Honda - Passport - Owners Manual - 2002 - 2002

2002 Passport 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 A Word to the Owner...................................................................................................................................... i Important Handling Information .............................................................................................................. ii A Few Words About Safety ......................................................................................................................... iv Driver and Passenger Safety .......................................................................................................................3 Proper use and care of your vehicle's seat belts, and Supplemental Restraint System. Off to a Good Start ........................................................................................................................................49 Instruments and Controls...........................................................................................................................55 Instrument panel indicator and gauge, and how to use dashboard and steering column controls. Seats .................................................................................................................................................................89 Interior Features...........................................................................................................................................99 Comfort and Convenience Features.......................................................................................................119 How to operate the climate control system, the audio system, and other convenience features. Driving Tips..................................................................................................................................................155 The proper way to start the engine, shift the transmission, and park, what gasoline to use, how to break-in your new vehicle, and how to load luggage and other cargo. In Case of Emergency ................................................................................................................................183 This section covers several problems motorists sometimes experience, and how to handle them. Care and Maintenance...............................................................................................................................195 The Maintenance Schedule shows you when you need to take your vehicle to the dealer and tips on cleaning and protecting your vehicle. Things to look for if your car ever needs body repairs. Technical Data.............................................................................................................................................231 ID numbers, dimensions, capacities, and technical information. Owner Assistance........................................................................................................................................245 A summary of the warranties covering your new Honda, and how to contact us. Authorized Manuals ...................................................................................................................................253 How to order manuals and other technical literature. Index .............................................................................................................................................................255 Off-Road Driving Information Main Menu Owner’s Identification OWNER ADDRESS STREET CITY STATE/PROVINCE ZIP CODE/ POSTAL CODE VIN DELIVERY DATE (Date sold to original retail purchaser) DEALER NAME DEALER NO. ADDRESS STREET CITY OWNER’S SIGNATURE DEALER’S SIGNATURE STATE/PROVINCE ZIP CODE/ POSTAL CODE This manual should be considered a permanent part of your vehicle. It should remain with the vehicle when sold so it will provide the next owner with important safety, operating and maintenance information. All information, illustrations and specifications contained in this manual are based on the latest product information available at the time of printing. All rights are reserved to make changes at any time without notice. A vehicle maintenance schedule and consumer information are included in this manual. A separate booklet provides important information on all warranties regarding your vehicle. Main Menu A Word to the Owner We urge you to carefully read this manual and follow its recommendations to help assure enjoyable and trouble-free operation. Please keep this Owner’s Manual in the glove box of your Passport as permanent reference material. While reading this manual you will notice that specifications are given in both metric and English measurements. Where accuracy is not needed, some conversions have been rounded off for your convenience. As you read this manual, you will find information that is preceded by a symbol. This information is intended to help you avoid damage to your Honda, other property, or the environment. When it comes to service, remember that your Honda dealer knows your vehicle best and is interested in your complete satisfaction. We thank you for choosing a Honda product, and want to assure you that we will continue to be interested in your motoring pleasure and satisfaction. American Honda Motor Co., Inc. California Proposition 65 Warning WARNING: This product contains or emits chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Preface i Main Menu Important Handling Information Your Passport has higher ground clearance than a passenger car designed for use only on pavement. Higher ground clearance has many advantages for off-road driving. It allows you to travel over bumps, obstacles, and rough terrain. It also provides good visibility so you can anticipate problems earlier. These advantages come at some cost. Because your vehicle is taller and rides higher off the ground, it has a high center of gravity. This means your vehicle can tip or roll over if you make abrupt turns. Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles. In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is significantly more likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt. As a reminder, make sure you and your passengers always wear seat belts. For information on how to reduce the risk of rollover, read “Driving Guidelines” on page 156 of this manual and the Off-Road Driving Information booklet that came with your vehicle. Failure to operate this vehicle correctly may result in loss of control or an accident. Preface ii Main Menu A Few Words About Safety Your safety, and the safety of others, is very important. And operating this vehicle safely is an important responsibility. To help you make informed decisions about safety, we have provided operating procedures and other information on labels and in this manual. This information alerts you to potential hazards that could hurt you or others. Of course, it is not practical or possible to warn you about all the hazards associated with operating or maintaining your vehicle. You must use your own good judgment. You will find important safety information in a variety of forms, including: S Safety Labels – on the vehicle. S Safety Messages – preceded by a safety alert symbol and one of three signal words: DANGER , WARNING, or CAUTION . These signal words mean: You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you do not follow instructions. You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you do not follow instructions. You CAN be HURT if you do not follow instructions. S Safety Headings – such as Important Safety Reminders or Important Safety Precautions. S Safety Section –such as Driver and Passenger Safety. S Instructions – how to use this vehicle correctly and safely. This entire book is filled with important safety information – please read it carefully. iv Preface iv Main Menu Driver and Passenger Safety This section gives you important information about how to protect you and your passengers. It shows how to use seat belts properly. It explains the Supplemental Restraint System. And it tells you how to properly restrain infants and children in your vehicle. Important Safety Precautions . . 4 Your Vehicle’s Safety Features 5 Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Seats and Seat-Backs . . . . . . 8 Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . 8 Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Pre-Drive Safety Checklist . 9 Protecting Adults . . . . . . . . . . 10 1. Close and Lock the Doors 10 2. Adjust the Front Seats . . 10 3. Adjust the Seat-Backs . . 11 4. Adjust the Head Restraints12 5. Fasten and Position the Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . 13 6. Adjust the Steering Wheel15 7. Maintain a Proper Sitting Position . . . . . . . 16 Advice for Pregnant Women 16 Additional Safety Precautions17 Protecting Children . . . . . . . . 18 All Children Must Be Restrained . . . . . . . . . . 18 Children Should Sit in the Back Seat . . . . . . . . . . 19 The Passenger’s Airbag Poses Serious Risks to Children 19 If You Must Drive With Several Children . . . . . . . 20 If a Child Requires Close Attention . . . . . . . . 21 Additional Safety Precautions 21 General Guidelines for Using Child Seats . . . . . . 22 Protecting Infants . . . . . . . 26 Protecting Small Children . 31 Protecting Larger Children Using Child Seats With Tethers . . . . . . . . . . . Using LATCH . . . . . . . . . . Additional Information About Your Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . Seat Belt System Components . . . . . . . . . . . Lap/Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . Lap Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seat Belt Maintenance . . . . Additional Information About Your SRS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SRS Components . . . . . . . . How Your Airbags Work . . How Your SRS Indicator Light Works . . . . . . . . . . . SRS Service . . . . . . . . . . . . Additional Safety Precautions Carbon Monoxide Hazard . . . Safety Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . Driver and Passenger Safety 34 38 39 41 41 41 42 42 43 43 44 45 46 46 47 48 3 Main Menu Table of Contents Important Safety Precautions You’ll find many safety recommendations throughout this section, and throughout this manual. The recommendations on this page are the ones we consider to be the most important. Always Wear Your Seat Belt A seat belt is your best protection in all types of collisions. Airbags supplement seat belts, but airbags are designed to inflate only in a moderate to severe frontal collision. So even though your vehicle is equipped with airbags, make sure you and your passengers always wear your seat belts, and wear them properly. (See page 13.) Restrain All Children Children are safest when they are properly restrained in the back seat, not the front seat. A child who is too small for a seat belt 4 Driver and Passenger Safety must be properly restrained in a child safety seat. (See page 18.) Be Aware of Airbag Hazards While airbags save lives, they can cause serious or fatal injuries to occupants who sit too close to them, or are not properly restrained. Infants, young children, and short adults are at the greatest risk. Be sure to follow all instructions and warnings in this manual. (See page 7.) Don’t Drink and Drive Alcohol and driving don’t mix. Even one drink can reduce your ability to respond to changing conditions, and your reaction time gets worse with every additional drink. So don’t drink and drive, and don’t let your friends drink and drive either. Control Your Speed Excessive speed is a major factor in crash injuries and deaths. Generally, the higher the speed the greater the risk, but serious accidents can also occur at lower speeds. Never drive faster than is safe for current conditions, regardless of the maximum speed posted. Keep Your Vehicle in Safe Condition Having a tire blowout or a mechanical failure can be extremely hazardous. To reduce the possibility of such problems, check your tire pressure and condition frequently, and perform all regularly scheduled maintenance. (See page 204.) Main Menu Table of Contents Your Vehicle’s Safety Features Your vehicle is equipped with many features that work together to protect you and your passengers during a crash. AIRBAGS POWER DOOR LOCKS SEAT BELTS Some safety features do not require any action on your part. These include a strong steel framework that forms a safety cage around the passenger compartment; front and rear crush zones that are designed to crumple and absorb energy during a crash; and a collapsible steering column. SAFETY CAGE COLLAPSIBLE STEERING COLUMN CRUSH ZONES These safety features are designed to reduce the severity of injuries in a crash. However, you and your passengers can’t take full advantage of these safety features unless you remain sitting in a proper position and always wear your seat belts properly. In fact, Driver and Passenger Safety 5 Main Menu Table of Contents some safety features can contribute to injuries if they are not used properly. Not wearing a seat belt properly increases the chance of serious injury or death in a crash, even though your vehicle has airbags. Seat Belts In addition, most states and Canadian provinces require you to wear seat belts. For your safety, and the safety of your passengers, your vehicle is equipped with seat belts in all seating positions. Your seat belt system also includes a light on the instrument panel to remind you and your passengers to fasten your seat belts. Why Wear Seat Belts Seat belts are the single most effective safety device for adults and larger children. (Infants and smaller children must be properly restrained in child seats.) 6 Driver and Passenger Safety Not wearing a seat belt properly increases the chance of serious injury or death in a crash, even if you have airbags. Be sure you and your passengers always wear seat belts and wear them properly. When properly worn, seat belts: • Keep you connected to the vehicle so you can take advantage of the vehicle’s built-in safety features. • Help protect you in almost every type of crash, including side and rear impacts and rollovers. In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is more likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt. Your airbag can only be helpful in a moderate to severe frontal collision. • Help keep you from being thrown against the inside of the vehicle and against other occupants. • Keep you from being thrown out of the vehicle. Main Menu Table of Contents • Help keep you in a good Airbags position should the airbags ever deploy. A good position reduces the risk of injury from an inflating airbag, and allows you to get the best advantage from the airbag. Of course, seat belts cannot completely protect you in every crash. But in most cases, seat belts can reduce your risk of serious injury. What you should do: Always wear your seat belt, and make sure you wear it properly. Your vehicle has a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) with frontal airbags to help protect the driver and a front seat passenger. This system also includes an indicator light on the instrument panel to alert you to a possible problem with the system. The most important things you need to know about your airbags are: • Airbags do not replace seat belts. The seat belts are the occupants’ primary protection in all types of collisions. The airbags supplement the seat belts by providing extra protection for the head and chest of each front seat occupant in a moderate to severe frontal collision. • Airbags offer no protection in side impacts, rear impacts, rollovers, or minor collisions. Airbags are designed to deploy Driver and Passenger Safety 7 Main Menu Table of Contents only during a moderate to severe frontal collision. • Airbags can pose serious hazards. To do their job, airbags must inflate with tremendous force and speed. So while airbags save lives, they can cause serious injuries to adults and larger children who are not wearing seat belts, are not wearing them properly, are sitting too close to the airbag, or are not sitting in a proper position. Infants and small children are at an even greater risk of injury or death. What you should do: Always wear your seat belt properly, and sit upright and as far back as possible from the steering wheel or dashboard. 8 Driver and Passenger Safety Seats and Seat-Backs Your vehicle’s seats are designed to keep you in a comfortable, upright position so you can take full advantage of the protection offered by seat belts and the energy-absorbing materials in the seats. How you adjust your seats and seat-backs can also affect your safety. For example, sitting too close to the steering wheel or dashboard increases the risk of you or your passenger being injured by striking the inside of the vehicle, or by an inflating airbag. Reclining a seat-back too far reduces the seat belt’s effectiveness and increases the chance that the seat’s occupant will slide under the seat belt in a crash and be seriously injured. What you should do: Move the front seats as far back as possible, and keep adjustable seat-backs in an upright position whenever the vehicle is moving. Head Restraints Head restraints can help protect you from whiplash and other injuries. For maximum protection, the back of your head should rest against the center of the head restraint. Main Menu Table of Contents Door Locks Keeping your doors locked reduces the chance of being thrown out of the vehicle during a crash. It also helps prevent occupants from accidentally opening a door and falling out, and outsiders from unexpectedly opening your doors. Pre-Drive Safety Checklist To make sure you and your passengers get the maximum protection from your vehicle’s safety features, check the following each time before you drive away. • All adults, and children who have outgrown child safety seats, are wearing their seat belts and wearing them properly (see page 13). • Any infant or small child is properly restrained in a child seat in the back seat (see page 18). • Front seat occupants are sitting upright and as far back as possible from the steering wheel and dashboard (see page 10). • Seat-backs are upright (see The rest of this section gives more detailed information about how you can maximize your safety. Remember, however, that no safety system can prevent all injuries or deaths that can occur in severe crashes, even when seat belts are properly worn and the airbags deploy. page 11). • Head restraints are properly adjusted (see page 12). • All doors and the tailgate are closed and locked (see page 10). • All cargo is properly stored or secured (see page 175). Driver and Passenger Safety 9 Main Menu Table of Contents Protecting Adults Introduction The following pages provide instructions on how to properly protect the driver and other adult occupants. These instructions also apply to children who have outgrown child seats and are large enough to wear lap/shoulder belts. (See page 34 for important additional guidelines on how to properly protect larger children.) 1. Close and Lock the Doors After everyone has entered the vehicle, be sure the doors and tailgate are closed and locked. For safety, locking the doors reduces the chance that a passenger, especially a child, will open a door while the vehicle is moving and accidentally fall out. 10 Driver and Passenger Safety It also reduces the chance of someone being thrown out of the vehicle during a crash. 2. Adjust the Front Seats For security, locked doors can prevent an outsider from unexpectedly opening a door when you come to a stop. See page 104 for how to lock the doors. Any driver who sits too close to the steering wheel is at risk of being seriously injured or killed by striking the steering wheel, or from being struck by the inflating airbag during a crash. Main Menu Table of Contents To reduce the chance of injury, wear your seat belt properly, sit upright with your back against the seat, and move the seat as far back as possible from the steering wheel while still maintaining full control of the vehicle. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Transport Canada recommend that drivers adjust the seat so the center of the chest is at least 10 inches away from the center of the steering wheel. Also make sure your front seat passenger moves the seat as far to the rear as possible. 3. Adjust the Seat-Backs Sitting too close to the airbag can result in serious injury or death if the airbags inflate. Always sit as far back from the airbags as possible. Most shorter drivers can get far enough away from the steering wheel and still reach the pedals. However, if you are concerned about sitting too close, we recommend that you investigate whether some type of adaptive equipment may help. Once your seat is adjusted correctly, rock it back and forth to make sure the seat is locked in position. See pages 91 and 92 for how to adjust the front seats. Adjust the driver’s seat-back to a comfortable, upright position, leaving ample space between your chest and the airbag cover in the center of the steering wheel. If you sit too close to the steering wheel, you could be injured if the airbag inflates. A front passenger should also adjust the seat-back to an upright position, but as far from the Driver and Passenger Safety 11 Main Menu Table of Contents dashboard as possible. A passenger who sits too close to the dashboard could be injured if the airbag inflates. Reclining a seat-back so that the shoulder part of the belt no longer rests against the occupant’s chest reduces the protective capability of the belt. It also increases the chance of sliding under the belt in a crash and being seriously injured. The farther a seat-back is reclined, the greater the risk of injury. 12 Driver and Passenger Safety 4. Adjust the Head Restraints Reclining the seat-back too far can result in serious injury or death in a crash. Adjust the seat-back to an upright position and sit well back in the seat. See pages 92 and 93 for how to adjust seat-backs. Before driving, make sure everyone with an adjustable head restraint has properly positioned the head restraint. The restraint should be positioned so the back of the occupant’s head rests against the center of the restraint. A taller person should adjust the restraint as high as possible. Main Menu Table of Contents 5. Fasten and Position the Seat Belts Improperly positioning head restraints reduces their effectiveness and you can be seriously injured in a crash. Make sure head restraints are in place and positioned properly before driving. Properly adjusted head restraints will help protect occupants from whiplash and other crash injuries. See page 93 for how to adjust the head restraints. Using a Lap/Shoulder Belt Insert the latch plate into the buckle, then tug on the belt to make sure the belt is securely latched. Also check that the belt is not twisted, because a twisted belt can cause serious injuries in a crash. Position the lap part of the belt as low as possible across your hips, then pull up on the shoulder part of the belt so the lap part fits snugly. This lets your strong pelvic bones take the force of a crash and reduces the chance of internal injuries. If necessary, pull up on the belt again to remove any slack from the shoulder part, then check that the belt rests across the center of your chest and over your shoulder. This spreads the forces of a crash over the strongest bones in your upper body. Improperly positioning the seat belts can cause serious injury or death in a crash. Make sure all seat belts are properly positioned before driving. Driver and Passenger Safety 13 Main Menu Table of Contents If the seat belt touches or crosses your neck, or if it crosses your arm instead of your shoulder, you need to adjust the seat belt anchor height. To adjust the height of a seat belt anchor in the front or the rear, press the release button and slide the anchor up or down as needed (it has four positions). Using the Lap Belt Never place the shoulder portion of a lap/shoulder belt under your arm or behind your back. This could cause very serious injuries in a crash. Insert the latch plate into the buckle marked CENTER . If the belt is too short, hold the latch plate at a right angle and pull on the plate to extend the belt. Then insert the latch plate 14 Driver and Passenger Safety Main Menu Table of Contents into the buckle, and tug on the belt to make sure the belt is securely latched. Position the belt as low as possible across your hips. This lets your strong pelvic bones take the force of a crash and reduces the chance of internal injuries. Pull on the loose end of the belt for a snug but comfortable fit. If a Seat Belt Doesn’t Work Properly If a seat belt does not seem to work as it should, it may not protect the occupant in a crash. No one should sit in a seat with an inoperative seat belt. Anyone using a seat belt that is not working properly can be seriously injured or killed. Have your Honda dealer check the belt as soon as possible. 6. Adjust the Steering Wheel See page 41 for additional information about your seat belt system and how to take care of your belts. Adjust the steering wheel, if needed, so that the wheel points toward your chest, not toward your face. Pointing the steering wheel toward your chest provides optimal protection from the airbag. See page 115 for how to adjust the steering wheel. Driver and Passenger Safety 15 Main Menu Table of Contents 7. Maintain a Proper Sitting Position After all occupants have adjusted their seats and put on seat belts, it is very important that they continue to sit upright, well back in their seats, with their feet on the floor, until the vehicle is parked and the engine is off. Sitting improperly can increase the chance of injury during a crash. For example, if an occupant slouches, lies down, turns sideways, sits forward, leans forward or sideways, or puts one or both feet up, the chance of injury during a crash is greatly increased. In addition, an occupant who is out of position in the front seat can be seriously or fatally injured by striking interior parts of the 16 Driver and Passenger Safety vehicle, or by being struck by an inflating airbag. Advice for Pregnant Women Sitting improperly or out of position can result in serious injury or death in a crash. Always sit upright, well back in the seat, with your feet on the floor. Remember, to get the best protection from your vehicle’s airbags and other safety features, you must sit properly and wear your seat belt properly. Because protecting the mother is the best way to protect her unborn child, a pregnant woman should Main Menu Table of Contents always wear a seat belt whenever she drives or rides in a vehicle. We recommend that a pregnant woman use a lap/shoulder belt whenever possible. Remember to keep the lap portion of the belt as low as possible across your hips. Pregnant women should also sit as far back as possible from the steering wheel or dashboard. This will reduce the risk of injuries to both the mother and her unborn child that can be caused by a crash or an inflating airbag. Each time you have a checkup, ask your doctor if it’s okay for you to drive. Additional Safety Precautions • Two people should never use the same seat belt. If they do, they could be very seriously injured in a crash. • Do not put any accessories on seat belts. Devices intended to improve occupant comfort, or reposition the shoulder part of a seat belt, can severely compromise the protective capability of the seat belt and increase the chance of serious injury in a crash. • Do not place hard or sharp objects between yourself and an airbag. Carrying hard or sharp objects on your lap, or driving with a pipe or other sharp object in your mouth, can result in injuries if your airbags inflate. • Keep your hands and arms away from the airbag covers. If your hands or arms are close to the SRS covers in the center of the steering wheel or on top of the dashboard, they could be injured if the airbags inflate. • Never let passengers ride in the cargo area or on top of a folded-down back seat. All passengers must sit in locked, upright seats and be properly restrained by seat belts. • Do not attach or place objects on the airbag covers. Any object attached to or placed on the covers marked “SRS AIRBAG” in the center of the steering wheel and on top of the dashboard could interfere with the proper operation of the airbags. Or, if the airbags inflate, the objects could be propelled inside the car and hurt someone. Driver and Passenger Safety 17 Main Menu Table of Contents Protecting Children Children who are unrestrained or improperly restrained can be seriously injured or killed in a crash. Children depend on adults to protect them. However, despite their best intentions, many parents and other adults may not know how to properly protect young passengers. So if you have children, or if you ever need to drive with a grandchild or other children in your vehicle, be sure to read this section. 18 Driver and Passenger Safety Any child too small for a seat belt should be properly restrained in a child seat. A larger child should be properly restrained with a seat belt. All Children Must Be Restrained Each year, many children are injured or killed in vehicle crashes because they are either unrestrained or not properly restrained. In fact, vehicle accidents are the number one cause of death of children ages 12 and under. To reduce the number of child deaths and injuries, every state requires that infants and children be restrained whenever they ride in a vehicle. Any child who is too small to wear a seat belt should be properly restrained in a child seat. (See page 22.) A larger child should always be restrained with a seat belt. (See page 34.) Additional Precautions to Parents • Never hold an infant or child on your lap. If you are not wearing a seat belt in a crash, you could be thrown forward into the dashboard and crush the child. Main Menu Table of Contents If you are wearing a seat belt, the child can be torn from your arms. For example, if your vehicle crashes into a parked vehicle at 30 mph (48 km/h), a 20 lb (9 kg) infant will become a 600 lb (275 kg) force, and you will not be able to hold on. • Never put a seat belt over yourself and an infant or child. During a crash, the belt could press deep into the child and cause very serious injuries. Children Should Sit in the Back Seat According to accident statistics, children of all ages and sizes are safer when they are restrained in the back seat, not the front seat. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends that all children ages 12 and under be properly restrained in the back seat. In the back seat, children are less likely to be injured by striking hard interior parts during a collision or hard braking. Also, children cannot be injured by an inflating airbag when they ride in the back. The Passenger’s Airbag Poses Serious Risks to Children Airbags have been designed to help protect adults in a moderate to severe frontal collision. To do this, the passenger’s airbag is quite large, and it inflates with tremendous speed. Infants Never put a rear-facing child seat in the front seat of a vehicle equipped with a passenger’s airbag. If the airbag inflates, it can hit the back of the child seat with enough force to kill or very seriously injure an infant. Driver and Passenger Safety 19 Main Menu Table of Contents Small Children Placing a forward-facing child seat in the front seat of a vehicle equipped with a passenger’s airbag can be hazardous. If the vehicle seat is too far forward, or the child’s head is thrown forward during a collision, an inflating airbag can strike the child with enough force to kill or very seriously injure a small child. Larger Children Children who have outgrown child seats are also at risk of being injured or killed by an inflating passenger’s airbag. Whenever possible, larger children should sit in the back seat, properly restrained with a seat belt. (See page 34 for important information about protecting larger children.) 20 Driver and Passenger Safety To remind you of the passenger’s airbag hazards, and that children must be properly restrained in the back seat, your vehicle has warning labels on the dashboard, and on the driver’s and front passenger’s visors. Please read and follow the instructions on these labels. If You Must Drive With Several Children Your vehicle has three seating positions in the back seat where children can be properly restrained. If you ever have to carry more than three children in your vehicle: • Place the largest child in the front seat, provided the child is large enough to wear a seat belt properly (see page 34). • Move the vehicle seat as far to the rear as possible (see page 10). • Have the child sit upright and well back in the seat (see page 16). • Make sure the seat belt is properly positioned and secured (see page 13). Main Menu Table of Contents If a Child Requires Close Attention Additional Safety Precautions Many parents say they prefer to put an infant or small child in the front passenger seat so they can watch the child, or because the child requires attention. • Use child-safe door locks to Placing a child in the front seat exposes the child to hazards from the airbag, and paying close attention to a child distracts the driver from the important tasks of driving, placing both of you at risk. If a child requires physical attention or frequent visual contact, we strongly recommend that another adult ride with the child in the back seat. The back seat is far safer for a child than the front. prevent children from opening the doors. Using this feature will prevent children from opening the doors and accidentally falling out (see page 105). • Use the main power window switch to prevent children from opening the rear windows. Using this feature will prevent children from playing with the windows, which could expose them to hazards or distract the driver (see page 107). • Do not leave children alone in your vehicle. Leaving children without adult supervision is illegal in most states and can be very hazardous. For example, infants and small children left in a vehicle on a hot day can die from heat stroke. And children left alone with the key in the ignition can accidentally set the vehicle in motion, possibly injuring themselves or others. • Keep vehicle keys and remote transmitters out of the reach of children. Even very young children learn how to unlock vehicle doors, turn on the ignition, and open the tailgate, which can lead to accidental injury or death. Driver and Passenger Safety 21 Main Menu Table of Contents General Guidelines for Using Child Seats The following pages give general guidelines for selecting and installing child seats for infants and small children. Selecting a Child Seat To provide proper protection, a child seat should meet three requirements: 1. The child seat should meet safety standards. The child seat should meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 (FMVSS 213). Look for the manufacturer’s statement of compliance on the box and seat. 2. The child seat should be of the proper type and size to fit the child. 22 Driver and Passenger Safety Infants: Children up to about one year old should be restrained in a rear-facing, reclining child seat. Only a rear-facing seat provides the proper support to protect an infant’s head, neck, and back. See page 26 for additional information on protecting infants. Small Children: A child who is too large for a rear-facing child seat, and who can sit up without support, should be restrained in a forward-facing child seat. See page 31 for additional information on protecting small children. 3. The child seat should fit the vehicle seating position (or positions) where it will be used. Main Menu Table of Contents Due to variations in the design of child seats, vehicle seats, and seat belts, all child seats will not fit all vehicle seating positions. However, Honda is confident that one or more child seat models can fit and be properly installed in all recommended seating positions in your vehicle. Before purchasing a child seat, we recommend that parents test the child seat in the specific vehicle seating position (or positions) where they intend to use the seat. If a previously purchased child seat does not fit, you may need to buy a different one that will fit. Driver and Passenger Safety 23 Main Menu Table of Contents Placing a Child Seat This page briefly summarizes Honda’s recommendations on where to place rear-facing and forwardfacing child seats in your vehicle. Airbags Pose Serious Risks to Children The passenger’s airbag inflates with enough force to kill or seriously injure an infant in a rear-facing child seat. A small child in a forwardfacing child seat is also at risk. If the vehicle seat is too far forward, or the child’s head is thrown forward during a collision, an inflating airbag can kill or seriously injure the child. If a small child must ride in the front, follow the instructions provided in this section. 24 Driver and Passenger Safety Front Passenger’s Seat Infants: Never in the front seat, due to the passenger’s airbag hazard. Small children: Not recommended, due to the passenger’s airbag hazard. If a small child must ride in front, move the vehicle seat to the rear-most position and secure a front-facing child seat with the seat belt (see page 31). Back Seats Infants: Recommended positions. Properly secure a rear-facing child seat (see page 27). Small children: Recommended positions. Properly secure a front-facing child seat (see page 31). Main Menu Table of Contents Installing a Child Seat After selecting a proper child seat, and a good position to install the seat, there are three main steps to installing the seat: 1. Properly secure the child seat to the vehicle. All child seats are designed to be secured to the vehicle with the lap part of a lap/shoulder belt. Some child seats can be secured to the vehicle’s LATCH anchorage system instead. A child whose seat is not properly secured to the vehicle can be endangered in a crash. See pages 34, 38, and 39 for instructions on how to properly secure child seats in this vehicle. 2. Make sure the child seat is firmly secured. After installing a child seat, push and pull the seat forward and from side to side to verify that it is secure. To provide security during normal driving maneuvers, as well as during a collision, we recommend that parents secure a child seat as firmly as possible. However, a child seat does not need to be “rock solid.” In some vehicles or seating positions, it may be difficult to install a child seat so that it does not move at all. Some side-to-side or back-andforth movement can be expected and should not reduce the child seat’s effectiveness. If the child seat is not secure, try installing it in a different seating position, or use a different style of child seat that can be firmly secured in the desired seating position. Driver and Passenger Safety 25 Main Menu Table of Contents 3. Secure the child in the child seat. Make sure the child is properly strapped in the child seat according to the child seat maker’s instructions. A child who is not properly secured in a child seat can be thrown out of the seat in a crash and seriously injured. Storing a Child Seat When you are not using a child seat, either remove it and store it in a safe place, or make sure it is properly secured. An unsecured child seat can be thrown around the vehicle during a crash or sudden stop and injure someone. Protecting Infants Placing a rear-facing child seat in the front seat can result in serious injury or death if the airbags inflate. Always place a rear-facing child seat in the back seat, not the front. Child Seat Type Only a rear-facing child seat provides proper support for a baby’s head, neck, and back. Infants up to about one year of age must be restrained in a rear-facing child seat. Two types of seats may be used: a seat designed exclusively for 26 Driver and Passenger Safety infants, or a convertible seat used in the rear-facing reclining mode. We recommend that an infant be restrained in a rear-facing child seat until the infant reaches the seat maker’s weight or height limit and is able to sit up without support. Main Menu Table of Contents Rear-Facing Child Seat Placement In this vehicle, a rear-facing child seat can be placed in any seating position in the back seat, but not in the front seat. Never put a rear-facing child seat in the front seat. If the passenger’s airbag inflates, it can hit the back of the child seat with enough force to kill or seriously injure an infant. If an infant must be closely watched, we recommend that another adult sit in the back seat with the baby. Do not put a rear-facing child seat in a forward-facing position. If placed facing forward, an infant could be very seriously injured during a frontal collision. When properly installed, a rearfacing child seat may prevent a driver or a front seat passenger from moving the seat as far back as recommended (see page 10). Or it may prevent them from locking the seat-back in the desired upright position (see page 11). In either case, we recommend that you place the child seat directly behind the front passenger seat, move the front seat as far forward as needed, and leave it unoccupied. You may also wish to get a smaller child seat that allows you to safely carry a front passenger. Installing a Rear-Facing Child Seat With a Lap/Shoulder Belt The lap/shoulder belts in the outer back seats have a locking mechanism that must be activated to secure a child seat. The following pages provide instructions on how to secure a rear-facing child seat with this type of seat belt. See page 30 for how to secure a rear-facing child seat in the center back seat with the lap belt. For tips on installing an infant seat with either type of seat belt, see page 31. Driver and Passenger Safety 27 Main Menu Table of Contents If you have a child seat designed to attach to the vehicle’s LATCH anchorage system, follow the instructions on page 39. 1. With the child seat in the desired back seating position, route the belt through the child seat according to the seat maker’s instructions, then insert the latch plate into the buckle. 28 Driver and Passenger Safety 2. To activate the lockable retractor, slowly pull the shoulder part of the belt all the way out until it stops, then let the belt feed back into the retractor (you might hear a clicking noise as the belt retracts). Main Menu Table of Contents 3. After the belt has retracted, tug on it. If the belt is locked, you will not be able to pull it out. If you can pull the belt out, it is not locked and you will need to repeat these steps. 4. After confirming that the belt is locked, grab the shoulder part of the belt near the buckle and pull up to remove any slack from the lap part of the belt. Remember, if the lap part of the belt is not tight, the child seat will not be secure. To remove slack, it may help to put weight on the child seat, or push on the back of the seat, while pulling up on the belt. 5. Push and pull the child seat forward and from side to side to verify that it is secure enough to stay upright during normal driving maneuvers. If the child seat is not secure, unlatch the belt, allow it to retract fully, then repeat these steps. Driver and Passenger Safety 29 Main Menu Table of Contents To deactivate the locking mechanism and remove a child seat, unlatch the buckle, unroute the seat belt, and let the belt fully retract. Installing a Rear-Facing Child Seat With the Lap Belt To install a rear-facing child seat in the center back seat with the lap belt, follow instruction number 1 on page 28 for routing and latching the seat belt. Then pull hard on the loose end of the 30 Driver and Passenger Safety belt to remove any slack (it may help to put weight on the child seat while pulling on the belt). Finally, follow instruction number 5 on page 29 to verify that the child seat is secure. Main Menu Table of Contents Rear-Facing Seat Installation Tips Protecting Small Children Of the different seats available, we recommend those that have a five-point harness system as shown. We also recommend that a small child stay in the child seat as long as possible, until the child reaches the weight or height limit for the seat. For proper protection, an infant must ride in a reclined, or semi-reclined position. To determine the proper reclining angle, check with the baby’s doctor, or follow the seat maker’s recommendations. To achieve the desired reclining angle, it may help to put a rolledup towel under the toe of the child seat, as shown. Child Seat Type A child who can sit up without support, and who fits within the child seat maker’s weight and height limits, should be restrained in a forward-facing, upright child seat. Child Seat Placement In this vehicle, the best place to install a forward-facing child seat is in one of the seating positions in the back seat. Placing a forward-facing child seat in the front seat of a vehicle equipped with a passenger’s airbag can be hazardous. If the vehicle seat is too far forward, or the child’s head is thrown forward during a collision, an inflating passenger’s airbag can strike the Driver and Passenger Safety 31 Main Menu Table of Contents child with enough force to cause very serious or fatal injuries. If a small child must be closely watched, we recommend that another adult sit in the back seat with the child. Improperly placing a forward-facing child seat in the front seat can result in serious injury or death if the airbags inflate. If you must place a forwardfacing child seat in the front, move the vehicle seat as far back as possible and properly restrain the child. If it is necessary to put a forwardfacing child seat in the front, 32 Driver and Passenger Safety move the vehicle seat as far to the rear as possible, be sure the child seat is firmly secured to the vehicle, and that the child is properly strapped in the seat. See page 34 for how to secure a forward-facing child seat in the center back seat with the lap belt. Installing a Child Seat With a Lap/Shoulder Belt The lap/shoulder belts in the outer back and front passenger seating positions have a locking mechanism that must be activated to secure a child seat. The following pages provide instructions on how to secure a forward-facing child seat with this type of seat belt. If you have a child seat designed to attach to the vehicle’s LATCH anchorage system, follow the instructions on page 39. 1. With the child seat in the desired seating position, route the belt through the child seat according to the seat maker’s instructions, then insert the latch plate into the buckle. Main Menu Table of Contents out, it is not locked and you will need to repeat these steps. 2. To activate the lockable retractor, slowly pull the shoulder part of the belt all the way out until it stops, then let the belt feed back into the retractor (you might hear a clicking noise as the belt retracts). 3. After the belt has retracted, tug on it. If the belt is locked, you will not be able to pull it out. If you can pull the belt 4. After confirming that the belt is locked, grab the shoulder part of the belt near the buckle and pull up to remove any slack from the lap part of the belt. Remember, if the lap part of the belt is not tight, the child seat will not be secure. It may help to put weight on the child seat, or push on the back of the seat, while pulling up on the belt. 5. Push and pull the child seat forward and from side to side to verify that it is secure enough to stay upright during normal driving maneuvers. If the child seat is not secure, Driver and Passenger Safety 33 Main Menu Table of Contents unlatch the belt, allow it to retract fully, then repeat these steps. Installing a Child Seat With the Lap Belt To deactivate the locking mechanism in order to remove a child seat, unlatch the buckle, unroute the seat belt, and let the belt fully retract. Protecting Larger Children When a child reaches the recommended weight or height limit for a forward-facing child seat, the child should sit in one of the outer back seats and wear a lap/shoulder belt. The lap/shoulder belt provides better protection than the lap belt. To install a forward-facing child seat in the center back seat with the lap belt, follow instruction number 1 on page 32 for routing and latching the seat belt. Then pull hard on the loose end of the belt to remove any slack (it may help to put weight on the child seat while pulling on the belt). 34 Driver and Passenger Safety Finally, follow instruction number 5 on page 33 to verify that the child seat is secure. If a child is too short for the shoulder part of the belt to fit properly, we recommend that the child use a booster seat until the child is tall enough to use the seat belt without a booster. Main Menu Table of Contents The following pages give instructions on how to check proper seat belt fit, what kind of booster seat to use if one is needed, and important precautions for a child who must sit in the front seat. Allowing a larger child to sit improperly in the front seat can result in injury or death if the airbags inflate. If a larger child must sit in front, make sure the child moves the seat as far back as possible and wears the seat belt properly. Checking Seat Belt Fit However, if the belt touches or crosses the child’s neck, the child needs to use a booster seat. Do not let a child wear a seat belt across the neck. This could result in serious neck injuries during a crash. To determine if a lap/shoulder belt properly fits a child, have the child put on the seat belt. Follow the instructions on page 13. Then check how the belt fits. Do not let a child put the shoulder part of a seat belt behind the back or under the arm. This could cause very serious injuries during a crash. It also increases the chance that the child will slide under the belt in a crash and be injured. If the shoulder part of the belt rests over the child’s collarbone and against the center of the chest, as shown, the child is large enough to wear the seat belt. Driver and Passenger Safety 35 Main Menu Table of Contents Do not put any accessories on a seat belt. Devices intended to improve occupant comfort, or reposition the shoulder part of a seat belt, severely compromise the protective capability of the seat belt and increase the chance of serious injury in a crash. Using a Booster Seat A child may continue using a booster seat until the tops of the ears are even with the top of the seat-back. A child of this height, should be tall enough to use the lap/shoulder belt without a booster. Two children should never use the same seat belt. If they do, they could be very seriously injured in a crash. If a child needs a booster seat, we recommend choosing a style that allows the child to use the lap/shoulder belt directly, without a shield, as shown. 36 Driver and Passenger Safety Whichever style you select, follow the booster seat maker’s instructions. When Can a Larger Child Sit in Front The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends that all children ages 12 and under be properly restrained in the back seat. Main Menu Table of Contents The back seat is the safest place for a child of any age or size. In addition, the passenger’s airbag poses serious risks to children. If the seat is too far forward, or the child’s head is thrown forward during a collision, or the child is unrestrained or out of position, an inflating airbag can kill or seriously injure the child. Of course, children vary widely. And while age may be one indicator of when a child can safely ride in the front, there are other important factors you should consider. Physical Size – Physically, a child must be large enough for the lap/shoulder belt to properly fit over the hips, chest, and shoulder (see page 13 and 36). If the seat belt does not fit properly, the child should not sit in the front. If you decide that a child can safely ride up front, be sure to: Maturity – To safely ride in front, a child must be able to follow the rules, including sitting properly, and wearing the seat belt properly throughout a ride. • Move the vehicle seat to the • Carefully read the owner’s manual, and make sure you understand all seat belt instructions and all safety information. rear-most position. • Have the child sit up straight, back against the seat, and feet on or near the floor. • Check that the child’s seat belt is properly positioned and secured. • Supervise the child. Even mature children sometimes need to be reminded to fasten their seat belts or sit properly. Driver and Passenger Safety 37 Main Menu Table of Contents Using Child Seats With Tethers ATTACHMENT POINTS seat maker to determine whether a tether is available for a particular child seat. TETHER FROM CHILD SEAT COVER LATCH REAR FLOOR Your vehicle has two attachment points in the rear floor for securing a tether-style child seat to the vehicle. Since a tether can provide additional security, we recommend using a tether whenever one is required or available. Check with the child 38 Driver and Passenger Safety ANCHORAGE POINT The tether anchorage points are located under plastic covers. Use your finger to push the latch, then pivot the cover backward to access the anchorage point. Attach the tether strap hook to the tether anchorage point as shown in the illustration, then tighten the strap according to the child seat maker’s instructions. Main Menu Table of Contents Using LATCH To install a LATCH-compatible child seat: 1. Move the seat belt buckle or center seat belt away from the lower anchors. LOWER ANCHORAGES Your vehicle is equipped with LATCH (Lower Anchorages and Tethers for Children) at the outer rear seats. The lower anchors anchorages are located between the seat-back and the seat bottom, and are to be used only with a child seat designed for use with LATCH. 2. Make sure there are no foreign objects around the anchors. Foreign objects could get in the way of a secure connection between the child seat and the anchor. RIGID TYPE 3. Put the child seat in the rear left or right vehicle seat and attach the child seat to the lower anchor according to the child seat maker’s instructions. Driver and Passenger Safety 39 Main Menu Table of Contents CHILD SEAT TETHER COVER FLEXIBLE TYPE 4. Follow the child seat maker’s instructions for any additional advice on adjusting or tightening the fit. 40 Driver and Passenger Safety ANCHORAGE POINT 5. Attach the tether strap hook to the tether anchorage point and tighten the strap according to the child seat maker’s instructions. 6. Push and pull the child seat forward and from side to side to verify that it is secure enough to stay upright during normal driving maneuvers. Main Menu Table of Contents Additional Information About Your Seat Belts Seat Belt System Components Lap/Shoulder Belt Your seat belt system includes lap/shoulder belts in the front seats and the outer back seats, and a lap belt in the center back seat. The system also includes a light on the instrument panel to remind you and your passengers to fasten your belts. If the driver’s seat belt is not fastened before the ignition is turned ON (II), the light will come on and a beeper will also sound. The beeper will stop after a few seconds, but the light will stay on until the driver’s seat belt is fastened. To fasten the belt, insert the latch plate into the buckle, then tug on the belt to make sure the buckle is latched. To unlock the belt, push the red PRESS button on the buckle. Guide the belt across your body to the door pillar. After exiting the vehicle, be sure the belt is out of the way and will not get closed in the door. This seat-belt has a single belt that goes over your shoulder, across your chest, and across your hips. All lap/shoulder belts have an emergency locking retractor. In normal driving, the retractor lets you move freely in your seat while it keeps some tension on the belt. During a collision or sudden stop, the retractor automatically locks the belt to help restrain your body. Driver and Passenger Safety 41 Main Menu Table of Contents All the lap/shoulder belts except the driver’s have an additional locking mechanism that must be activated to secure a child seat. (See pages 27 and 32 for instructions on how to secure child seats with this type of seat belt.) Lap Belt The lap belt has one manually adjusted belt that fits across the hips. See page 13 for instructions on how to wear the lap/shoulder belt properly. 42 Driver and Passenger Safety Seat Belt Maintenance For safety, you should check the condition of your seat belts regularly. If the shoulder part of the belt is pulled all the way out, the locking mechanism will activate. The belt will retract, but it will not allow a passenger to move freely. To deactivate the locking mechanism, unlatch the buckle and let the seat belt fully retract. To refasten the belt, pull it out only as far as needed. See page 14 for how to lengthen the lap belt, and how to properly position the belt. To fasten the belt, insert the latch plate into the buckle marked CENTER , then tug on the belt to make sure the buckle is latched. To unlock the belt, push the red PRESS button. Pull each belt out fully and look for frays, cuts, burns, and wear. Check that the latches work smoothly and that the lap/shoulder belts retract easily. Any belt not in good condition or not working properly will not provide good protection and should be replaced as soon as possible. Main Menu Table of Contents Honda provides a lifetime warranty on seat belts. Honda will repair or replace any seat belt component that fails to function properly during normal use. Please see your Honda Warranty Information booklet for details. Not checking or maintaining seat belts can result in serious injury or death if the seat belts do not work properly when needed. Check your seat belts regularly and have any problem corrected as soon as possible. If a seat belt is worn during a crash, you should have your dealer inspect the belt, and replace it if necessary. A belt that has been worn during a crash may not provide the same level of protection in a subsequent crash. The dealer should also inspect the anchors for damage and replace them if needed. For information on how to clean your seat belts, see page 229. Additional Information About Your SRS The SRS is designed to provide protection under a wide range of driving conditions, including off-road driving. When driving off-road, it is important that everyone wear their seat belts properly, and that you drive at speeds that are safe for the terrain and conditions. Refer to the Off-Road Driving Information booklet for tips on proper operation. SRS Components Your Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) includes: • Two frontal airbags. The driver’s airbag is stored in the center of the steering wheel; the front passenger’s airbag is stored in the dashboard. Both are marked “SRS AIRBAG.” Driver and Passenger Safety 43 Main Menu Table of Contents • Sensors that can detect a How Your Airbags Work moderate to severe frontal collision. Since both airbags use the same sensors, both airbags normally inflate at the same time. However, it is possible for only one airbag to inflate. • A sophisticated electronic system that continually monitors the sensors, control unit, the airbag activators and all related wiring when the ignition is ON (II). • An indicator light on the instrument panel to alert you to a possible problem with the system (see page 45). • Emergency backup power in case your vehicle’s electrical system is disconnected in a crash. If you ever have a moderate to severe frontal collision, the sensors will detect rapid deceleration and signal the control unit to instantly inflate the airbags. During a crash, your seat belt helps restrain your lower body and torso. Your airbag provides a 44 Driver and Passenger Safety cushion to help restrain and protect your head and chest. This can occur when the severity of a collision is at the margin, or threshold, that determines whether or not the airbags will deploy. In such cases, the seat belt will provide sufficient protection and the supplemental protection provided by the airbag would be minimal. Main Menu Table of Contents After a crash, you may see what looks like smoke. This is actually powder from the airbag’s surface. Although the powder is not harmful, people with respiratory problems may experience some temporary discomfort. If this occurs, get out of the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. After inflating, the airbags immediately deflate so they won’t interfere with the driver’s visibility, or the ability to steer or operate other controls. The total time for inflation and deflation is approximately one-tenth of a second, so fast that most occupants are not aware that the airbags deployed until they see them lying in their laps. For additional information on how your airbags work, see the booklet titled SRS: What You Need to Know About Airbags that came with your owner’s manual. How Your SRS Indicator Light Works The purpose of the SRS light is to alert you to a potential problem with your Supplemental Restraint System. When you turn the ignition ON (II), this indicator will blink seven times, then go out. This tells you that the system is working properly. However, if the light comes on at any other time, you should have the system checked by your dealer. For example: • If the SRS indicator light does not come on after you turn the ignition ON (II). Driver and Passenger Safety 45 Main Menu Table of Contents • If the light stays on after the engine starts. • If the light comes on or flashes on and off while you drive. If you see any of these indications, your airbags may not deploy when you need them. See your Honda dealer as soon as possible. Ignoring the SRS indicator light can result in serious injury or death if the airbags do not inflate when needed. Have your vehicle checked by a dealer as soon as possible if the SRS light alerts you to a potential problem. 46 Driver and Passenger Safety SRS Service Your Supplemental Restraint System is virtually maintenancefree, and there are no parts you can safely service. However, you must have your vehicle serviced if: • Your airbags ever inflate. The airbags and control unit must be replaced. Do not try to remove or replace the airbags yourself. This must be done by a Honda dealer or a knowledgeable body shop. • The SRS indicator light alerts you to a problem. Take your vehicle to an authorized Honda dealer as soon as possible. If you ignore this indication, the airbags might not inflate when you need them. Additional Safety Precautions • Do not attempt to deactivate your airbags. Together, airbags and seat belts provide the best protection in a moderate to severe frontal collision. • Do not tamper with SRS components or wiring for any reason. Tampering could cause the airbags to deploy, possibly causing very serious injury. See page 174 for further information and precautions relating to your SRS. Main Menu Table of Contents Carbon Monoxide Hazard Your vehicle’s exhaust contains carbon monoxide gas. You should have no problem with carbon monoxide entering the vehicle in normal driving if you maintain your vehicle properly. Have the exhaust system inspected for leaks whenever: • The vehicle is raised for an oil change. • You notice a change in the sound of the exhaust. • The vehicle was in an accident that may have damaged the underside. Carbon monoxide gas is toxic. Breathing it can cause unconsciousness and even kill you. Avoid any enclosed areas or activities that expose you to carbon monoxide. High levels of carbon monoxide can collect rapidly in enclosed areas, such as a garage. Do not run the engine with the garage door closed. Even with the door open, run the engine only long enough to move the vehicle out of the garage. drive with the tailgate glass open, open all the windows and set the heating and cooling system as shown below. If you must sit in your parked vehicle, even in an unconfined area, with the engine running, adjust the heating and cooling system as follows: 1. Slide the lever to 2. Turn the dial to . mode. 3. Turn the fan on high speed. 4. Set the temperature control to a comfortable setting. With the tailgate glass open, air flow can pull exhaust gas into the interior. This can create a hazardous condition. If you must Driver and Passenger Safety 47 Main Menu Table of Contents Safety Labels These labels are in the locations shown. They warn you of potential hazards that could cause serious injury. SUN VISOR If a label comes off or becomes hard to read, contact your Honda dealer for a replacement. DASHBOARD UNDER-HOOD 48 Driver and Passenger Safety Main Menu Off to a Good Start To make it easier for you to enjoy your new Passport, we’ve gathered together the bits and pieces of information that will get you “off to a good start.” Each item in this section refers you to a page of the manual for detailed instructions on that aspect of vehicle operation. While you should take the time to become familiar with all the information in this manual, we hope that this section saves some time in getting you safely behind the wheel. Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Engine Compartment . . . . . . . 53 Off to a Good Start 49 Main Menu Table of Contents Seats A SEAT ADJUSTMENT See pages 91 and 92. B SEAT BELT See pages 13 – 15. C TILT STEERING WHEEL See page 115. B – SEAT BELT C – TILT STEERING WHEEL A – SEAT ADJUSTMENT (LX and EX shown) 50 Off to a Good Start Main Menu Table of Contents Interior N – MAP LIGHT AND MOONROOF G – ADJUSTING REAR AND SIDE VIEW MIRRORS F – GAUGES L – TURN SIGNALS J – HEADLIGHTS M – HEATER CONTROLS K – WINDSHIELD WIPERS H – SHIFTING D – IGNITION SWITCH E – STARTING THE ENGINE I – PARKING BRAKE Off to a Good Start 51 Main Menu Table of Contents Interior D IGNITION SWITCH I See page 101. E STARTING THE ENGINE See page 86. J See page 157. F GAUGES See page 105. HEADLIGHTS See page 72. K WINDSHIELD WIPERS See page 58. G ADJUSTING REAR AND SIDE VIEW MIRRORS PARKING BRAKE See page 70. L TURN SIGNALS See page 75. M HEATER CONTROLS H SHIFTING For automatic, see page 76. For manual, see page 83. For four-wheel drive, see pages 80 and 84. 52 Off to a Good Start See page 120. N MAP LIGHT AND MOONROOF See pages 112. O PUTTING FUEL IN THE VEHICLE See page 197. Main Menu Table of Contents Engine Compartment P ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK See pages 200, 213. S ENGINE OIL FILL CAP See page 212. V RADIATOR RESERVE TANK See page 218. Q WINDSHIELD WASHER RESERVOIR See page 71. T BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER RESERVOIR See page 219. W POWER STEERING RESERVOIR See page 223. R RADIATOR CAP See page 218. U CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER RESERVOIR See page 223. S – ENGINE OIL FILL CAP P – ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK X AIR CLEANER See page 214. T– BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER RESERVOIR W – POWER STEERING RESERVOIR U– CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER RESERVOIR X– AIR CLEANER Q – WINDSHIELD WASHER RESERVOIR V – RADIATOR RESERVE TANK R – RADIATOR CAP Off to a Good Start 53 Main Menu Main Menu Instruments and Controls This section explains the controls and displays that contribute to the daily operation of your Honda. All the essential controls are within easy reach. Control Locations . . . . . . . . . Indicators and Gauges . . . . . . Gauges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trip Odometer/ Reset Knob . . . . . . . . . . . Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . Indicator Lights . . . . . . . . . . . Switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Windshield Wiper/Washer Headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . Illumination Control . . . . . Rear Window Defogger . . Rear Window Wiper/ Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Turn Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . Hazard Warning Flasher . . 56 57 58 58 58 58 58 59 Automatic Transmission . . . . Transfer Control (4WD Models) . . . . . . . . . 5-Speed Manual Transmission Transfer Control (4WD Models) . . . . . . . . . Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . Accelerator Pedal . . . . . . . . . . Clutch Pedal . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 80 83 84 86 87 87 60 61 70 70 72 73 74 74 75 76 Instruments and Controls 55 Main Menu Table of Contents Control Locations METERS AND GAUGES TRANSMISSION AND TRANSFER CONTROL LEVERS PARKING BRAKE LEVER 56 Instruments and Controls Main Menu Table of Contents Indicators and Gauges HIGH BEAM INDICATOR LIGHT BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR LIGHT TURN SIGNAL INDICATOR LIGHT REDUCED POWER INDICATOR LIGHT SRS INDICATOR LIGHT CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR LIGHT TURN SIGNAL INDICATOR LIGHT SPEEDOMETER TRIP ODOMETER A/T OIL TEMP INDICATOR LIGHT (A/T only) POWER DRIVE INDICATOR LIGHT SEAT BELT REMINDER LIGHT WINTER DRIVE INDICATOR LIGHT LOW FUEL INDICATOR LIGHT LOW OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR LIGHT CHECK TRANS INDICATOR LIGHT (A/T only) CRUISE SET INDICATOR LIGHT ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE GAUGE FUEL GAUGE ODOMETER CHARGING SYSTEM INDICATOR LIGHT TRIP ODOMETER RESET KNOB ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR TACHOMETER 4-WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) INDICATOR LIGHT Instruments and Controls 57 Main Menu Table of Contents Gauges Tachometer TACHOMETER SPEEDOMETER The tachometer shows the engine speed in revolutions per minute (rpm). To protect the engine from damage, never drive with the tachometer needle in the red zone. Speedometer The speedometer shows vehicle speed in miles per hour (mph). Odometer The odometer indicates the total distance your vehicle has been driven. TRIP ODOMETER ODOMETER TRIP ODOMETER RESET KNOB 58 Instruments and Controls Trip Odometer/Reset Button There are two trip odometers. Each odometer works independently, so you can keep track of two different distances. Switch between them and the Main Menu Table of Contents odometer by repeatedly pressing and releasing the reset button. To reset a trip odometer, display it, then press and hold the reset button until the odometer clears to zero. Fuel Gauge The fuel gauge will register the approximate fuel level in the tank when the key is in the “ON” position. The following conditions may be considered normal: • Gas station pumps may shut off before the fuel gauge indicates “F” (FULL). ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE GAUGE FUEL GAUGE • The amount of fuel required for a fill-up may not exactly correspond to the gauge. • The needle may not move away from “F” (FULL) until some time after fill-up. Instruments and Controls 59 Main Menu Table of Contents • The needle may move during turning, stopping and acceleration. Gauge Reading Remaining Amount Approx. Gallons (Liters) F 19.5 (75.0) 1/2 10.8 (41.0) E 3.6 (13.5) Fuel Door This is a reminder that the fuel fill door is on the left side of the vehicle. Always park with that side closest to the service station pumps. 60 Instruments and Controls Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge When the key is in the “ON” position, the engine coolant temperature gauge indicates the temperature of the engine coolant. The letters “C” and “H” on the gauge represent “Cold” and “Hot,” respectively. NORMAL RANGE The gray area indicates the normal engine coolant temperature. If the pointer reaches the “H” mark, pull safely to the side of the road. Turn to page 217 for instructions and precautions on checking the engine’s cooling system. OVERHEATING Driving with the temperature gauge pointer at “H” can cause serious damage to the engine. Main Menu Table of Contents Indicator Lights Seat Belt Reminder HIGH BEAM INDICATOR LIGHT BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR LIGHT As a reminder to you and your passengers, this light will come on for about six seconds each time the key is turned to the “ON” position. The beeper will also operate for about six seconds after turning the key to the “ON” position if the driver’s seat belt is not fastened. Brake System SEAT BELT REMINDER LIGHT CHARGING SYSTEM INDICATOR LIGHT The service braking system is a split system designed so that one part will provide some braking action if there is a loss of hydraulic pressure in the other part of the system. To serve as a reminder, the “BRAKE ” system light is designed to come on while the parking brake is set and the key is turned to the “ON” position. Have Instruments and Controls 61 Main Menu Table of Contents the system repaired if the light does not come on when the key is turned to the “ON” position without the engine running or when the parking brake is set. 2. If it has, pull off the road and stop carefully. Remember that: • Stopping distances may be longer. • You may have to push harder on the pedal. • The pedal may go down farther than normal. This light does not eliminate the need for brake inspection and maintenance. The brake fluid level must be checked regularly. See the maintenance section of this manual for other brake checks. 3. Have the vehicle towed to the nearest Honda dealer for repair. If the light remains on after engine start up with the parking brake released, or comes on during operation of the vehicle, it may mean that there is something wrong with the brake system. Do not continue to drive with the brake system light on. There may be a serious problem with the braking system. Driving under this condition is hazardous and could lead to an accident. What to do? 1. Check to see if the parking brake has been fully released. 62 Instruments and Controls The brake system light does not indicate that the parking brake is fully set. When applying the parking brake, always pull it up as far as possible. High Beam The headlight high beam indicator lights up when the headlights are on high beam. Charging System This light should come on when the key is turned to the “ON” position and the alternator is not charging. The light may stay on at engine idle; however, it should go off and stay off above the normal engine idle speed. If the light comes on while driving, the charging system should be checked at once so the battery will not completely discharge. Stop the engine, and check for a broken drive belt. If it is broken, or if the drive belt is not responsible for the trouble, have your Honda dealer inspect and correct the fault. If the drive belt is broken, Main Menu Table of Contents overheating of the engine could result. Have the system checked as soon as possible. LOW OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR TURN SIGNAL INDICATORS REDUCED POWER INDICATOR MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LOW FUEL INDICATOR Malfunction Indicator Lamp The indicator light should turn on when the key is turned to the “ON” position, but should go out after the engine is started. (The light will stay on a short time after the engine starts.) If the light stays on, or comes on while driving, it indicates a problem in the engine emissions control system. Have your Honda dealer inspect the system and correct the problem. If this indicator starts flashing as you drive, engine misfiring has been detected. Misfiring can damage the catalytic converter Instruments and Controls 63 Main Menu Table of Contents and the engine. Stop as soon as it is safe, turn off the engine, and call for assistance. If you keep driving with the malfunction indicator lamp on, you can damage your vehicle’s emissions controls and engine. Those repairs may not be covered by your vehicle’s warranties. Reduced Power Indicator This light comes on for a few seconds when you turn the key to the “ON” position If it comes on at any other time, it indicates that there is a problem in the throttle “drive-by-wire” system. With the light on, your vehicle goes into “limp home” 64 Instruments and Controls mode — the engine runs on three cylinders, and the accelerator pedal no longer controls engine speed. As soon as it is safe, pull off the road and turn off the engine. Restart the engine to reset the system. If the light remains on, or comes on again while driving, have the vehicle towed to your Honda dealer for repair. Turn Signal Indicators A green light flashing on the instrument panel lets you know that the front and rear turn signal lights are working. If the light stays on and does not flash, check for a burned out bulb. If there is no light when the lever is moved, check the fuse and bulb. Whenever the Hazard Warning Flasher Switch is on, both turn signals will flash. Low Fuel Indicator This light comes on when the tank becomes nearly empty. Fill up the tank as soon as possible. If the low fuel indicator light comes on when the fuel tank is not nearly empty, have the fuel tank sensing unit and related components inspected and repaired by your Honda dealer. Driving on a road with many sharp curves may cause the fuel indicator light to blink intermittently. This is normal. Main Menu Table of Contents Low Oil Pressure Indicator This light is designed to come on to provide a “bulb check” when the key is turned to the “ON” position, but should go out after the engine is started. If the light fails to come on with the key turned to the “ON” position, it could indicate a burned out bulb or a blown fuse. Have the system repaired if the light does not come on when checking. Occasionally, this light may flicker momentarily while the engine is idling, but this will not harm the system. However, if the light remains on during normal engine operation, the engine should be stopped until the cause of the trouble can be located and corrected. The source of the trouble could be either of the following: Running the engine with low oil pressure can cause serious mechanical damage almost immediately. Turn off the engine as soon as you can safely get the vehicle stopped. • Low engine oil level • Loss of engine oil pressure Instruments and Controls 65 Main Menu Table of Contents Upshift Indicator Automatic Transmission 4-WHEEL DRIVE (4WD) INDICATOR LIGHT ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR Safe operation of the vehicle may require a different shifting schedule than indicated by the “U/S” light to adapt to weather, road, or traffic conditions. The “U/S” light should be ignored when downshifting or when hard acceleration is required for satisfactory performance. Manual Transmission UPSHIFT INDICATOR LIGHT 66 Instruments and Controls Manual transmission only A “U/S” (upshift) light will come on to indicate that you can get better fuel economy by shifting to the next higher gear if conditions permit. Best fuel economy can be achieved by accelerating slowly and shifting to the next higher gear when the “U/S” light comes on. For the best compromise between vehicle performance and fuel economy, upshift the transmission Main Menu Table of Contents as indicated by the “U/S” (upshift) light on the instrument panel. If vehicle speed drops below 20 mph (30 km/h), or if the engine is not running smoothly, you should downshift to the next lower gear. You may need to downshift two or more gears to keep the engine running smoothly or for satisfactory performance. This indicator comes on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position. 4-Wheel Drive (4WD) Indicator 4WD models only This indicator lights when the 4-Wheel Drive system is engaged. With the 4WD-2WD switch in the “OFF” or 2WD position, this light will come on to provide a “bulb check” when the key is turned to the “ON” position, but should go out after the engine is started. If the 4WD-2WD switch is in the “ON” or 4WD position, this light will come on when the key is turned to the “ON” position and remain on after the engine is started. Anti-Lock Indicator This light will come on and go out when the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position. (If the light does not come on, see your Honda dealer to have the system repaired.) If the light remains on after engine start-up or comes on during operation of the vehicle, stop as soon as possible and turn the key off. Then start the engine to reset the system. If the light stays on, or it comes on again while you’re driving, the anti-lock brake system should be checked at your Honda dealer. Until you get it fixed, you’ll have normal brakes, but you won’t have anti-lock. Instruments and Controls 67 Main Menu Table of Contents Check Automatic Transmission Indicator The indicator light comes on for a few seconds when the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position. checked by your Honda dealer as soon as possible. You can safely drive the vehicle while the light is flashing, but the computer may put the transmission into its “backup mode.” When the transmission is in backup mode and does not shift automatically, you should move the selector lever to the appropriate position for your driving needs, as follows: In the backup mode, the transmission may not shift automatically. If the transmission does not shift automatically, you must move the shift lever to change gears. This chart shows the shift lever position and the gear range that will result. Select “3” or “D” for high speed driving (over 50 mph, 80 km/h). “L” position
First gear “2” position
Third gear “3” position
Fourth gear “D” position
Fourth gear If the light flashes, it means the computer controlling the transmission has found a problem. Have the automatic transmission 68 Instruments and Controls Select “2” for moderate speed driving (between 15 mph [25 km/h] and 50 mph [80 km/h]). Select “L” when starting from a stop, driving up or down a steep hill, or for engine braking when towing a trailer downhill. Do not exceed 65 mph (45 mph if towing a trailer). Main Menu Table of Contents Depending on the type of problem, the “CHECK TRANS” light will flash but the transmission may continue to shift automatically. If the transmission is shifting normally, you do not have to choose gears with the shift lever. However, continued operation of the vehicle with this light flashing can cause serious mechanical damage. You should have the vehicle serviced by your Honda dealer as soon as possible. Winter Drive Indicator Automatic Transmission only The “Winter Drive” light will come on when you push the Winter Drive button with the engine running and the transmission lever in the “D” range. It also comes on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position. Power Drive button with the engine running. It also comes on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition switch to the “ON” position. Refer to “Driving Pattern Selector” later in this section. Power Drive Indicator Automatic Transmission only The “Power Drive” light will come on when you push the Refer to “Driving Pattern Selector” later in this section. Instruments and Controls 69 Main Menu Table of Contents Switches Automatic Transmission Fluid Temperature Indicator The “A/T OIL TEMP” indicator light warns that the automatic transmission fluid temperature is high. The indicator light should turn on when the ignition switch is turned to the “ON” position, but should go out after a few seconds. If this light comes on while you are driving, slow down and pull off the road. Stop the vehicle at a safe place and put the shift lever in “P” position. With the engine idling, wait until the light goes off. If the light goes off, you can drive the vehicle again. If the light does not go off, have the automatic transmission lubricating system checked as soon as possible by your Honda dealer. Windshield Wiper/Washer The lever on the right side of the steering column controls the windshield wipers. Move the lever down to select the various windshield wiper speeds. Driving with the “A/T OIL TEMP” light constantly on will cause serious mechanical damage to the automatic transmission. In INT, the wipers operate every few seconds. In LO and HIGH, the wipers run continuously. In INT, you can vary how often the 70 Instruments and Controls Main Menu Table of Contents wipers sweep the windshield by turning the INT TIME ring. The interval can be adjusted within a range of approximately 3 to 17 seconds. Windshield Washer Operation Windshield Washer Fluid • Check the washer fluid level regularly. Do it more often during poor weather conditions. • Use windshield washer fluid to prevent freezing and for better cleaning. To operate the windshield washers, pull back on the windshield wiper control lever. The washers will spray, and the wipers will run at low speed, for as long as you hold the lever. The wipers will continue to run for a short time after you release the lever. Do not use engine antifreeze or a vinegar/water solution in the windshield washer reservoir. Antifreeze can damage your vehicle’s paint, while a vinegar/water solution can damage the windshield washer pump. Use only commercially available windshield washer fluid. Instruments and Controls 71 Main Menu Table of Contents In cold weather, warm the windshield with the defrosters before using the washers. This will help prevent icing of the windshield that may block your vision. Headlights The rotating switch on the left lever controls the lights. Rotating this switch to the position turns on the instrument panel lights and all exterior lights except the headlights. Rotating the switch to the position turns on the headlights. To change between low beams and high beams, pull back on the 72 Instruments and Controls lever until you hear a click, then let go. The high beam indicator will light (see page 62) when the high beams are selected. To flash the high beams, pull the lever back about half way and then let it go. The high beams will stay on for as long as you hold the lever back, no matter what position the headlight switch is in. Main Menu Table of Contents Headlights-On Reminder You will hear a continuous tone when the key is out of the ignition switch and the driver’s door is opened with the headlight switch in the “ON” position. This will remind you to turn the headlights off. Never leave the headlights on when the engine is not running. They can rapidly discharge the battery. Fog Lights Illumination Control EX model only The instrument panel lights turn on when the light switch is on. Brightness of the instrument panel lights is controlled by turning the illumination control knob clockwise for brighter or counterclockwise for dimmer. When fog or heavy mist reduces your forward vision, push this switch to turn the fog lights on. The indicator light in the switch turns on. Push the switch again to turn off the fog lights. BRIGHTER DIMMER The fog lights operate only when the headlight low beams are in use. Instruments and Controls 73 Main Menu Table of Contents Rear Window and Mirror Defoggers With the ignition “ON,” push the defogger switch to use the rear window and mirror defoggers. again to turn on the defogger for another 10 minutes. It also shuts off when you turn off the ignition. You have to turn it on again when you restart the vehicle. To wash the rear window, push and hold the rear window washer button. The washer and wiper will run until you release the button. Make sure the rear window is clear and you have good visibility before starting to drive. REAR WIPER BUTTON REAR WASHER BUTTON The defogger wires on the inside of the rear window can be easily damaged. When cleaning the glass, always wipe side to side. Do not use any abrasive cleaners. Rear Window Wiper/Washer The indicator light in the switch lights to show the defogger is on. The defogger will shut itself off after 10 minutes. If the rear window or mirrors are not completely clear, press the switch 74 Instruments and Controls To operate the rear window wiper, press the wiper button. The wiper runs in intermittent mode until you press the button again. The rear window wiper cannot be operated when the rear window is not latched. Main Menu Table of Contents Turn Signal Lever Push the lever fully up to signal a right turn. Push it fully down to signal a left turn. Lights on the front and rear of the vehicle will flash. The turn signal will cancel itself as the turn is completed. In some driving maneuvers, such as changing lanes on an expressway, the steering wheel is not turned back sufficiently after completing the turn to automatically cancel the turn signal. In such maneuvers the driver should manually return the lever to the neutral or canceled position when the turn is completed. A green light on the instrument panel flashes to indicate proper operation of the front and rear turn signal lights. If the green light remains on, but does not flash, check for defective bulbs If the green light does not light when the lever is moved, check the fuse and indicator bulb. Lane Change Signal In some turns, such as changing lanes, the steering wheel is not turned far enough to cancel the turn signal. For convenience, you can flash the turn signal by moving the lever part way (to the first stop) and holding it there. The lever will return to the horizontal position when you release it. Instruments and Controls 75 Main Menu Table of Contents Automatic Transmission Hazard Warning Flasher Push the button to turn on the hazard warning lights (four-way flashers). All four outside turn signal lights and both indicators in the instrument panel will flash. Push the button again to turn them off. The turn signals do not work when the hazard warning lights are on. Use the hazard warning lights to warn other drivers that your vehicle is a potential road hazard. Avoid stopping on the roadway if possible. Cruise Control Refer to page 147 for operation of this system. The shift lever position indicator is in the instrument panel. The appropriate letter or number illuminates to show what position the shift lever is in. The 4-speed automatic transmission shift lever is arranged with “P” (Park) position at one end, followed in sequence by “R” (Reverse), “N” (Neutral) 76 Instruments and Controls Main Menu Table of Contents and the forward driving ranges. The shift lever can be shifted freely into any position indicated by the arrow “ ”. The lever cannot be shifted into any position indicated by the arrow “ ” without pushing the button located on the end of the shift lever. PARK REV NEUT DRIVE 3RD 2ND 1ST In this 4-speed automatic transmission, the following three modes can be selected by pressing the “POWER ” or “WINTER ” switch on the floor console, with the key switch in the “ON” position: • NORMAL mode • POWER mode • WINTER mode P (Park) — Used to lock the transmission when the vehicle is parked or while starting the engine. Never move the shift lever to Park until your vehicle is fully stopped. Use this position together with the parking brake. The shift lever can be moved from PARK position if the regular brake is applied. R (Reverse) — Used for backing the vehicle. Bring your vehicle to a complete stop before shifting to Reverse. N (Neutral) — The out-of-gear position. You may restart a stalled engine while the vehicle is still moving with the selector in Neutral. Refer to “Starting” in this section. This position is also used when towing the vehicle. See “In Case of Emergency” for towing information. D (Drive) (First to Fourth Gear) — This position is for all normal forward driving. For normal driving, we recommend that you put the shift lever in the “D” range. This will reduce vehicle noise and improve fuel economy. Refer to “Starting” in this section. Instruments and Controls 77 Main Menu Table of Contents 3 (Third) — When operating your vehicle on slippery roads, on a long descending slope, or on a road with many sharp curves, you will want to use engine braking. At this time, put the shift lever into this range. first gear at any speed. However, the transmission will not actually shift to first gear until vehicle speed is below 35 mph (Power Mode) or 25 mph (Normal Mode). When starting out in “L,” the transmission will not upshift. 2 (Second) — You may choose this position when traveling down a moderate grade where you want to slow down a little without using the brake itself. Change back to the “D” position to return to normal driving. With the shift lever in “2,” the vehicle will start in first gear and automatically shift to second gear. Starting — Start the engine with the lever in the “P” or “N” position. It will not start in any other position. If it does, have your vehicle checked by your Honda dealer. L (First) — This position may be selected for maximum braking down severe grades. Return the selector lever to the “D” position to resume normal driving. It is possible to move the lever into 78 Instruments and Controls Always apply the foot brake before shifting into any driving position. This prevents the vehicle from creeping. Do not press the accelerator pedal while shifting from “P” or “N” to any driving position. Shift Lock — As a safety measure for vehicles with an automatic transmission, you cannot shift from “P” (Park) position into any other position unless the brake pedal is depressed when the key switch is in the “ON” position or the engine is running. The shift lever may not move if the pushbutton on the shift lever is pressed before the brake pedal is depressed. In this case, release the pushbutton, press the brake pedal and try again. If the shift lever won’t move from the “P” position even when these instructions are followed, perform the following steps: Main Menu Table of Contents 1. Check that the parking brake is fully applied. 2. Turn the key switch to “ACC” position. 3. Move the shift lever from “P” to “N” position, depress the brake pedal, and start the engine again. 4. Operate the shift lever. Have the transmission checked by your Honda dealer as soon as possible. Driving Tips Before going down a steep or long grade, reduce speed and shift the transmission into a lower gear or range to control the vehicle’s speed. This will provide engine braking to help slow the vehicle. Try not to hold the brake pedal down too long or too often. This could cause the brakes to get hot and not work properly. Downshifting to a lower gear is especially important when towing a trailer in mountainous terrain. Always keep your foot off the accelerator pedal when shifting from “P” or “N” to another gear. Do not shift to “P” (Park) when the vehicle is moving; you could damage the automatic transmission. Always come to a complete stop. Be careful that you do not exceed the following maximum allowable speeds when accelerating. mph (km/h) Automatic Transmission Do not hold the vehicle on a hill by pressing on the accelerator. Do not press on the accelerator pedal and brake pedal at the same time. Either of these actions can overheat the automatic transmission and cause damage. Range “L” “2” “3” “2H” 35 (56) 65 (105) – “4H” 35 (56) 65 (105) 65 (105) “4L” 15 (24) 30 (48) 50 (81) Instruments and Controls 79 Main Menu Table of Contents 65 mph (105 km/h). Use “4L” for climbing or descending steep hills, off-road driving, and hard pulling in sand, mud or deep snow. Transfer Control 4WD Models The “4WD” indicator light illuminates when 4WD is engaged with the 4WD-2WD switch. “2H” (High Range, 2-Wheel Drive) Use this for normal driving on dry pavement. This position gives greater economy, quieter ride and the least drivetrain wear. 80 Instruments and Controls “4H” (High Range, 4-Wheel Drive) Use this for normal driving on gravel, wet, icy or snow-covered roads. This position provides greater traction than two-wheel drive. Top speed is limited to 65 mph (105 km/h). “4L” (Low Range, 4-Wheel Drive) Use this for maximum power and traction. Top speed is limited to Operating the 4WD-2WD Switch 2H  4H: To shift between ranges, push the switch with the vehicle going in a straight line at any speed below 65 mph (105 km/h). The 4WD indicator will blink for a short time as the system completes the shift. Taking your foot off the accelerator pedal for a moment will help to engage the new range. If the vehicle is stopped, you should let it roll forward slightly to complete the shift. Main Menu Table of Contents Shifting the Transfer Control Lever 4H ↔ 4L: Stop the vehicle. Place the transmission lever in “N” (Neutral) position. Then move the transfer control lever from 4H to 4L, or 4L to 4H. Move the transfer control lever quickly and securely between positions. Do not stop midway. The transfer gear box can be damaged if the control lever is not firmly in gear. Some noise is normal when shifting. Always stop the vehicle before shifting between low and high range (4H
4L or 4L
4H). If the 4WD indicator continues to blink rapidly, it indicates that the system was shifted out of sequence. Stop the vehicle, select 4WD with the 4WD-2WD switch, shift the lever from 4L to 4H, then select 2WD. Drive in a straight line to reset the system. If the indicator continues to blink, see your Honda dealer. Driving Pattern Selector You can select a driving pattern suitable for existing driving conditions. Do not use 4-wheel drive for driving on dry pavement. This causes noise and wear, and taking tight turns can damage the transfer case and driveshafts. It also reduces fuel economy. Be careful that you do not exceed the following maximum allowable speeds when accelerating. mph (km/h) Range Automatic Transmission “L” “2” “3” “2H” 35 (56) 65 (105) – “4H” 35 (56) 65 (105) 65 (105) “4L” 15 (24) 30 (48) 50 (81) When neither “POWER” nor “WINTER ” lights are illuminated, the normal driving program for general driving conditions is operative. Instruments and Controls 81 Main Menu Table of Contents mode will improve driving operation. The “WINTER ” mode may be activated while driving at speeds of 6 mph (10 km/h) or less. With the transmission lever in the “P,” “R,” “N,” or “D” position, push the “WINTER ” button on the console. When more powerful acceleration is needed, select the “POWER ” driving program. The “POWER DRIVE ” indicator light comes on when the driving pattern selector is set in the “POWER” position. Push the button again to turn it off. Under inclement weather conditions that cause slippery roads, activating the “WINTER ” 82 Instruments and Controls The “WINTER DRIVE” indicator light will illuminate whenever the “WINTER ” mode system is activated, and the vehicle will start off in third gear. The “WINTER ” mode is deactivated when the vehicle reaches approximately 19 mph (30 km/h), when the transmission is shifted into “3,” “2,” or “L,” by pushing the “WINTER ” button again, or by turning the ignition key to the “OFF” position. Operation of the “WINTER ” mode should be limited to slippery road conditions only. Operation of the “WINTER ” mode during normal driving conditions will cause decreased performance and sluggish acceleration. Main Menu Table of Contents 5-Speed Manual Transmission The transmission has five fully synchronized forward speeds. The gear shift pattern is provided on the transmission lever knob. The backup lights turn on when shifted into the reverse gear. Driving Tips Always depress and release the clutch pedal fully when shifting. Do not rest your foot on the clutch pedal while driving; this can cause the clutch to slip, resulting in damage to the clutch. When you are stopped on an upgrade, do not hold the vehicle in place by letting the clutch pedal up part-way. Use the foot brake or the parking brake. Do not “over-speed” the engine when shifting down to a lower gear. The shift lever cannot be shifted directly from fifth gear into Reverse. When shifting into Reverse gear from fifth gear, depress the clutch pedal and shift completely into Neutral position, then shift into Reverse gear. Never shift into reverse gear until the vehicle is completely stopped. Instruments and Controls 83 Main Menu Table of Contents Shift Speed Chart The lower gears of the transmission are used for normal acceleration of the vehicle to the desired cruising speed. The highest gear of the transmission is used to maintain the desired speed. The fifth gear is recommended for use in maintaining highway cruising speeds. Use of the fifth gear in city traffic is not recommended. The shift speed chart shows the speeds at which each upshift of the transmission should be made to get the best vehicle performance and fuel economy. For cruising, choose the highest gear for that speed (cruising speed is defined as a relatively constant speed operation). The upshift indicator (U/S) lights to show recommended upshift points. (Refer to “Indicator Lights.”) If the engine is “lugging” (the speed you are traveling at is too slow for the gear the transmission is in), downshift to the next lower gear. You may need to downshift two or more gear positions to keep the engine from “lugging” or to keep the performance at a satisfactory level. MANUAL TRANSMISSION SHIFT SPEED CHART 84 Transmission Type First to Second Second to Third Third to Fourth Fourth to Fifth 5-Speed Manual 15 mph (25 km/h) 25 mph (40 km/h) 40 mph (65 km/h) 45 mph (70 km/h) Instruments and Controls Transfer Control 4WD Models The “4WD” indicator light illuminates when 4WD is engaged with the 4WD-2WD switch. “2H” (High Range, 2-Wheel Drive) Use this for normal driving on dry pavement. This position gives greater economy, quieter ride and least drivetrain wear. Main Menu Table of Contents “4L” (Low Range, 4-Wheel Drive) Use this for maximum power and traction. Top speed is limited to 65 mph (105 km/h). Use “4L” for climbing or descending steep hills, off-road driving, and hard pulling in sand, mud or deep snow. Operating the 4WD-2WD Switch “4H” (High Range, 4-Wheel Drive) Use this for normal driving on gravel, wet, icy or snow-covered roads. This position provides greater traction than two-wheel drive. Top speed is limited to 65 mph (105 km/h). 2H  4H: To shift between ranges, push the switch with the vehicle going in a straight line at any speed below 65 mph (105 km/h). The 4WD indicator will blink for a short time as the system completes the shift. Taking your foot off the accelerator pedal for a moment will help to engage the new range. Shifting the Transfer Control Lever 4H ↔ 4L: Stop the vehicle. Depress the clutch, then move the transfer control lever from 4H to 4L, or 4L to 4H. Move the transfer control lever quickly and securely between positions. Do not stop midway. The transfer gear box can be damaged if the control lever is not firmly in gear. Some noise is normal when shifting. If the 4WD indicator continues to blink rapidly, it indicates that the system was shifted out of sequence. Stop the vehicle, select 4WD with the 4WD-2WD switch, shift the lever from 4L to 4H, then select 2WD. Drive in a straight line to reset the system. If the indicator continues to blink, see your Honda dealer. Instruments and Controls 85 Main Menu Table of Contents Parking Brake Operation To set the parking brake, fully pull up on the handle between the seats. To release the parking brake, pull upward slightly. Then depress the pushbutton and push down all the way. control is not fully released when the key is on. Always pull the parking brake lever as far up as possible to make sure it sets fully. If the parking brake is not fully set, the vehicle could roll if it is parked on an incline. Parking Tips RELEASE To help remind you, the brake system warning light is designed to come on if the parking brake 86 Instruments and Controls Never drive away with the parking brake still set. This may overheat the rear brakes, reducing their effectiveness and causing excessive wear or damage. Always apply the parking brake whenever you leave the vehicle, whether it is equipped with a manual or automatic transmission. If your vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission, you should set the parking brake whenever you leave the driver’s seat. If the vehicle is parked on a grade and the shift lever is placed in “P” (Park) position before the parking brake is set, the weight of the vehicle may exert so much force on the parking mechanism in the transmission that you may have difficulty moving the shift lever out of “P” (Park). To prevent this, apply the parking brake BEFORE you move the shift lever to “P” (Park) position. When preparing to drive away, move the shift lever out of the “P” (Park) position BEFORE you release the parking brake. It is good driving practice to set the Main Menu Table of Contents parking brake first, then place the transmission in “P” (Park) position, even on level surfaces. Accelerator Pedal Clutch Pedal The accelerator pedal is used to vary engine power and thus regulate engine and vehicle speed. Manual Transmission The clutch pedal is used to engage or disengage the clutch, thereby connecting or disconnecting the engine from the manual transmission and driveline to the driving wheels. When parking a vehicle equipped with a manual transmission on an upward slope or on a level surface, place the shift lever in the “1” (first gear) position. When parking a vehicle equipped with a manual transmission on a downward slope, place the shift lever in the “R” (Reverse) position. ACCELERATOR PEDAL CLUTCH PEDAL When the pedal is fully released, the clutch is engaged, driving the transmission and the drive wheels. Do not allow your foot to rest on the clutch pedal when not using the clutch. Instruments and Controls 87 Main Menu Main Menu Seats Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . Manual Front Seat Adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . Driver’s Seat Full Power Adjustments . . Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . Rear Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Folding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Unfolding . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seats 90 91 92 93 94 94 96 89 Main Menu Table of Contents Seat Adjustment HEAD RESTRAINT FRONT SEAT LAP/SHOULDER BELT FORE/AFT SEAT ADJUSTMENT (LX, EX shown) 90 Seats RECLINING ADJUSTMENT (LX, EX shown) Main Menu Table of Contents attempts, take the vehicle to your dealer for service. An unlatched seat could increase your chance of injury in an accident. The EX–L model has a power adjustable driver’s seat. On the other models, the driver’s seat adjusts manually. The front passenger’s seat and the rear seat in all models adjust manually. Always adjust the seat before you start driving. Trying to move the seat while the vehicle is moving could cause you to lose control. Manual Front Seat Adjustments See pages 10-11 for important safety information and warnings about how to properly position seats and seat-backs. The front seats may be adjusted forward or backward by pulling up on the lever at the front of the seat and then using body pressure to move the seat to the desired position. Let go of the lever and the seat will lock into the desired position. After adjusting the seat, use your body weight to try to move it forward and backward. Seat movement indicates that at least one of the seat adjusters did not latch. Lift the lever and readjust the seat. If the seat will not latch firmly in position after several Seats 91 Main Menu Table of Contents The front seat-backs can be tilted backward if so desired, using the lever on the door side of each front seat. Raise the lever and use body pressure to move the seat-back to the desired position. Let go of the lever and the seat-back will lock into the desired position. 92 Seats Keep the seat belt’s webbing and latch clear of the seat parts when you tilt the folding seats forward or backward. This helps to prevent damage to the seat belt system. Driver’s Seat Full Power Adjustments See pages 10–11 for important safety information and warnings about how to properly position seats and seat-backs. Adjust the seat-back before you start driving. Trying to adjust the seat-back with the vehicle in motion could cause you to lose control. The three power seat adjustment switches are on the outside of the seat bottom. The horizontal switch adjusts the seat bottom forward and backward. The short vertical switch adjusts the seat-back angle. The front switch adjusts the lumbar support. You can adjust the seat with the ignition switch in any position. Make all adjustments before you start driving. Main Menu Table of Contents EX-L Model only Push the horizontal switch forward or backward to move the seat forward or backward. Adjust the seat-back angle by pushing the vertical switch in the direction you want to move. Vary the lumbar support in the seat-back by pushing the front switch forward or backward. Head Restraints See page 12 for important safety information and warnings about how to properly position the head restraints. Seats 93 Main Menu Table of Contents Rear Seat Head restraints are designed to help reduce the risk of neck injuries. Push the lock knob to unlock the head restraint. Move the restraint up or down as required. The rear seat can be folded forward to provide additional cargo area. Folding 1. Pull the strap toward the outside of the seat and fold the seat cushion up. Push to release the lock. They are most effective when you adjust them so the back of the occupant’s head rests against the center of the restraint. A taller person should adjust the restraint as high as possible. 94 Seats Adjust the head restraint before you start driving. Trying to adjust it while driving could cause you to lose control of the vehicle. To remove a head restraint for cleaning or repair, push the release button and pull the restraint out of the seat-back. Pull the strap. Main Menu Table of Contents 2. To remove a head restraint, press the release knob and pull up on the restraint. Push to release the lock. 3. Fold the seat-back down by pulling the release knob, and pulling the seat-back forward. 4. Unsnap the strap on the seat bottom. Thread it through the buckle on the seat-back and pull it tight. Pull the release knob. Seats 95 Main Menu Table of Contents 5. Insert the head restraints between the seat-back and seat cushion. Never let passengers ride in the cargo area or on top of the folded-down seat. Carry passengers in the rear only when they are sitting on the locked, upright seat and properly restrained by seat belts. Unfolding 1. To raise the seat-back, pull it up to the locked upright position. Pull on the seat-back to verify both latches are locked. Make sure the head restraints are secured properly between the seat-back and seat cushion. 2. When latching the rear seat cushion to the floor, push the cushion with enough force to lock it. After this, confirm it is locked by pulling the seat belt buckle upward. 96 Seats 3. Make sure that the head restraints are properly reinstalled on the top of the seat-backs. Driving your vehicle without head restraints can lead to serious injury to you and your passenger in a crash. Make sure the head restraints are in place and adjusted properly before driving. 4. Verify that the seat belts are routed properly and not twisted. Main Menu Table of Contents Reclining Adjustment The angle of each section of the rear seat-back can be adjusted through three positions. Pull up on the release knob, move the seat-back to the desired position, then release the knob. Push and pull on the seat-back to make sure it is locked in position. Seats 97 Main Menu Main Menu Interior Features Keys and Ignition . . . . . . . . . Steering Column Lock/ Ignition Switch . . . . . . . LOCK . . . . . . . . . . . . . ACC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . START . . . . . . . . . . . . . Key Removal . . . . . . . . . . Key Reminder . . . . . . . . . Guard Against Theft . . . . Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Power Door Locks . . . . . . Child-Safe Door Locks . . Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Interior Mirror . . . . . . . . . Power Mirrors . . . . . . . . . Vanity Mirrors . . . . . . . . . 100 101 101 101 101 101 102 102 102 103 104 105 105 105 105 106 Power Windows . . . . . . . . . . Checking the Circuit Breaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hood Release . . . . . . . . . . . . Interior Lights . . . . . . . . . . . Luggage Light . . . . . . . . . Dome Light . . . . . . . . . . . Courtesy Lights . . . . . . . . Map Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . Moonroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 108 108 108 109 110 110 111 112 112 112 Conveniences . . . . . . . . . . . . Beverage Holder . . . . . . . Sun Visor . . . . . . . . . . . . . Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . Assist Grip . . . . . . . . . . . . Horn Button . . . . . . . . . . . Tilt Steering Wheel . . . . . Cigarette Lighter . . . . . . . Ashtrays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Accessory Power Outlets . Interior Features 113 113 114 114 115 115 115 116 116 117 99 Main Menu Table of Contents INTERIOR MIRROR HORN SUN VISOR SUN VISOR VANITY MIRROR EXTERIOR MIRRORS GLOVE BOX FUEL FILL CAP STEERING COLUMN LOCK/IGNITION SWITCH TAILGATE OPERATION 100 Interior Features Main Menu Table of Contents Keys and Ignition Your Passport comes with two keys. METAL PLATE WITH KEY CODE If the original keys are lost, duplicates can be made using the key code number. Contact any Honda dealer or a locksmith. LOCK — The normal parking position. This locks the steering and prevents normal use of the steering wheel. Steering Column Lock/Ignition Switch The key can be removed only when the ignition is in this position. On automatic transmission models, the ignition switch cannot be turned to the “LOCK ” position unless the shift lever has first been placed in the “P” position. The shift lever is then locked. ACC (Accessory)—In this position, you can use some electrical accessories when the engine is not running. ON—The normal driving position. START—This position starts the engine. The switch returns to ON when you release the key. The ignition switch, on the right side of the steering column, has five positions: The key code number is stamped on the metal plate attached to the key ring. For vehicle security: • Record the key code number. • Keep the key code number plate in a safe place, NOT IN THE VEHICLE. Interior Features 101 Main Menu Table of Contents The anti-theft steering column lock is not interconnected with the parking brake. You must always set the parking brake when leaving the vehicle. To prevent discharging the battery, avoid use of electrical accessories with the engine shut off. For easier key operation when unlocking, rotate the steering wheel slightly to relieve pressure on the steering lock. Key Removal Manual Transmission With the vehicle fully stopped, remove the key from the switch by turning it to the “LOCK ” position and removing it. 102 Interior Features The beeper stops when the door is closed or when the key is removed. Removing the key from the ignition switch while driving locks the steering. This can cause you to lose control. Remove the key from the ignition switch only when parked. Automatic Transmission With the vehicle fully stopped, place the automatic transmission shift lever in “P” (Park) position. Turn the key to the “LOCK” position. Key Reminder The key reminder circuit causes a beeper to sound when the door is held open with the key left in the ignition switch. This is to help prevent accidentally locking the key inside the vehicle. Guard Against Theft Your new Passport has features to help prevent theft of the vehicle, its equipment, and its contents. These anti-theft features work depending on how well you use them. • Park in a well-lighted area whenever possible. • Lock the steering column and take the key with you. – Turn the ignition switch to “LOCK ” and remove the key. This locks both the ignition switch and steering control. Main Menu Table of Contents Locks • Fully close all windows and lock all doors. This activates the anti-theft system (see page 152). POWER EXTERIOR MIRRORS • Keep costly items out of sight. – Never leave things of value in plain sight on the seat or floor. – The glove box offers a place to hide small items (and if locked, protects them even more). DOOR LOCKS CHILD-SAFE DOOR LOCKS Interior Features 103 Main Menu Table of Contents Power Door Locks The power door lock system has lock buttons on the driver’s and front passenger’s door armrests. Either button controls all four door locks and the tailgate. LOCK UNLOCK DRIVER’S SIDE DOOR LOCK Press the front of the lock button to lock all the doors, and the rear of the button to unlock all doors. 104 Interior Features The lock knob on each door controls only that door. Push the lock knob down to lock, and pull it up to unlock. To lock any passenger’s door from the outside, push the lock knob down and close the door. Locking the driver’s door from the outside with the key locks all the doors and the tailgate. To unlock only the driver’s door from the outside, turn the key and release it. To unlock the remaining doors, turn the key a second time within three seconds. Unlocking the passenger’s door with the key unlocks only that door. To unlock the remaining doors, open the door and use the armrest lock button. LOCK UNLOCK PASSENGER’S SIDE DOOR LOCK Main Menu Table of Contents Mirrors Child-Safe Door Locks Interior Mirror Power Mirrors The rear doors can be locked to prevent children from opening the door from the inside. To adjust, move the mirror right or left and up or down. Adjust the outside mirrors with the adjustment switch on the dashboard. Pull the lever to switch the mirror to night operation. This reduces the glare from the headlights of following vehicles. SELECTOR SWITCH FREE ADJUSTMENT SWITCH LOCK DAY NIGHT This is done by depressing the lever shown in the illustration. To disengage the lock, open the door from the outside and raise the lever. 1. Turn the ignition switch to ON. 2. Move the selector switch to L (driver’s side) or R (passenger’s side). Interior Features 105 Main Menu Table of Contents 3. Push the appropriate edge of the adjustment switch to move the mirror right, left, up, or down. The outside mirror on the passenger’s side has curved glass. Vanity Mirrors The vanity mirrors are on the back of the sun visors. 4. When you finish, move the selector switch to the center (off) position. This turns off the adjustment switch so a mirror will not be moved out of position if you accidentally bump the switch. Objects look farther away than they really are. Use this mirror to get a “wide view.” Do not use it to judge the distance of things behind you. 106 Interior Features The light next to the mirror will come on when the headlight switch is in either ON position. Main Menu Table of Contents Power Windows All the windows can be operated by the window control switches on the driver’s door panel. The ignition key must be in the “ON” position. UP DOWN DRIVER’S WINDOW CONTROL REAR PASSENGER’S WINDOW CONTROL DOWN AUTO DOWN UP UP UP FRONT PASSENGER’S WINDOW CONTROL To lower a window, press on the front edge of the window control switch. Hold the switch down until the window reaches the desired position. To raise a window, pull back on the front edge of the switch. DOWN The passengers’ windows can also be operated by the window control switch on each passenger’s door. Closing a power window on someone’s hands or fingers can cause serious injury. Make sure your passengers are away from the windows before closing them. DOWN The driver’s window can be lowered automatically by pressing the window switch down firmly and releasing it. To stop the window from going down all the way, pull back on the switch briefly. If you press lightly on the window switch and hold it, the window will stop when you release the switch. Interior Features 107 Main Menu Table of Contents Tailgate The LOCK button on the driver’s door panel removes power from the passengers’ windows. Only the driver’s window can be raised and lowered. Checking the Circuit Breaker Operation In the event the power windows do not operate, check the circuit breaker. The tailgate has a hatch glass and a door. The hatch glass must be raised before opening the door. To open the hatch glass, push in on the button on the tailgate door. If the tailgate is locked, first unlock the tailgate with the power door locks or by using the key in the outside tailgate lock. Make sure the rear window wiper is off and in its parked position before opening the hatch glass. PASSENGERS’ WINDOW LOCK OFF ON • To reset the circuit breaker, first turn the ignition switch off, and then push the knob on the circuit breaker. The windows should now operate. • If the circuit breaker immediately goes off again or the windows do not operate, have the electrical system checked by a dealer as soon as possible. 108 Interior Features Lock Unlock Main Menu Table of Contents Hood Release After raising the hatch glass, pull the door handle to open the tailgate door. The hood release lever is on the left side of the instrument panel. Pull 2. Lift the under-hood lever while lifting the hood slightly. To Open 1. Pull the lever to release the hood lock. Interior Features 109 Main Menu Table of Contents Interior Lights 3. Raise the hood, and hold it open with the hood support rod in the hole on the right side of the hood. To Close Luggage Light 1. Lift the hood slightly to remove tension from the support rod. The cargo compartment light switch is built into the light housing. ON DOOR OFF 110 Interior Features 2. Place the support rod in its retaining clip and lower the hood. The switch has three positions: Make sure the hood is latched securely before beginning to drive. DOOR — Light turns on when the hatch glass is opened. ON — Light turns on and remains on regardless of tailgate opening. Main Menu Table of Contents OFF — Light remains off regardless of tailgate opening. To prevent the light from being left on, keep the switch set in DOOR position. Dome Light The dome light switch is built into the light housing. The switch has three positions: DOOR — The light turns on when the key is removed from the ignition switch, or when any of the doors or the hatch glass is opened. It is best to set the switch in the DOOR position, so the light comes on when you enter the vehicle. EX model only ON OFF DOOR The ceiling light (with the switch in the DOOR position) also comes on when you unlock the door with the remote transmitter (see page 151). ON — The light will turn on and stay on regardless of door position. OFF — The light stays off regardless of door position. Interior Features 111 Main Menu Table of Contents Moonroof Courtesy Lights Map Lights There is a courtesy light in each front door panel. Both courtesy lights come on when any door is opened. The map lights are in the bottom of the rear view mirror. To turn on a light, push the switch. EX and EX-L models only OPEN CLOSE TILT SWITCH The moonroof has two positions: it can be tilted up in the back for ventilation, or it can be slid back into the roof. Use the switches above the rear view mirror to operate the moonroof. The ignition must be ON. To tilt up the back of the moonroof, push the switch. To close the moonroof, push the OPEN/CLOSE switch forward. 112 Interior Features Main Menu Table of Contents Conveniences To slide the moonroof back, pull the open/close switch backward and release it. The moonroof will slide open automatically. To stop the moonroof at the desired position, push the switch in either direction, then release it. Beverage Holder The front beverage holder is in the front console. The rear beverage holder is in the back of the front console. To use this beverage holder, pivot the lid down, then pivot up the wire rings. Reverse this procedure to close the beverage holder. To close the moonroof, push the switch forward and hold it. Release it when the moonroof reaches the desired position. When the moonroof nears the fully closed position, it will stop automatically. Make sure your passengers are clear of the moonroof, then release the switch and push it forward again to close the moonroof completely. Interior Features 113 Main Menu Table of Contents Be careful when you are using the beverage holder. A spilled liquid that is very hot can scald you or your passengers. Spilled liquids can also damage the upholstery, carpeting, and electrical components in the interior. Glove Box Open the glove box by pulling the handle. Always keep the glove box closed while driving. Sun Visor The sun visor can be pivoted to the side when unhooked. The glove box can be locked and unlocked with the ignition key. 114 Interior Features An open glove box can cause serious injury to your passenger in a crash, even if the passenger is wearing the seat belt. Main Menu Table of Contents Assist Grip Horn Button Tilt Steering Wheel An assist grip is located above each window. To sound the horn, press the center of the steering wheel airbag. See page 15 for important information about how to properly position the steering wheel. The release lever for the tilt steering wheel is on the left side of the steering column. HORN AREA To adjust the height of the steering wheel, push up on the lever. The steering wheel has six Interior Features 115 Main Menu Table of Contents positions. Move the steering wheel to the desired position, then release the lever. Try to move the steering wheel up and down to make sure it is locked in position. Make sure the steering wheel does not block your view of any of the instrument panel gauges or indicators. Adjusting the steering wheel position while driving may cause you to lose control of the vehicle and be seriously injured in a crash. Adjust the steering wheel only when the vehicle is stopped. 116 Interior Features Cigarette Lighter Ashtrays The cigarette lighter is on the instrument panel. The ignition switch must be in ACCESSORY or ON for the cigarette lighter to work. To operate, push it in. When it heats, it automatically pops out ready for use. Avoid holding the lighter in by hand while it is heating, as damage to the heating element may result. To open either ashtray, pull it out. To remove the front ashtray for cleaning, open it, then remove the inner part of the ashtray by lifting up on both sides near the front. Main Menu Table of Contents To remove the rear ashtray for cleaning, open the ashtray, push the metal plate down, then pivot the ashtray out and up. Accessory Power Outlets There are two accessory power outlets. One is located in the front console. The other is located in the left rear of the cargo compartment. These sockets are intended to supply power for 12 volt DC accessories that are rated 120 watts or less (10 amps). They will not power an automotive-type cigarette lighter element. Press down on the metal tab. To use an accessory power socket, the ignition switch must be in ACC or ON. Interior Features 117 Main Menu Main Menu Comfort and Convenience Features The heating and air conditioning system in your vehicle provides a comfortable driving environment in all weather conditions. The audio system has many features. This section describes those features and how to use them. Heating and Cooling . . . . . . Ventilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Audio System . . . . . . . . . . . . AM/FM/Cassette Stereo Audio System (LX, EX) Operating the Radio . . Adjusting the Sound . . Operating the Cassette Player . . . . . Caring for the Cassette Player . . . . . Operating the Optional CD Changer . . . . . . . . AM/FM/Cassette/ CD Changer Stereo Audio System (EX-L) . . Operating the Radio . . Adjusting the Sound . . Radio Frequencies . . . Operating the Cassette Player . . . . . Caring for the Cassette Player . . . . . 120 122 125 125 125 127 128 Operating the CD Changer . . . . . . . . Protecting Compact Discs . . . . . . Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . Keyless Entry . . . . . . . . . . . Anti-Theft System . . . . . . . . Digital Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . 142 146 147 151 152 153 130 131 133 133 135 136 138 141 Comfort and Convenience Features 119 Main Menu Table of Contents Heating and Cooling This system combines heating and cooling capabilities for comfort in all weather conditions. AIR-SOURCE SELECTOR LEVER OUTSIDE AIR FACE BI-LEVEL FOOT FOOT/DEFROST DEFROST RECIRCULATED AIR USE BI-LEVEL IN THIS RANGE FOR COOL UPPER LEVEL AIR AND WARM FLOOR LEVEL AIR During air conditioning operation, slight increases and decreases in engine speed/power may be noticed. This is normal, as the system is designed to cycle the compressor ON and OFF to maintain desired cooling. The reduced compressor operation should benefit fuel economy. Air Conditioning Switch TEMPERATURE CONTROL KNOB AIR SELECTOR KNOB FAN CONTROL LEVER AIR CONDITIONING BUTTON Push this switch to operate the air conditioning system. The lightemitting diode in this switch lights to show the system is operating. To turn off the air conditioning, push this switch in again. Air conditioning will not operate without the fan control lever in one of the “ON” positions. 120 Comfort and Convenience Features Main Menu Table of Contents Fan Control Lever Air Selector Knob The fan control lever (OFF–1–2–3–4) provides speed control of the blower fan in all Air Selector Lever positions. The air selector knob regulates air flow from the upper, floor and defroster outlets. Temperature Control Knob The temperature control knob regulates the temperature of the air entering the passenger compartment in all air selector lever positions. Air-Source Selector Lever The intake of outside air and the circulation of inside air is controlled by sliding this lever left or right. Circulating only inside air for an extended period with the air conditioning “OFF” may cause windshield clouding. For effective ventilation, switch to outside air as soon as possible. Face — Air is conditioned as it passes through the system and is discharged from the upper outlets. This position is used for most air conditioning situations. Bi-level — Air is conditioned and discharged from the upper outlets and the floor outlets. The air from the floor outlets is warmer than the air from the upper outlets in this position. However, when the temperature control knob is moved to either the full “HOT” or the full “COLD ” position, the air from the floor outlets and the air from the upper outlets will be the same temperature. This position gives cool upper level air and warm floor level air when the temperature control is adjusted between COLD and HOT. This is useful in cool weather with bright sunlight conditions. Foot — Air is delivered from the floor outlets with a small amount from the windshield defroster outlets and the side window defroster outlets. Comfort and Convenience Features 121 Main Menu Table of Contents Ventilation Foot/Defrost — Air comes from the floor outlets, windshield defroster outlets and side window defroster outlets. When you select Foot/Defrost, the A/C turns on (if it is not already on), and outside air is selected automatically. Because of the automatic operation, you will not see the light in the A/C button. The system goes back to your former settings when you move the knob to any other position. When the windshield glass and door glass are foggy or frosty, use this Foot/Defrost mode to clear off the glass while maintaining the heating performance. Defrost — Air is conditioned and delivered from the windshield defroster outlets with a small amount delivered from the side window defroster outlets. This position is recommended for conditions of severe fogging and icing only. When you select Defrost, the A/C turns on (if it is not already on), and outside air is selected automatically. Because of the automatic operation, you will not see the light in the A/C button. The system goes back to your former settings when you move the knob to any other position. Operating Tips – Use the heater with the air-source selector lever at the outside air position. This will minimize windshield clouding while quickly warming the interior of the vehicle. For best results, engage the A/C compressor to minimize windshield clouding. 122 Comfort and Convenience Features Your vehicle has a flow-through ventilation system that provides a supply of outside air into the vehicle when it is moving and the air-source selector lever is in the outside air position. When the vehicle is not in motion, you can get a steady flow of outside air with the heater or air conditioning blower running. With the side windows closed and the air-source selector lever in the outside air position, the flowthrough ventilation system provides outside air flow into the front air inlet grilles, through the vehicle and out the rear air exhaust outlet. Main Menu Table of Contents Operating Tips • Clear snow and ice from the hood and air inlet in front of the windshield. This helps the heater and defroster work better and reduces the chance of fogging the inside of the windshield. • Always keep the front inlet grilles clear of obstructions (leaves, ice, snow, etc.). • Always keep the underseat air path clear of objects. Comfort and Convenience Features 123 Main Menu SIDE VENTS Table of Contents Air Vents CENTER VENTS SIDE VENTS 124 Comfort and Convenience Features Center and Side Air Outlets The direction of air flow can be controlled horizontally and vertically with the knobs. Main Menu Table of Contents Audio System AM/FM/Cassette Stereo Audio System For LX and EX models 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 Dolby B* noise reduction, automatic sensing of chromiumdioxide (CrO2) tape, and autoreverse for continuous play. Operating the Radio The ignition switch must be in ACCESSORY or ON. Turn the system on by pressing the PWR/ VOL knob. Adjust the volume by turning the PWR/VOL knob. The band and frequency that the radio was last tuned to is displayed. To change bands, press the AM or FM button. On the FM band, ST will be displayed if the station is broadcasting in stereo. Stereo reproduction on AM is not available. You can use any of three methods to find radio stations on the selected band: TUNE , SEEK, or the Preset buttons. * Dolby noise reduction manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. “DOLBY” and the symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. TUNE – Use the TUNE bar to tune the radio to a desired frequency. Press the right side ( ) to tune to a higher frequency, or the left side ( ) to tune to a lower frequency. The frequency numbers will start to change rapidly. Release the bar when the display reaches the desired frequency. To change the frequency in small increments, press and release the TUNE bar quickly. SEEK – The SEEK function searches the band for a station with a strong signal. To activate it, press and release the SEEK/SCAN button. The system scans upward from the current frequency. It stops when it finds a station with a strong signal. Preset – You can store the frequencies of your favorite radio stations in the six preset buttons. Each button will store one frequency on the AM band, and two on the FM band (FM1 and FM2). Comfort and Convenience Features 125 Main Menu Table of Contents To store a frequency: ON/OFF/VOL KNOB TUNE BAR SEEK/SCAN BUTTON 1. Select the desired band: AM, FM1, or FM2. 2. Use the TUNE or SEEK function to find a desired station. 3. Pick the preset button you want for that station. Press the button and hold it until you hear a beep. 4. Repeat steps 1 to 3 to store a total of six stations on AM and twelve on FM. Once a station’s frequency is stored, simply press and release the proper preset button to tune to it. The number of the preset button you have selected is shown in the display. AM/FM1/FM2 BUTTON DISPLAY The preset frequencies will be lost if your vehicle’s battery goes dead or is disconnected. SCAN – The SCAN function samples all the stations with strong signals on the selected band. To activate it, press the SEEK/SCAN button until you hear a beep, then release it. The system will scan up the band for a station 126 Comfort and Convenience Features PRESET BUTTONS with a strong signal. When it finds one, it will stop and play that station for approximately five seconds. If you do nothing, the system will then scan for the next strong station and play that for five seconds. When it plays a station that you want to continue listening to, press the SEEK/SCAN button again. Main Menu Table of Contents Adjusting the Sound Bass, Treble, Balance, and Fader are 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 – These two modes adjust the strength of the sound coming from each speaker. BAL adjusts the side-to-side strength, while FAD adjusts the front-to-back strength. Select BAL or FAD by pressing the MODE button. Adjust the Balance or Fader to your liking by pressing the or key by the MODE button. The number in the display (from R7 to L7 for BAL, from R7 to F7 for FAD) shows you the current setting. MODE DISPLAY MODE ADJUST BUTTONS Treble/Bass – Use these modes to adjust the tone to your liking. Select TRE or BAS by pressing the MODE button. Adjust the desired mode by pressing the or key. The displayed number (from –5 to 5) shows you the current setting. The system will automatically return the display to normal mode about seven seconds after you stop adjusting a mode with the keys. Radio Frequencies and Reception For information, see page 136. Comfort and Convenience Features 127 Main Menu Table of Contents Operating the Cassette Player The ignition switch must be in ACCESSORY or ON. Make 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. The tape direction indicator will light to show you which side of the cassette is playing. The ▲ indicates the side you inserted facing upward is now playing. If you want to play the other side, press the
 (preset 2) button. If the cassette was recorded using Dolby noise reduction, turn it on by pressing the (preset 5) button. You will see in the display. You can switch between the cassette and the radio by pressing the FM/AM and TAPE buttons. When you press the FM/AM button with a cassette playing, the radio begins to play and the cassette stops but does not eject. To begin playing the cassette at the same point, press the TAPE button. When the system reaches the end of the tape, it will automatically reverse direction and play the other side. If you want to remove the cassette from the drive, press the EJECT button. When you turn off the ignition switch, the system stops the tape but does not eject the cassette. It will begin to play when you turn the ignition switch back on. To eject the tape, even with the ignition switch off, press the EJECT button. 128 Comfort and Convenience Features Tape Search Functions With a cassette playing, you can use the FF, REW, or APS function to find a desired program. FF/REW – Fast Forward and Rewind move the tape rapidly. Press and release the button (preset 1) to rewind, or the button (preset 3) to fast forward. You will see REW or FF in the display. Press the
 button to return to PLAY mode. If the system reaches the end of the tape while in fast forward or rewind, it automatically stops that function, reverses direction, and begins to play. Main Menu Table of Contents APS – The Automatic Program Search function allows you to find the beginning of a song or passage. Use the (preset 4) or (preset 6) buttons to activate APS. For example, the first song on the cassette is playing, and you wish to listen to the third song. Press twice; you will see FF and 2 displayed. The system will fast forward the tape to the beginning of the third song, then return to PLAY mode. To return to the beginning of the current song or passage, press once. To return to the beginning of the previous song, press twice. TAPE DIRECTION BUTTON REWIND BUTTON CASSETTE SLOT FAST FORWARD BUTTON EJECT BUTTON AUTOMATIC PROGRAM SEARCH BUTTON TAPE BUTTON AUTOMATIC PROGRAM SEARCH BUTTON DOLBY BUTTON If the system reaches the end of the tape before finding the selected song or passage, it reverses direction and returns to PLAY mode. To cancel APS, press the
 button. The APS function uses silent periods on the tape to find the end of a song or passage. This feature may not work to your satisfaction Comfort and Convenience Features 129 Main Menu Table of Contents if there is almost no gap between selections, a high noise level between selections, or a silent period in the middle of a selection. Caring for the Cassette Player Damaged cassettes can jam inside the drive or cause other problems. See page 141 for information on cassette care and protection. 130 Comfort and Convenience Features Main Menu Table of Contents Operating the Optional CD Changer CD BUTTON BACKWARD BUTTON FORWARD BUTTON An in-dash Compact Disc changer is available through your dealer. It holds up to six discs, providing several hours of continuous entertainment. You operate the CD changer with the controls on the front of the changer and on the front of the radio. To operate the CD changer, the ignition switch must be in ACCESSORY (I) or ON (II). Loading the CDs in the Changer To load a CD in the changer, press the button on the front of the changer for the CD number you want to load (1, for example). The light next to the button will begin flashing. When the green lights next to the CD slot begin flashing, insert the CD part way into the TRACK SELECTOR BUTTONS CD LOADING SLOT EJECT BUTTON CD SELECTOR BUTTONS Comfort and Convenience Features 131 Main Menu Table of Contents slot. The drive will pull it in the rest of the way, and begin playing the first track. The light next to the button will stay on as a reminder that a CD is loaded in that position. Repeat this procedure to load CDs in the remaining positions in the changer. The positions that contain CDs will display a green light next to their buttons. The CD position that is currently loaded and ready to play will display an orange light. Playing CDs Press the CD button on the front of the radio. The CD that is currently loaded will begin playing. The disc and track numbers will be shown in the radio display. When the system reaches the end of that CD, it will load and play the next CD. To select a different disc, push the appropriate button (1–6) on the front of the CD changer. The light next to the button will flash as the current CD is stored and the new CD is loaded. The light will then turn orange, and the CD will begin playing from the first track. You can also press the TUNE /DISC button on the front of the radio: to select the previous disc, or to select the next disc. To change tracks, press and release either the button (preset 4), or the button (preset 6). Each time you press , the system will advance one track. Pressing once will return the system to the beginning of the current track. Press it again to select the previous track. 132 Comfort and Convenience Features To move rapidly within a track, press and hold the button (preset 3) to move forward, or the button (preset 1) to move backward. Release the button when the system reaches the point you want. You can switch to the radio or cassette player by pressing the FM/AM or TAPE buttons on the front of the radio. To switch back to the CD changer, press the CD button. The CD will begin playing where it left off. To eject a CD, select it with the button on the front of the CD changer (the light turns to orange), then press the EJECT button. Protecting Compact Discs For information on how to handle and protect compact discs, see page 146. Main Menu Table of Contents AM/FM/Cassette/CD Changer Stereo Audio System For EX-L model 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 CD changer holds up to six discs, providing several hours of continuous entertainment. The cassette system features Dolby B* noise reduction, automatic sensing of chromiumdioxide (CrO2) tape, and autoreverse for continuous play. * Dolby noise reduction manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. “DOLBY” and the symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. Operating the Radio The ignition switch must be in ACCESSORY or ON. Turn the system on by pressing the PWR/VOL knob. Adjust the volume by turning the PWR/VOL knob. The band and frequency that the radio was last tuned to is displayed. To change bands, press the AM or FM button. Press the FM button again to switch between FM1 and FM2. On the FM band, ST will be displayed if the station is broadcasting in stereo. Stereo reproduction on AM is not available. You can use any of four methods to find radio stations on the selected band: TUNE, SEEK, SCAN, or the Preset buttons. TUNE – Use the TUNE bar to tune the radio to a desired frequency. Press the right side ( ) to tune to a higher frequency, or the left side ( ) to tune to a lower frequency. The frequency numbers will start to change rapidly. Release the bar when the display reaches the desired frequency. To change the frequency in small increments, press and release the TUNE bar quickly. SEEK – The SEEK function searches the band for a station with a strong signal. To activate it, press and release the SEEK/SCAN button. The system scans up the band from the current frequency. It stops when it finds a station with a strong signal. SCAN – The SCAN function samples all the stations with strong signals on the selected band. To activate it, press and hold the SEEK/SCAN button until Comfort and Convenience Features 133 Main Menu Table of Contents you hear a beep, then release it. SCAN shows in the display. The system scans up the band for a station with a strong signal. When it finds one, it stops and plays that station for approximately five seconds. If you do nothing, the system scans for the next strong station and plays that for five seconds. When it finds a station that you want to continue listening to, press the SEEK/SCAN button again. Preset – You can store the frequencies of your favorite radio stations in the six preset buttons. Each button will store one frequency on the AM band, and two on the FM band (FM1 and FM2). To store a frequency: 1. Select the desired band; AM, FM1, or FM2. 134 Comfort and Convenience Features FM BUTTON AM BUTTON PWR/VOL KNOB TUNE BAR PRESET BUTTONS AUDIO CONTROL KNOB SCAN/SEEK BUTTON Main Menu Table of Contents 2. Use the TUNE, SEEK, or SCAN function to find a desired station. 3. Pick the Preset button you want for that station. Press the button and hold it until you hear a beep. 4. Repeat steps 1 to 3 to store a total of six stations on AM and twelve on FM. Once a station’s frequency is stored, simply press and release the proper preset button to tune to it. The number of the preset button you have selected is shown in the display. Adjusting the Sound Bass, Treble, Balance, and Fader are each adjustable. You select which you want to adjust by pushing the Audio Control knob several times. The selected mode, BAS, TRE, BAL, or FAD, is shown in the display. Treble/Bass – Use these modes to adjust the tone to your liking. Select TRE or BAS by pressing the Audio Control knob. Adjust the displayed mode to your liking by turning the knob (without pressing in on it). The displayed number (from -5 to 5) shows you the current setting. Balance/Fader – These two modes adjust the strength of the sound coming from each speaker. BAL adjusts the side-to-side strength, while FAD adjusts the front-to-back strength. The system automatically returns the display to normal mode about seven seconds after you stop pressing or turning the Audio Control knob. Select BAL or FAD by pressing the Audio Control knob. Adjust the Balance or Fader to your liking by turning the knob (without pressing in on it). The number in the display (from R7 to L7 for BAL, from R7 to F7 for FAD) shows you the current setting. Comfort and Convenience Features 135 Main Menu Table of Contents Radio Frequencies Radio Reception Your Honda’s radio can receive the complete AM and FM bands. Those bands cover these frequencies: How well your Honda’s radio receives stations is dependent on many factors, such as the distance from the station’s transmitter, nearby large objects, and atmospheric conditions. AM band: 530 to 1,710 kilohertz FM band: 87.7 to 107.9 megahertz Radio stations on the AM band are assigned frequencies at least 10 kilohertz apart (530, 540, 550). Stations on the FM band are assigned frequencies at least 0.2 megahertz apart (87.9, 88.1, 88.3). Stations must use these exact frequencies. It is fairly common for stations to round-off the frequency in their advertising, so your radio could show a frequency of 100.9 even though the announcer may call the station “FM 101.” A radio station’s signal gets weaker as you get farther away from its transmitter. If you are listening to an AM station, you will notice the sound volume becoming weaker, and the station drifting in and out. If you are listening to an FM station, you will see the stereo indicator flickering off and on as the signal weakens. Eventually, the stereo indicator will go off and the sound will fade completely as you get out of range of the station’s signal. 136 Comfort and Convenience Features Driving very near the transmitter of a station that is broadcasting on a frequency close to the frequency of the station you are listening to can also affect your radio’s reception. You may temporarily hear both stations, or hear only the station you are close to. Main Menu Table of Contents Electrical interference from passing vehicles and stationary sources can cause temporary reception problems. As required by the FCC: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. Radio signals, especially on the FM band, are deflected by large objects such as buildings and hills. Your radio then receives both the direct signal from the station’s transmitter and the deflected signal. This causes the sound to distort or flutter. This is a main cause of poor radio reception in city driving. Radio reception can be affected by atmospheric conditions such as thunderstorms, high humidity, and even sunspots. You may be able to receive a distant radio station one day and not receive it the next day because of a change in conditions. Comfort and Convenience Features 137 Main Menu Table of Contents Operating the Cassette Player The ignition switch must be in ACCESSORY or ON. Make 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. TAPE DIRECTION INDICATOR The tape direction indicator will light to show you which side of the cassette is playing. The indicates the side you inserted facing upward is now playing. If you want to play the other side, press the (preset 3) button. If the cassette was recorded using Dolby noise reduction, turn it on by pressing the (preset 4) button. You can switch from the cassette to the radio or CD changer by pressing the FM, AM, or DISC button. When you switch, the 138 Comfort and Convenience Features TAPE BUTTON TAPE DIRECTION BUTTON DOLBY BUTTON Main Menu Table of Contents cassette stops playing, but it does not eject. To begin playing the cassette at the same point, press the TAPE button. When the system reaches the end of the tape, it automatically reverses direction and plays the other side. If you want to remove the cassette from the drive, press the EJECT button. FAST FORWARD/ REWIND EJECT BUTTON When you turn off the ignition switch, the system stops the tape but does not eject the cassette. It will begin to play when you turn the ignition switch back on. To eject the tape, even with the ignition switch off, press the EJECT button. Tape Search Functions With a cassette playing, you can use the FF, REW, or APS function to find a desired song or passage. AUTOMATIC PROGRAM SEARCH REPEAT BUTTON SKIP BUTTON Comfort and Convenience Features 139 Main Menu Table of Contents FF/REW – Fast Forward and Rewind move the tape rapidly. Press and release the REW side of the TUNE bar to rewind, or the FF side to fast forward. You will see REW or FF in the display. Press the same side of the tune bar to return to PLAY mode. If the system reaches the end of the tape while in fast forward or rewind, it automatically stops that function, reverses direction, and begins to play. APS – The Automatic Program Search (APS) function allows you to find the beginning of a song or passage. Use the (preset 1) or (preset 2) button to activate APS. For example, the first song on the cassette is playing, and you want to listen to the third song. Press twice; you will see FF and 2 in the display. The system will fast forward the tape to the beginning of the third song, then return to PLAY mode. To return to the beginning of the current song or passage, press once. To return to the beginning of twice. the previous song, press If the system reaches the end of the tape before finding the selected song or passage, it reverses direction and returns to PLAY mode. To cancel APS before it finds the desired song, press the or button again. REPEAT – The Repeat function continuously repeats the current song or passage. Press the RPT (preset 5) button to activate it. 140 Comfort and Convenience Features You will see RPT in the display. When the system reaches the end of the current song or passage, it automatically goes into rewind. When it gets to the beginning of the same song or passage, the system returns to PLAY mode. This continues until you deactivate Repeat by pressing the RPT button again. SKIP – The SKIP function fast forwards over areas of blank tape. Press the SKIP (preset 6) button to activate it. You will see SKIP in the display. After the system finds approximately 15 seconds of blank tape, it goes into fast forward. When it senses the beginning of the next song or passage, or reaches the end of the tape, it returns to PLAY mode. Main Menu Table of Contents The APS, Repeat, and Skip functions 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. Caring for the Cassette Player The cassette player picks up dirt and oxides from the tape. This contamination builds up over time and causes the sound quality to degrade. To prevent this, you should clean the player after every 30 hours of use. Your dealer has a cleaning kit available. If you do not clean the cassette player regularly, it may eventually become impossible to remove the Use 100-minute or shorter cassettes. Cassettes longer than that use thinner tape that may break or jam the drive. inserted again. You may have a cassette suddenly stop playing, reverse directions once or twice, and then eject. This is normally an indication the tape is wound unevenly. It should play after the tape is manually rewound. Look at a cassette before you insert it. If the tape is loose, tighten it by turning one of the hubs with a pencil or your finger. If the label is peeling off, remove it from the cassette or it could cause the cassette to jam in the player. Never try to insert a warped or damaged cassette in the player. When they are not in use, store cassettes in their cases to protect them from dust and moisture. Never place cassettes where they will be exposed to direct sunlight, high heat, or high humidity. If a cassette is exposed to extreme heat or cold, let it reach a moderate temperature before inserting it in the player. The player automatically ejects cassettes that do not play properly. If it ejects a cassette before it begins to play, it is probably defective and should not be Never try to insert foreign objects into the cassette player. contamination with a normal cleaning kit. Comfort and Convenience Features 141 Main Menu Table of Contents Operating the CD Changer To operate the CD changer, the ignition switch must be in ACCESSORY or ON. Loading CDs in the Changer To load a CD in the changer, press the LOAD button. The numbered light for the first empty slot in the changer will begin flashing in the upper right corner of the display. When you see LOAD in the display, insert the CD part way into the slot, the drive will pull it in the rest of the way. The numbered light will stop flashing, and remain lit as a reminder that a CD is loaded in that position. The system will begin playing the first track on that CD. 142 Comfort and Convenience Features DISC SELECTOR CD SLOT LOAD BUTTON DISC INDICATORS TRACK SELECTOR CD BUTTON SOUND RETRIEVAL SYSTEM Main Menu Table of Contents Repeat this procedure to load CDs in the remaining positions in the changer. To load more than one CD in a single operation, press and hold the LOAD button until you hear a beep. Load the first CD as described above. After the first CD loads, the light for the next open position will begin blinking. Insert the next CD part way into the slot. Continue this procedure until all six slots are loaded. If you do not want to load CDs into all six positions, press the LOAD button again after the last CD has loaded. That CD will begin playing. Playing CDs Press the DISC button to switch to the CD changer. The CD that is currently loaded will begin playing. The disc and track numbers are shown in the display. To select a different disc, press the TUNE/DISC button: to select to select the the next disc, or previous disc. To change tracks, press and (preset 2) button to release the advance one track at a time, or the (preset 1) button to return to the beginning of the current track. Press again to select the previous track. To move rapidly within a track, button to press and hold the button move forward, or the to move backward. Release the button when the system reaches the point you want. You can switch to the radio or the cassette player by pressing the FM, AM, or TAPE button. To switch back to the CD changer, press the DISC button. The CD will begin playing where it left off. To remove a CD from the changer, select the CD with the TUNE/DISC button, then press and release the EJECT button next to the slot. To remove all the CDs from the changer, press and hold the EJECT button until you hear a beep. The CDs will eject in order. Sound Retrieval System – The Sound Retrieval System function adds richness to the sound of the CDs. To activate it, press the button. This turns on the first level of sound expansion. Press the button a second time to take it to the second level. Press the button again to turn off the feature. Comfort and Convenience Features 143 Main Menu Table of Contents SCAN – Use the SEEK/SCAN button to sample the tracks on a disc, or to sample all the discs in the changer. EJECT BUTTON To sample the tracks on the CD currently loaded, press and release the SEEK/SCAN button. You will see SCAN in the display. The system will play the first track on the disc for approximately ten seconds. If you do nothing, it will select the second track and play that for ten seconds. When it plays a track that you want to continue listening to, press the SEEK/SCAN button again. To sample the discs, press and hold the SEEK/SCAN button until you hear a beep. You will see D.SCAN in the display. The system loads the next disc in the changer, and plays the first track on that disc for approximately 144 Comfort and Convenience Features REPEAT BUTTON SCAN BUTTON RANDOM BUTTON Main Menu Table of Contents ten seconds. If you do nothing, it will load the second disc and play the first track for ten seconds. When it plays a disc that you want to continue listening to, press SEEK/SCAN again. REPEAT – Use the RPT (preset 5) button to continuously play the current track or disc. To keep repeating the current track, press and release the RPT button. You will see RPT in the display. The system will continuously replay the current track. Press the RPT button again to turn it off. To repeat the current disc, press and hold the RPT button until you hear a beep. You will see D.RPT in the display. The system plays through the disc currently loaded. At the end of the disc, instead of loading the next disc in the changer, it will return to the beginning of the current disc. Press the RPT button again to turn it off. RANDOM – Use the RAND (preset 6) button to randomly play, or “shuffle” the tracks on the disc or discs in the changer. With this activated, the system plays the tracks in random order, rather than in the order they are recorded on the CD or CDs. To shuffle the tracks on the CD currently loaded, press and release the RAND button. You will see RAND in the display. The system plays the tracks on the current disc in random order. When all the tracks have been played, it will load the next CD and play those tracks in random order. To turn off random play, press the RAND button again. To include all the loaded CDs in the random selection, press and hold RAND until you hear a beep. You will see D.RAND in the display. With this activated, the system randomly selects what track to play next from all the CDs in the changer. After playing a track, it may select another track on that same disc, or it may load a different CD and play a track on it. This continues until you turn off random play by pressing the RAND button again. Comfort and Convenience Features 145 Main Menu Table of Contents Protecting Compact Discs Handle a CD by its edges; never touch either surface. Contamination from fingerprints, liquids, felt-tip pens, and labels can cause the CD to not play properly, or possibly jam in the drive. To clean a disc, use a clean soft cloth. Wipe across the disc from the center to the outside edge. When a CD is not being played, store it in its case to protect it from dust and other contamination. To prevent warpage, keep CDs out of direct sunlight and extreme heat. 146 Comfort and Convenience Features A new CD may be rough on the inner and outer edges. The small plastic pieces causing this roughness can flake off and fall on the recording surface of the disc, causing skipping or other problems. Remove these pieces by rubbing the inner and outer edges with the side of a pencil or pen. Never try to insert foreign objects in the CD player. Main Menu Table of Contents Cruise Control Cruise control allows you to maintain a set speed above 25 mph (40 km/h) without keeping your foot on the accelerator pedal. It should be used for cruising on straight open highways. It is not recommended for conditions such as city driving, winding roads, slippery roads, heavy rain, or bad weather. You should have full control of the vehicle under those conditions. Improper use of the cruise control can lead to a crash. Use the cruise control only when traveling on open highways in good weather. 3. When you reach the desired speed, quickly press and release the “SET/COAST ” button. The CRUISE SET light in the instrument panel will come on, and the system will retain that cruising speed. Operation Setting a Desired Speed 1. Turn on the cruise control system by pressing the CRUISE ON/OFF button on the dashboard. The light in the button will come on. 2. Accelerate to your desired speed using the accelerator pedal. Comfort and Convenience Features 147 Main Menu Table of Contents Accelerating (While Cruise Control System Is in Use) Depress the accelerator pedal for acceleration. When you release the accelerator pedal, the vehicle’s speed will gradually return to the preset speed. Resetting to Higher Cruising Speed You can accelerate by turning and holding the knob at the “RESUME/ACCEL ” position for more than one second. The cruise control system will be reset to the speed you are travelling when you release the knob. Decelerating (While Cruise Control System Is in Use) Press and hold the “SET/COAST ” button to decelerate. Release the button when you reach the desired speed; the cruise control system will be set to that speed. The lowest speed to which the system may be set is 25 mph (40 km/h). When it is necessary to make a quick reset, depress the brake pedal. Press the “SET/COAST ” button when you reach the desired speed. The cruise control system cannot be set to speeds below 25 mph (40 km/h). For a quick reset, accelerate with the accelerator pedal to the desired speed, then press and release the “SET/COAST ” button. 148 Comfort and Convenience Features Tap Up (While Cruise Control System Is in Use) Quickly turning and releasing the knob at the “RESUME/ACCEL ” position with the cruise control engaged allows you to “tap up” the preset cruising speed. Each turn increases the preset cruising speed by one mile per hour (1.6 km/h). The preset cruising speed can be increased by up to 10 miles per hour (16 km/h) in this manner. Main Menu Table of Contents Tap Down (While Cruise Control System Is in Use) Quickly pressing and releasing the “SET/COAST ” button with the cruise control engaged allows you to “tap down” the preset cruising speed. Each depression decreases the preset cruising speed by one mile per hour (1.6 km/h). The preset cruising speed can be decreased to a minimum of 25 miles per hour (40 km/h) in this manner. Disengaging Disengage the cruise control system by depressing the brake pedal, or the clutch pedal on manual transmission vehicles. You can also turn off the system by turning the knob to “CANCEL ,” then releasing it, or by pressing the CRUISE ON/OFF button. 2. When the clutch pedal is depressed (manual transmission) or when the automatic transmission is shifted to the “N” position. 3. When cruising speed reaches approximately 16 mph (26 km/h) or lower. Clearing the System The cruise control system will be canceled when any of the following conditions apply: 1. When the brake pedal is depressed. 4. When cruising speed is lower than preset speed by 12 mph (19 km/h) or more. 5. When you depress the CRUISE ON/OFF button. 6. When the ignition switch is turned to the “OFF” position. Comfort and Convenience Features 149 Main Menu Table of Contents 7. If you press the “SET/COAST ” button at the same time as you turn the knob to the “RESUME/ACCEL ” position. 8. When trouble develops in the system. 9. When the knob is turned to the “CANCEL ” position. Recovering the Set Speed If the cruise control is cancelled as described by items 1 thru 4 above, the originally set cruise speed can be recovered by quickly turning and releasing the knob at the “RESUME/ACCEL ” position. Your current speed must be approximately 25 mph (40 km/h) or higher. On steep upgrades, the vehicle may not be able to maintain the preset speed. This may cause the cruise control system to cancel. 150 Comfort and Convenience Features Keep the CRUISE ON/OFF button “OFF” unless you are using the system. Main Menu Table of Contents Keyless Entry (Standard on the EX model) LOCK UNLOCK PANIC You can lock and unlock your vehicle with the remote transmitter. When you push the LOCK button, all the doors and the tailgate lock. The parking lights, taillights, and license plate light will flash once. If you press the LOCK button a second time, the horn will honk to confirm that everything locked. When you push the UNLOCK button once, only the driver’s door unlocks. Push the button a second time, within three seconds, to unlock the remaining doors and the tailgate. The parking lights, taillights, and license plate light will flash twice when you push the UNLOCK button the first time. The dome light will come on (if the dome light switch is in the center position) when you press the UNLOCK button. If you do not open any of the doors or the hatch glass, the light will go out in about 30 seconds, the doors and tailgate automatically relock, and the anti-theft system sets. You cannot lock or unlock the vehicle with the remote transmitter if any door, the tailgate, or the hood is not fully closed, or the key is in the ignition switch. When you push the LOCK button, the horn will beep six times to notify you that something is ajar. You cannot lock or unlock the vehicle with the remote transmitter if the key is in the ignition switch. Panic Mode Panic mode allows you to remotely sound the vehicle’s horn to attract attention. To activate this mode, press and hold the PANIC button for about one second. Your vehicle’s horn will sound for about 30 seconds. Comfort and Convenience Features 151 Main Menu Table of Contents Anti-Theft System To cancel panic mode before 30 seconds, press any button on the remote transmitter. You can also turn the ignition switch to ACCESSORY. The anti-theft system is designed to protect your vehicle and its contents from theft. Any attempt to forcibly open any door, the tailgate, or the hood without using the key or the remote transmitter will cause the system to alarm. The horn sounds and the headlights flash for approximately three minutes. The starter motor circuit is disabled so the engine cannot be started. After three minutes, the system resets. Activating the System The system activates automatically when all the doors, the tailgate, and the hood are fully closed and locked. Lock the doors with the key, the remote transmitter, or the door lock button/knob. The anti-theft system indicator will come on to show that it is activating. After about 10 seconds, the light will 152 Comfort and Convenience Features Main Menu Table of Contents Digital Clock begin blinking rapidly to indicate the system is active. The digital clock displays the time at all times, regardless of ignition switch position. Deactivating the System Unlocking the doors or the tailgate with the key or the remote transmitter turns off the system. You can also turn the ignition switch to the ACCESSORY position. Doing any of the above will also reset an alarming system before the three minutes have elapsed. To set the time: • Press and hold the H button to set the hours. The numbers will advance rapidly. Release the button when the desired time is reached. • Press and hold the M button to set the minutes. The numbers will advance rapidly. Release the button when the desired time is reached. HOUR MINUTE Comfort and Convenience Features 153 Main Menu Main Menu Driving Tips Before Driving . . . . . . . . . . . Starting the Engine . . . . . New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inflation . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . Replacing Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . Wheels and Tires . . . . . . Traction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . Wheel Replacement Considerations . . . . . . . Fuel Economy . . . . . . . . . . . Three-Way Catalytic Converter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156 157 158 158 159 163 164 165 166 166 166 167 168 168 Operation in Foreign Countries . . . . . . . Accessories & Modifications Carrying Cargo . . . . . . . . . . . Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . Trailer Hitches . . . . . . . . Safety Chain . . . . . . . . . . Trailer Lights . . . . . . . . . . Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Trailer Brakes . . . . . . . . . Equipment Check . . . . . . Limited Slip Differential . . . 173 173 175 178 180 181 181 181 181 182 182 169 170 172 Driving Tips 155 Main Menu Table of Contents Before Driving Driving Guidelines Your Honda has higher ground clearance than a passenger car designed for use only on pavement. Higher ground clearance has many advantages for off-road driving. It allows you to travel over bumps, obstacles, and rough terrain. It also provides good visibility so you can anticipate problems earlier. These advantages come at some cost. Because your vehicle is taller and rides higher off the ground, it has a high center of gravity. This means that your vehicle can tip or roll over if you make abrupt turns. Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles. 156 Driving Tips To prevent rollover or loss of control: • Take corners at slower speeds than you would with a passenger car. • Avoid sharp turns and abrupt maneuvers whenever possible. • Do not modify your vehicle in any way that would raise the center of gravity (see page 174). • Do not carry heavy cargo on 2. Check the tires to see if they are low or flat. You will need a pressure gauge to tell if tires are properly inflated. 3. Check that all lights work. 4. Check for fluid leaks. 5. Be sure everything is properly stowed. 6. Check the area behind the vehicle if you are about to back up. the roof (see page 177). For off-road driving guidelines, see the Off-Road Driving Information booklet that came with your vehicle. Before Entering the Vehicle 1. Check that the windows, mirrors, lights and reflectors are clean and unobstructed. Before Driving the Vehicle 1. Lock all doors. 2. Adjust the seat and any movable head restraints. 3. Adjust the inside and outside mirrors. 4. Check that all the indicator lights work when the key Main Menu Table of Contents switch is turned to the “ON” or “START” position. 5. Check all gauges (including the fuel gauge). 6. Release the parking brake (and make sure the “BRAKE ” light turns off). See related topics in this manual if you find any problems. Starting the Engine 1. Apply the parking brake. 2. Manual Transmission: Press the clutch pedal to the floor and shift the transmission to the Neutral position. Hold the clutch pedal to the floor while you are starting the engine. A starter safety switch keeps the starter from operating if the clutch pedal is not fully depressed. Automatic Transmission: Place the shift lever in “P” or “N” position (“P” is preferred). A starter safety switch prevents the starter from operating if the shift lever is in any drive position. If it is necessary to restart the engine with the vehicle moving, place the shift lever in “N” (never in “P”). 3. Do not touch the accelerator pedal. Start the engine by turning the ignition switch to “START.” If the engine does not start in 10 seconds, wait 15 seconds to let the starter cool down. Then crank the engine at wide open throttle for a maximum of 10 seconds. If the engine still does not start, wait another 15 seconds and repeat the entire procedure. Do not crank the engine for more than 10 seconds at a time. Wait 15 seconds before trying again. 4. Return the ignition switch to the “ON” position as soon as the engine starts. 5. Apply the regular brakes and shift into the proper gear. Release the parking brake and brake pedal and drive off. In models with an automatic transmission, you cannot shift from “P” (Park) position to any other position unless the brake pedal is applied. Driving Tips 157 Main Menu Table of Contents New Vehicle Break-In Parking You may drive your new vehicle from its very first mile/kilometer without following a formal “break-in” schedule. However, there are things you can do during the first few hundred miles/ kilometers of driving that will add to the future performance and economy of your vehicle. When leaving your vehicle unattended: • Close all windows and lock all • Set the parking brake. • Check to make certain the It is recommended that your speed during the first 500 miles (800 kilometers) be limited to a maximum of 55 mph (90 km/h) and that you do not drive for long periods at any one constant speed, either fast or slow. During this period, avoid full-throttle starts and, if possible, avoid hard stops; especially during the first 200 miles (320 kilometers) of driving. Always drive at moderate speed until the engine has completely warmed up. 158 Driving Tips • Place the shift lever in “P” (Park) position for automatic transmission. • When parking a vehicle equipped with a manual transmission on an upward slope, or on a level surface, place the shift lever in the “1st” position. • When parking a vehicle equipped with a manual transmission on a downward slope, place the shift lever in the “R” (Reverse) position. • Turn the key to the “LOCK ” position. • Remove the key. The beeper will remind you. doors. lights are turned off. The beeper will remind you. • If your vehicle is equipped with a transfer case (4WD), make sure the shift lever is in 4H or 4L . Parking Tips • Never drive the vehicle with the parking brake set. This can overheat the rear brakes, reducing their effectiveness and causing excessive wear or damage. • Always apply the parking brake whenever you leave the vehicle, whether it is equipped with a manual or automatic transmission. Main Menu Table of Contents Brakes • If your vehicle is equipped with an automatic transmission, set the parking brake before you leave the driver’s seat. If the vehicle is parked on a grade and the transmission shift lever is placed in “P” (Park) position before you set the parking brake, the weight of the vehicle may exert so much force on the transmission that you may have difficulty moving the shift lever out of “P” (Park) position. To prevent this, apply the parking brake BEFORE moving the shift lever to “P” (Park). When you want to drive away, move the shift lever out of the “P” (Park) position BEFORE releasing the parking brake. It is good driving practice to set the parking brake first, then place the transmission in “PARK” position, even on level surfaces. • If the parking brake does not seem to hold the vehicle as well as before, have the vehicle serviced by your Honda dealer. • Do not park your vehicle over high grass, dry leaves or other combustible materials. The catalytic converter gets very hot and could set fire to these materials. Anti-Lock Brakes Your vehicle has an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) as standard equipment. ABS helps to prevent the wheels from locking up and skidding during hard braking, allowing you to retain steering control. When the front tires skid, you lose steering control; the vehicle continues straight ahead even though you turn the steering wheel. The ABS helps to prevent lock-up and retain steering control by pumping the brakes rapidly; much faster than a person can do it. You should never pump the brake pedal, this defeats the purpose of the ABS. Let the ABS work for you by always keeping firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal as you steer away from the Driving Tips 159 Main Menu Table of Contents hazard. This is sometimes referred to as “stomp and steer.” following distance from other vehicles. allow a greater distance between vehicles under those conditions. You will feel a pulsation in the brake pedal when the ABS activates, and you may hear some noise. This is normal, it is the ABS rapidly pumping the brakes. ABS will not prevent a skid that results from changing direction abruptly, such as trying to take a corner too fast or making a sudden lane change. Always drive at a safe, prudent speed for the road and weather conditions. ABS Indicator The ABS is self-checking. You may feel a slight movement of the brake pedal just after you start the engine. This is the ABS performing a check. It also checks itself whenever you use the brakes. Activation varies with the amount of traction your tires have. On dry pavement, you will need to press on the brake pedal very hard before you activate the ABS. However, you may feel the ABS activate immediately if you are trying to stop on snow or ice. Important Safety Reminders ABS does not reduce the time or distance it takes to stop the vehicle, it only helps with steering control during braking. You should always maintain a safe 160 Driving Tips ABS cannot prevent a loss of stability. Always steer moderately when you are braking hard. Severe or sharp steering wheel movement can still cause your vehicle to veer into oncoming traffic or off the road. A vehicle with ABS may require a longer distance to stop on loose or uneven surfaces, such as gravel or snow, than a vehicle without anti-lock. Slow down and Main Menu Table of Contents If anything goes wrong, the ABS indicator on the instrument panel comes on (see page 67). 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. You should have the dealer inspect your vehicle as soon as possible if this light stays on after you start the engine, or comes on while driving. Driving With Wet Brakes Power Brakes Driving through deep water may get the brakes wet and reduce their effectiveness. As a result, the vehicle may not slow down normally or may pull in one direction or the other. The braking system uses engine vacuum to provide power assist. If the power assist fails because of a stalled engine or other reason, the reserve vacuum in the system will usually allow you to apply the brakes at least one time. If you drive through deep water, apply the brakes lightly to see if the water has affected them. To dry the brakes quickly, press lightly on the brake pedal while maintaining the same speed with the accelerator pedal. Continue this until the brakes operate normally. The reserve vacuum is partly used up each time the brake pedal is applied and released. Do not pump the brakes when the power assist has been lost, except when needed to maintain steering control on slippery surfaces. You can still stop the vehicle without the power assist by pushing harder on the brake pedal. However, the stopping distance may be longer, even though the brakes themselves remain fully operational. Driving Tips 161 Main Menu Table of Contents Self-Adjusting Brakes Braking Tips The brakes on this vehicle are self-adjusting. They have been designed so that periodic brake adjustment is not needed. Control your vehicle’s speed on a steep or long downhill grade by shifting the transmission to a lower gear. Constantly using the brakes can cause them to overheat and lose effectiveness. The brakes adjust themselves each time you firmly apply them. Thus, if the brake pedal goes down farther than normal due to a lack of adjustment, drive backward and forward a few times. Apply the brakes intermittently. See your Honda dealer if the brake pedal height does not return to normal or if there is a rapid increase in pedal travel. Either is a sign of other brake trouble. Also, see your Honda dealer if the parking brake needs adjustment. 162 Driving Tips Resting your foot on the brake pedal when you are not intending to brake (“riding the brakes”) can cause them to overheat. This reduces their effectiveness, wears them out faster, and can reduce fuel mileage. It also causes your brake lights to stay on all the time, confusing drivers behind you. Brake Wear Indicators The front and rear brakes have built-in wear indicators. These make a high-pitched squealing or cricket-like warning sound when the brake pads or linings are worn to the point of replacement. The sound may come and go or be heard all the time when the vehicle is moving, but may stop when the brake pedal is pushed down firmly. Expensive damage can result if pads or linings are not replaced immediately when needed. Driving on Slippery Surfaces Driving, steering, and braking traction are reduced when the road is coated with water, snow, ice, gravel, or other materials. Slow down and adjust your driving to such conditions. It is important to slow down when it is slippery because stopping Main Menu Table of Contents Tires distances will be longer and vehicle control more limited. While driving on a surface with reduced traction, avoid maneuvers involving sudden steering, acceleration, or braking (including engine braking due to shifting to lower gear), that could cause the tires to skid. Drivers may not realize the surface is slippery until the vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize warning clues—such as enough water or ice on the road to make a “mirrored surface”—and slow down when there is any doubt. Also see “Traction” under “Tires” in this section. Rapid slowing down or speeding-up can cause loss of control on slippery surfaces. If you crash, you can be injured. Use extra care when driving on slippery surfaces. To safely operate your vehicle, your tires must be the proper type and size, in good condition with adequate tread, and correctly inflated. The following pages give more detailed information on how and when to check air pressure, how to inspect your tires for damage and wear, and what to do when your tires need to be replaced. Using tires that are excessively worn or improperly inflated can cause a crash in which you can be seriously hurt or killed. Follow all instructions in this owner’s manual regarding tire inflation and maintenance. Driving Tips 163 Main Menu Table of Contents Inflation Keeping the tires properly inflated provides the best combination of handling, tread life, and riding comfort. Underinflated tires wear unevenly, adversely affect handling and fuel economy, and are more likely to fail from being overheated. Overinflated tires can make your vehicle ride more harshly, are more prone to damage from road hazards, and wear unevenly. We recommend that you visually check your tires every day. If you think a tire might be low, check it immediately with a tire gauge. Use a gauge to measure the air pressure at least once a month. Even tires that are in good condition may lose one to two psi per month. Remember to check the spare tire at the same time you check all the other tires. 164 Driving Tips Check the pressure in the tires when they are cold. This means the vehicle has been parked for at least three hours. If you have to drive the vehicle before checking the tire pressure, the tires can still be considered “cold” if you drive less than 1 mile (1.6 km). If you check the pressure when the tires are hot (the vehicle has been driven several miles), you will see readings 4 to 6 psi (28 to 41 kPa, 0.3 to 0.4 kg/cm2) higher than the cold reading. This is normal. Do not let air out to match the specified cold pressure. The tire will be underinflated. You should get your own tire pressure gauge and use it at all times. That makes it easier for you to tell if a pressure loss is caused by a tire problem and not a variation between gauges. Recommended Tire Pressures for Normal Driving The following chart shows the recommended cold tire pressures for most normal driving conditions and speeds. Tire Size Cold Tire Pressure for Normal Driving 225/75R16 29 psi (200 kPa) 245/70R16 26 psi (180 kPa) Main Menu Table of Contents These pressures are also given on the tire information label on the driver’s doorjamb. Tubeless tires have some ability to self-seal if they are punctured. However, because leakage is often very slow, you should look closely for punctures if a tire starts losing pressure. Your vehicle’s tires have wear indicators molded into the tread. Inspection Every time you check inflation, you should also examine the tires for damage, foreign objects, and wear. LABEL You should look for: • Bumps or bulges in the tread or side of the tire. Replace the tire if you find either of these conditions. • Cuts, splits, or cracks in the side of the tire. Replace the tire if you can see fabric. • Excessive tread wear. TREAD WEAR INDICATORS When the tread wears down to that point, you will see a 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) wide band running across the tread. This shows that there is less than 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) of tread left on the tire. A tire that is this worn gives very little traction on wet roads. You should replace the tire if you can see the tread wear Driving Tips 165 Main Menu Table of Contents indicator in three or more places around the tire. Maintenance In addition to proper inflation, correct wheel alignment helps to decrease tire wear. You should get your vehicle’s suspension parts inspected often, and aligned when needed. The tires were properly balanced at the factory. They may need to be rebalanced at some time before they are worn out. Have your dealer check the tires if you feel a consistent vibration while driving. A tire should always be rebalanced if it is removed from the wheel for repair. Make sure the installer balances the wheels when you have new tires installed. This increases 166 Driving Tips riding comfort and tire life. Your vehicle’s original tires were dynamic or “spin” balanced at the factory. For best results, have the installer perform a dynamic balance. Tire Rotation To help increase tire life and distribute wear more evenly, you should have the tires rotated every 7,500 miles (12,000 km). FRONT 4 WHEEL 5 WHEEL Move the tires to the positions shown in the diagram each time they are rotated. Replacing Tires and Wheels The tires that came with your vehicle were selected to match its performance capabilities while providing the best combination of handling, ride comfort, and long life. You should replace them with radial tires of the same size, load range, speed rating, and maximum cold tire pressure rating (as shown on the tire’s sidewall). Mixing radial and bias-ply tires on your vehicle can reduce its braking ability, traction, and steering accuracy. Main Menu Table of Contents We urge you not to install oversize tires and wheels that would change your vehicle’s ride height and possibly affect handling and stability. Installing improper tires on your vehicle can affect handling and stability. This can cause a crash in which you can be seriously hurt or killed. Always use the size and type of tires recommended in this owner’s manual. It is best to replace all four tires at the same time. If that is not possible or necessary, then replace the two front tires or the two rear tires as a pair. Replacing just one tire can seriously affect your vehicle’s handling. Replacement wheels are available at your Honda dealer. The ABS works by comparing the speed of the wheels. When replacing tires, use the same size originally supplied with the vehicle. Tire size and construction can affect wheel speed and may cause the system to work inconsistently. Tires: Standard on LX 2WD 225/75R16 Wheels and Tires Wheels: 16 x 7 JJ Standard on all other models 245/70R16 See page 250 for information about DOT Tire Quality Grading. If you ever need to replace a wheel, make sure the replacement’s specifications match the wheels that originally came on your Honda. Driving Tips 167 Main Menu Table of Contents Traction A decrease in driving, cornering, and braking traction occurs when water, snow, ice, gravel, or other materials are on the road. Vehicle speed should be adjusted to the road conditions. 3. Replace tires when they are worn to a point where 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) or less tread remains, or cord or fabric can be seen. 4. Keep the tires properly inflated. When driving on wet or slushy roads, a wedge of water can build up between the tire and road. This is known as hydroplaning and may cause partial or complete loss of traction, vehicle control, and stopping ability. To reduce the chance of traction loss, follow these tips: If your vehicle has snow tires, be sure they are the same size, load range and construction type as your other tires. Vehicle speed should be limited to a maximum of 75 mph (120 km/h) when equipped with either passenger vehicle-type or truck-type snow tires. 1. Slow down during rainstorms or when roads are slushy. Tire Chains To prevent tire chains from damaging your vehicle: 2. Slow down if the road has standing water or puddles. • Install the chains on the rear tires as tightly as possible. 168 Driving Tips Tighten them again after driving 1/4 to 1/2 mile (0.4 to 0.8 kilometer). Using chains on the front tires is not recommended. They may contact the body and possibly damage the vehicle. If you intend to use chains on the front tires, be sure there is enough clearance. • Do not exceed 45 mph (70 km/h) or the chain manufacturer’s suggested speed limit if it is lower. • Drive in a restrained manner and avoid large bumps, potholes, severe turns or other maneuvers that could cause the vehicle to bounce up and down. • Follow the chain manufacturer’s instructions. Main Menu Table of Contents Wheel Replacement Considerations wheels are available from your Honda dealer. treatment or very high mileage and could fail without warning. Damaged wheels must be replaced. For example, replace wheels if they are bent, cracked or heavily rusted, or if wheel nuts often become loose. Also replace wheels that leak air (except some aluminum wheels that can be repaired). See your Honda dealer. When obtaining wheels for any reason from any other source, the replacement wheels should be equal in load capacity, inflation pressure capacity, diameter, width, offset and mounting configuration to those originally installed on your vehicle. A wheel of the wrong size or type may adversely affect load carrying capacity, wheel and bearing life, brake cooling, speedometer/odometer calibration, stopping ability, headlight aim, bumper height, vehicle ground clearance, and tire or tire chain clearance to the body and chassis. Replacement with used wheels is not advised: They may have been subjected to harsh Installing wheels and/or tires that have a higher load carrying limit than those that originally came on your vehicle does not increase the GAWR or GVWR of the vehicle. Do not use bent wheels that have been straightened, and do not use tubes in leaking wheels designed for tubeless tires. Such wheels may have structural damage and could fail without warning. Maximum loads, maximum inflation pressures, wheel identification codes, and wheel sizes are stamped on each wheel. Service-tested and approved Driving Tips 169 Main Menu Table of Contents Fuel Economy Driving for Best Fuel Economy could result in loss of warranty coverage. How, where, and when you drive all affect how many miles/ kilometers you can get from a gallon/liter of fuel. The careful attention you give your vehicle as far as maintenance and repairs will also help fuel economy. “Jackrabbit” Starts You can save fuel (and prolong engine and tire life) by avoiding fast starts away from lights and stop signs. Fuel Selection Use only unleaded gasoline meeting federal government regulations. The federal government specifies the minimum octane rating number of unleaded gasoline. Unleaded gasoline must be used for proper emissions control system operation. It will also minimize spark plug fouling. The use of leaded gasoline can damage the emissions control system and 170 Driving Tips Stop-and-Go Driving Frequent stop-and-go driving during a trip will cut down on your miles per gallon (kilometers per liter). Plan even your short shopping trips to take advantage of through streets to avoid traffic lights. Pace your driving to avoid unplanned stops. Excessive Idling An idling engine uses fuel, too. If you’re faced with more than a few minutes wait and you’re not in traffic, it is better to turn off the key and start the engine again later. Repetitive Harsh Stopping Harsh stops can also waste fuel; instead of moving the vehicle, the energy is wasted as heat in braking. Energy in the form of fuel is also needed to accelerate back to driving speed. Lubricants A well-lubricated vehicle means less friction between moving parts. This manual lists the proper lubrication intervals in the “Care and Maintenance” section. Air Cleaner Your vehicle gets its power from a mixture of fuel and air. The air is taken into the engine through the Main Menu Table of Contents air cleaner, so it’s important to replace the air cleaner filter at required intervals. See “Care and Maintenance.” A dirty air cleaner filter reduces engine performance and can waste fuel. Air Conditioning Turn off the air conditioning when it is not needed. The air conditioning compressor is not on in this position and the reduced engine load can improve fuel economy. Tuned Engine An engine that is properly maintained will provide better fuel economy than one that is not. One misfiring spark plug will cut fuel economy significantly, and will make a difference in the amount of pollution emitted from your vehicle. Excessive Weight Fuel economy is related to the work the engine must do. The heavier the load, the more fuel it takes to run your vehicle. Keep weight to a minimum by removing unnecessary luggage or cargo. Wheel Alignment Improper alignment will cause the front tires to roll at an angle that will result in faster tire wear. It takes power to overcome this improper alignment, which, in turn, wastes fuel. Tire Inflation Underinflation not only causes needless tire wear but can also waste fuel. It’s a good idea to check tire pressure often and keep your tires inflated to the pressures shown on the tire placard located on the driver’s doorjamb. Use of 4-Wheel Drive In normal driving, put the 4WD-2WD switch in the 2WD position. Driving Tips 171 Main Menu Table of Contents Three-Way Catalytic Converter The three-way catalytic converter is an emissions control device added to the exhaust system to reduce exhaust gas pollutants. The converter contains a ceramic material coated with noble metal catalysts. To prevent contamination of the catalysts, unleaded gasoline must be used. Unleaded gasoline also reduces combustion chamber deposits and exhaust system corrosion. The three-way catalytic converter requires the use of unleaded gasoline. Use of leaded gasoline will cause the converter to lose its effectiveness. To Help Prevent Damage 1. Keep your engine properly maintained. Engine malfunctions involving the 172 Driving Tips electrical, electronic fuel injection or ignition systems may result in unusually high converter and exhaust system temperatures. Do not keep driving your vehicle if you detect engine misfire, noticeable loss of performance, or other unusual operating conditions. Have it serviced promptly. A properly maintained engine will minimize malfunctions that could damage the converter. It will also help provide good emissions control and fuel economy. (See the Maintenance Schedule on page 204 for information on inspecting and maintaining the engine, exhaust system and other components.) 2. Do not push or tow your vehicle to start it. This could damage the converter. 3. Do not park your vehicle over high grass, dry leaves or other combustible materials. The catalytic converter gets very hot and could set fire to these materials. Main Menu Table of Contents Operation in Foreign Countries If you are planning to take your Honda outside the U.S. or Canada, contact the tourist bureaus in the areas you will be traveling in to find out about the availability of unleaded gasoline with the proper octane rating. If unleaded gasoline is not available, be aware that using leaded gasoline in your Honda will affect performance and fuel mileage, and damage its emissions controls. It will no longer comply with U.S. and Canadian emissions regulations, and will be illegal to operate in North America. To bring your vehicle back into compliance will require the replacement of several components, such as the oxygen sensor and the three-way catalytic converter. These replacements are not covered under warranty. Accessories & Modifications Modifying your vehicle, or installing some non-Honda accessories, can make your vehicle unsafe. Before you make any modifications or add any accessories, be sure to read the following information. Accessories Your dealer has Genuine Honda accessories that allow you to personalize your vehicle. These accessories have been designed and approved for your vehicle, and are covered by warranty. Non-Honda accessories are usually designed for universal applications. Although aftermarket accessories may fit on your vehicle, they may not meet factory specifications, and could adversely affect your vehicle’s handling and stability. (See “Modifications” on the next page for additional information.) Improper accessories or modifications can affect your vehicle’s handling, stability and performance, and cause a crash in which you can be hurt or killed. Follow all instructions in this owner’s manual regarding accessories and modifications. When properly installed, car phones, alarms, two-way radios, and low-powered audio systems should not interfere with your vehicle’s computer-controlled Driving Tips 173 Main Menu Table of Contents systems, such as the SRS and anti-lock brake system. However, if electronic accessories are improperly installed, or exceed your vehicle’s electrical system capacity, they can interfere with the operation of your vehicle, or even cause the airbags to deploy. Before installing any accessory: • Make sure the accessory does not obscure any lights, or interfere with proper vehicle operation or performance. • Be sure electronic accessories do not overload electrical circuits (see page 240). • Have the installer contact your Honda dealer for assistance before installing any electronic accessory. 174 Driving Tips If possible, have your dealer inspect the final installation. Modifications Do not remove any original equipment or modify your vehicle in any way that would alter its design or operation. This could make your vehicle unsafe and illegal to drive. For example, do not make any modifications that would change the ride height of your vehicle, or install wheels and tires with a different overall diameter. Such modifications can adversely affect handling, and interfere with the operation of the vehicle’s anti-lock brakes and other systems. In addition, any modifications that decrease ground clearance increase the chance of undercarriage parts striking a curb, speed bump, or other raised object, which could cause your airbags to deploy. Do not modify your steering wheel or any other part of your Supplemental Restraint System. Modifications could make the system ineffective. Additional Safety Precaution Do not attach or place objects on the airbag covers. Any object attached to, or placed on, the covers marked “SRS,” in the center of the steering wheel and on top of the dashboard, could interfere with the proper operation of the airbags. Or, if the airbags inflate, the objects could be propelled inside the vehicle and hurt someone. Main Menu Table of Contents Carrying Cargo Your vehicle has several convenient storage areas so you can stow cargo safely. The glove box, the console compartment, and the pockets in the front doors, seat-backs, and cargo area are designed for small, lightweight items. The cargo area is intended for larger, heavier items. In addition, the back seat can be folded down to allow you to carry more cargo or longer items. However, carrying too much cargo, or improperly storing it, can affect your vehicle’s handling, stability, and operation and make it unsafe. Before carrying any type of cargo, be sure to read the following pages. Driving Tips 175 Main Menu Table of Contents Load Limit The maximum load for your vehicle is: LX 2WD manual trans: 895 lb (407 kg) automatic trans: 840 lb (382 kg) LX 4WD manual trans: automatic trans: 905 lb (411 kg) 850 lb (386 kg) EX manual trans: 930 lb (423 kg) automatic trans: 875 lb (398 kg) This figure includes the total weight of all occupants, cargo, accessories, and the tongue weight if you are towing a trailer. 176 Driving Tips To figure out how much cargo you can carry: • Add up the weight of all occupants. • If you are towing a trailer, add the tongue weight to the number above. • Subtract the total from the maximum load figure. The final number is the total weight of cargo you can carry. Overloading or improper loading can affect handling and stability and cause a crash in which you can be hurt or killed. Follow all load limits and other loading guidelines in this manual. Main Menu Table of Contents Carrying Items in the Passenger Compartment Carrying Cargo in the Cargo Area or on a Roof Rack • Store or secure all items that • Distribute cargo evenly on the could be thrown around and hurt someone during a crash. floor of the cargo area, placing the heaviest items on the bottom and as far forward as possible. • Be sure items placed on the floor behind the front seats cannot roll under the seats and interfere with the driver’s ability to operate the pedals, or with the proper operation of the seats. • Keep the glove box closed while driving. If the lid is open, a passenger’s knees could be injured during a crash or sudden stop. • If you carry any items on a roof rack, be sure the total weight of the rack and the items does not exceed 200 lb (90 kg). • If you fold down the back seat, tie down items that could be thrown about the vehicle during a crash or sudden stop. • If you carry large items that prevent you from closing the hatch glass or rear door, exhaust gas can enter the passenger area. To avoid the possibility of carbon monoxide poisoning, follow the instructions on page 47. Driving Tips 177 Main Menu Table of Contents Trailer Towing Your Honda vehicle is designed for passenger and cargo transportation. With the proper equipment installed, your vehicle can also tow a trailer under certain conditions, as detailed in this section. Be sure to read this entire section and follow all requirements. Towing a trailer will have an effect on handling, performance, braking, durability and fuel consumption. Improperly loading your vehicle and trailer can seriously affect the steering and braking performance, causing a crash in which you can be seriously injured. Check the loading of your vehicle and trailer carefully before starting to drive. Honda recommends that you do not tow a trailer with a new Honda vehicle or one with a new powertrain component (engine, transmission, differential) for the first 500 miles. 178 Driving Tips For your safety and the safety of others, use equipment specifically designed for your vehicle. Improper towing equipment and improper installation of same can cause damage to your vehicle and may also result in personal injury. Additional care and cautious driving habits are essential to trailer towing. Do not exceed 45 mph or the posted towing speed limit, whichever is lower. Higher speed may cause loss of vehicle control. Main Menu Table of Contents Follow the recommendations in this manual and ask your Honda dealer for further details before you tow a trailer with your Passport. Towing a trailer affects vehicle maintenance requirements due to the additional load. More frequent maintenance intervals will be required to assure continued satisfaction with your vehicle. Consult your Honda dealer for recommended maintenance and service. The gross trailer weight (trailer weight plus cargo load) must never exceed 4,500 lb. Additional equipment will be required, depending on the specific model/load combination. See “Trailer Hitches” in this section. Exceeding the weight limit will cause damage to your vehicle and possibly result in personal injury. • The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the combined weight of the unloaded vehicle, passengers, cargo, trailer hitch, trailer tongue load, and optional equipment. This value is indicated on the F.M.V.S.S. Certification Label on the driver’s doorjamb. • The Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) equals the combined weight of your vehicle (including passengers and cargo) plus the total trailer load. The following limits apply. 2WD: 8,700 lb 4WD: 8,950 lb • The Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) is also indicated on the Certification Label. The load on either the front or rear axle resulting from distribution of the gross vehicle weight on both axles must not exceed the values listed. Remember to account for additional equipment and tongue load. Driving Tips 179 Main Menu Table of Contents • Tongue load should be between 9 percent and 11 percent of the total trailer weight. However, it should never exceed 450 pounds. • Never load a trailer with more weight in the rear than in the front. The front should be loaded with approximately 60 percent and the rear with approximately 40 percent of the total trailer load. • Never exceed the maximum weight limits of the trailer or trailer towing equipment. Improper loading can result in damage to your vehicle and possible personal injury. • Check the vehicle and trailer loading and the weights on each axle at a commercial scale or a highway patrol office equipped with a scale. 180 Driving Tips Trailer Hitches A Class 3 hitch kit (up to 4,500 lb) is available from your Honda dealer. Use a trailer equipped with electric brakes and a “Weight Distributing Hitch Attachment” when the gross trailer weight exceeds 3,500 pounds. A special attachment that replaces the draw bar/ball assembly is used to distribute the proper weight to the front axle. It uses a pair of spring bars that are adjusted to accomplish the distribution of the weight. Consult your trailer’s manufacturer for assistance with selecting the proper weight distributing hitch attachment. Check with a recreational vehicle dealer for additional required equipment. Have this equipment installed by a trained mechanic. Improper equipment or installation can damage your vehicle and cause personal injury. Do not use axle-mounted hitches or equipment not designed for your vehicle. Do not make any modifications to the vehicle’s exhaust, braking, or electrical system other than those that are shown in the instructions for the Honda Trailer Hitch Kit. Improper modifications can affect vehicle durability. Periodic inspection of all addedon trailer towing equipment is necessary to assure continued safe operation. Main Menu Table of Contents Safety Chain Always use suitable safety chains between your vehicle and the trailer. Check with your trailer manufacturer for the required equipment. Cross the safety chains under the hitch and attach them to the trailer hitch hardware. This will prevent the trailer from dropping to the ground in the event the hitch disengages. For proper use and installation, consult your trailer manufacturer. Trailer Lights Trailer lights and equipment must comply with federal, state and local regulations. Check with your local recreational vehicle dealer for the requirements in your area. Use only equipment designed for your vehicle. Improper equipment or installation can cause damage to your vehicle’s electrical system and affect your vehicle warranty. Consult your Honda dealer for installation. Tires Always check the condition of your vehicle’s tires and trailer’s tires before operation. Replace worn or damaged tires before operation. Inflate tire pressure to the recommended cold tire pressure indicated in the tire manufacturer’s warranty booklet in the glove box packet. Check the tire manufacturer’s requirements when replacement tires are installed on your vehicle. Trailer tire condition, size, load rating, and proper inflation pressure should be in accordance with the tire manufacturer’s specifications. Improper tire size and inflation can cause tire failure, possibly resulting in vehicle damage and personal injury. Trailer Brakes Trailers with a total weight of 1,000 pounds or more require trailer brakes. If your trailer is equipped with a braking system, make sure it conforms to federal, state, and local equipment regulations. Driving Tips 181 Main Menu Table of Contents Limited Slip Differential There are no provisions in your vehicle to tap into its hydraulic braking system. Any attempt to attach the trailer’s brakes to your vehicle’s hydraulic braking system, no matter how successful it may seem, will lower braking effectiveness and create a potential hazard. Equipment Check Before operating your vehicle, check all safety equipment to ensure safe operation. Be sure your vehicle is properly serviced to avoid mechanical failure. Check that your vehicle remains level when the loaded or unloaded trailer is hitched. Do not drive if the rear end of your vehicle is abnormally higher or lower. Check for proper tongue weight, overload, improper weight 182 Driving Tips distribution, worn suspension, or other possible causes. Make sure the trailer load is properly positioned and secured so its does not shift around while driving. Check if your rearview mirrors comply with federal, state and local regulations. If not, confirm the proper mirrors required for towing and have them installed. Perform an equipment check of all braking, lighting and safety equipment to ensure they are working properly. Your safety depends on proper operation and installation of equipment. Never operate a vehicle with faulty equipment. Standard on 4WD models The limited slip differential is designed to improve traction by limiting wheelspin. If one rear wheel begins to spin on a slippery surface, the limited slip differential will automatically transmit driving force to the other rear wheel. Main Menu In Case of Emergency This section covers the most common problems that motorists experience with their vehicles. It gives you information on how to safely evaluate those problems, with tips to help get you going again. Lastly, it tells you how to have your vehicle towed. Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . Changing a Tire . . . . . . . . . . Lifting Points . . . . . . . . . . Tool Locations . . . . . . . . . . . Engine Overheating . . . . . . . Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . Towing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . All Four Wheels on the Ground . . . . . . Front Wheels off the Ground . . . . . . Rear Wheels off the Ground . . . . . . Inoperative Electrical Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184 186 187 188 190 191 191 192 192 192 193 193 In Case of Emergency 183 Main Menu Table of Contents Jump Starting Do not push or tow your vehicle to start it. Under some conditions this may damage the three-way catalytic converter or other parts of the vehicle. If your vehicle has a discharged battery, it can be started by using the battery in another vehicle; a procedure called “jump starting.” A battery can explode if you do not follow the correct procedure, seriously injuring anyone nearby. Keep all sparks, open flames, and smoking materials away from the battery. To jump start your vehicle: 1. Position the vehicle with the good (charged) battery so that the jump-starting cables will reach. Do not allow the vehicles to touch. Check to see that the bumpers do not touch. 2. Turn off all electric motors and accessories in both vehicles. Turn off all lights except hazard flashers and lights needed to light up the work area. Turn off the ignition, apply the parking brake firmly, and shift an automatic transmission to “P” (Park) and a manual transmission to “N” (Neutral) in both vehicles. 3. Check fluid level of the battery before attempting to charge or jump start. (Do not 184 In Case of Emergency use an open flame to check, and do not smoke.) CHARGE TEST INDICATOR UPPER LEVEL LOWER LEVEL OK CHARGING NECESSARY BLUE COLORLESS If the battery is a sealed type and if the fluid level is below the lower level line on the side of the battery, do not try to jump start the vehicle or charge or test the battery. Do not add fluid. Instead, install a new battery. Table of Contents Main Menu • If a battery sits in extreme cold, the electrolyte inside can freeze. Attempting to jump start a frozen battery can cause it to rupture. 4. Jumper Cable Connection Instructions: Make connections in numerical order. DISCHARGED VEHICLE 1 • CHARGED VEHICLE 1st CABLE 4 2nd CABLE 2 3 Make last connection on engine away from the battery. Do not allow the vehicles to touch. • 1 and 2 Connect the first jumper cable from the positive “+” (red) terminal on one battery to the positive “+” (red) terminal on the other battery. Never connect “+” (red) to “–” (black) or “–” to “+.” 3 Next, connect one end of the second cable to the grounded negative “–” (black) terminal of the good (charged) battery. 4 Lastly, connect the other end of the second, grounded jumper cable to a solid, stationary, metallic point on the engine of the vehicle with the discharged battery but at a point at least 18 inches (45 cm) away from the battery. Do not connect it to pulleys, fans, or other parts that move. Beware of touching hot manifolds that can cause burns. (The mounting brackets for the alternator or air conditioning compressor generally make a good point for this final ground attachment point. Take care that the jumper cable does not contact moving parts on or near the alternator or compressor.) 5. Start the engine on the vehicle with the good (charged) battery and run the engine at moderate speed. In Case of Emergency 185 Main Menu Table of Contents Changing a Tire 6. Start the engine of the vehicle that has the discharged battery. 7. Remove the battery cables by reversing the above sequence exactly. Start by removing the last clamp first; that is, remove the jumper cable from the engine of the vehicle with the discharged battery as the first step. If you have a flat tire while driving, stop in a safe place to change it. Stopping in traffic or on the shoulder of a busy road is dangerous. Drive slowly along the shoulder until you get to an exit or an area to stop that is far away from the traffic lanes. The vehicle can easily roll off the jack, seriously injuring anyone underneath. Follow the directions for changing a tire exactly, and never get under the vehicle when it is supported only by the jack. 186 In Case of Emergency 1. Park on a level surface and set the parking brake firmly. Turn on the hazard warning flasher, and turn the ignition switch to LOCK. 2. Set the automatic transmission in “Park” (the manual transmission in “Reverse”) and transfer case in gear if it is a four-wheel drive vehicle. 3. Have your passengers get out of the vehicle. 4. Remove the jacking tools (see page 188) and spare tire from their stowage areas. Main Menu Table of Contents 5. Block the wheel that is diagonally opposite the one to be changed. REAR JACK JACK BAR JACK HANDLE FRONT Position the jack at the correct jack point as shown. 6. Loosen, but do not remove, the wheel nuts by turning the wrench counterclockwise. 7. There are two jacking points on each side of the vehicle. Set the jack in position, as shown. Under the rear axle housing near the wheel. Make sure that the jack is positioned on a level and solid surface. The lift point is the outer bolt head at the crossmember. Do not position the jack at any points other than those specified. In Case of Emergency 187 Main Menu Table of Contents Tool Locations 8. Turn the jack handle clockwise with a slow, smooth motion to raise the vehicle so the inflated spare tire will clear the surface. 9. Remove the wheel nuts and the wheel. 10. Install the wheel and replace the wheel nuts with the cone-shaped end toward the wheel, then hand-tighten each nut. The wheel must be seated on the hub. 11. Lower the vehicle by turning the jack handle counterclockwise, then fully tighten the wheel nuts in a crisscross sequence by turning the wrench clockwise. Have the wheel nut torque checked at the nearest automotive service facility. 87 lb-ft (118 N·m) 188 In Case of Emergency 12. Stow the jacking tools and flat tire in their proper locations. The jack is stored in a compartment on the driver’s side rear wheel panel. EX model Use the screwdriver to remove the center cap from the wheel before stowing the flat tire. Loose items can fly around the interior in a crash and could seriously injure the occupants. Store the wheel, jack, and tools securely before driving. To remove the jack from its compartment, turn the handle counterclockwise. Disconnect the hold-down strap. Main Menu Table of Contents Spare Tire Removal The tire wrench and jack handle are concealed under the right rear seat cushion. UNDERSIDE OF RIGHT REAR SEAT CUSHION LX model EX model The spare tire is mounted on the rear door. To remove it, unlock the spare tire lock (if so equipped). Use the wheel wrench to remove the retaining bolts. The spare tire is stored under the cargo area floor. To lower it, open the rear door. Insert the jack handle between the body and the top of the rear bumper. Insert the end of the jack handle into the slot in the tire winch, then turn the handle counterclockwise to lower the tire. Lower the tire to the ground, then remove the bracket in the center of the wheel. TIRE WRENCH AND JACK HANDLE The screwdriver is stored in a pouch under the left rear seat cushion. When replacing the spare tire, make sure you put it on the carrier with the outside of the wheel facing out. Tighten the bolts securely. In Case of Emergency 189 Main Menu Table of Contents Engine Overheating Reverse this procedure to store the spare tire. Connect the spare tire to the bracket with the outside of the wheel facing up. Make sure the tire does not catch on any part of the underbody of the vehicle as you are raising it, and that the spare tire is stored securely before driving. If the engine overheats: • The engine coolant temperature gauge pointer will move up to the “H” or higher. • Engine “ping” will become excessive. • Loss of engine power will be Do not open the hood if steam is coming out. noticed. • Either steam or boiling water will squirt out of the radiator. If you find that the engine is overheating: • Stop the vehicle, and turn on the hazard warning lights. • If you see or hear steam or coolant coming from the engine compartment, turn off the engine immediately. 190 In Case of Emergency Steam and spray from an overheated engine can seriously scald you. • If you do not see or hear steam or spray, turn off the A/C (if on) and run the engine at a speed slightly higher than idle speed (about 1,500 rpm) for several minutes. Watch the coolant temperature gauge. If it remains at the “H” mark, turn off the engine. • Open the hood only after all signs of steam or hot coolant spray have stopped. Look for signs of an obvious leak, such as a split radiator hose. If you Main Menu Table of Contents Towing find a leak, it must be repaired before you can continue driving. (See Towing on page 191.) • If you don’t find an obvious leak, check the coolant level in the radiator reserve tank. If the level is below the MIN mark, add coolant to halfway between the MIN and MAX marks. • If there was no coolant in the reserve tank, you may also have to add coolant to the radiator. Let the engine cool down until the pointer reaches the middle of the temperature gauge, or lower, before checking the radiator. Removing the radiator cap while the engine is hot can cause the coolant to spray out, seriously scalding you. Always let the engine and radiator cool down before removing the radiator cap. • If needed, add coolant to the radiator to bring the level up to the filler neck, and to the reservoir up to the level indicated on the reservoir tank. Proper equipment must be used to prevent damage to vehicles during any towing. State and local laws that apply to vehicles in tow must be followed. Get detailed towing instructions from your Honda dealer. Should it become necessary to tow your vehicle, follow these directions. Precautions • Before towing, make sure that the power train, axle, transmission, wheels and steering system are in good condition. If any of these items are damaged, a flatbed trailer must be used. In Case of Emergency 191 Main Menu Table of Contents • Use only towing equipment specifically designed for this purpose, following the instructions of the equipment manufacturer. A separate safety chain system must be used. • For such towing, the parking brake must be released, the transmission must be in neutral and the key switch turned to the “OFF” position (not “LOCK”). • Towing attachments must be made to main structural members of the vehicle. Do not attach to bumpers or associated brackets. • Remember that the power brake assist will not be available when the engine is inoperative. 192 In Case of Emergency Towing Tips All Four Wheels on the Ground 1. Transfer case in 2H (4WD model only). 2. Transmission in Neutral position. 3. Maximum speed 30 mph (50 km/h). 4. Maximum distance 50 miles (80 kilometers). If you are towing the vehicle at distances and speeds greater than shown, disconnect the propeller shaft from the rear axle carrier. On 4WD models, also disconnect the front propeller shaft. Safely secure the propeller shafts so they will not fall and scrape the ground. Front Wheels off the Ground 1. Transfer case in 2H (4WD model only). 2. Transmission in Neutral position. 3. Maximum speed 30 mph (50 km/h). 4. Maximum distance 50 miles (80 kilometers). If you are towing the vehicle at distances and speeds greater than shown, disconnect the propeller shaft from the rear axle carrier. Safely secure the propeller shaft so it will not fall and scrape the ground. Main Menu Table of Contents Inoperative Electrical Devices Rear Wheels off the Ground 1. Transfer case in 2H (4WD model only). 2. Transmission in Neutral position. 3. Maximum speed 30 mph (50 km/h). 4. Maximum distance 50 miles (80 kilometers). If you need to tow your vehicle by this method, secure the steering wheel to keep the front wheels pointed straight ahead. Do not rely on the steering column lock; it is not strong enough to hold the front wheels straight while towing. The ignition switch must be in the OFF position. If you have electrical problems without extreme damage to any electrical parts, check for burned out fuses, broken wires, poor connections or poor grounding. Correct as necessary. The fuse boxes are located under the left hand side of the instrument panel and in the right hand side of the engine compartment. (See “Fuses” on page 240.) Replacing a fuse with one that has a higher rating greatly increases the chances of damaging the electrical system. If you do not have a replacement fuse with the proper rating for the circuit, install one with a lower rating. In Case of Emergency 193 Main Menu Main Menu Care and Maintenance This section explains why it is important to keep your vehicle well maintained and to follow basic maintenance safety precautions. This section also includes Maintenance Schedules for normal driving and severe driving conditions, a Maintenance Record, and instructions for simple maintenance tasks you may want to take care of yourself. If you have the skills and tools required to perform more complex maintenance tasks on your Honda, you may want to purchase the Service Manual. See page 253 for information on how to obtain a copy, or see your Honda dealer. Service Station Information . 197 Fuel Fill Cap . . . . . . . . . . 197 Fuel Recommendation . . . 198 Fuel Tank Capacity . . . . . 198 Engine Oil Recommendation . . . . . . 198 Windshield Washer . . . . . 198 Tire Inflation Pressures . . 198 Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198 Hood Release . . . . . . . . . . 199 Engine Oil Dipstick . . . . . 200 Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . 200 Oxygenated Fuels . . . . . . 200 Maintenance Safety . . . . . . . 201 Important Safety Precautions . . . . . . . . . . 202 Maintenance Schedule . . . . . 203 Required Maintenance Record206 Owner Safety Checks . . . . . . 208 Engine Oil and Filter . . . . . . 211 Proper Quality Oil . . . . . . 211 Change Interval . . . . . . . . Oil Change . . . . . . . . . . . Oil Filter Installation . Oil Viscosity . . . . . . . . . . Oil Level Check . . . . . . . Engine Oil Additives . . . Air Cleaner Filter . . . . . . . . Manual Transmission Fluid Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Front (4WD) and Rear Axles . . . . . . . . . . . . . Engine Cooling System . . . Other Required Maintenance Brake Master Cylinder . . Shift-on-the-Fly System . Front Wheel Bearings . . . Hood Latch and Hinges . Air Conditioning . . . . . . . Body Lubrication . . . . . . 211 212 212 213 213 214 214 215 216 216 217 219 219 220 220 221 221 221 Care and Maintenance 195 Main Menu Front (4WD Only) and Rear Propeller Shaft . . . Exhaust System . . . . . . . Fuel Line and Fuel Tank/Cap . . . . . . . . . . . . Drive Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . Timing Belt . . . . . . . . . . . Valve Clearance . . . . . . . . Spark Plugs . . . . . . . . . . . Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fluid or Lubricant Levels Power Steering . . . . . . . . Wheel Alignment . . . . . . Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Washing Your Vehicle . . Polishing and Waxing Your Vehicle . . . . . . . . . Protection of Exterior Bright Metal Parts . . . . Care of Aluminum Wheels 222 222 222 222 222 222 223 223 223 223 224 224 224 224 224 224 196 Care and Maintenance Foreign Material Deposits 224 Finish Damage . . . . . . . . 225 Corrosion Protection . . . . 225 Sheet Metal Damage . . . . 225 Underbody Maintenance 225 Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226 Basic Steps Before Cleaning . . . . . . 226 Cleaning Fabric . . . . . . . . 227 Cleaning General Soilage or Water Spots From Fabric Trim . . . . . . . . 227 Spot Cleaning Fabric With Solvent Cleaner 227 Removal of Specific Stains . . . . . . 228 Cleaning Vinyl or Leather Trim . . . . . . . 229 Seat Belt Care . . . . . . . . . 229 Cleaning Glass Surfaces . 230 Main Menu Table of Contents Service Station Information CLUTCH MASTER CYLINDER RESERVOIR Component Locations ENGINE OIL FILLER CAP ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK WINDSHIELD WASHER RESERVOIR POWER STEERING RESERVOIR BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER RESERVOIR Fuel Fill Cap To remove the fuel fill cap, turn it counterclockwise. To close the fill cap, turn it clockwise until you hear it click at least three times. Put the fuel fill cap in the cap holder while refueling. If you need a replacement, use only a genuine Honda fuel fill cap. An improper fuel fill cap can affect the fuel system, the emissions system, and allow fuel spillage. BATTERY RADIATOR CAP AIR CLEANER RADIATOR RESERVE TANK Care and Maintenance 197 Main Menu Table of Contents Fuel Recommendation Tire Inflation Pressures Use only unleaded gasoline. For additional information see “Fuel Requirements” in this section. Check at least monthly, including the spare. Keep inflated to the pressure shown on the tire placard on the driver’s doorjamb. CHARGE TEST INDICATOR UPPER LEVEL LOWER LEVEL Fuel Tank Capacity 19.5 U.S. gallons (75 liters) OK CHARGING NECESSARY BLUE COLORLESS Engine Oil Recommendation Use only SJ quality oil. The chart shown under “Engine Oil and Filter” in this section will serve as a guide for choosing the proper viscosity oil. Windshield Washer Check the reservoir fluid level regularly. Use a commercially available windshield washer fluid. The windshield washer reservoir is located on the front right side of the engine compartment. 198 Care and Maintenance LABEL Battery Your new vehicle has a low maintenance battery. You will never have to add water. The hydrometer (test indicator) in the top of the battery provides information for testing purposes only. WARNING: Battery posts, terminals and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands after handling. Main Menu Table of Contents Hood Release The hood release lever is on the left side of the instrument panel. 2. Lift the under-hood lever while lifting the hood slightly. 3. Raise the hood, and hold it open with the hood support rod in the hole on the right side of the hood. To Open 1. Pull the lever to release the hood lock. Care and Maintenance 199 Main Menu Table of Contents Fuel Requirements To Close 1. Lift the hood slightly to remove tension from the support rod. 2. Place the support rod in its retaining clip and lower the hood. Always make sure the hood is securely latched before you begin driving. 200 Care and Maintenance Engine Oil Dipstick Check the oil level when the engine is off and the oil is warm, such as during a fuel stop. See page 213. Your Honda operates most effectively on unleaded gasoline with a pump octane number of 86 or higher. Use of a lower octane gasoline can cause a persistent, heavy metallic rapping noise in the engine that can lead to mechanical damage. We recommend gasolines containing detergent additives that help prevent fuel system and engine deposits. Using gasoline containing lead will damage your vehicle’s emission controls. This contributes to air pollution and can void certain parts of your warranty. Oxygenated Fuels Some conventional gasolines are being blended with alcohol or an ether compound. These gasolines are collectively referred to as oxygenated fuels. To meet clean air Main Menu Table of Contents Maintenance Safety standards, some areas of the United States and Canada use oxygenated fuels to help reduce emissions. If you use an oxygenated fuel, be sure it is unleaded and meets the minimum octane rating requirement. Before using an oxygenated fuel, try to confirm the fuel’s contents. Some states/provinces require this information to be posted on the pump. The following are the EPA-approved percentages of oxygenates: ETHANOL (ethyl or grain alcohol). You may use gasoline containing up to 10% ethanol by volume. Gasoline containing ethanol may be marketed under the name “Gasohol.” MTBE (Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether). You may use gasoline containing up to 15% MTBE by volume. METHANOL (methyl or wood alcohol). Your vehicle was not designed to use fuel that contains methanol. Methanol can corrode metal parts in the fuel system, and also damage plastic and rubber components. This damage would not be covered by your warranties. If you notice any undesirable operating symptoms, try another service station or switch to another brand of gasoline. Fuel system damage or performance problems resulting from the use of an oxygenated fuel containing more than the percentages of oxygenates given above are not covered under warranty. Regularly maintaining your vehicle is the best way to protect your investment. Proper maintenance is essential to your safety and the safety of your passengers. It will also reward you with more economical, trouble-free driving and help reduce air pollution. Improperly maintaining this vehicle or failing to correct a problem before driving can cause a crash in which you can be seriously hurt or killed. Always follow the inspection and maintenance recommendations and schedules in this owner’s manual. Care and Maintenance 201 Main Menu Table of Contents This section includes instructions for simple maintenance tasks, such as checking and adding oil. Any service items not detailed in this section should be performed by a Honda technician or other qualified mechanic. Some of the most important safety precautions are given below. However, we cannot warn you of every conceivable hazard that can arise in performing maintenance. Only you can decide whether or not you should perform a given task. 202 Care and Maintenance • Burns from hot parts. Let the Failure to properly follow maintenance instructions and precautions can cause you to be seriously hurt or killed. Always follow the procedures and precautions in this owner’s manual. Important Safety Precautions Before you begin any maintenance, make sure your vehicle is parked on level ground and that the parking brake is on. Also, be sure the engine is off. This will help to eliminate several potential hazards: • Carbon monoxide poisoning from engine exhaust. Be sure there is adequate ventilation whenever you operate the engine. engine and exhaust system cool before touching any parts. • Injury from moving parts. Do not run the engine unless instructed to do so. Read the instructions before you begin, and make sure you have the tools and skills required. To reduce the possibility of fire or explosion, be careful when working around gasoline or batteries. Use a commercially available degreaser or parts cleaner, not gasoline, to clean parts. Keep cigarettes, sparks, and flames away from the battery and all fuel-related parts. You should wear eye protection and protective clothing when working near the battery or when using compressed air. Main Menu Table of Contents Maintenance Schedule The Maintenance Schedule specifies how often you should have your vehicle serviced and what things need attention. It is essential that you have your vehicle serviced as scheduled to retain its high level of safety, dependability, and emission control performance. The services and time or distance intervals shown in the maintenance schedule assume you will use your vehicle as normal transportation. You should: • Avoid exceeding your vehicle’s load limit. This puts excess stress on the engine, brakes, and many other parts of your vehicle. The load limit is shown on the label on the driver’s doorjamb. • Operate your vehicle on reasonable roads within the legal speed limit. • Drive your vehicle regularly over a distance of several miles (kilometers). • Always use unleaded gasoline with the proper octane rating (see page 200). Your authorized Honda dealer knows your vehicle best and can provide competent, efficient service. However, service at a dealer is not mandatory to keep your warranties in effect. Maintenance may be done by any qualified service facility or person who is skilled in this type of automotive service. Keep all the receipts as proof of completion, and have the person who does the work fill out the Maintenance Record. Check your warranty booklet for more information. We recommend the use of Genuine Honda parts and fluids whenever you have maintenance done. These are manufactured to the same high-quality standards as the original components, so you can be confident of their performance and durability. U.S. Vehicles: Maintenance, replacement or repair of emission control devices and systems may be done by any automotive repair establishment or individual using parts that are “certified” to EPA standards. Care and Maintenance 203 Main Menu Table of Contents Maintenance Schedule R – Replace L – Lube I – Inspect After inspection, clean, adjust, repair or replace if necessary. Service at the interval listed x x 1,000 miles 1 000 miles 1,000 il (or ( km) k ) or after ft that th t x 1,000 km number of months months, whichever months comes first. Engine and Transmission Air cleaner element Fuel tank, cap, pipes, hoses and connections 7.5 15 22.5 30 37.5 45 52.5 60 67.5 75 82.5 90 97.5 105 12 24 36 48 60 72 84 96 108 120 132 144 156 168 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72 78 84 R R R I R Spark plugs • • Engine oil and oil filter * 1 Engine drive belt R Cooling system, heater hoses, and connections Engine coolant Timing belt Exhaust system Starter safety switch Auto cruise control linkage and hose Radiator core and A/C condenser Manual transmission oil and transfer case oil Automatic transmission Shift-on-the-fly system Valve clearance R R I I I I I I R R I R R R I I R I I I I I I I I I I R I R I I R I I I I R R R I I I I I I I I R I I R R I I I I I I I I R I Adjust only if noisy. • Check oil and coolant level at each fuel stop. Under severe driving conditions, service these items more often. Inspect monthly: – These fluids: brake, clutch, P/S, battery, ATF, windshield washer – Tire pressure R I See page 216. * 1 Using SAE 10W-40 oil, or any viscosity other than those recommended, may reduce engine life and affect the warranty. * 2 This service is recommended only. 204 Care and Maintenance R I R* 2 I I I Main Menu R – Replace Table of Contents L – Lube I – Inspect After inspection, clean, adjust, repair or replace if necessary. Service at the interval listed x x 1,000 miles 1 000 miles 1,000 il (or ( km) k ) or after ft that th t x 1,000 km number of months months, whichever months comes first. Steering and suspension, miscellaneous Front and rear axle oil Propeller shaft flange torque 7.5 12 15 24 22.5 36 30 48 37.5 60 45 72 52.5 84 60 96 67.5 108 75 120 82.5 132 90 144 97.5 156 105 168 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72 78 84 R R I I Front and rear propeller shafts L Body and chassis L L L L Tires (inspect and rotate) I Suspension and steering Brakes/Clutch Brake discs; calipers and pads Brake drums, wheel cylinders and linings Brake lines and hoses Parking brake Brake pedal play Clutch pedal play Clutch pedal spring, bushing and clevis pin I I I Front wheel bearings Power steering fluid Clutch lines and hoses • I I I I I I I L L R I I L L I L L L L L L L L L Repack bearings when replacing front brake pads. R R L I I I I I I I L R I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I L I I I I I I L I I I I I L I I I I I I L I Check oil and coolant level at each fuel stop. Under severe driving conditions, service these items more often. These conditions are: • Repeated short trips in cold weather • Frequent idling and/or frequent low-speed operation • Driving in dusty areas • Towing a trailer I I Service for severe driving conditions Change engine oil and filter – Change rear axle oil – L L L I I I R I I I L L I I I I I I I I I L I I I I I I I I I L Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3 months Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) Care and Maintenance 205 Main Menu Table of Contents Required Maintenance Record Have your servicing dealer record all Required Maintenance below. Keep receipts for all work done on your car. (Sign or Stamp) (Sign or Stamp) Mi. (km) 7,500 Mi. 60,000 Mi. 12,000 km 96,000 km (or 6 Mo.) (or 48 Mo.) Date 15,000 Mi. 24,000 km (or 12 Mo.) (Sign or Stamp) 22,500 Mi. 36,000 km (or 18 Mo.) (Sign or Stamp) 30,000 Mi. 48,000 km (or 24 Mo.) (Sign or Stamp) 37,500 Mi. 60,000 km (or 30 Mo.) (Sign or Stamp) 45,000 Mi. 72,000 km (or 36 Mo.) (Sign or Stamp) 52,500 Mi. 84,000 km (or 42 Mo.) (Sign or Stamp) 206 Mi. (km) Date Mi. (km) Date Mi. (km) Date Mi. (km) Date Mi. (km) Date Care and Maintenance Mi. (km) Date 67,500 Mi. 108,000 km (or 54 Mo.) (Sign or Stamp) 75,000 Mi. 120,000 km (or 60 Mo.) (Sign or Stamp) 82,500 Mi. 132,000 km (or 66 Mo.) (Sign or Stamp) 90,000 Mi. 144,000 km (or 72 Mo.) (Sign or Stamp) 97,500 Mi. 156,000 km (or 78 Mo.) (Sign or Stamp) 105,000 Mi. 168,000 km (or 84 Mo.) (Sign or Stamp) Mi. (km) Date Mi. (km) Date Mi. (km) Date Mi. (km) Date Mi. (km) Date Mi. (km) Date Mi. (km) Date Main Menu Table of Contents Non-Scheduled Maintenance Record Record additional maintenance for severe driving conditions or non-scheduled maintenance on this page (see pages 204–205). Maintenance Performed: (Sign or Stamp) Mi. (km) Maintenance Performed: (Sign or Stamp) Date Maintenance Performed: (Sign or Stamp) Mi. (km) Date Maintenance Performed: (Sign or Stamp) Date Maintenance Performed: (Sign or Stamp) Mi. (km) (Sign or Stamp) Mi. (km) Maintenance Performed: (Sign or Stamp) (Sign or Stamp) Mi. (km) Maintenance Performed: (Sign or Stamp) (Sign or Stamp) Mi. (km) Date Mi. (km) Date Maintenance Performed: (Sign or Stamp) Date Maintenance Performed: Mi. (km) Date Date Maintenance Performed: Mi. (km) Date Date Maintenance Performed: Mi. (km) Mi. (km) Date Maintenance Performed: (Sign or Stamp) Mi. (km) Date Care and Maintenance 207 Main Menu Table of Contents Owner Safety Checks Promptly take any safety problems to your Honda dealer for service advice. Parking brake — Park on a fairly steep hill and hold the vehicle with the parking brake only. This checks its holding ability. Starter safety switch (automatic transmission) — Check the safety switch by trying to start the engine in each gear. The starter should work only with the shift lever in the “P” (Park) or “N” (Neutral) position. Starter safety switch (manual transmission) — To check the safety switch, place the shift lever in “Neutral,” push the clutch pedal halfway and try to start the engine. The starter should not work. The starter should work 208 Care and Maintenance only when the clutch pedal is fully depressed. Transmission shift indicator (automatic transmission) — Check that the indicator points to the gear chosen. Steering — Be alert for any changes in steering action. An inspection or service is needed when the steering wheel is harder to turn or has too much free play, or if there are unusual sounds when turning or parking. Wheel alignment, balance and tires — Uneven or abnormal tire wear, or pulling to the right or left on a straight and level road may show the need for a wheel alignment. A vibration of the steering wheel or seat at normal highway speeds means wheel balancing is needed. Check tire pressures (including the spare) at least monthly and whenever the vehicle is serviced (see page 163). Brakes — Watch for the “BRAKE ” light coming on. Other signs of possible brake trouble are such things as repeated pulling to one side when braking, unusual sounds when braking or between brake applications, or increased brake pedal travel. If you note one of these conditions, have the system checked at once and repaired if needed. Main Menu Table of Contents Sit in the driver’s seat and perform these checks: 1. With the engine stopped, depress the brake pedal several times; the travel distance and effective pedal stroke should remain unchanged. decrease each time the brake pedal is depressed. If the brakes do not operate normally, have them checked and corrected by your Honda dealer. 3. Depress the brake pedal, stop the engine and hold the pedal depressed for about 30 seconds; the brake pedal should remain in position without rising or going down. Exhaust system — Be alert to any changes in the sound of the exhaust system or any smell of fumes. These are signs the system may be leaking or overheating. Have the system checked and/or repaired at once if these conditions exist. (Also see “Carbon Monoxide Hazard” in the “Driver and Passenger Safety” section and “Three-Way Catalytic Converter” in the “Driving Tips” section.) 4. Restart the engine and run it for about a minute, then turn it off and depress the brake pedal firmly several times; the brake pedal travel should Windshield wipers and washers — Check the operation and condition of the wiper blades. Check the flow and aim of the washer spray. 2. Start the engine with the brake pedal fully depressed. The brake pedal should go down a little as the engine starts. Defrosters — Check performance by moving the controls to the defrost setting and noting the amount of air directed against the windshield. Rear view mirrors and sun visors — Check that the friction joints hold the mirrors and sun visors firmly in place. Horn — Blow the horn now and then to be sure it works. Lap and shoulder belts — Check the belt system, including webbing, buckles, latch plates, retractors, guide loops and anchors for proper operation and damage. Seat adjusters — When adjusting a seat, be sure the seat adjusters latch securely by pushing the seat forward and backward. Care and Maintenance 209 Main Menu Table of Contents Seat-back latches — Seat-back latches are designed to prevent forward motion of the seat-back when the vehicle stops suddenly. Check to see that the seat-back latches are holding by pulling forward on the top of the folding seat-back. Also check to see that the reclining seats are operating properly. Lights and beepers — Check panel lighting, warning lights, and the seat belt reminder light and beeper. Also check the key beeper and interior lights. On the outside, check the license plate light, side marker lights, headlights, parking lights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, backup lights and hazard warning flashers. Have the headlight aim checked promptly if 210 Care and Maintenance the beams seem to be aimed improperly. Glass — Check for broken, scratched or damaged glass that could reduce visibility or cause injury. Door latches — Check that the doors close, latch and lock securely. Hood latch — Check that the hood closes firmly. Check for broken, damaged, or missing parts that might prevent secure latching. Make sure the secondary latch keeps the hood from opening all the way when first released. Fluid leaks — Check for fuel, water, oil or other fluid leaks by looking at the surface beneath the vehicle after it has been parked for awhile. Water dripping from the air conditioning system after use is normal. If you notice gasoline fumes or fluid at any time, locate the source and have it corrected at once. Spare tire and jack — Check that the spare tire and all jack gear are securely stowed at all times. Tailgate latch — Check that the tailgate closes, latches and locks securely. Main Menu Table of Contents Engine Oil and Filter Underbody — Corrosive materials used for road-ice, snow removal and dust control can collect on the underbody. If these materials are not removed, accelerated corrosion (rust) can occur on underbody parts such as the fuel line, frame, floor pan and exhaust system. At least once a year, in the spring, flush these materials from the underbody with plain water. Take care to thoroughly clean any areas where mud and other debris can collect. Sediment trapped in closed areas of the frame should be loosened before being flushed. Proper Quality Oil Change Interval Engine oils are labeled on the containers with various API (American Petroleum Institute) designations of quality. Use Only SJ Quality Oil Additional designations of quality may also be present, but SJ must be included. The oil and filter change intervals for your engine are based on the use of the recommended oil quality and viscosity, as well as high-quality filters. Using oils other than recommended, or extending oil change intervals longer than those recommended, could reduce engine life. The “SJ” designation may be shown alone, or in combination with other designations, such as “SJ/CC,” “SJ/CD,” or “SJ, CC” etc. Your engine was filled with a high-quality engine oil when it left the factory. You do not have to change this oil before the suggested change period. As long as the letters “SJ” appear somewhere in the designation of oil quality indicated on the container, the oil is of suitable quality. If your normal driving does not include one or more of the “severe driving” conditions listed below, change the oil every 7,500 miles (12,000 kilometers) or 6 months, whichever comes first. Care and Maintenance 211 Main Menu Table of Contents Change the oil and oil filter every 3,750 miles (6,000 kilometers) or every three months if you drive under one or more of these “severe driving” conditions: • Driving in dusty areas • Towing a trailer • Frequent idling or idling for long periods • Frequent short trips (4 miles [6 kilometers] or less) in cold or freezing weather, where the engine does not thoroughly warm up. • Change the oil and oil filter as soon as possible after driving in a dust storm. Oil Change Changing the oil and filter requires special tools and access from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle should be raised on a service station-type hydraulic lift for this service. Unless you have the knowledge and proper equipment, you should have this maintenance done by a skilled mechanic. 1. Warm up the engine. This makes the oil drain faster and more thoroughly. 2. Remove the oil filler cap. 3. Remove the drain plug and drain oil fully. 4. Install the drain plug, with a new gasket, and tighten it. 5. Fill the engine with the proper amount of new oil (see “Specifications”). 212 Care and Maintenance Oil Filter Installation 1. Remove the old oil filter with the filter wrench. 2. Apply a light coat of engine oil to the oil filter gasket. 3. Hand-tighten the filter until the gasket contacts the sealing face. 4. Using the filter wrench, tighten the filter one full turn. 5. Run the engine and inspect for leaks. 6. Shut off the engine. After a couple of minutes, check the oil level. If necessary, add oil to bring it to the FULL mark. An improperly installed oil filter can result in severe engine damage. Main Menu Table of Contents Oil Viscosity Engine oil viscosity (thickness) has an effect on fuel economy. Lower viscosity engine oils can provide increased fuel economy; however, higher temperature weather conditions require higher viscosity engine oils for satisfactory lubrication. To get the best fuel economy with your vehicle, you should use a fuel-saving engine oil of the proper viscosity. These oils can be found in service stations and other retail stores. They are identified by words such as “Energy Saving,” “Conserves Gasoline,” “Gas Saving,” “Gasoline Saving,” “Friction Reducing,” “Improved Gasoline Mileage” or “Fuel Saving.” The chart lists the recommended engine oil viscosities for the temperature range you expect before the next oil change. For temperatures above 0_F (–18_C), SAE 10W–30 is the preferred VISCOSITY GRADE – AMBIENT TEMPERATURE SAE 5W–30 SAE 10W–30, PREFERRED SAE 15W–40, 20W–40, 20W–50 –20 F –30 C 0F –20 C 20 F –10 C 40 F 0C 60 F 10 C 80 F 20 C 100 F 30 C 40 C viscosity grade. If cold-weather starting problems are encountered at temperatures below 0_F (–18_C), SAE 5W–30 viscosity oils may be required. Oil Level Check It is the owner’s responsibility to keep the engine oil at the proper level. Check the oil level at regular intervals (such as every other fuel stop) and keep it above the “minimum” level mark. Remember, your engine may use more oil when it is new. The best time to check the engine oil level is when the oil is warm, such as during a fuel stop. Shut off the engine and wait about 5 minutes for the oil to drain back to the oil pan. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and push it back down all the way. Now pull out the dipstick and TEMPERATURE RANGE YOU EXPECT BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE Care and Maintenance 213 Main Menu Table of Contents Air Cleaner Filter look at the oil level on the dipstick. The dipstick has two markings which indicate the minimum and maximum allowable oil level. If the oil level is lower than the marked area, it indicates the need for additional oil. Push the dipstick back down all the way after taking the reading. • If you check the oil level when the oil is cold, do not run the engine first. The cold oil will not drain into the pan fast enough to give a true reading. Engine Oil Additives There are many extra engine oil additives for sale. Your engine should not need these extra additives if you use recommended quality engine oil and change it as suggested. If you think your engine has an oil-related problem, talk to your Honda dealer. See your Maintenance Schedule for change intervals. If the vehicle is operated in dusty areas it will require more frequent element replacement. Your Honda dealer can be of assistance in determining the proper replacement frequency for the conditions under which you operate your vehicle. Do not attempt to clean the air filter. The filter is designed to provide normal filtering efficiency between replacement intervals. For maximum protection, it is advisable to use genuine Honda air cleaner filters as replacements. 214 Care and Maintenance Main Menu Table of Contents Manual Transmission Fluid Never run the engine with the air cleaner filter removed. If the engine should backfire, it could possibly cause an engine compartment fire. Be sure to reinstall the air cleaner filter and assembly correctly. If it is installed incorrectly, engine damage could result. See the Maintenance Schedule to find out how often the lubricant level should be checked. Check that the fluid level reaches the plug hole by removing the filler plug on the transmission and transfer case. If the fluid level is low, refill the case up to the filler plug hole. Use a high-quality engine oil labeled SG or SF that is of the correct viscosity for existing ambient temperatures as follows. Ambient Temperature (2WD) OIL FILL PLUG DRAIN PLUG (4WD) RIGHT SIDE Viscosity Lubricant to Be Used LEFT SIDE Areas where ambient temperatures of 90_F (32_C) and higher are regularly encountered. SAE 15W-40 20W-40 20W-50 Other areas SAE 5W-30 OIL FILL PLUG DRAIN PLUG Care and Maintenance 215 Main Menu Table of Contents Automatic Transmission Fluid Proper Fluid Drain Intervals Kind of Fluid Transmission DEXRON III Transfer (4WD) SAE 5W-30 (Engine oil) Have the fluid level in the automatic transmission checked during the regularly scheduled maintenance at your Honda dealer. If you suspect an automatic transmission fluid leak, take the vehicle to your Honda dealer for inspection and repair. Transmission damage could result if you let the fluid level get too low. 216 Care and Maintenance The automatic transmission drain interval is not time or mileage dependent. It will vary according to your driving habits and vehicle usage. Your dealer will check the transmission fluid’s condition and life expectancy during regularly scheduled maintenance, and inform you at what mileage it should be changed. Front (4WD) and Rear Axles See the Maintenance Schedule List to determine how often the lubricant should be changed. Add lubricant, if needed, by filling to the level of the filler plug hole. Use GL-5 gear lubricant of the proper viscosity as shown in the chart. If your vehicle is equipped with the optional limited slip differential (on the rear axle), use GL-5 Limited Slip Differential Gear Lubricant together with Limited Slip Differential Gear Lubricant Additive (Part No. 8-01052-358-0) or equivalent. Use the correct viscosity for the existing ambient temperatures. Main Menu Table of Contents Engine Cooling System Recommended Lubricant Ambient Temperature Lubricant Viscosity to Be Used Rear Axle Front Axle SAE 80 or SAE 80W-90 SAE 75W-90 synthetic 0_F to 90h_F SAE 90 or SAE (–18_C to 32_C) 80W-90 SAE 75W-90 synthetic Above 50_F (10_C) consistently SAE 80W-90 or SAE 80W-140 Below 50_F (10_C) SAE 140 The engine cooling system is designed to maintain the engine at the proper operating temperatures. The cooling system was filled at the factory with a quality engine coolant. The engine cooling system is designed to use coolant (a mixture of water and ethylene glycol antifreeze) rather than plain water. The engine coolant solution should be used year-round. It has many advantages such as: • provides freezing protection as See the Maintenance Schedule in this section to find out when the engine coolant must be replaced. Checking the Coolant Level Check the engine coolant level at the interval shown in the Maintenance Schedule unless there is evidence of leaking or overheating. The engine coolant level should be between the maximum and the minimum level marks on the radiator reserve tank. low as –33_F (–36_C) • provides boiling protection up to 262_F (128_C) • protects against rust and corrosion in the cooling system • maintains the proper engine temperature for efficient operation and emission control • allows proper operation of the engine coolant temperature gauge Care and Maintenance 217 Main Menu Table of Contents You usually do not need to remove the radiator cap to check the engine coolant level. Removing the radiator cap while the engine is hot can cause the coolant to spray out, seriously scalding you. Always let the engine and radiator cool down before removing the radiator cap. Adding Engine Coolant To add engine coolant, remove the cap on the radiator reserve tank and fill the tank up to the maximum level mark. Add a 50/50 mixture of water and a good quality ethylene glycol antifreeze. 218 Care and Maintenance If you need to add engine coolant frequently, see your Honda dealer for a cooling system check. If the proper quality antifreeze is used, there is no need to add extra inhibitors or additives. They may be harmful to the proper operation of the system. Cooling System Service The cooling system should be serviced at the intervals specified in the Maintenance Schedule as follows: • Wash the radiator cap and filler neck with clean water. • Check the engine coolant level in the radiator and have it tested for freeze protection. Add ethylene glycol antifreeze, if needed, to maintain freeze protection at –33_F (–36_C). • Have the cooling system and radiator cap tested for a pressure capacity of 15 psi (105 kPa). If a replacement cap is needed, use a cap specified for your model. • Tighten all radiator and heater hose clamps and inspect all hoses. Replace the hoses if they are swollen, “checked,” or otherwise worn. Carefully tighten the hose clamps at the radiator. Overtightening could bend or collapse the radiator fittings. • Clean the front of the radiator core and air conditioning condenser. It is the owner’s responsibility to: • Maintain the cooling system freeze protection at –33_F Main Menu Table of Contents Other Required Maintenance (–36_C) to ensure protection against corrosion and loss of engine coolant from boiling. This should be done even if freezing temperatures are not expected. • Add ethylene glycol-based antifreeze when antifreeze has to be added because of engine coolant loss or if more protection against freezing at temperatures lower than –33_F (–36_C) is needed. Do not use an alcohol-based or methanol-based antifreeze, or plain water. They boil at a lower point, and do not provide corrosion protection. Thermostat The engine coolant temperature is controlled by a thermostat, which stops engine coolant flow through the radiator until a preset temperature is reached. This thermostat is installed in the engine coolant inlet on the front of the engine block. The same thermostat is used in both winter and summer. Brake Master Cylinder Check the master cylinder fluid level in the reservoir every time you check the engine oil level. The level should be between the MAX and ADD level line. If the level is lower than the ADD level line, fill to the MAX level line with DOT-3 or DOT-4 fluid. Care and Maintenance 219 Main Menu Table of Contents If the diaphragm inside the reservoir cap is deformed, return it to the original (collapsed) condition, then tighten the cap. It is normal for the brake fluid level to go down slightly as the front brake pads wear. So be sure to keep the reservoir fluid at the proper level. If the reservoir needs frequent refilling, it may indicate a serious mechanical problem. Brake fluid absorbs water from the air. Never use brake fluid that has been open to the air for an extended period. Throw it away and use new brake fluid from a sealed container. Brake fluid can damage your vehicle’s paint. Thoroughly clean up any brake fluid spills. 220 Care and Maintenance Shift-on-the-Fly System Front Wheel Bearings The fluid level in the system should be checked at the intervals shown in the Maintenance Schedule. Clean and repack the front wheel bearings whenever the front brake pads are replaced. Due to the weight of the tire and wheel assembly it is recommended that they be removed from the hub before lubricating the bearings to prevent damage to the oil seal. FILLER PLUG “Long Fiber” grease should not be used to lubricate the wheel bearings. It can cause damage. Clean the old grease out of the bearings and hubs before repacking. Remove the filler plug and make sure the fluid level is up to the edge of the hole. If it is not, add GL-5 gear oil to bring to that level. Use the same GL-5 gear oil specified for the front axle (see page 216). Main Menu Table of Contents Hood Latch and Hinges Air Conditioning Lubricate the hood latch assembly and hood hinge assembly as follows: Periodically have your Honda dealer check your air conditioning system to be sure there has been no loss in cooling output. See your Honda dealer if you suspect that the system is not performing as it should. 1. Wipe off any accumulation of dirt or contamination on the latch parts. 2. Apply multipurpose-type grease (NLGI No. 1 or 2) to the hood latch pin cam. 3. Apply light engine oil to all pivot points in the release mechanism. 4. Lubricate hood hinges with multipurpose-type grease (NLGI No. 1 or 2). 5. Check the hood hinges and latch mechanism to assure they are working correctly. Body Lubrication Normal use of a vehicle causes metal-to-metal movement at certain points in the body. Noise, wear and improper operation at these points will result when a protective film of lubricant is not provided. For exposed surfaces such as door checks, door lock bolts, lock striker plates, etc., apply a thin film of light engine oil. excess lubricant should be carefully wiped off. The seat adjusters and seat track should be lubricated with waterresistant EP chassis lubricant. There are other points on the vehicle body which may occasionally require lubrication. Window regulators and controls are confined in the space between the upholstery and the outside door panel. Easy access to the working parts may be made by removing the trim. Door weatherstrips and rubber hood bumpers should be lightly coated with a rubber lubricant. Any lubricant should be used sparingly. After application, all Care and Maintenance 221 Main Menu Table of Contents Front (4WD Only) and Rear Propeller Shaft Lubricate the sliding yoke with EP chassis grease. Lubricate universal joints with grease containing MoS2 (molybdenum disulfide-type grease) at the intervals shown in the Maintenance Schedule. Also check the propeller shaft flange-to-pinion bolts for proper torque of 64 N⋅m (46.3 lb-ft). Most lubrication recommendations and procedures for four-wheel driveequipped vehicles are the same for the corresponding components in conventional drive vehicles. Exhaust System Check the complete exhaust system and nearby body areas for damaged, missing, or mispositioned parts, open seams, 222 Care and Maintenance holes, loose connections, or other deterioration that could allow exhaust fumes to seep into the passenger compartment or cause heat build-up in the floor pan. Any necessary corrections should be made immediately. For continued safety, exhaust system pipes and resonators rearward of the muffler must be replaced whenever a new muffler is installed. Drive Belt Check the belt driving the alternator, power steering pump, and air conditioning compressor. Look for cracks, fraying, and wear. Replace as necessary. Timing Belt The timing belt should normally be replaced at the intervals shown in the Maintenance Schedule. Fuel Line and Fuel Tank/Cap Inspect the fuel tank, cap and lines for damage that could cause leakage. Inspect the fuel cap and gasket for correct sealing ability and indications of physical damage. Replace any damaged or malfunctioning parts. Valve Clearance Incorrect valve clearance will result in increased engine noise and lower engine output, thereby adversely affecting engine performance. Main Menu Table of Contents Spark Plugs Replace the spark plugs with the type specified in the “Technical Data” section. should be filled to the maximum level line with DOT-3 or DOT-4 fluid. Fluid or Lubricant Levels Clutch Check the clutch play at the pedal. Lubricate the clutch pedal bushing and clevis pin, at the intervals shown in the Maintenance Schedule, with water-resistant chassis lubricant. If you hear a squeaking noise coming from the area of the bushing or clevis pin at the clutch pedal arm when the clutch pedal is depressed, lubricate it with water-resistant EP chassis grease. Check the fluid level in the clutch reservoir at the interval shown in the Maintenance Schedule. If the fluid is low in the reservoir, it Check the fluid or lubricant level in the brake master cylinder, clutch master cylinder, power steering reservoir, rear axle, engine and transmission, windshield washer reservoir and engine coolant at specified intervals. Power Steering Check the fluid level in the power steering fluid reservoir as recommended in the Maintenance Schedule. The fluid level should be between the “MIN” and “MAX” marks on the reservoir. Use only automatic transmission fluid labeled DEXRON III. Care and Maintenance 223 Main Menu Table of Contents Exterior Wheel Alignment Washing Your Vehicle Proper wheel alignment improves tire mileage. Your vehicle’s suspension parts should be inspected often and aligned when needed (see the “Technical Data” section). Improper alignment will cause the front tires to roll at an angle that will result in faster tire wear. The best way to preserve your vehicle’s finish is to keep it clean by frequent washings. Wash the vehicle with lukewarm or cold water. Proper tire balancing provides the best riding comfort and helps reduce tire tread wear. Out-of-balance tires can cause annoying vibration and uneven tire wear such as cupping and flat spots. Do not use hot water or wash in direct sunlight. Do not use strong soap or chemical detergents. All cleaning agents should be promptly flushed from the surface and not allowed to dry on the finish. Polishing and Waxing Your Vehicle Polishing is recommended to remove accumulated residue and eliminate any “weathered” appearance. Your Honda dealer offers several polishes and cleaners that have proven to maintain the original finish appearance and durability. 224 Care and Maintenance Protection of Exterior Bright Metal Parts Bright metal parts should be cleaned regularly to keep their luster. Washing with water is all that is usually needed. However, chrome polish may be used on chrome or stainless steel trim, if necessary. A coating of wax, rubbed to a high polish, is recommended for all bright metal parts. Care of Aluminum Wheels Aluminum wheels have a clear-coat finish similar to paint. Use a chamois skin, sponge or other soft material when washing the wheels. Foreign Material Deposits Calcium chloride and other salts, ice melting agents, road oil and tar, tree sap, bird droppings, Main Menu Table of Contents chemicals from industrial chimneys, and other foreign matter may damage your vehicle’s finish if allowed to remain on painted surfaces. Prompt washing may not completely remove all of these deposits. Additional cleaners may be needed. When using chemical cleaners developed for this purpose, be certain they are safe for use on painted surfaces. Finish Damage Any stone chips, fractures or deep scratches in the finish should be repaired promptly. Exposed metal will corrode quickly and may develop into a major repair expense. Minor chips and scratches can be repaired using touch-up materials available from your Honda dealer. Corrosion Protection Sheet Metal Damage Your vehicle has been designed and built to resist corrosion. Special materials and protective finishes were applied to most parts of your vehicle when it was built to help maintain its good looks, strength and reliable operation. However, some parts that are normally not visible (such as certain parts under the vehicle and under the hood) are strong enough so that surface rust will not affect their reliability. So corrosion protection is not needed or used on these parts. By omitting unneeded rust protection on such parts and applying extra protection where it is needed most, the best value is assured for the vehicle buyer. If your vehicle is damaged and requires sheet metal repair or replacement, make sure the body repair shop applies anti-corrosion material to the parts repaired or replaced so that corrosion protection is restored. (Also see “Finish Damage.”) Underbody Maintenance Corrosive materials used for ice and snow removal and dust control can collect on the underbody. If these materials are not removed, accelerated corrosion (rust) can occur on underbody parts such as fuel lines, frame, floor pan, and exhaust system even though they have Care and Maintenance 225 Main Menu Table of Contents Interior been coated with corrosion protectants. At least every spring, flush these materials from the underbody with plain water. Take care to thoroughly clean any areas where mud and other debris can collect. Sediment packed in closed areas of the frame should be loosened before being flushed. With the use of modern trim materials it is very important that proper cleaning techniques and cleaners be used. Failure to do this on the first cleaning may result in water spots, spot rings or setting of stains, all of which make it more difficult to remove on a second cleaning. The portion of the following cleaning instructions that are in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS are especially important and MUST be followed. Dust and loose dirt that accumulate on interior fabrics should be removed often with a vacuum cleaner or soft brush. Vinyl or leather trim should be wiped regularly with a clean damp cloth. Normal trim soil, spots or stains can be cleaned with conventional cleaners. 226 Care and Maintenance Remember These Basic Steps Before Cleaning 1. Remove stains as quickly as possible before they become “set.” 2. Use a clean cloth or sponge and change to a clean area often. (A SOFT brush may be used if stains persist.) 3. Use solvent-type cleaners only in a well ventilated area; also, do not saturate the stained area. 4. If a ring forms after spot cleaning, clean the entire area IMMEDIATELY. 5. Follow specific instructions on the cleaning products’ labels. Main Menu Table of Contents Cleaning Fabric Cleaning General Soilage or Water Spots From Fabric Trim Multipurpose powdered cleaner is excellent for this type of cleaning and for cleaning panel sections where small cleaning rings may be left from spot cleaning. • Vacuum the area thoroughly to remove loose dirt. • ALWAYS clean a full trim assembly or complete trim section. Mask surrounding trim along stitch or welt-lines. • Mix the multipurpose powdered cleaner in strict accordance with the directions on the label of its container. Mix in proportion for smaller quantities. • USE SUDS ONLY ON A CLEAN SPONGE OR SOFT BRISTLE BRUSH. DO NOT SATURATE FABRIC OR RUB HARSHLY WITH THE BRUSH. • IMMEDIATELY AFTER CLEANING, WIPE OFF EXCESS CLEANER WITH A SLIGHTLY DAMP ABSORBENT TOWEL OR CLOTH. • IMMEDIATELY AFTER WIPING, FORCE-DRY THE FABRIC WITH AN AIR HOSE, HEAT DRYER, OR HEAT LAMP. Use caution if you are using a heat dryer or heat lamp so you do not damage the fabric. • When trim materials that have a sheen or lustrous finish are dry, wipe them with a soft, clean cloth to restore the sheen. Spot Cleaning Fabric With Solvent Cleaner Before trying to remove a spot or stain from fabric, determine as accurately as you can what kind of spot or stain it is and how long it has been there. Some spots or stains can be removed with water or mild soap solution (see “Removal of Specific Stains”). Spots or stains should always be removed as soon as possible. Some types of stains or soilage, such as lipstick, inks and grease, are very difficult (sometimes impossible) to completely remove. When cleaning this type of stain or soilage be sure not to enlarge the soiled area. Fabric cleaner (solvent type) is excellent for spot-cleaning grease, oil or fat stains. Care and Maintenance 227 Main Menu Table of Contents • Gently scrape the stain off trim material with a clean, DULL knife or scraper. USE VERY LITTLE CLEANER, light pressure, and a clean cloth (preferably cheesecloth). Cleaning should be from the outside of the stain, “FEATHERING ” towards the center. Keep changing to a clean section of the cloth. • When the stain is cleaned from the fabric, immediately dry the area with an air hose, heat dryer or heat lamp to help prevent a cleaning ring. (Use caution with a heat dryer or lamp to prevent damage to fabric.) • If a ring forms, immediately repeat the cleaning operation over a slightly larger area with emphasis on “FEATHERING ” towards its center. If a ring still 228 Care and Maintenance remains, mask off surrounding trim sections and clean the entire affected area with a multipurpose powered cleaner (as described under “Cleaning General Soilage or Water Spots From Fabric Trim”). Removal of Specific Stains Grease or Oil Stains These include grease, oil, butter, margarine, shoe polish, coffee with cream, chewing gum, cosmetic creams, vegetable oils, wax crayon, tar and asphalts. • Carefully scrape off excess stain; then use fabric cleaner (solvent type) as previously described. • Shoe polish, wax crayons, tar and asphalt will stain if allowed to remain on trim; they should be removed as soon as possible. Use caution as cleaner will dissolve them and may cause them to “bleed.” Non-Greasy Stains These include catsup, coffee (black), egg, fruit juice, milk, soft drinks, wine, vomit and blood. • Carefully scrape off excess stain; then sponge stain with cool water. • If a stain remains, use a multipurpose powdered cleaner (foam type) as previously described. Main Menu Table of Contents • If an odor persists after cleaning vomit or urine, treat area with a water-baking soda solution: 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) baking soda to 1 cup (250 milliliters) of warm water. • Finally, if needed, clean lightly with a fabric cleaner (solvent type). Combination Stains These include candy, ice cream, mayonnaise, chili sauce and unknown stains. • Carefully scrape off excess stain; then clean with cool water and allow to dry. • If stain remains, clean with a fabric cleaner (solvent type). Cleaning Vinyl or Leather Trim Seat Belt Care Ordinary soilage can be removed from vinyl or leather with warm water and a mild soap such as saddle soap, oil soap or equivalent. • Clean seat belts only with mild • Apply a small amount of soap soap and lukewarm water. • Do not bleach or dye belts since this may severely weaken them. solution and allow it to soak for a few minutes to loosen dirt; then rub briskly with a clean, damp cloth to remove dirt and traces of soap. (This may be repeated several times, if necessary.) • Some compounds such as tar, asphalt, shoe polish etc. will stain if allowed to remain on trim. They should be wiped off as quickly as possible and the area cleaned with a clean cloth dampened with vinyl cleaner (solvent type). Care and Maintenance 229 Main Menu Table of Contents Cleaning Glass Surfaces Glass surfaces should be cleaned on a regular basis. Use of glass cleaner will remove normal tobacco smoke and dust films sometimes caused by ingredients used in vinyls and interior plastics. Never use abrasive cleaners to clean the glass. They may cause scratches or damage the defogger wires in the rear window. 230 Care and Maintenance Tinted Glass Tinted, heat-reflecting glass has a metal coating on the interior side. Always clean this metal coating with plain water or a neutral detergent, not harsh chemicals. Wipe with a clean, soft cloth or a paper towel. Main Menu Technical Data Vehicle Identification . . . . . . 232 Vehicle Loading . . . . . . . . . . 233 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . 235 Technical Data 231 Main Menu Table of Contents Vehicle Identification Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) This is the legal identification of the vehicle. It appears on a plate attached to the left top of the instrument panel and can be easily seen through the windshield from outside the vehicle. Engine type – W; 6VD1 3.2L 4S6DM58WI24400032 The VIN also appears on the vehicle’s Certification Label on the driver’s door lock pillar. 232 Technical Data Engine Identification Service Parts Identification You can identify your engine from the VIN. The eighth character of the VIN is the engine code that gives the engine model (refer to the illustration). The Vehicle Information Plate (Service Parts ID Plate) is provided on all vehicle models. Some information in this section may refer to the engine model. The engine number is stamped on the left side of the cylinder block near the starter. It is located on the center dash wall inside the engine compartment. The plate lists the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), paint information and all production options and special Main Menu Table of Contents Vehicle Loading equipment on the vehicle when it was shipped from the factory. Be sure to provide this information to your authorized Honda dealer when it is necessary to order parts. Vehicle Loading Information The components of your vehicle are designed to provide satisfactory service only if the vehicle is not loaded in excess of either the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or the maximum front and rear Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWRs). These ratings are listed on the Vehicle Certification Label located on the left door lock pillar. Your Honda dealer can advise you of the proper loading conditions for your vehicle. The use of selected heavier suspension components for added durability purposes does not increase any of the weight ratings printed on the Vehicle Certification Label. Maximum Front and Rear Axle Weight The weight of the cargo load must be properly distributed over both the front and rear axles. The Certification Label shows the maximum weight that the front axle (front GAWR) can carry. It also shows the maximum weight that the rear axle (rear GAWR) can carry. The GVWR represents the maximum permissible loaded weight of the vehicle and takes into account the engine, transmission, frame, springs, brake, axle, and tire capabilities. Actual loads on the front and rear axles can only be determined by weighing the vehicle. This can be done at highway weight stations or other such commercial weigh stations. Consult your Honda dealer for assistance. The cargo Technical Data 233 Main Menu Table of Contents load should be distributed on both sides as equally as possible. Effect on Warranty Your Limited Warranty on your new Honda vehicle does not apply to any part of your vehicle that has been subject to misuse. Any part which fails because of overloading is considered misuse. 234 Technical Data Vehicle Certification Label The Certification Label shows the GVWR and the front and rear GAWRs for your vehicle. Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is the weight of the originally equipped vehicle and all items added to it after it has left the factory. This includes the driver and all occupants, and the load the vehicle is carrying. The GVW must not exceed the GVWR. Also, the front and rear gross axle weight must not exceed the front and rear GAWRs. Main Menu Table of Contents Specifications These specifications are given here for information only. Before using them, see the cautions and other instructions throughout this manual. For further information, see the Service Manual covering the chassis or body parts in question. Your Honda dealer may also be able to help. Engine Engine model Item Engine type Piston displacement Number of cylinders Compression ratio Spark plugs Spark plug gap Oil filter V6-3.2 6 3 2L Water cooled 4-stroke, 75_V 193.1 cu.in. (3,165 cc) 6 9.1:1 PK16PR11 0.04 in. (1.05 mm) Full-flow cartridge type Oil capacity (Original factory fill or rebuilt engine) 6.3 U.S. quarts (6.0 liters) *Oil capacity (Service change) with filter change without filter change 5.0 U.S. quarts (4.7 liters) 4.2 U.S. quarts (4.0 liters) Idle speed Valve clearance (Cold) Intake Exhaust 750 rpm 0.011
0.002 in. (0.28
0.05 mm) 0.012
0.002 in. (0.30
0.05 mm) * Oil capacities shown are approximate refill capacities. * After refill, recheck oil level. Technical Data 235 Main Menu Table of Contents Clutch Cooling System Radiator type Tube and corrugated fins pressure type Capacity Thermostat 11.2 U.S. quarts (10.6 liters) for MT 11.1 U.S. quarts (10.5 liters) for AT Wax pellet type 170_F (76.5_C) Air Conditioning Refrigerant type R-134a Charge quantity 22.9 oz (650g) Lubricant type 236 Technical Data PAG oil Transmission Clutch size Type MUA 10.24 in. (260 mm) Dry single plate disc with diaphragm spring Clutch control operation Hydraulic Clutch pedal free play 0.2 in. – 0.6 in. (5 mm – 15 mm) Main Menu Table of Contents Manual Transmission and Transfer Case 2WD Gear ratio Transmission Rev. 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th Transfer case High Low Automatic Transmission and Transfer Case 4WD 3.873 3.767 2.248 1.404 1.000 0.809 3.873 3.767 2.248 1.404 1.000 0.809 – – 1.000 2.051 3.1 U.S. quarts (2.95 liters) 3.1 U.S. quarts (2.95 liters) – 1.5 U.S. quarts (1.45 liters) Gear ratio Transmission Rev. 1st 2nd 3rd Overdrive Transfer case High Low 2WD 4WD 2.000 2.856 1.618 1.000 0.723 2.000 2.856 1.618 1.000 0.723 – – 1.000 2.051 Gear control operation Floor control Oil capacity Transmission Transfer case Fluid Capacity Transmission 9.1 U.S. quarts (8.6 liters) 9.1 U.S. quarts (8.6 liters) Transfer case – 1.5 U.S. quarts (1.45 liters) Fuel Tank Capacity 19.5 U.S. gallons (75 liters) Technical Data 237 Main Menu Table of Contents Front Suspension Independent wishbone arms, torsion bar springs with stabilizer bar. Service Brake Hydraulic Front: Disc brake. Front Wheel Alignment Toe-in 2
2 mm (0.08 in.) Camber 0°
30i No more than 30i side-to-side variation Caster 2_30i
45i No more than 30i side-to-side variation Toe-in 0
5 mm (0.2 in.) Camber 0°
1° Toe-Axis
1_ Rear: Self-adjusting drum brake, leading-trailing (2WD model). Disc brake (4WD model). – Rear Suspension 5-link, coil spring type with stabilizer bar and direct double-acting shock absorbers. Rear Wheel Alignment Steering Rack and pinion. Parking Brake Mechanical, operating on rear wheels (2WD model). Mechanical, drum in disc, duo-servo, manual-adjusting, operating on rear wheels (4WD model). Battery Voltage Cold-cranking performance Reserve capacity BCI group no. 238 Technical Data (V) (Min.) 12 (Amp) 600 125 24 Main Menu Table of Contents Rear Axle Models Gear ratio Lubricant capacity Wheels and Tires 2WD 4WD Tire size 4 300 4.300 4 300 4.300 Wheel size 1.87 U.S. quarts (1.77 liters) Tire pressure Wheel nut tightening torque 225/75R16 245/70R16 16 x 7 JJ 16 x 7 JJ 29 psi (200 kPa) 26 psi (180 kPa) 87 lb.ft (118 N.m ) Front Axle (4WD Model) Gear ratio Lubricant capacity 4.300 1.6 U.S. quarts (1.5 liters) Shift-on-the-Fly System Lubricant capacity 0.13 U.S. quarts (0.12 liters) Technical Data 239 Main Menu Table of Contents Fuses Fuse boxes are installed on the left side of the instrument panel and the right side of the engine compartment. Each fuse box contains spare fuse cartridges. Replacing a fuse with one that has a higher rating greatly increases the chances of damaging the electrical system. If you do not have a replacement fuse with the proper rating for the circuit, install one with a lower rating. 240 Technical Data Main Menu Table of Contents Fuse Box: Instrument Panel Amperage Applicability 15 15A ABS, 4WD, cruise control Accessory power sockets 16 20A Windshield wiper/washer ––– 17 10A Rear wiper/washer 15A Cigarette lighter 18 10A Security & keyless entry 4 15A Dash/parking lights 19 15A Audio system 5 10A Interior lights 20 20A Starter 6 15A Brake lights, cruise control 21 30A Power windows, moonroof 7 20A Power door locks 22 10A SRS 8 10A Mirror defoggers 23 – ––– 9 15A Rear window defogger 10 15A Rear window defogger 11 15A Gauges, indicators 12 15A Charging system, fuel injection 13 15A Ignition system 14 15A Turn signals, backup lights 1 20A 2 – 3 Technical Data 241 Main Menu Table of Contents Fuse Box: Engine Compartment Amperage Applicability 17 60A ABS Condenser fan 1 15A Hazard Warning Light 18 30A 2 10A Horn 19 – 3 – ––– 4 20A Blower 5 10A Air conditioner 6 – ––– 7 – ––– 8 10A Headlight; left 9 10A Headlight; right 10 15A Fog lights 11 10A O2 Sensor 12 20A Fuel pump 13 15A ECM 14 – ––– 15 60A Power distribution 16 100A Main 242 Technical Data ––– Main Menu Table of Contents Light Bulbs Application Front Lights Headlight – Halogen Fog Turn signal & Parking light Sidemarker Rear Lights Back-up License Tail, Stop & Sidemarker Turn signal High-mounted stop light Interior Illumination A/C-heater cont. Dome light Instrument cluster Stop light Luggage light Step light Dimensions and Weights Bulb No. Quantity Rating Candlepower Model Wheelbase 9004 1034 2 2 2 65/45 watts 55 watts 21/5 Overall Length Overall Width 1156 – 1157 2 2 2 27 watts 5 watts 27/8 watts 1156 – 2 4 27 5 watts 1 1 3/6 or 2 2 1 4 1.4 7 watts 2/1.4 5 watts 5 watts 5 watts Overall Height (At curb Wt.) 4WD – 106.4 in. (2,702 mm) Spare tire: under floor 178.2 in. (4,525 mm) Spare tire: tailgate 184.2 in. (4,678 mm) LX, EX 70.4 in. (1,784 mm) EX-L 71.1 in. (1, 805 mm) P225/75R16 68.6 in. (1,743 mm) P245/70R16 68.8 in. (1,748 mm) Tread Front 59 6 in. 59.6 in (1 (1,515 515 mm) Tread Rear 59 8 in. 59.8 in (1 (1,520 520 mm) GVWR 74 – 158/74 – – – 2WD – 4,950 lb (2,250 kg) 5,200 lb (2,360 kg) Note: GVWR—Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Technical Data 243 Main Menu Main Menu Owner Assistance Customer Relations Information . . . . . . . . . . . . Warranty Coverages . . . . . . Reporting Safety Defects . . . Emissions Controls . . . . . . . DOT Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Authorized Manuals . . . . . . 246 247 248 248 250 253 Owner Assistance 245 Main Menu Table of Contents Customer Relations Information Your satisfaction and goodwill are important to your Honda dealer and to us, American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Honda dealership personnel are trained professionals. They should be able to answer all your questions. If you encounter a problem that your dealership does not solve to your satisfaction, please discuss it with the dealership’s management. The Service Manager or General Manager can help. Almost all problems are solved in this way. If you are dissatisfied with the decision made by the dealership’s management, contact your Honda Consumer Affairs Department. American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Honda Consumer Affairs Dept. 1919 Torrance Boulevard Mail Stop 500-2C-7D Torrance, California 90501-2746 (800) 999-1009 When you call or write, please give us this information: 1. Your name, address and telephone number 2. Vehicle Identification Number (see page 232) 3. The name and address of the dealer who services your vehicle 4. Date of purchase 5. Mileage on your vehicle 6. Name and address of the dealer who sold you the vehicle 7. A detailed description of the problem 246 Owner Assistance Main Menu Table of Contents Warranty Coverages Your new Honda is covered by these warranties: New Vehicle Limited Warranty – Covers your new vehicle, except for the battery, emissions control systems and accessories, against defects in materials and workmanship. Emission Control Systems Defects Warranty and Emissions Performance Warranty - These two warranties cover your vehicle’s emission control systems. Time, mileage, and coverage are conditional. Please read the warranty manual for exact information. Original Equipment Battery Limited Warranty - This warranty gives up to 100% credit toward a replacement battery. Seat Belt Limited Warranty A seat belt that fails to function properly is covered for the useful life of the vehicle. Rust Perforation Limited Warranty - All exterior body panels are covered for rust-through from the inside for the specified time period with no mileage limit. Accessory Limited Warranty Genuine Honda Accessories are covered under this warranty. Time and mileage limits depend on the type of accessory and other factors. Please read your warranty manual for details. Replacement Parts Limited Warranty – Covers all Genuine Honda replacement parts against defects in materials and workmanship. Replacement Battery Limited Warranty - Provides prorated coverage for a replacement battery purchased from a Honda dealer. Replacement Muffler Lifetime Limited Warranty – Provides coverage for as long as the purchaser of the muffler owns the vehicle. Restrictions and exclusions apply to all these warranties. Please read the 2002 Honda Warranty booklet that came with your vehicle for precise information on warranty coverages. Your Honda’s original tires are covered by their manufacturer. Tire warranty information is in a separate booklet. Owner Assistance 247 Main Menu Table of Contents Reporting Safety Defects Emissions Controls If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA ) in addition to notifying American Honda Motor Co., Inc. To contact NHTSA , you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll free at 1-800-424-9393 (or 202-366-0123 in the Washington, D.C. area) or write to: NHTSA U.S. Department of Transportation Washington, D.C. 20590 If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your dealer, or American Honda Motor Co., Inc. You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from the Hotline. 248 Owner Assistance The burning of gasoline in your vehicle’s engine produces several by-products. Some of these are carbon monoxide (CO), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), and hydrocarbons (HC). Gasoline evaporating from the tank also produces hydrocarbons. Controlling the production of NOx, CO, and HC is important to the environment. Under certain conditions of sunlight and climate, NOx and HC react to form photochemical “smog.” Carbon monoxide does not contribute to smog creation, but it is a poisonous gas. The Clean Air Act The United States Clean Air Act sets standards for automobile emissions. It also requires that automobile manufacturers explain to owners how their emissions controls work and what to do to Main Menu Table of Contents maintain them. This section summarizes how the emissions controls work. Scheduled maintenance is on page 204. engine is off. After the engine is started and warmed up, the vapor is drawn into the engine and burned during driving. Crankcase Emissions Control System Onboard Refueling Vapor Recovery Your vehicle has a Positive Crankcase Ventilation System. This keeps gasses that build up in the engine’s crankcase from going into the atmosphere. The Positive Crankcase Ventilation valve routes them from the crankcase back to the intake manifold. They are then drawn into the engine and burned. The Onboard Refueling Vapor Recovery (ORVR) system captures the fuel vapors during refueling. The vapors are adsorbed in a canister filled with activated carbon. While driving, the fuel vapors are drawn into the engine and burned off. Evaporative Emissions Control System The exhaust emission controls include four systems: Fuel Injection, Ignition Timing Control, Exhaust Gas Recirculation, and Three-Way Catalytic Converter. These four systems work together to control the engine’s combustion As gasoline evaporates in the fuel tank, an evaporative emission control canister filled with charcoal adsorbs the vapor. It is stored in this canister while the Exhaust Emissions Controls and minimize the amount of HC, CO, and NOx that comes out the tailpipe. The exhaust emission control systems are separate from the crankcase and evaporative emission control systems. Fuel Injection System The Fuel Injection System uses sequential multiport fuel injection. It has three subsystems: Air Intake, Engine Control, and Fuel Control. The Engine Control Module (ECM) uses various sensors to determine how much air is going into the engine. It then controls how much fuel to inject under all operating conditions. Ignition Timing Control System This system constantly adjusts the ignition timing, reducing the amount of HC, CO and NOx produced. Owner Assistance 249 Main Menu Table of Contents DOT Tire Quality Grading Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) System The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system takes some of the exhaust gas and routes it back into the intake manifold. Adding exhaust gas to the air/fuel mixture reduces the amount of NOx produced when the fuel is burned. Three-Way Catalytic Converter The Three-Way Catalytic Converter is in the exhaust system. Through chemical reactions, it converts HC, CO, and NOx in the engine’s exhaust to carbon dioxide (CO2), dinitrogen (N2), and water vapor. 250 Owner Assistance Replacement Parts The emissions control systems are designed and certified to work together in reducing emissions to levels that comply with the Clean Air Act. To make sure the emissions remain low, you should use only new Honda genuine replacement parts or their equivalent for repairs. Using lower quality parts may increase the emissions from your vehicle. The emissions control systems are covered by warranties separate from the rest of your vehicle. Read your warranty manual for more information. The tires on your vehicle meet all U.S. Federal Safety Requirements. All tires are also graded for treadwear, traction, and temperature performance according to Department of Transportation (DOT) standards. The following explains these gradings. Uniform Tire Quality Grading Quality grades can be found where applicable on the tire sidewall between the tread shoulder and the maximum section width. For example: Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A All passenger car tires must conform to Federal Safety Requirements in addition to these grades. Main Menu Table of Contents Treadwear The treadwear grade is a comparative rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one-and-a-half (1-1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the norm due to variation in driving habits, service practices and differences in road characteristics and climate. Traction – AA, A, B, C The traction grades from highest to lowest are AA, A, B, and C. Those grades represent the tire’s ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction performance. Warning: The traction grade assigned to this tire is based on straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics. Temperature – A, B, C The temperature grades are A (the highest), B and C, representing the tire’s resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance which all vehicle tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law. Warning: The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation, or excessive loading either separately or in combination, can cause heat build-up and possible tire failure. Owner Assistance 251 Main Menu Main Menu Authorized Manuals Purchasing Factory-Authorized Manuals The following publications covering the operation and servicing of your vehicle can be obtained from Helm Incorporated, either by filling out the form or, for credit card holders, by calling toll free. For manuals prior to the year shown below, contact Helm Incorporated, P.O. Box 07280, Detroit, MI 48207 or call 1-800-782-4356. Publication Form Number Price Each* Form Description 61S3L08 2002 Passport Service Manual $68.00 61S3L09 2002 Passport Fuel & Emissions Supplement $35.00 61S3L08EL 2000–02 Passport Electrical $48.00 31S3L640 2002 Passport Owner’s Manual** $34.00 HON-R Order form for previous years – Indicate year and model desired. FREE Troubleshooting Manual * Prices are subject to change without notice and without incurring obligation. **Includes Off-Road Driving Information ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-782-4356 (NOTE: For Credit Card Holder Orders Only) Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. EST MINIMUM CREDIT CARD PURCHASE $10.00 OR By completing this form you can order the materials desired. You can pay by check or money order or charge to your credit card. Mail to Helm, Incorporated at the address shown on the back of the order form. PUBLICATION FORM NUMBER VEHICLE MODEL NAME *Prices are subject to change without notice and without incurring obligation. Orders O d are mailed il d within ithi 10 days. d Please allow adequate time for delivery. YEAR QTY QTY. PRICE EACH* TOTAL PRICE TOTAL MATERIAL MICH. PURCHASES ADD 6% SALES TAX HANDLING CHARGE $6.00 GRAND TOTAL 253 Main Menu NOTE: Dealers and Companies please provide dealer or company name and also the name of the person to whose attention the shipment should be sent. For purchases outside U.S.A. please write to the address below for quotation. Service Manual (CUSTOMER NAME) (ATTENTION) This manual covers maintenance and recommended procedures for repair to engine and chassis components. It is written for the journeyman mechanic, but is simple enough for most mechanically inclined owners to understand. (APT. NO.) (STREET ADDRESS – NO P.O. BOX NUMBERS) (CITY) (STATE) (ZIP CODE) DAYTIME TELEPHONE NO. AREA CODE ( ) Electrical Troubleshooting Manual Check or money order enclosed payable to Helm, Inc. (U.S. funds only – do not send cash.) Check here if your billing address is different MasterCard VISA from the shipping address shown above. Account Number Expiration Mo-Yr (CUSTOMER SIGNATURE) (DATE) These publications cannot be returned for credit without receiving advance authorization within 14 days of delivery. On returns, a restocking fee may be applied against the original order. P.O. BOX 07280 • DETROIT, MI 48207 • 1-800-782-4356 254 This manual complements the Service Manual by providing in-depth troubleshooting information for each electrical circuit in your car. Main Menu Index A Alcohol and Driving . . . . . . . . 4 ABS. See Anti-Lock Brake System Alcohol in Gasoline . . . . . . . . 200 Accessories, Installation . . . . 173 Antifreeze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217 ACCESSORY (Ignition Key Position) . . . . . 101 Anti-Lock Brake System Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159 Accessory Power Outlets . . . . . 117 Adults, Protecting . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Airbags (SRS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Serious Risk to Children . . . . 19 Air Cleaner Filter . . . . . . 170, 214 Air Conditioning Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . 221 Usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120 Air Filter. See Air Cleaner Filter Air Outlets (Vents) . . . . . . . . . 124 Air Pressure, Tires . . . . . . . . . 239 Alternator Belt. See Drive Belts Oil Temperature Indicator . Shift Lever Position Indicator . . . . . . . Shift Lock . . . . . . . . . . . . . Transfer Control, 4WD . . . 70 76 78 80 B Anti-Theft Steering Column Lock . . . . 102 System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152 Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198 Charging System Indicator 62 Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . 184 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . 198 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . 238 Appearance Care. See Cleaning Before Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . 156 Ashtray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116 Assist Grip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 Belts, Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Additional Information . . . 41 Audio System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125 Beverage Holder . . . . . . . . . . 113 Automatic Transmission . . . . 76 Capacity, Fluid . . . . . . . . . . 237 Driving Pattern Selector . . 81 Fluid Temperature Indicator 70 Body Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225 Brakes Anti-Lock Brake System . . 159 Brake System Indicator . . . 61 255 Main Menu Break-in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158 Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219 Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161 Wear Indicators . . . . . . . . . 162 Cassette Player Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128 Break-in, New Vehicle . . . . . . 158 CAUTION , Explanation of . . . iv Brightness Control, Instrument Panel. See Illumination Control CD Changer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131 Brights, Headlights . . . . . . . . 62 Bulb Replacement Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . 243 C Capacity Charts . . . . . . . . . . . 235 Carbon Monoxide Hazard . . . 47 Care and Maintenance . . . . . . 195 Cargo Loading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233 Carrying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175 256 Catalytic Converter, Three-Way . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172 Certification Label . . . . . . . . . 234 Chains, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168 Changing Oil How to . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212 When . . . . . . . . . 204, 205, 211 Children, Protecting . . . . . . . . 18 Child-Safe Door Locks . . . . . 105 Child Seats, General Guidelines . . . . . . . 22 Cigarette Lighter . . . . . . . . . . 116 Circuit Breaker, Checking the 108 Cleaner, Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214 Cleaning Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224 Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226 Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229 Vinyl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229 Clock, Setting the . . . . . . . . . . 153 Changing a Flat Tire . . . . . . . 186 Lifting Points . . . . . . . . . . . 187 Clutch Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223 Changing Engine Coolant . . . 218 CO in the Exhaust . . . . . . 47, 249 Charging System Indicator . . 62 Consumer Information . . . . . . 246 Check Engine Light . . . . . . . . 63 Control Locations . . . . . . . . . 56 Checklist, Before Driving . . . 156 Controls, Instruments and . . . 55 Main Menu Controls Near the Steering Wheel Hazard Warning . . . . . . . . . Headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . Illumination Control . . . . . Rear Window Defogger . . . Steering Wheel Adjustment Turn Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . Windshield Wiper/Washer . Rear Window Wiper/ Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . Crankcase Emissions Control System . . . . . . . . . . 249 76 72 73 74 115 75 70 Cruise Control Operation . . . . 147 Customer Relations Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246 D Disc Brake Wear Indicators . . 162 Dome Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111 Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104 Doors, Close and Lock . . . . . . 10 DOT Tire Quality Grading . . . 251 DANGER, Explanation of . . . . iv Downshifting, 5-Speed Manual Transmission . . . . . 84 Dashboard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Drive Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222 74 Defects, Reporting Safety . . . 248 Coolant Adding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218 Capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236 Checking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217 Proper Solution . . . . . . . . . 218 Temperature Gauge . . . . . . 60 Defogger, Rear Window . . . . 74 Driving, On-Road Fuel Economy . . . . . . . . . . 170 In Bad Weather . . . . . . . . . 168 In Foreign Countries . . . . . 173 On Slippery Surfaces . . . . . 162 Dimming the Headlights . . . . 72 Economy, Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . 170 Corrosion Protection . . . . . . . 225 Dipstick, Engine Oil . . . 200, 213 EGR System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250 Courtesy Lights . . . . . . . . . . . 112 Directional Signals . . . . . . . . . 75 Emergency Brake . . . . . . . . . . 86 Defrosting the Windows . . . . 122 Digital Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153 Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243 E 257 Main Menu Emergency Flashers . . . . . . . . 76 Emergency, In Case of . . . . . . 183 Charging System Indicator 62 Check Engine Light . . . . . . 63 Checking the Fuses . . . . . . 193 Engine Overheating . . . . . . 190 Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . 184 Malfunction Indicator Lamp 63 Oil Pressure Indicator . . . . 65 Emissions Controls . . . . . . . . 248 Engine Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222 Break-in . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158 Check Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Coolant Temperature Gauge 60 Identification Number . . . . 232 Malfunction Indicator Lamp 63 Oil Capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235 Recommendation . . . . . . 198 258 Oil Pressure Indicator . . . . 65 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . 235 Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157 Ethanol in Gasoline . . . . . . . . 201 Evaporative Emissions Controls . . . . . . . 249 Exhaust Fumes . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat Belts by . . . . . . 16 Exterior, Cleaning the . . . . . . 224 F Fabric, Cleaning. See Interior Cleaning Fan Control Lever . . . . . . . . . 121 Features, Comfort and Convenience . . 119 Filling the Fuel Tank . . . . . . . 197 Filters Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214 Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212 5-Speed Manual Transmission Checking Fluid Level . . . . 215 Shifting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . 76 Flat Tire, Changing a . . . . . . . 186 Fluids Automatic Transmission . . 216 Capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237 Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219 Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223 5-Speed Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . . 215 Capacity . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237 Power Steering . . . . . . . . . . 223 Windshield Washer . . . . . . 71 FM Stereo Radio Reception . . . . . . . . . 136 Folding the Rear Seat . . . . . . . 94 Main Menu Foreign Countries, Operation in . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173 Fuel Filling the Fuel Tank . . . . . 197 Fuel Fill Cap . . . . . . . . . . . 197 Fuel Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Low Fuel Indicator . . . . . . 64 Octane Requirement . . . . . 200 Oxygenated . . . . . . . . . . . . 200 Recommendation . . . . . . . . 198 Tank Capacity . . . . . . 198, 237 Fuel Injection System . . . . . . 249 Fuses Checking the . . . . . . . 193, 240 Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240 G Gas Mileage, Improving . . . . 170 Gasohol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200 Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114 Gasoline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200 See also Fuel Octane Requirement . . . . . 200 Tank, Filling the . . . . . . . . . . . . 197 GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) . . . . . . . . . . 233 Gas Station Procedures . . . . . 197 Hazard Warning Flasher . . . . 76 Gauges Engine Coolant Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . Head Restraints . . . . . . . 8, 12, 93 H Halogen Headlight Bulbs . . . . 243 60 59 58 58 Headlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 High Beam Indicator . . . . . 62 High Beams . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 On, Reminder . . . . . . . . . . 73 Replacing Halogen Bulbs . 243 Turning on . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Weight Rating) . . . . . . . . . . . 233 Heating and Cooling . . . . . . . 120 Gearshift Lever Positions Automatic Transmission . . 76 5-Speed Transmission . . . . 83 High-Low Beam Switch . . . . 72 Glass Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . 230 Hydroplaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168 GAWR (Gross Axle Hood Release . . . . . . . . . 109, 199 Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 259 Main Menu I Identification Number, Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232 Ignition Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 Timing Control System . . . 249 Illumination Control . . . . . . . 73 Important Safety Precautions . . . 4 Interior Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . 226 Lap/Shoulder Belts . . . . . . . . 41 Interior Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 LATCH System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i Lever, Transfer . . . . . . . . . . 80, 84 J Jack, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187 Jacking up the Vehicle . . . . . . 187 Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184 K Indicators, Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . 57 Keyless Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151 Indicators and Gauges . . . . . . 57 Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101 Infants, Protecting . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Inflation, Proper Tire . . . 164, 239 Inside Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105 Inspection, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . 165 Instrument Panel Brightness. See Illumination Control 260 L Label, Certification . . . . . . . . 234 Labels, Safety, Location of . . 48 Lane Change, Signaling . . . . . 75 Lap Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Lifting Points . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187 Lighter, Cigarette . . . . . . . . . . 116 Lights Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . 243 Dome Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 111 Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Luggage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 Turn Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Limited Slip Differential . . . . 182 Loading Cargo . . . . . . . . . . . . 233 LOCK (Ignition Key Position) 101 Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 Anti-Theft Steering Column 102 Child-Safe Door . . . . . . . . . 105 Power Door . . . . . . . . . . . . 104 Tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108 Main Menu Low Coolant Level . . . . . . . . 217 Methanol in Gasoline . . . . . . . 201 Low Oil Pressure Indicator . . 65 Mirror Adjusting the . . . . . . . . . . . 105 Defogger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Vanity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 Lower Gear, Downshifting to a 84 Lubricant Specifications Charts . . . . . . 235 Luggage, Loading . . . . . 175, 233 Luggage Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 M Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195 Periodic Checks. See Owner Safety Checks Record . . . . . . . . . . . . 206, 207 Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201 Schedule . . . . . . 203, 204, 205 Malfunction Indicator Lamp . 63 Off-Road Driving. See the Off-Road Driving Information booklet in your owner’s packet. New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . 158 Oil Change How to . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212 When to . . . . . 204, 205, 211 Checking Engine . . . . . . . . 213 Front and Rear Axle . . . . . 216 Pressure Indicator . . . . . . . 65 Selecting Proper Viscosity Chart . . . . . . . . 213 Normal Shift Speeds . . . . . . . 84 ON (Ignition Key Position) . . 101 NOTICE, Explanation of . . . . . . i Opening the Hood . . . . . . . . . 109 Numbers, Identifications . . . . 232 Opening the Tailgate . . . . . . . 108 Moonroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112 N Neutral Gear Position . . . . . . . 77 Opening the Windows . . . . . . 107 O Map Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112 Octane Requirement, Gasoline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200 Meters, Gauges . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Odometer, Trip . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Operation in Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . 173 Ordering Service Parts . . . . . . 232 Overheating, Engine . . . . . . . 190 261 Main Menu Owner Assistance . . . . . . . . . 245 Protecting Adults . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Owner Safety Checks . . . . . . . 208 Additional Safety Precautions . . . . . . . . 17 P Panel Brightness Control . . . . 73 Park Gear Position . . . . . . . . . 77 Parking Brake and Brake System Light . . . . . 61, 86 Parking Over Things That Burn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159 Polishing and Waxing . . . . . . 224 Power Drive Indicator . . . . 69, 81 Power Outlets, Accessory . . . . . 117 Power Steering Belt. See Drive Belts PreĆDrive Safety Checklist . . . . . 9 Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts . 16 Proper Seat Belt Usage . . . . . 13 262 Adjust the Front Seat . . . . . . Adjust the Head Restraints . Adjust the Seat-Backs . . . . . Adjust the Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . Advice for Pregnant Women Close and Lock the Doors . . Fasten and Position the Seat Belts . . . . Protecting Children . . . . . . . . . . Additional Safety Precautions . . . . . . . All Children Must Be Restrained . . . . . . Children Should Sit in the Back Seat . . . . . . 10 12 11 15 16 10 13 18 21 18 19 General Guidelines for Using Child Seats . . . . . . . . If a Child Requires Close Attention . . . . . . . . . . If You Must Drive With Several Children . . . . Passenger’s Airbag Poses Serious Risks to Children . Protecting Infants . . . . . . . . . Protecting Larger Children . Protecting Small Children . . Using Child Seats With Tethers . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 21 20 19 26 34 31 38 R Radiator Overheating . . . . . . . 190 Radio/Cassette Sound System . . . . . . . . . . . 125 Radio/Cassette/CD Sound System . . . . . . . . . . . 133 Rear Lights, Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . 243 Main Menu Rear Seat, Folding . . . . . . . . . 94 Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166 Rear View Mirror . . . . . . . . . . 105 Replacing Seat Belts After a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Rear Window Defogger . . . . . 74 Rear Window Wiper and Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Reclining the Seat-Backs Front . . . . . . . . . . . . 11, 91, 93 Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 Recommended Shift Speeds . 84 Reduced Power Indicator . . . 64 Replacement Information Air Cleaner Element . . . . . 214 Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . 204, 218 Engine Oil and Filter . . . . . 211 Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240 Light Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . 243 Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204 Spark Plugs . . . . . . . . . . . . 235 Reporting Safety Defects . . . . 248 Reserve Tank, Coolant . . . . . . 217 Restraint, Child . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Reverse Gear Position . . . . . . 77 Rotation, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166 Rust Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . 225 S Safety Defects, Reporting . . . 248 Safety Labels, Location of . . . 48 Safety Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . iv Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 6 Additional Information . . . . . 41 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . 42 System Components . . . . 41 Advice for Pregnant Women 16 Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229 Fasten and Position . . . . . . . 13 Lap Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Lap/Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . 41 Reminder Light . . . . . 6, 41, 61 Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8, 89 Adjusting the . . . . . . . . . . . 90 Seat-Backs . . . . . . . 8, 91, 92, 97 Self-Adjusting Brakes . . . . . . 162 Serial Number . . . . . . . . . . . . 232 Service Intervals . . . . . 204, 205, 206, 207 Service Manual . . . . . . . . . . . 253 Service Station Information . . 197 Setting the Clock . . . . . . . . . . 153 Shift Lever Position Indicator 76 Shift-on-the-Fly System . . . . . 220 Fluid Capacity . . . . . . . . . . 239 Side Marker Lights Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . 243 263 Main Menu Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Signaling Turns. See Lane Change, Signaling Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . 157 With a Dead Battery . . . . . 184 Small Children, Protecting . . . 31 Steam Coming From Engine . 190 Snow Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168 Steering Column Ignition Lock Switch . . . . . . 101 Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Steering Wheel Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . 115 Anti-Theft Column Lock . . 102 Tape Player . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128 Snow Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168 Solvent-Type Cleaners . . 226, 227 Sound System . . . . . . . . 125, 133 Spare Tire Inflating (Pressure) . . 164, 239 Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . 239 Spark Plugs Replacing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . 235 Specifications Charts . . . . . . . 235 Speed Control . . . . . . . . . . . . 147 Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 START (Ignition Key Position)101 264 T Tailgate Operation . . . . . . . . . 108 Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . 60 Stereo Sound System . . . 125, 133 Three-Way Catalytic Converter . . . . . . . 172 Sun Visor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114 Tilt Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . 115 Supplemental Restraint System . . . . . . . . . . 7 Additional Information . . . . 43 Additional Safety Precautions . . . . . . . 46 Components . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Hazards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 8 How the Airbag Works . . . 44 How the SRS Indicator Light Works . . . 45 Time, Setting the . . . . . . . . . . 153 Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168 Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163 Air Pressure . . . . 164, 198, 239 Checking Wear . . . . . . . . . 165 DOT Tire Quality Grading 251 How to Change a Flat . . . . 186 Inflation . . . . . . . 164, 171, 198 Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165 Main Menu Replacing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166 Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166 Snow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168 Spare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189 Specifications . . . . . . . . . . 239 Wear Indicators . . . . . . . . . 165 Tire Wrench . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188 Tools, Tire Changing . . . . . . . 188 Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191 Emergency Wrecker (Tow Truck) . . . . . . . . . . . 192 Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178 Transfer Control Lever Automatic Transmission . . 80 5-Speed Manual Transmission . . . 84 Transmission Checking Fluid Level 5-Speed Manual Transmission . . . . . . 215 Fluid Selection . . . . . . . . . . 216 Shifting the Automatic . . . 77 Shifting the 5-Speed Manual 83 Tread Wear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165 Trip Meter. See Trip Odometer Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Turn Signal Indicators . . . . . . 64 U Underside, Cleaning . . . . . . . . 225 Uniform Tire Quality Grading 251 Unleaded Gasoline . . . . . 198, 200 Upholstery Cleaning . . . . . . . 226 Upshift Indicator . . . . . . . . . . 66 V Vehicle Identification . . . . . . . 232 Vehicle Loading Information . 233 Ventilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122 VIN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232 Vinyl, Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . 229 Viscosity, Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213 W WARNING , Explanation of . . . iv Warning Labels, Location of . 48 Warranty Coverages . . . . . . . . 247 Washer, Rear Window . . . . . . 74 Washer, Windshield Checking the Fluid Level . . . . . . . . 71, 198 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Vanity Mirror . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 Washing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224 Vehicle Dimensions . . . . . . . . 243 Waxing and Polishing . . . . . . 224 265 Main Menu Wheel Adjusting the Steering . . . . 115 Alignment and Balance . . . . . . . 171, 224 Replacement . . . . . . . 167, 169 Windows Cleaning . . . . . . . . . 71, 74, 230 Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 Windshield Cleaning . . . . . . . . . 71, 74, 230 Defroster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122 Washers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 Winter Drive Indicator . . . . 69, 81 Wiper, Rear Window . . . . . . . 74 Wipers, Windshield, Operation 70 Worn Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165 Wrecker, Emergency Towing . 191 Wrench, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188 266 2002 Passport Online Reference Off-Road Driving Information Owner's Manual Supplement Refer to 2002 Passport Owner's Manual for more information. Contents 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. Introduction Get to Know Your Vehicle Off-Road Precautions Getting Ready to Drive Off-Road Off-Road Driving Considerations Driving Off-Road If You Get Stuck Parking Inspection and Cleaning Main Menu Off Road Contents Introduction Welcome to the off-road world! Your new sport-utility vehicle is your passport to adventure. It can take you far from ordinary sights to places you can't reach with a passenger car. But it's a whole new world when you leave the pavement. Off-road driving requires different skills and different ways of looking at things. So please read this booklet. It supplements your Owner's Manual with important facts, precautions, and tips that can make your off-road travels safer and more enjoyable. This booklet is a brief introduction to driving off-pavement, intended mainly for those who expect to drive off-road occasionally. If you plan on driving in competitions or taking on challenging terrain, ask your authorized Honda dealer about driving clubs and other sources of information in your area. Please consider this booklet a permanent part of the vehicle and pass it along to the new owner if you sell the vehicle. Main Menu Off Road Contents Get to Know Your Vehicle Because every vehicle operates a little differently, be sure to read your owner's manual and get acquainted with your vehicle before you drive off-road. If you have 4-wheel drive, you can use it for better traction and greater mobility off-road, but remember to switch back to 2-wheel drive before you return to pavement. Whether you have 2-wheel or 4-wheel drive, you need to know that your vehicle has higher ground clearance than passenger cars designed for use only on pavement. Higher ground clearance has many advantages off-road. It allows you to travel over bumps, obstacles and rough terrain and helps protect undercarriage components. Since you sit higher off the ground, you have a better view of the surroundings. Off-Road Driving Information These advantages come at some cost. Because your vehicle is taller and rides higher off the ground, it has a higher center of gravity than conventional cars. This means your vehicle can more easily tip or roll over if you make abrupt turns or drive on sloped terrain. Utility vehicles have a significantly higher rollover rate than other types of vehicles. To avoid loss of control or rollover, be sure to follow all recommendations and precautions in this booklet. Main Menu Off Road Contents Off-Road Precautions For your safety and the safety of your passengers, please follow these precautions: Wear Seat Belts Don't Modify Your Vehicle We urge you not to install aftermarket "lift kits," oversize wheels and tires, or alter your vehicle in any other way that would change the vehicle's suspension or ride height. Such modifications can make handling difficult and unpredictable, and they could cause you to lose control, roll over and be seriously hurt or killed. passengers always wear seat belts. If children or infants are along for the ride, see that they are properly secured, and never let a passenger ride in the cargo compartment. In a rollover crash, an unbelted person is more likely to die than a person wearing a seat belt. Drive Smart Seat belts are just as important off-road as on pavement. Seat belts can hold you in position on rough and bumpy trails and when driving on hills. If you don't wear your seat belt, you could bounce around and strike the interior of the vehicle, or even lose control and crash. Whenever you drive, make sure you and your Off-road surfaces and conditions can change quickly and unexpectedly. It takes time to learn how to read the terrain and develop off-road driving skills. So always use good judgment. Don't drive faster than conditions warrant, and if you ever feel uncomfortable about a given situation, don't do it. Off-Road Driving Information Main Menu Off Road Contents Getting Ready to Drive Off-Road Don't Drink and Drive Alcohol is a leading cause of death and injury off-road as well as on-road. Alcohol reduces your ability to think clearly and react quickly. Fatigue and drugs, legal or illegal, can have similar effects. If you aren't sober or in good physical and mental condition, don't drive. Before leaving on a brief off-road excursion or an extended overnight trip, you need to make sure you and your vehicle are both prepared. Planning a Trip When making your plans, remember that it's best to travel with at least one other vehicle in Off-Road Driving Information case you have trouble, and always let someone else know where you're going and when you expect to return. Whatever your destination, we recommend that you get maps of your route so you can study the terrain, talk with other drivers who are familiar with the location, and find out in advance if you need any special permits. Then, shortly before you leave, get the latest weather predictions for your destination, and check on any closures that could affect your plans. There are many sources that can help you plan a trip. The U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, motor vehicle bureaus, and park and recreation departments can provide maps Main Menu Off Road Contents and other useful information. Recreational vehicle clubs can put you in touch with other drivers, and off-road magazines publish first-hand descriptions of driving locations. Check Out Your Vehicle To help keep off-road driving areas open, stay on roads, trails and open areas approved for off-highway vehicles (OHVs). Please respect no trespassing signs, and don't drive on private property without permission. Improperly inflated tires can be more easily damaged by rocks and other hard or sharp objects. Do not let air out of your tires unless you can reinflate them soon after returning to pavement, and remember to periodically inspect the tires for signs of damage, especially if you hit a large or sharp rock. Off-road driving can be hard on a vehicle, requiring extra attention to maintenance. Before driving off-road, be sure all scheduled maintenance and service has been done, and that you have also inspected your vehicle. Pay special attention to the condition of the tires and use a gauge to check the tire pressures. Off-Road Driving Information Main Menu Off Road Contents Carrying Cargo You'll probably take a cooler, picnic supplies or other cargo on an off-road trip. Since some bouncing is almost inevitable when driving off-road, it's very important to store and secure cargo properly. Follow these guidelines and limits: The maximum load you can carry in and on your vehicle can be found on the chart opposite. These figures include the weight of all occupants, cargo, accessories, and the tongue weight if you are towing a trailer (see next page). Distribute cargo evenly on the floor of the cargo area, placing the heaviest items on the bottom and as far forward as possible. Off-Road Driving Information Main Menu Off Road Contents Secure all items so they cannot fly forward and injure you or your passengers if you brake hard, hit an obstacle, or are involved in a collision. Towing a Trailer should be about 10% of the trailer weight.) Try to stay on smooth, level dirt roads, and avoid driving in hilly terrain. Allow extra room for starting, stopping, and turning. Slow down if you encounter bumps or other obstacles. Extra Equipment and Supplies If you want to put cargo on the roof, use a roof rack, secure all items, and make sure the cargo does not exceed 200 pounds. You may be able to safely tow a lightweight trailer (such as a motorcycle trailer or small tent trailer) off-road if you follow these guidelines: Do not exceed a trailer weight of 1,000 pounds (including cargo) or a tongue weight of 100 pounds. (Tongue weight We strongly recommend that you DO NOT carry extra fuel. Gasoline is highly flammable and explosive. It cannot be safely carried inside the vehicle or strapped to the top or rear. The best thing to do is fill up your tank before you leave pavement. Off-Road Driving Information Main Menu Off Road Contents It's always wise to take along water, food, blankets, a flashlight, and matches. You may also want to take: A towing rope, strap or chain in case you or someone you're with gets stuck. Wheel chocks - to help keep your vehicle from rolling when you park. First aid kit - a good idea whenever you travel far from medical support. Flag - to help others see you (except in forests or areas with tall bushes). Portable phone or citizens band (CB) radio - should you need to call for help. Shovel - in case you need to dig yourself out. Off-Road Driving Information Main Menu Off Road Contents Off-Road Driving Considerations When you leave paved roads, you leave a generally predictable and orderly world behind. You won't find lane markers or traffic signals. No one will be there to warn you of trouble ahead. It's up to you to assess situations and drive within limits. The terrain has limits (some hills are too steep, for example). You have limits (in skills and comfort level). And off-road vehicles also have limits (traction, stability, and power, for instance). Using Your Senses You need to use your senses a little differently off-road. Keep your eyes moving, constantly watching for obstacles and evaluating the terrain. Check your gauges frequently. Listen for unusual sounds from your engine and tires. Pay attention to the smell of overheated brakes. And when you feel excessive vibrations or bouncing, the terrain is telling you to slow down. Following are some important tips on how to deal with some of the challenges of driving off-road. Off-Road Driving Information Main Menu Off Road Contents Reading the Terrain In nature, visual information comes in unpredictable ways. That means you need to stay alert, constantly survey the terrain, and go slow enough to analyze situations and make good decisions. As your eyes search the terrain ahead, watch for changes in surface conditions. Surfaces can vary widely, and traction can change quite suddenly. One minute you can be on firm soil and the next minute in soft sand or deep mud. A trail or road can quickly change from level to bumpy. It can suddenly slope at a dangerous angle, or even disappear in an unexpected drop-off. Off-Road Driving Information Roads and trails aren't banked for turns, and the edges can be steep berms or drop-offs. When you drive down a graded road, watch ahead for ruts, potholes and washouts. Some trails can offer more surprises. A smooth, inviting trail can suddenly twist up or down, become very narrow, be blocked by a fallen tree, tangled with roots, or dwindle to a tight dead-end. Some areas don't have roads or trails - just wide open spaces where you must carefully choose your path. Controlling Speed Off-road, the general rule is to keep your speed low. Of course, you'll need enough speed to keep moving forward, especially on sand, mud, soft snow, and when starting up a hill. But too much speed leads to problems. At higher speeds you have less time to read the terrain and make good decisions. You'll also bounce more, which makes controlling the vehicle more difficult. And there's a greater chance of sliding if you brake or turn quickly on wet soil, gravel or ice. In any situation, never go faster than conditions allow. Main Menu Off Road Contents Test your brakes from time to time to make sure they are operating properly. This will also give you a feel for how much traction you have on a given surface. Controlling Steering Unlike driving on pavement, off-road terrain has a way of "kicking back." If you hit a rock, pothole or a sudden change in surface, it can make the steering wheel turn rapidly and unexpectedly. To maintain control, hold the outside of the steering wheel firmly with both hands. Don't hold the spokes or hook your thumbs inside the wheel. You could hurt your hands as well as lose control. Off-Road Driving Information Main Menu Off Road Contents Driving Off-Road Driving off-road can be hazardous if you fail to take the proper precautions. For example, you can have an accident or roll over during maneuvers such as turning, driving on hills, or over obstacles. The following pages contain practical tips on basic off-road operations. They also give important guidelines about driving on hills, avoiding obstacles, and other situations you may encounter. Off-Road Driving Information Starting Off Improperly operating this vehicle off-road can cause an accident or rollover in which you and your passengers could be seriously injured or killed. Follow all instructions and guidelines in this booklet. Keep your speed low and don't drive faster than conditions permit. Don't take chances and be especially careful on hills and rough terrain. For better traction on all surfaces, accelerate slowly and gradually build up speed. If you start too fast on wet soil, mud, snow or ice, you might not have enough traction to get underway. On soft sand, you could dig yourself into a hole. Main Menu Off Road Contents Turning abrupt turns at higher speeds. With a higher center of gravity, your vehicle can more easily tip or roll over in a turn. anti-lock braking system pump them for you. If you pump the brakes, the anti-lock cannot work as efficiently, and your stopping distance may be increased. Braking Keep in mind that, in general, you need more time and distance to brake to a stop when driving off-road. The best off-road braking technique to use with anti-lock brakes is to gently depress the brake pedal at first, then increase the pressure as more braking is needed. Off-road, the basic turning technique is to drive at low speed and gradually adjust the amount of steering to suit the surface. Avoid hard braking. Light to moderate braking is usually all that is necessary on soft surfaces such as soft sand, loose dirt or gravel, powdery snow, or mud. You should have no problem making sharp turns on level ground - if you keep speed low. But one thing you should NOT do, off-road or on pavement, is make If you need to brake hard because of an emergency, apply steady even pressure to the brake pedal. Do not pump the brakes; let the Off-Road Driving Information Main Menu Off Road Contents Driving in Hilly Terrain Hills, and trails through hills, present some of the greatest challenges and most serious hazards off-road. If you're new to off-road driving, start with gentle inclines, take time to learn how your vehicle handles on slopes, and read the information that follows. If you're an experienced off-roader, consider the guidelines below as important reminders that can enhance your driving, or even save your life. Off-Road Driving Information Approaching a Hill When you approach a hill, you need to decide whether it's one that you and your vehicle can handle. For example, ask yourself: Is the hill too steep? Is the incline constant, or are there places where it gets suddenly steeper? If a hill is too steep in any section, you may run out of power and not be able to continue forward. If you accelerate suddenly on a very steep hill, the vehicle may tip over backwards. Is there enough traction for you to make it to the top? Without adequate traction,you can stall or even slide backwards. Are there obstacles, such as rocks, ruts or ditches that could block your path? Hitting a bump could upset your vehicle, and turning to avoid an obstacle could make it roll over. If there's no safe predetermined path, can you drive straight up the hill without turning? Unless a hill is very gently sloped, it may not be safe to turn on a hill. Do you know what's on the other side of the hill? Once you reach the top, you'll need a safe route to get down or out. Main Menu Off Road Contents If you don't know the answers to these questions before beginning an ascent, stop, walk up the hill and find out. Approach the hill with enough speed to smoothly start up the hill. Maintain a steady speed as you climb the hill. Reduce speed as you approach the top, and watch for other vehicles that may be approaching the top from the other side of the hill. // You Stall Going Up a Hill If a hill is steeper than you expected, traction is poorer, or you don't maintain sufficient speed, you may begin to stall. If that happens: If you decide that it is safe to drive up a hill: Select a suitable low gear and firmly grip the steering wheel. Consider downshifting if you are just beginning to slow down. If you can't downshift, or if downshifting doesn't help, stop the vehicle and set the parking brake. If you have passengers, you may want to have them get out and move away from the vehicle. If you are headed straight up the hill, shift into reverse, release the parking brake, and slowly back straight down the hill, using the brake pedal to control speed. If you are not headed straight uphill or you don't feel comfortable backing down, don't. If the engine is still running, leave the parking brake on, shift to Park (automatic transmission) or Off-Road Driving Information Main Menu Off Road Contents First (manual transmission), then turn the engine off. See that any passengers carefully get out and clear of the vehicle, then go get help. Driving Down a Hill Before driving down a hill, as with driving up a hill, you need to evaluate whether you can make it Off-Road Driving Information safely to the bottom and away from the slope. Ask: Is the hill too steep to maintain speed and steering control? Is the surface too rough or too slippery? Can you drive straight down without turning? Is there a safe exit when you reach the bottom of the hill? If you decide you can safely descend a hill: Shift into a low gear. This lets engine compression (or engine braking) help control speed and keep your brakes from overheating. Hold the steering wheel firmly and drive straight down the hill. Gently apply the brakes to help control speed, but do not "ride" the brakes. If you smell hot brakes or feel brake fade, shift to a lower gear or stop and let the brakes cool down. Try not to brake hard. If you do apply the brakes hard, do not pump the brake pedal. Pumping does not allow the anti-lock brake system to work as Main Menu Off Road Contents efficiently, which may increase your stopping distance. Driving Across Slopes There may be times when you notice a trail begin to slope to one side or another. Or you may be driving in open country and see a hill or slope you want to consider crossing at an angle. Crossing or driving on a smooth, low-angle dirt slope or trail may be no problem. But before you drive on any sloped terrain, consider these facts: A slope that you can drive straight up or down can be too steep to drive across. When you drive straight up or down a slope, the length of the wheelbase reduces the chance of your vehicle tipping over backward or forward. When you drive across a slope, your vehicle's higher center of gravity and narrower track increases the chance of tipping or rolling over. Driving across a slope puts more weight on the downhill wheels, which increases the chance of tipping. If you drive across a slope and an uphill wheel hits a bump, or if a downhill wheel drops into a rut or hole, your vehicle will tip downward even more. If you can't clearly see all terrain conditions (good traction, no bumps, holes or other obstacles, a safe way down and out, etc.), stop and walk the slope or trail before you drive on it. If you have any doubt whether you can safely drive across a slope or sloping trail, don't do it. Find another route. Off-Road Driving Information Main Menu Off Road Contents Obstacles It's very common to encounter rocks, bumps, holes and logs off-road. Here are a few tips on how to deal with them. Off-Road Driving Information Rocks: Large rocks can damage your suspension or other components, and even small, sharp rocks can cut your tires. Always go slow in rocky terrain, and carefully maneuver around any rock that may be too large. Bumps and Holes: Large bumps and holes can bounce you around and cause you to lose control or get stuck. Slow down when the terrain gets rough so you can keep control of the vehicle. Logs: Driving over a large log might damage your vehicle or cause you to get stuck. If you can't drive around the log, you may be able to back up and look for a better path. Main Menu Off Road Contents Crossing a Stream Before driving through water, stop and make sure that: The water is never deep enough to cover your wheel hubs, axles or exhaust pipe. You could stall, and not be able to restart the engine. The water could also damage important vehicle components. The banks are sloped so you can drive out. The banks and surface under the water provide good traction. The water may hide hazards such as rocks, holes, or mud. The water is not flowing too fast. Deep rushing water can sweep you downstream. Even very shallow rushing water can wash the ground from under your tires and cause you to lose traction and possibly roll over. If you decide it's safe to drive through water, choose a low gear and suitable speed, then proceed without shifting or changing speed. At fast speeds, water can more easily splash on your ignition system, which could make the engine stall. After driving through water, test your brakes. If the brakes got wet, drive slowly while gently pumping the brakes until they operate normally. Off-Road Driving Information Main Menu Off Road Contents Driving in Bad Weather Driving in light rain should cause no special driving problems. But heavy rain can impair visibility, make off-road surfaces slippery, swell streams and cause flooding. Avoid streambeds and canyons whenever rain is heavy or there are thunderstorms in flash-flood areas. Find a safe place to stop if you can't continue driving safely. Off-Road Driving Information Driving in snow can also impair visibility. As snow covers the ground, it can conceal rocks, ruts, ditches and other hazards. Snow can make it impossible to follow a trail or choose a safe path. If snow threatens to become heavy, we recommend that you leave the area as soon as possible and return to pavement. Should you need to stop while it's snowing, do not let the engine idle for a prolonged time unless you have good ventilation. Carbon monoxide can collect in the vehicle and cause illness or death. Main Menu Off Road Contents If you Get Stuck If you ever get stuck off-road, stop, assess the situation, consider all your options, then choose a safe and appropriate course of action. Always put your safety and your passengers' safety first. There may be times when quick action is necessary, but it's generally best if you do not over-react. Trying to muscle your way out by continuing to spin the wheels rarely helps, and it can make it even harder to get out. Other things you should not do are: Do not use a jack. A jack only works on firm, level terrain. Also, your vehicle could easily slip off the jack and hurt you or someone else. Do not "rock" the vehicle forward and backward by shifting back and forth between First and Reverse. This can damage your transmission. Following are a few tips on how you might deal with three different situations. Stuck in Mud or Loose Terrain Here are some options for you to consider if you get stuck in soft sand, loose soil or gravel, or deep mud: Shift into 4-wheel drive if you have 4-wheel drive and aren't already in it. If you aren't in too deep, this may be all you need to get going. Letting some air out of the tires may help you get better traction. You may want to use a shovel to dig out some soil around the tires. If you do, keep a safe distance from the vehicle in case it moves. Off-Road Driving Information Main Menu Off Road Contents Get a tow from another vehicle by using a towing rope, strap or chain. To be successful, the pulling vehicle will need adequate power and traction. Be sure the rope, strap or chain is attached to the frames (not bumpers) of both vehicles, and keep people away in case the connecting device breaks. Off-Road Driving Information Use a winch. If you have a winch, you might be able to attach it to another vehicle or a sturdy, fixed object (such as a tree). Or another vehicle with a winch may be able to attach it to your vehicle and pull you out. Get experienced help. This is often the best solution, especially if you have dug in deep, are stuck in mud or on sloped terrain. Grounded on a Bump or Log You have fewer options if you bottom out (or high-center) on a bump, log, or other raised obstacle. You can try getting a tow (forward or backward) from another vehicle, use a winch (see above for additional tips), or get experienced help. Flat Tire Change a flat tire only if the vehicle is on firm, level ground that can safely support the jack. If this is not the case, your options are: drive slowly and carefully until you reach firm, level ground; get a tow from another vehicle (as described above); or send for experienced help. Main Menu Off Road Contents Parking When you decide to stop off-road, whether for a brief rest or to spend the night, choose a firm, level place to park. Do not park on a soft surface, on damp, marshy land, or in streambeds or gullies in flash-flood areas. If the ground is not level, you should block the wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling. Off-Road Driving Information Main Menu Off Road Contents Inspection and Cleaning Before returning to pavement: Check the condition of your tires. Damaged tires are more likely to fail and should not be used on pavement. If you let air out of your tires, inflate them to the recommended levels before going any distance on pavement. If you must drive with underinflated tires, do not exceed 30 mph. Off-Road Driving Information Remove any mud that may have stuck to the tires, wheels, or driveshafts. Mud can cause imbalance and damage important vehicle components. Remove any twigs, rocks or other objects you might have picked up along the way. Follow all procedures for shifting back to 2-wheel drive if you've been traveling in 4-wheel drive. When you get home, thoroughly wash your vehicle and inspect it closely for signs of damage. Give special attention to the tires, rims, suspension and other Underbody components, and correct any problem you find. Also make sure all nuts, bolts and other critical fasteners are properly secured. Driving off-road causes more wear-and-tear on the paint and exterior trim. Stones and other debris thrown up by your tires, and the tires of other off-road vehicles you are following, can chip the paint and chrome. Bushes and tree branches can cause hairline scratches. Although there are some protective devices available (mud guards, etc.) a vehicle that is driven off-road will incur more damage than one that is not. Frequent washing and waxing may help to minimize the damage caused by off-road driving.