock Neutral. Release, it means your car is developing a problem. Have the car checked by your Honda dealer. Driving...
Page 138 Parking Always use the parking brake when If the vehicle is facing uphill, turn Parking Tips you park your vehicle. The indicator the front wheels away from the curb. Make sure the moonroof and the on the instrument panel shows that If you have a manual transmission, windows are closed.
Page 139: The Braking System
The Braking System Your Honda is equipped with front Constant application of the brakes Brake Wear Indicators disc brakes. The brakes on the rear when going down a long hill builds The front disc brakes on all cars wheels may be disc or drum, up heat and reduces their effective- have audible brake wear indicators.
Page 140 The Braking System Anti-lock Brakes Brake System Design If this happens, you will immediately The hydraulic system that operates notice that the brake pedal goes The U.S. EX and Canadian EX-R the brakes has two separate circuits. down much farther and you need to models have an Anti-lock Brake Each circuit works diagonally across press on it much harder.
Page 141 The Braking System A vehicle with ABS may require a You should never pump the Important Safety Reminders longer distance to stop on loose or brake pedal, this defeats the ABS does not reduce the time or purpose of the ABS. Let the ABS distance it takes to stop the car, it uneven surfaces, such as gravel or work for you by always keeping firm,...
Page 142 The Braking System If anything goes wrong, the ABS ABS Indicator indicator on the instrument panel ABS INDICATOR comes on (see page 35). This means the anti-lock function of the braking system has shut down. The brakes still work like a conventional system without anti-lock, providing normal stopping ability.
Page 143: Driving In Bad Weather
Driving in Bad Weather Driving Technique — Always drive Visibility — Being able to see slower than you would in dry clearly in all directions and being weather. It takes your car longer to visible to other drivers are important react, even in conditions that may in all weather conditions.
Page 144 Driving in Bad Weather Traction — Check your tires frequently for wear and proper pressure. Both are important in preventing "hydroplaning" (loss of traction on a wet surface). In the winter, mount snow tires on all four wheels for the best handling. Watch road conditions carefully, they can change from moment to moment.
Page 145: Towing A Trailer
Towing a Trailer Your Honda is designed primarily to The total weight of the trailer and The combined weight of the car, carry passengers and their cargo. everything loaded in it must not all passengers and their luggage, You can use it to tow a trailer if you exceed 1,000 lbs (450 kg).
Page 146 Towing a Trailer Trailer Hitches The best way to confirm that your total towing package is within these Your Honda dealer, or the Honda Improperly loading your car and specifications is to get it weighed. Customer Relations Zone Office, can...
Page 147 Towing a Trailer Mirrors Connecting the Trailer Always use a safety chain when towing a trailer. Connect the safety Many states and provinces have laws Most trailers that have a gross chain securely at both ends. Make requiring special outside mirrors weight of 1,000 lbs (450 kg) do not sure the chain crosses under the when you are towing a trailer.
Page 148 Towing a Trailer Before Starting Out BACK-UP LIGHT LEFT TURN SIGNAL As you are preparing to tow your GROUND (BLACK) (GREEN/BLACK) (GREEN/BLUE) trailer, do the following: Measure the trailer's tongue load. You can do this with a bathroom scale. Verify that the hitch and safety chain are securely fastened.
Page 149 Towing a Trailer Towing Safety The car/trailer combination is more This extra load is magnified when Your car will not stop as quickly with affected by crosswinds and buffeting. you are driving in hilly terrain. a trailer in tow. Leave extra distance When being passed by a large Watch the temperature gauge between your car and other vehicles.
Page 150 Towing a Trailer If you have to stop while going uphill, Backing up with a trailer is difficult do not hold the car in place by and takes practice. Drive slowly, pressing on the accelerator. This can make small movements with the cause the automatic transmission to steering wheel, and have someone overheat.
Page 151: Maintenance
If you have the skills and tools Adding Engine Coolant..... Maintenance....... required to perform more complex Replacing Engine Coolant..Tire Rotation......maintenance tasks on your Honda, Windshield Washers..... Replacing Tires and Wheels ..you may want to purchase the Transmission Fluid......Wheels and Tires.......
Page 152: Maintenance Safety
It will also reward you should be performed by a Honda performing maintenance. Only you with more economical, trouble-free technician or other qualified can decide whether or not you driving and help reduce air pollution.
Page 153 Maintenance Safety Important Safety Precautions Read the instructions before you Before you begin any maintenance, begin, and make sure you have the make sure your car is parked on tools and skills required. level ground and that the parking brake is on. Also, be sure the engine To reduce the possibility of fire or is off.
Page 154 Maintenance Schedule The Maintenance Schedule specifies Which Schedule to Follow: The services and time or distance how often you should have your car Service your car according to the intervals shown in the maintenance serviced and what things need time and mileage periods on one of schedule assume you will use your attention.
Page 155: Maintenance Schedule
Your authorized Honda dealer We recommend the use of Genuine According to state and federal knows your car best and can provide Honda parts and fluids whenever you regulations, failure to perform competent, efficient service. have maintenance done. These are...
Page 156 Maintenance Schedule (Normal Conditions) Follow the Normal Maintenance Schedule if the severe driving conditions specified in the Severe Conditions Maintenance Schedule on the next page do not apply. NOTE: If you only OCCASIONALLY drive under a "severe" condition, you should follow the Normal Conditions Maintenance Schedule.
Page 157 Maintenance Schedule (Severe Conditions) Follow the Severe Maintenance Schedule if you drive your vehicle MAINLY under one or more of the following condi- tions: Driving less than 5 miles (8 km) per trip or, in freezing temperatures, driving less than 10 miles (16 km) per trip. Driving in hot [over 90°...
Page 158: Required Maintenance Record
Required Maintenance Record Have your servicing dealer record all Required Maintenance below. Keep receipts for all work done on your car. Maintenance...
Page 159 Non-Scheduled Maintenance Record Record additional maintenance for severe driving conditions or non-scheduled maintenance on this page (see page 159). Maintenance...
Page 160: Owner Maintenance Checks
Owner Maintenance Checks Tires — Check the tire pressure You should check the following Engine oil level — Check every monthly. Examine the tread for items at the specified intervals. If time you fill the fuel tank. See wear and foreign objects. See page you are unsure of how to perform page 124.
Page 161: Fluid Locations
Fluid Locations BRAKE FLUID (5-speed Manual (Gray cap) Transmission only) CLUTCH FLUID (Gray cap) ENGINE OIL ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK FILL CAP (Orange loop) COOLANT ANTI-LOCK BRAKE RESERVOIR RESERVOIR (Gray cap) AUTOMATIC POWER STEERING TRANSMISSION FLUID (Red cap) FLUID DIPSTICK (Yellow loop) WASHER FLUID (Blue cap) Maintenance...
Page 162 An oil that is only classified container. SG is not recommended. A fuel-efficient oil is recommended for your Honda. This is shown on the API Service label by the words "Energy Conserving " or To add oil, unscrew and remove the engine oil fill cap on top of the valve "Energy Conserving 1 1 .
Page 163: Engine Oil
"For Gasoline Engines." your car according to this chart. and year-round protection in your Honda. You may use a 10W-30 oil if the temperature in your area never goes below 20°F ( —7°C). Ambient Temperature...
Page 164 DRAIN BOLT WASHER Additives be raised on a service station-type Your Honda does not need any oil hydraulic lift for this service. Unless 2. Open the hood and remove the additives. Purchasing additives for you have the knowledge and proper engine oil fill cap.
Page 165 A special Canada: LX) dipstick. wrench (available from your (4.0 US qt, 3.3 lmp qt) Honda dealer) is required to remove the filter. (U.S.: EX, Canada: EX-R) (4.5 US qt, 3.8 lmp qt) CONTINUED Maintenance...
Page 166 Engine Oil, Cooling System Adding Engine Coolant Always use Genuine Honda anti- NOTICE freeze/coolant. If it is not available, you may use another major-brand Improper disposal of engine oil can be non-silicate coolant as a temporary harmful to the environment. If you replacement.
Page 167: Cooling System
Cooling System 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 RESERVE TANK RADIATOR CAP...
Page 168 PLUG and distance recommendations in DRAIN the maintenance schedule. Only use BOLT Genuine Honda antifreeze/coolant. 1. Start the engine. Turn the heater 3. Loosen the drain plug on the Draining the coolant requires access temperature control dial to bottom of the radiator. The to the underside of the car.
Page 169 Cooling System 5. When the coolant stops draining, RESERVE TANK FILLER NECK tighten the drain plug in the bottom of the radiator. Put a new washer on the drain bolt, then reinstall the drain bolt in the engine block. Tighten it securely. Tightening torque: 83 N.m (8.5 kgf.m, 61 Ibf .
Page 170 Cooling System 10.Turn off the engine. Check the RESERVE TANK level in the radiator, add coolant if needed. Install the radiator cap, and tighten it fully. 11.Fill the reserve tank to the MAX mark. Install the reserve tank cap. BLEEDER BOLT 9.
Page 171: Windshield Washers
Windshield Washers Check the level in the windshield Fill the reservoir with a good-quality LEVEL GAUGE washer reservoir at least monthly windshield washer fluid. This during normal usage. In bad weather, increases the cleaning capability and when you use the washers often, prevents freezing in cold weather.
Page 172: Transmission Fluid
However, LOWER MARK continued use can affect shift quality. Have the transmission drained and refilled with Honda A T F as soon as it is convenient. DIPSTICK 6. Insert the dipstick all the way back Check the fluid level with the engine 3.
Page 173 Transmission Fluid, Brake and Clutch Fluid Brake and Clutch Fluid 5-speed Manual Transmission If Honda MTF is not available, you Check the fluid level in the reser- may use an API service SG or SH voirs monthly. There are up to three...
Page 174: Brake And Clutch Fluid
DOT 3 or DOT 4 fluid, from a sealed container, as a temporary replacement. However, M I N the use of any non-Honda brake fluid can cause corrosion and decrease the life of the system. Have the brake system flushed and refilled with Honda DOT 3 brake fluid as soon as possible.
Page 175 Brake and Clutch Fluid, Power Steering Clutch System Power Steering Low fluid level can indicate a leak in the clutch system. Have this system UPPER LEVEL inspected as soon as possible. LOWER LEVEL The fluid should be between the Check the level when the engine is M I N and MAX marks on the side of cold.
Page 176 Cleaning (Severe Conditions) steering system flushed and refilled Clean the air cleaner element by with Honda PSF as soon as possible. blowing compressed air through it in the opposite direction to normal air flow. If you do not have access to...
Page 177: Air Cleaner Element
Air Cleaner Element Replacement DUCT BOLTS HOLD-DOWN BRACKET AIR CLEANER ELEMENT 5. Place the new air cleaner element The air cleaner element is inside the 3. Loosen the four bolts and remove air cleaner housing on the passenger's the air cleaner housing cover. in the air cleaner housing.
Page 178: Spark Plugs
Spark Plugs The spark plugs in your car need to Replacement be replaced every 2 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km), whichever comes SPARK PLUG CAP first. 1. Clean up any dirt and oil around 4. Put the new spark plug into the the spark plug caps.
Page 179 Spark Plugs Specifications: NOTICE ZFR5F-11 NGK: Tighten the spark plugs carefully. A DENSO: KJ16CR-L11 spark plug that is too loose can overheat and damage the engine. Spark Plug Gap: Overtightening can cause damage to 1.1 m m (0.04 in) the threads in the cylinder head. 6.
Page 180 Battery Check the condition of your car's Check the battery terminals for TEST INDICATOR WINDOW battery monthly. You should check corrosion (a white or yellowish the color of the test indicator window, powder). To remove it, cover the and for corrosion on the terminals. terminals with a solution of baking soda and water.
Page 181 Battery If you need to connect the battery to a charger, disconnect both cables to prevent damage to the car's electri- The battery gives off explosive cal system. hydrogen gas during normal operation. A spark or flame can cause the battery to explode with enough force to kill or seriously hurt you.
Page 182 Battery On EX and Special Edition models in the NOTICE U.S., and EX-R model in Canada If your car's battery is disconnected Charging the battery with the cables or goes dead, the audio system will connected can seriously damage your disable itself.
Page 183: Windshield Wipers
Windshield Wipers Check the condition of the wind- WIPER ARMS shield wiper blades at least every six months. Look for signs of cracking in the rubber, or areas that are getting hard. Replace the blades if you find these signs, or they leave streaks and unwiped areas when used.
Page 184 Windshield Wipers 5. Slide the new wiper blade into the BLADE BLADE 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.
Page 185: Air Conditioning System
Air Conditioning System Your car's air conditioning is a sealed If the air conditioning does not get as AIR CONDITIONING system. Any major maintenance, cold as before, have your dealer CONDENSER such as recharging, should be done check the system. Recharge the by a qualified technician.
Page 186 Drive Belts, Timing Belt Alternator belt: Timing Belt Drive Belts The timing belt and balancer belt 8.0 — 10.5 mm (0.31 — 0.41 in) POWER STEERING BELT should normally be replaced at the Power steering belt: intervals shown in the maintenance schedule.
Page 187 Tires To safely operate your car, your tires Inflation Check the pressure in the tires when must be the proper type and size, in they are cold. This means the car Keeping the tires properly inflated good condition with adequate tread, has been parked for at least three provides the best combination of and correctly inflated.
Page 188 Tires Inspection Recommended Tire Pressures for Every time you check inflation, you Normal Driving should also examine the tires for The following chart shows the damage, foreign objects, and wear. recommended cold tire pressures for most normal driving conditions and speeds.
Page 189 Improper wheel weights can damage is worn unevenly, have your dealer your car's aluminum wheels. Use only check the wheel alignment. Genuine Honda wheel weights for balancing. The tires were properly balanced by the factory. They may need to be rebalanced at some time before they are worn out.
Page 190 Tires Tire Rotation When shopping for replacement tires, you may find that some tires Front Front are "directional." This means they Installing improper tires on your are designed to rotate only in one car can affect handling and direction. If you use directional tires, stability.
Page 191 (U.S.: LX, Special Edition) that came on your car. Replacement or icy conditions, you should install 185/65R15 88S wheels are available at your Honda snow tires or tire chains. They may (Canada: LX) dealer. be required by local laws under P185/70R1487S certain conditions.
Page 192 NOTICE If you mount snow tires on your Mount snow chains on your car Honda, make sure they are radial when warranted by driving condi- Chains of the wrong size or that are tires of the same size and load range tions or required by local laws.
Page 193 Lights Check the operation of your car's If you find any bulbs are burned out, Replacing a Headlight Bulb exterior lights at least once a month. replace them as soon as possible. Your car has two bulbs on each side, A burned out bulb can create an Refer to the chart on page four in total.
Page 194 Lights 1. Open the hood. 5. Push the electrical connector back BULB If you need to change the head- onto the bulb. Make sure it is on light bulb on the passenger's side, all the way. remove the radiator reserve tank and the air intake duct.
Page 195 Lights Replacing a Front Turn Signal 6. Push the bulb holder into the turn Light Bulb signal assembly and turn it clockwise until it locks. TURN SIGNAL ASSEMBLY 7. Test the lights to make sure the new bulb is working. 8.
Page 196 Lights Replacing Front Side Marker and 5. Put the bulb holder back into its Parking Light Bulbs hole in the lens, and turn it clockwise until it locks. SCREW 6. Turn on the parking lights and check that the new bulb is working.
Page 197 Lights Replacing Rear Bulbs 5. Install the new bulb in the socket. (in Fenders) 6. Reinstall the socket into the light KNOB COVER assembly. 7. Test the lights to make sure the new bulb is working. 8. Reinstall the taillight assembly cover.
Page 198 Lights 5. Install the new bulb in the socket. Replacing Rear Bulbs (in Trunk Lid) 6. Reinstall the socket into the light assembly. 7. Test the lights to make sure the new bulb is working. 1. Open the trunk. 3. Remove the socket by turning it one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
Page 199 Lights Replacing a Rear Side Marker 5. Insert the socket in the assembly. Light Bulb Turn it clockwise to lock it in place. 6. Reinstall the side marker assem- bly in the bumper. Tighten the mounting screw securely. SCREW 1. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to 3.
Page 200 Lights Replacing a High-mount Brake 3. Install the new bulb and reinstall Replacing a Rear License Bulb the socket. Make sure the new Light Bulb bulb is working. BULB 1. Remove the two screws and 1. Open the trunk and remove the remove the license light assembly.
Page 201 Lights 4. Turn on the parking lights and Replacing Bulbs in the Interior DOOR LIGHT (On some models) check that the new bulb is Courtesy Lights working. The ceiling light, door light and vanity mirror light come apart the 5. Reinstall the cover and the lens. same way.
Page 202 Lights Replacing the Trunk Light Bulb VANITY MIRROR LIGHT SPOTLIGHT (On some models) (On some models) TRUNK LENS BULB COVER Spotlights: 2. Remove the bulb by pulling it pry on the front edge of the lens straight out of its metal tabs. 1.
Page 203: Storing Your Car
If you store your car for 12 months (see page Support the front wiper blade or longer, have your Honda dealer arms with a folded towel or rag so perform the inspections called for in Wash and dry the exterior they do not touch the windshield.
Page 204: Appearance Care
Appearance Care Regular cleaning and polishing of Exterior Care........your Honda helps to keep it "new" Washing........looking. This section gives you hints Waxing........on how to clean your car and Aluminum Wheels..... preserve its appearance: the paint, Paint Touch-up......
Page 205: Exterior Care
Exterior Care Washing When you have washed and rinsed Rinse the car thoroughly with cool Frequent washing helps preserve water to remove loose dirt. the whole exterior, dry it with a your car's beauty. Dirt and grit can chamois or soft towel. Letting it scratch the paint, while tree sap and air-dry will cause dulling and water Fill a bucket with cool water.
Page 206 Exterior Care Waxing should use a polish on your Honda if Paint Touch-up Your dealer has touch-up paint to Always wash and dry the whole car the finish does not have its original match your car's color. The color before waxing it. You should wax shine after using a wax.
Page 207: Interior Care
Interior Care Carpeting Fabric Leather Vacuum the carpeting frequently to Vacuum dirt and dust out of the Optional for the U.S. EX model remove dirt. Ground-in dirt will make material frequently. For general Vacuum dirt and dust from the the carpet wear out faster. cleaning, use a solution of mild soap leather frequently.
Page 208 Interior Care Seat Belts Dirt build-up in the metal loops of NOTICE the seat belt anchors can cause the METAL LOOP belts to retract slowly. Wipe the The rear window defogger and insides of the loops with a clean cloth antenna wires are bonded to the inside dampened in mild soap and warm of the glass.
Page 209: Corrosion Protection
Many corrosion-preventive measures causing corrosion in your car: the underside of your car. This is are built into your Honda. You can especially important in areas that help keep your car from corroding use road salt in winter. It is also a 1.
Page 210: Body Repairs
If your car insurance company, tell them you needs repairs after a collision, pay want Genuine Honda parts used in close attention to the parts used in the repair. Although most insurers the repair and the quality of the recognize the quality of original work.
Page 211: Taking Care Of The Unexpected
Taking Care of the Unexpected This section covers the more- Compact Spare Tire....... common problems that motorists Changing a Flat Tire..... experience with their cars. It gives If Your Engine Won't Start... you information about how to safely Nothing Happens or the evaluate the problem and what to do Starter Motor Operates to correct it.
Page 212: Compact Spare Tire
Compact Spare Tire Your car has a compact spare tire Follow these precautions whenever INDICATOR that takes up less space. Use this you are using the compact spare tire: LOCATION spare tire as a temporary replace- MARK ment only. Get your regular tire Do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) repaired or replaced and put back on under any circumstances.
Page 213: Changing A Flat Tire
Changing a Flat Tire If you have a flat tire while driving, 3. Open the trunk. Raise the trunk TOOL KIT TRUNK FLOOR stop in a safe place to change it. floor by lifting up on the back edge. Stopping in traffic or on the shoulder of a busy road is dangerous.
Page 214 Changing a Flat Tire CENTER CAP JACK WHEEL NUTS SCREWDRIVER WHEEL WRENCH 9. Loosen the four wheel nuts 1/2 6. The jack is behind a cover in the On EX model in the U.S., and EX-R turn with the wheel wrench. right fender.
Page 215 Changing a Flat Tire EXTENSION JACKING POINT WHEEL WRENCH 10. Locate the jacking point nearest 11. Use the extension and wheel 12. Remove the wheel nuts and flat the tire you need to change. It is wrench as shown to raise the car tire.
Page 216 Changing a Flat Tire On LX model Do not attempt to forcibly pry the wheel cover off with a screwdriver or other tool. The wheel cover cannot be removed without first removing the wheel nuts. BRAKE HUB 13. Before mounting the spare tire, 14.Put on the spare tire.
Page 217 Changing a Flat Tire 15. Lower the car to the ground and 17. On Special Edition model in the U.S. 16. Tighten the wheel nuts securely in remove the jack. Remove the center cap before the same crisscross pattern. Have the wheel nut torque checked at storing the flat tire in the trunk the nearest automotive service...
Page 218 Changing a Flat Tire 21.Store the jack in its holder. Turn WING BOLT SPACER the jack's end bracket to lock it in CONE place. Replace the cover. Store the tool kit. Loose items can fly around the interior in a crash and could seriously injure the occupants.
Page 219: If Your Engine Won't Start
If Your Engine Won't Start Diagnosing why your engine won't Turn the ignition switch to START Nothing Happens or the Starter start falls into two areas, depending (III). If the headlights do not dim, Motor Operates Very Slowly on what you hear when you turn the check the condition of the fuses.
Page 220 There may be an electrical problem, such as no power to 2. Turn off all the electrical acces- the fuel pump. Check all the You cannot start a Honda with an sories: heater, A/C, stereo system, fuses (see page 232). automatic transmission by pushing lights, etc.
Page 221: Jump Starting
Connect the end to the positive ( + ) terminal sure they have good metal-to- other end to the grounding strap on your Honda's battery. metal contact. as shown. Do not connect this jumper cable to any other part of the engine.
Page 222: If Your Engine Overheats
If Your Engine Overheats The pointer of your car's tempera- Your car can overheat for several 1. Safely pull to the side of the road. ture gauge should stay in the mid- reasons, such as lack of coolant or a Put the transmission in Neutral or range under most conditions.
Page 223 If Your Engine Overheats 4. If the temperature gauge stays at reaches the middle of the tempera- 10. Start the engine and set the the red mark, turn off the engine. ture gauge, or lower, before check- temperature control dial to ing the radiator.
Page 224: Low Oil Pressure Indicator
Low Oil Pressure Indicator 4. Start the engine and watch the oil NOTICE LOW OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR pressure indicator. If the light does not go out within ten seconds, Running the engine with low oil turn off the engine. There is a pressure can cause serious mechanical mechanical problem that needs to damage almost immediately.
Page 225: Charging System Indicator
Charging System Indicator Immediately turn off all electrical By eliminating as much of the accessories: radio, heater, A/C, rear electrical load as possible, you can defogger, cruise control, etc. Try not drive several miles before the to use other electrically-operated battery is too discharged to keep the controls such as the power windows.
Page 226: Malfunction Indicator Lamp
Malfunction Indicator Lamp If you have recently refueled your NOTICE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP vehicle, the cause of this indicator coming on could be a loose or If you keep driving with the malfunc- missing fuel fill cap. Check the cap tion indicator lamp on, you can damage and tighten it until it clicks.
Page 227: Closing The Moonroof
Closing the Moonroof If the electric motor will not close SOCKET the moonroof, do the following: 1. Check the fuse for the moonroof motor (see page 232). If the fuse is blown, replace it with one of the same or lower rating. 2.
Page 228 Fuses All the electrical circuits in your car INTERIOR UNDER-HOOD have fuses to protect them from a short circuit or overload. These fuses are located in two or three fuse boxes. KNOB The interior fuse box is underneath The under-hood fuse box is located the dashboard on the driver's side.
Page 229 Fuses Checking and Replacing Fuses ABS FUSE BOX FUSE If something electrical in your car stops working, the first thing you should check for is a blown fuse. Determine from the chart on pages and 236, or the diagram on the fuse box lid, which fuse or fuses control that component.
Page 230 Fuses If you replace the blown fuse with a spare fuse that has a lower rating, it FUSE PULLER BLOWN might blow out again. This does not indicate anything wrong. Replace the fuse with one of the correct rating as soon as you can.
Page 231 Fuses INTERIOR FUSE BOX : On Canadian cars CONTINUED Taking Care of the Unexpected...
Page 232 UNDER-HOOD FUSE BOX * 1: On Canadian cars * 2 : US: EX with AT, Canada: EX-Rwith AT * 3 : US: EX, Canada: EX-R ABS FUSE BOX...
Page 233 Emergency Towing There are three popular methods of If your Honda cannot be transported It is best to tow the car no farther towing a car: by flat-bed, it should be towed with than 50 miles (80 km), and keep the front wheels off the ground.
Page 234 The diagrams in this section give Emission Controls......Identification Numbers....you the dimensions and capacities of Specifications......... The Clean Air Act...... your Honda, and the locations of the Tire Information......Crankcase Emission Control identification numbers. The expla- Tire Size Designation....System........
Page 235: Identification Numbers
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is the 17-digit number your Honda dealer uses to register your car for warranty purposes. It is also necessary for licensing and insuring your car. The easiest place to find the VIN is on a plate fastened to the top of the dashboard.
Page 236 Identification Numbers The Engine Number is stamped into AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION NUMBER the engine block. It is on the front. The Transmission Number is on a label on top of the transmission. ENGINE NUMBER MANUAL TRANSMISSION NUMBER Technical Information...
Page 237: Specifications
Specifications 1 : Including the coolant in the reserve tank and that remaining in the engine. Reserve tank capacity: 0.6 (0.16 US gal ,0.13 Imp gal) 2 : Excluding the oil remaining in the engine. 3 : U.S.: EX, Canada: EX-R Technical Information...
Page 238 Specifications page 181. 1 : U.S.: LX, Special Edition, Canada: LX 2 : U.S.: EX, Canada: EX-R page page 1 : Canada: LX 3 : U.S.: EX, Canada: EX-R 2 : U.S.: LX, Special Edition Technical Information...
Page 239: Technical Information
Tire Information Tire Size Designation 87 — Load Index, a numerical code Tire Speed Ratings A tire's sidewall is marked with a tire associated with the maximum load The chart below shows many of the size designation. You will need this the tire can carry.
Page 240 Treadwear The treadwear grade is a compara- High Speed Driving tive rating based on the wear rate of Honda strongly recommends that the tire when tested under controlled you not drive faster than posted conditions on a specified government speed limits and conditions allow. If test course.
Page 241 Tire Information Warning: The temperature grade for Temperature Traction this tire is established for a tire that The traction grades, from highest to The temperature grades are A (the is properly inflated and not over- lowest, are A, B, and C, and they highest), B, and C, representing the loaded.
Page 242: Emission Controls
158. the engine and burned. form photochemical "smog." Carbon monoxide does not contribute to Evaporative Emission Control * In Canada, Honda vehicles comply smog creation, but it is a poisonous with the Canadian Motor Vehicle System gas. Safety Standards (CMVSS) for...
Page 243 Act. To make sure the emissions systems work together to control the remain low, you should use only new engine's combustion and minimize Genuine Honda replacement parts or Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) the amount of HC, CO, and NOx that their equivalent for repairs. Using System comes out the tailpipe.
Page 244: Three Way Catalytic Converter
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 THREE WAY CATALYTIC CONVERTER...
Page 245 Warranty and Customer Relations Customer Relations Information......... U.S. Zone Office Map....Canada Zone Office Map....Warranty Coverages..... Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Cars)........Authorized Manuals...... Warranty and Customer Relations...
Page 246 Customer Relations Information When you call or write, please give Honda dealership personnel are If you are dissatisfied with the trained professionals. They should decision made by the dealership's us this information: be able to answer all your questions. management, contact your Honda If you encounter a problem that your Customer Relations Zone Office.
Page 247 Puerto Rico and U.S. V.I. The addresses and telephone numbers are subject to change. If you cannot Moorestown, New Jersey 08057 Bella International reach your Zone office, ask your Honda dealer for the current information. (609) 235-5533 P.O. Box 190816 San Juan, PR 00919-0816...
Page 248: Canada Zone Office Map
Canada Zone Office Map Western Zone Quebec Zone Honda Canada Inc. Honda Canada Inc. 13240 Worster Court 1750 rue Eiffel Richmond, B.C. Boucherville, Quebec V6V 2B8 J4B 7W1 (604) 278-7121 (514) 655-6161 Central Zone Atlantic Zone Honda Canada Inc. Honda Canada Inc.
Page 249: Warranty Coverages
Warranty Coverages U.S. Owners Seat Belt Limited Warranty — a seat Replacement Battery Limited Your new Honda is covered by these belt that fails to function properly is Warranty — provides prorated warranties: covered for the useful life of the car.
Page 250 NHTSA, U.S. Department of Administration (NHTSA) in addition Transportation, Washington, However, NHTSA cannot become to notifying American Honda Motor D.C. 20590. You can also obtain involved in individual problems Co., Inc. other information about motor between you, your dealer, or vehicle safety from the Hotline.
Page 251: Authorized Manuals (U.s. Only)
Valid only for sales within the U.S. Canadian owners should Purchasing Factory Authorized Manuals (U.S. only) contact their authorized Honda dealer. The following publications covering the operation and servicing of your vehicle can be obtained from Helm Incorporated, either by filling out the attached form or, for credit card holders, calling the toll-free phone number on the form.
Page 252: Authorized Manuals
Authorized Manuals 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 under- stand. Electrical Troubleshooting Manual: This manual complements the Service Manual by providing in-depth troubleshooting information for each electrical circuit in your car.
Page 253: Index
Index Shift Lever Positions....Seats..........Steering Wheel......Shift Lock Release..... Accessories Airbag (SRS)........Installation........Air Cleaner Element...... ACCESSORY (Ignition Key Air Conditioning....... Position)........50 Maintenance....... Battery Adding Usage..........Charging System Automatic Transmission Air Outlets (Vents)......Indicator......34, 229 Fluid........Air Pressure, Tires......Jump Starting......
Page 254 Index Manual Transmission Fluid ..Brakes, ABS Carbon Monoxide Hazard....Operation........Cargo, Loading....... Power Steering Fluid....System Indicator....35, 143 Cassette Player Checklist, Before Driving..... Braking System......Care..........Child Safety........Break-in, New Car......Operation....... 85, 92, 112 Cigarette Lighter......Cleaner, Air........Brightness Control, Instruments...
Page 255 Index Coolant Dipstick Checking the Fuses....Adding......... Automatic Transmission... Low Oil Pressure Indicator..Engine Oil........Malfunction Indicator Lamp..Checking........Manually Closing Moonroof..Proper Solution......Directional Signals......Overheated Engine....Replacing........Disabled, Towing Your Car If..Temperature Gauge....Disc Brake Wear Indicators..Emergency Brake......
Page 256 Index Foreign Countries, Driving in..Gearshift Lever Positions Four-way Flashers......Automatic Transmission... Fabric, Cleaning......Front End, Towing by 5-speed Manual Fan, Interior........74 Emergency Wrecker....Transmission......Features, Comfort and Fuel..........Glass Cleaning....... Convenience......... 73 Fill Door and Cap....... Glove Box......... Filling the Fuel Tank.....
Page 257 Index Hydraulic Clutch......Jack, Tire........Power Door........Trunk..........Hydroplaning........Jump Starting......... Low Coolant Level......Lower Gear, Downshifting to a..Low Fuel Indicator ......Identification Number, Vehicle..Keys..........Low Oil Pressure Indicator..34, 228 If Your Car Has to be Towed..Lubricant Specifications Chart..
Page 258 Index Opening the Hood......Radio/Cassette Sound Moonroof.......... Closing Manually....... Operation in Foreign Countries... System........81, 87 Operation........Outside Mirrors....... Radio/CD Sound System....Rear End Towing......Overheating, Engine..... Rear Eights, Bulb Replacement... Rear Seat Access ......Neutral Gear Position....Rear Seat, Folding......New Vehicle Break-in ....
Page 259 Index Reserve Tank, Engine Coolant..Serial Number........ Starting the Engine......Restraint, Child........ Service Intervals......In Cold Weather at High Reverse Gear Position....Service Manual* ......Altitude........Rotation, Tire......... Service Station Procedures ..With a Dead Battery ....Setting the Clock......68 Steam Coming from Engine..
Page 260 Index Technical Descriptions Unexpected, Taking Care Winter Driving......Emission Control Systems..of the........... Tools,Tire Changing....Three Way Catalytic Uniform Tire Quality Grading..Torn Seat Belts........ Converter........ Towing Unleaded Gasoline......Tire Information......A Trailer........Upholstery Cleaning...... Temperature Gauge......38 Emergency Wrecker....Used Oil, How to Dispose of..
Page 261 Index Warning Labels, Location of..*: U.S. and Canada only Warranty Coverages*....Washer, Windshield Checking the Fluid Level..Operation........Washing.......... Waxing and Polishing....Wheels Adjusting the Steering....Alignment and Balance..... Compact Spare......Wrench........Windows Cleaning........Operating the Power....Rear, Defogger......Windshield Cleaning........
Page 262: Gas Station Information
Gasoline: Tire Pressure (measured cold): UNLEADED gasoline 220 kPa (2.2 k g f / c m , 32 psi) Honda Premium Formula Auto- Pump octane number of 86 or matic Transmission Fluid (ATF) higher Spare Tire Pressure: 420 kPa (4.2 k g f / c m...

Honda 1997 Accord Coupe Online Reference Owner's Manual

Quick Links

Related Manuals for Honda 1997 Accord Coupe

Summary of Contents for Honda 1997 Accord Coupe

Table of Contents