Honda 1996 Accord Owner'S Manual Download Page 201

Page: 201 / 251

Taking Care of the Unexpected

This section covers the more-

common problems that motorists
experience with their cars. It gives

you information about how to safely

evaluate the problem and what to do

to correct it. If the problem has

stranded you on the side of the road,

you may be able to get going again.

If not, you will also find instructions
on getting your car towed.

Compact Spare Tire.......................

204

Changing a Flat Tire.....................

205

If Your Engine Won't Start...........

210

Nothing Happens.......................

210

The Starter Operates

Normally.................................

211

Jump Starting.................................

211

If Your Engine Overheats.............

214

Low Oil Pressure...........................

216

Charging System Indication.........

217

Malfunction Indicator Lamp ........

218

Closing the Moonroof...................

219

Fuses...............................................

220

Checking and Replacing...........

221

Towing............................................

225

Taking Care of the Unexpected

Summary of Contents for 1996 Accord

Page 1: ...o load luggage and other cargo Driving 113 The proper way to start the engine shift the transmission and park plus towing a trailer Maintenance 133 The Maintenance Schedule shows you when you need to...

Page 2: ...a Read the warranty booklet thoroughly so you understand the coverages and are aware of your rights and responsibilities Maintaining your vehicle according to the schedules given in this manual helps...

Page 3: ...NING or CAUTION These mean You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don t follow instructions You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don t follow instructions You CAN be HURT if you don t follo...

Page 4: ...a Crash 13 Important Facts About Airbags 14 How the Driver s Airbag Works 15 How the Passenger s Airbag Works 16 How the SRS Indicator Light Works 17 System Service 17 System Service Precautions 18 A...

Page 5: ...example reclining the seat back can decrease the effec tiveness of your seat belt Head restraints can help protect your neck and head especially during rear end impacts Door locks help keep your doors...

Page 6: ...adults and larger children All infants and small children must be properly restrained in child safety seats see page 21 A pregnant woman needs to wear a seat belt to protect herself and her unborn ch...

Page 7: ...has a single belt that goes over your shoulder across your chest and across your hips Each lap shoulder belt has an emergency locking retractor In normal driving the retractor lets you move freely in...

Page 8: ...roperly You can increase the effectiveness of your seat belts if you take a little time to read the following pages and make sure you know how to wear seat belts properly Driver and Passenger Safety N...

Page 9: ...pright see page 19 The front seat passenger should move the seat as far back as possible 1 Pull the latch plate across your body and insert it into the buckle Tug on the belt to make sure the latch is...

Page 10: ...ts Adjust the belt anchor by squeez ing the two buttons and sliding the anchor downward it has four posi tions Rear seat Move toward the center of the seat until the belt fits over your collarbone To...

Page 11: ...rt hold the latch plate at a right angle and pull to extend the belt Insert the latch plate into the buckle 2 Position the belt as low as possible across your hips and pelvic bones not across your sto...

Page 12: ...or if it s okay for you to drive and how you should position a lap shoulder seat belt Seat Belt Maintenance For safety you should check the condition of your seat belts regularly Pull out each belt fu...

Page 13: ...ion offered by seat belts and other occupant protection features SRS Components Your supplemental restraint system includes One airbag in the steering wheel for the driver and another in the dashboard...

Page 14: ...a crash your seat belt will help to restrain your lower body and torso The airbags will provide a cushion to absorb crash energy and help keep the head and chest of the driver and front passenger from...

Page 15: ...Injuries including fatal injuries can occur in a severe collision even if seat belts are worn properly and the airbags inflate No safety system can provide complete protection in a severe crash Just...

Page 16: ...cial abrasions or other injuries To reduce the possibility of injury you should always sit back as far from the steering wheel as is practical while still maintaining full vehicle control After the ba...

Page 17: ...eriously hurt a front seat passenger who is not in the proper position and wearing the seat belt properly Front seat passengers should move the seat as far back as practical and sit well back in the s...

Page 18: ...se indications the airbag may not work when needed in an accident Take the car to your dealer promptly for diagnosis and service System Service Your supplemental restraint system is virtually maintena...

Page 19: ...o works on your car that you have a supplemental restraint system Failure to follow the procedures and precautions in the official Honda service manual could result in personal injury or damage to the...

Page 20: ...e most protec tion from the seat belts If you recline a seat back you reduce the protective capability of your seat belt The farther a seat back is reclined the greater the risk that you will slide un...

Page 21: ...ple he could injure his knees For information on loading cargo seepage 111 Driving with Pets Loose pets can be a hazard while you are driving An unrestrained pet can interfere with your ability to dri...

Page 22: ...that whenever possible you secure your child s infant or toddler seat in the center position of the rear seat with the lap belt We strongly recommend that you do not put an infant seat in the front pa...

Page 23: ...on your lap when riding in a car If you are wearing your seat belt the violent forces created during a crash will tear the child from your arms The child could be seriously hurt or killed If you are...

Page 24: ...portion of a lap shoulder belt A child whose seat is not properly secured to the car can be endangered in a crash To properly route a seat belt through a child seat follow the seat maker s instructio...

Page 25: ...to the infant Restraining a Child Who Weighs Between 9 and 18 kg 20 and 40 Ibs Toddler seats are designed for children who weigh between 9 and 18 kg 20 and 40 Ibs The preferred place to put a toddler...

Page 26: ...styles of booster seats are available We recommend a design that allows the child to use the car s lap shoulder belt Whichever style you select follow the booster seat manufacturer s instructions Sec...

Page 27: ...has three attachment points for tether style child seat They are located on the rear shelf U S Models Use the dimensions in the illustra tion to locate either of the outside attachment points you wan...

Page 28: ...e bottom of the bolt The supplied anchor plate is designed only for mounting a child restraint Do not use it for any other purpose Storing a Child Seat When you are not using an infant seat or other c...

Page 29: ...you know you are going to be drinking make plans to ride with a friend who will not be drinking What if you find that you ve been drinking and cannot get a ride from a friend Find alternative transpo...

Page 30: ...open run the engine only long enough to move the car out of the garage With the trunk lid open air flow can pull exhaust gas into your car s interior and create a hazardous condition If you must drive...

Page 31: ...ns shown They warn you of potential hazards that could cause serious injury Read these labels carefully and don t remove them If a label comes off or becomes hard to read contact your Honda dealer for...

Page 32: ...ns shown They warn you of potential hazards that could cause serious injury Read these labels carefully and don t remove them If a label comes off or becomes hard to read contact your Honda dealer for...

Page 33: ...ld Washers 45 Hazard Warning 45 Rear Window Defogger 45 Steering Wheel Adjustment 46 Steering Wheel Controls 48 Cruise Control 48 Keys and Locks 51 Keys 51 Ignition Switch 52 Door Locks 53 Power Door...

Page 34: ...and Controls DOOR LOCK SWITCH P 53 POWER WINDOW SWITCHES P 63 FUEL FILL DOOR RELEASE P 104 TRUNK RELEASE HANDLE P 54 HOOD RELEASE HANDLE P 105 AUDIO SYSTEM P 81 HEATING COOLING CONTROL P 74 DIGITAL CL...

Page 35: ...m develops a prob lem Have the dealer check your car for burned out bulbs or other problems The U S instrument panel is shown Differences for the Canadian model are noted in the text Instruments and C...

Page 36: ...on when the engine is running For complete information see page 216 Charging System Indicator If this light comes on when the engine is running the battery is not being charged For complete informati...

Page 37: ...lights repaired right away All the lights in the monitor display come on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition switch ON II Instruments and Controls Only on cars equipped with ABS see page 124...

Page 38: ...dicator lights when you turn the ignition to ON II with the headlight switch off and the parking brake set It should go off if you turn on the headlights or release the parking brake If it comes on at...

Page 39: ...ne Odometer The odometer shows the total dis tance your car has been driven It measures miles in U S models and kilometers in Canadian models It is illegal under federal law in the U S and provincial...

Page 40: ...g on curvy or hilly roads The gauge stays at the same fuel level reading after you turn off the ignition When you add fuel the gauge slowly changes to the new reading after you turn the ignition back...

Page 41: ...fogger switch is on the dashboard to the right of the steering column The controls under the left air vent are for the moonroof cruise control and instrument panel brightness The lever on the undersid...

Page 42: ...he turn signal lever until you hear a click then let go The blue high beam indicator will light see page 38 To flash the high beams pull back and hold the turn signal lever Release the lever and the h...

Page 43: ...n or lane change with this lever Push down on the lever to signal a left turn and up to signal a right turn If you push it up or down all the way the turn signal continues to blink even when you relea...

Page 44: ...o operate the wipers in mist mode push the control lever down The wipers run at high speed until you release the lever This gives you a quick way to clear the windshield Except for the U S DX model an...

Page 45: ...four outside turn signals and both indicators in the instrument panel to flash Use the hazard warning lights if you need to park in a dangerous area near heavy traffic or if your car is disabled Rear...

Page 46: ...an adjust the steering wheel height to suit your preference Do this before you begin driving 1 Adjust the seat so you are a comfortable distance from the pedals 2 The lever to tilt the steering wheel...

Page 47: ...l up or down to the desired position Position the wheel so you can see all the instrument panel gauges and warning lights Push the lever up to lock the steering wheel in that position 4 Make sure you...

Page 48: ...der those conditions The cruise control as it operates moves the accelerator pedal You can damage your car s accelerator mechanism by resting your foot under the pedal and blocking the movement Using...

Page 49: ...ch the desired cruising speed release the button Push on the accelerator pedal Ac celerate to the desired cruising speed and press the SET decel button You can decrease the set cruising speed in eithe...

Page 50: ...the instrument panel will go out and the car will begin to slow down You can use the accelerator pedal in the normal way If you use the brake or clutch pedal to cancel cruise control the system retain...

Page 51: ...he door locks You can keep the trunk trunk release handle trunk pass through cover and glove box locked when you leave your car and valet key at a parking facility see Trunk page 54 You should have re...

Page 52: ...y ACCESSORY I In this position you can operate the audio system and cigarette lighter ON II This is the normal key position when driving All features and accessories on the car are usable Several of t...

Page 53: ...ndle and push the lock tab down Release the handle then close the door The front doors can be locked and unlocked from the outside with the key Power Door Locks On LX LX V 6 EX and EX V 6 models in th...

Page 54: ...oors will unlock when you unlock the passenger s door with the key Childproof Door Locks The childproof door locks are designed to prevent children seated in the rear from accidentally opening the rea...

Page 55: ...Hazard on page 29 To protect items in the trunk when you need to give the key to someone else 1 Lock the trunk release handle with the master key 2 Give the person the valet key Glove Box Open the gl...

Page 56: ...models in Canada have manual seat adjust ments see page 58 The front passenger s seat in all Accord models adjusts manually Driver s Seat Power Adjustments On all V 6 models the 4 cylinder EX model w...

Page 57: ...tch to move the rear of the seat bottom up or down On the EX V 6 LX V 6 and EX in the U S and EX R V 6 EX V 6 and EX R in Canada Pull the center of the horizontal switch up to raise the seat Push it d...

Page 58: ...it is locked in position On DX LX and EX models in the U S and LX EX and EX R models in Canada To change the angle of the seat back pull up on the lever on the outside of the seat bottom Move the sea...

Page 59: ...rough its full range Head Restraints The front head restraints help protect you and your passenger from whiplash and other injuries They are most effective when you adjust them so the top of the restr...

Page 60: ...seat back Folding Rear Seat The back of the rear seat folds down giving you direct access to the trunk The seat back can be released from inside the car or inside the trunk To fold down the seat back...

Page 61: ...rear shoulder belts are positioned in front of the rear seat back whenever the seat back is in its upright position Make sure all items in the trunk or items extending through the opening into the ba...

Page 62: ...ou to reach small objects in the trunk from the interior Open the cover by sliding the knob downward and pulling on the cover To close the cover swing it up and push firmly on the top Make sure it lat...

Page 63: ...es the desired position To close the window push up on the window switch Release the switch when the window gets to the position you want The master control panel also con tains these extra features A...

Page 64: ...the ignition Opening either front door cancels the delay function You must turn the ignition ON II again before you can raise or lower the windows Moonroof On EX EX V 6 models in the U S and EX R EX...

Page 65: ...ith snow or ice you can damage the moonroof panel or motor Mirrors Keep the inside and outside mirrors clean and adjusted for best visibility Be sure to adjust the mirrors before you start driving The...

Page 66: ...on switch ON II 2 Move the selector switch to L driver s side or R passenger s side 3 Push the appropriate edge of the adjustment switch to move the mirror right left up or down 4 When you finish move...

Page 67: ...rking brake light on the instrument panel should go out when the parking brake is fully released see page 36 If you try to drive the car without releasing the parking brake the ABS cannot work properl...

Page 68: ...nd hold the H button until the hour advances to the desired time 4 Press and hold the M button until the numbers advance to the desired time You can use the RESET button to quickly set the time to the...

Page 69: ...pill when you go over bumps or around corners The inner liner can be removed if you want to hold a larger cup Be careful when you are using the beverage holder A spilled liquid that is very hot can sc...

Page 70: ...ging the lid down To remove it for emptying open the lid then pull the ashtray straight outward The rear ashtray is at the rear end of the center console Open the ashtray by swinging the upper edge of...

Page 71: ...spotlight by pushing the button next to each light Push the button again to turn it off You can use the spotlights at all times Courtesy Lights On LX LX V 6 EX and EX V 6 models in the U S and EX EX...

Page 72: ...at came with it Audio sound system is optional on the U S DX model The audio system is standard on the Anniversary Edition Heating and Cooling 74 What Each Control Does 74 How to Use the System 76 To...

Page 73: ...increases air flow Temperature Control Dial Turning this dial clockwise increases the temperature of the air flow Air Conditioning A C Button This button turns the air condi tioning ON and OFF The in...

Page 74: ...er vents in the dashboard Air flow is divided between the vents in the dashboard and the floor vents Air flows from the floor vents Air flow is divided between the floor vents and the defroster vents...

Page 75: ...o Use the System This section covers how to set up the system controls for ventilation heating cooling dehumidifying and defrosting The engine must be running for the heater and air conditioning to ge...

Page 76: ...nd cooling system are at the base of the windshield Keep these clear of leaves and other debris Ventilation The flow through ventilation system draws in outside air circulates it through the interior...

Page 77: ...ure control dial is all the way to the left 3 Set the fan to maximum speed 4 Open the windows partially Select and When the interior has cooled down to a more comfortable temperature close the windows...

Page 78: ...an on 2 Turn on the air conditioning 3 Select and 4 Adjust the temperature control dial so the mixture of heated and cooled air feels comfortable This setting is suitable for all driving conditions wh...

Page 79: ...ents The air flow will get warmer and clear the windows faster as the engine warms up You can close the side vents with the dial beside each vent This will send more warm air to the windshield defrost...

Page 80: ...udio system provides clear reception on both AM and FM bands while the preset buttons allow you to easily select your favorite stations The cassette player features auto reverse for continuous play SW...

Page 81: ...volume by turning the SW VOL BAL knob The band and frequency that the radio was last tuned to is displayed To change bands press the AM FM button On the FM band ST will be displayed if the station is...

Page 82: ...sed the system scans upward or down ward 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 si...

Page 83: ...rength Adjust the Fader to your liking by turning the outside ring Adjust the Balance by pulling out the SW VOL BAL knob and turning it Treble Bass Use these controls to adjust the tone to your liking...

Page 84: ...ow 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 Fast Forward Rewind buttons at the same time...

Page 85: ...ly To take the system out of fast forward press REW briefly If the system reaches the end of the tape while in fast forward or rewind it automatically stops that function reverses direction and begins...

Page 86: ...o was last tuned to is displayed To change bands press the AM FM button On the FM band ST will be displayed if the station is broadcast ing in stereo Stereo reproduction on AM is not available You can...

Page 87: ...tore 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 preset frequencies will be lost if your veh...

Page 88: ...he preset buttons to select those stations If you are in a remote area Auto Select may not find six strong AM stations or twelve strong FM stations If this happens you will see a 0 displayed when you...

Page 89: ...controls to adjust the tone to your liking Push on the controls to get them to pop out Adjust the Bass by turning the outer ring Adjust the Treble by turning the knob Push the controls back in when y...

Page 90: ...ependent on many factors such as the distance from the station s transmitter nearby large objects and atmos pheric conditions A radio station s signal gets weaker as you get farther away from its tran...

Page 91: ...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...

Page 92: ...ignition switch Tape Search Functions With a cassette playing you can use the FF REW TMS or REPEAT function to find a desired program FF REW Fast Forward and Rewind move the tape rapidly Push the FF...

Page 93: ...he button again The TMS and REPEAT 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 sele...

Page 94: ...ger than 100 minutes use thinner tape that may break or jam the drive 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...

Page 95: ...tructions that came with the changer load the desired CDs in the magazine and load the magazine in the changer U S Anniversary Edition LX LX V 6 Canada EX EX V 6 ON OFF VOL KNOB RPT INDICATOR To opera...

Page 96: ...S EX EX V 6 Canada EX R EX R V 6 RANDOM PLAY This feature when activated plays the tracks on a CD in random order rather than in the order they are recorded on the CD To activate Random Play press th...

Page 97: ...age keep CDs out of direct sunlight and extreme heat To clean a disc use a clean soft cloth Wipe across the disc from the center to the outside edge A new CD may be rough on the inner and outer edges...

Page 98: ...ndications If you see an error indication in the display while in CD mode find the cause in the chart to the right If you cannot clear the error indication take the car to your Honda dealer Comfort an...

Page 99: ...ou must obtain the code number from your Honda dealer To do this you will need the system s serial number If your car s battery is disconnected or goes dead the audio system will disable itself If thi...

Page 100: ...This section will help you If you plan to add any accesso ries to your car please read the information in this section first Break in Period 102 Gasoline 102 Oxygenated Fuels 102 Driving in Foreign C...

Page 101: ...ause 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...

Page 102: ...tch 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...

Page 103: ...ap on the inside of the door as shown 4 Stop filling the tank after the fuel pump automatically clicks off Do not try to top off the tank leave some room for the fuel to expand with temperature change...

Page 104: ...Slide your hand to the left until you feel the hood latch handle Push this handle up until it releases the hood Lift the hood 4 cylinder models 3 Pull the support rod out of its clip and insert the e...

Page 105: ...and hold it up To close the hood lower it and press down firmly with your hands Oil Check Check the engine oil level every time you fill the car with fuel Wait at least two minutes after turning the e...

Page 106: ...Service Station Procedures 2 Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth or paper towel 3 Insert it all the way back in its tube CONTINUED Before Driving 4 cylinder models 6 cylinder models...

Page 107: ...e coolant level in the radiator reserve tank Make sure it is between the MAX and MIN lines If it is below the MIN line see Adding Engine Coolant on page 152 for information on adding the proper coolan...

Page 108: ...pid acceler ation abrupt cornering and hard braking use more fuel Always drive in the highest gear that allows the engine to run and acceler ate smoothly Depending on traffic conditions try to maintai...

Page 109: ...systems including the SRS system the engine s fuel injection and the Anti lock brake system Strong electronic inter ference can affect their operation Electronic communications equip ment such as cel...

Page 110: ...umber is the total weight of cargo you can load in or on the car With five occupants driver and four passengers the maximum recom mended weight for cargo is 45 kg 100 Ibs Where you store this cargo an...

Page 111: ...an ning to tow a trailer Preparing to Drive 114 Starting the Engine 115 Starting in Cold Weather at High Altitude 116 5 speed Manual Transmission 117 Recommended Shift Points 117 Maximum Speeds 118 Au...

Page 112: ...ng with you inside are stored properly or fastened down securely 5 Check the adjustment of the seat see page 56 6 Check the adjustment of the inside and outside mirrors see page 65 7 Check the adjustm...

Page 113: ...n START III for more than 15 seconds at a time Pause for at least 10 seconds before trying again 5 If the engine does not start within 15 seconds or starts but stalls right away repeat step 4 with the...

Page 114: ...he drain on the battery 2 Push the accelerator pedal half way to the floor and hold it there while starting the engine Do not hold the ignition key in START III for more than 15 seconds When the engin...

Page 115: ...e car moving You can get extra braking from the engine when slowing down by shifting to a lower gear This extra braking can help you maintain a safe speed and prevent your brakes from overheating whil...

Page 116: ...in and out This is caused by a limiter in the engine s computer controls The engine will run normally when you reduce the RPM below the red zone U S DX Canada LX EX U S LX U S EX Canada EX R Automatic...

Page 117: ...on of the shift lever It also indicates a possible problem in the transmission if the D4 indicator light flashes The shift lever has seven positions It must be in Park or Neutral to start the engine W...

Page 118: ...an remove the key from the ignition switch Reverse R To shift to Reverse from Park see the explanation under Park To shift to Reverse from Neutral come to a complete stop and then shift Press the rele...

Page 119: ...de of the shift lever This position locks the transmission in second gear It does not downshift to first gear when you come to a stop Second gives you more power when climbing and increased engine bra...

Page 120: ...o move the shift lever out of Park if the normal method of pushing on the brake pedal and pressing the release button does not work 1 Set the Parking brake 2 Remove the key from the ignition switch 3...

Page 121: ...ately to see if they feel normal If not apply them gently and frequently until they do Since a longer distance is needed to stop with wet brakes be extra cautious and alert in your driving Brake Wear...

Page 122: ...he ABS is always On It requires no special effort or driving technique You will feel a pulsation in the brake pedal when the ABS activates Activation varies with the amount of traction your tires have...

Page 123: ...ve in bad weather The cruise control should not be used in these condi tions Driving Technique Always drive slower than you would in dry weather It takes your car longer to react even in conditions th...

Page 124: ...ar and proper pressure Both are important in preventing hydroplaning loss of traction on a wet surface In the winter mount snow tires on all four wheels for the best handling Watch road conditions car...

Page 125: ...d the front and 40 toward the rear Never load the trailer so the back is heavier than the front This takes weight off your car s rear axle and reduces traction The combined weight of the car all passe...

Page 126: ...ver use a hitch that mounts only to the rear bumper The bumper is not designed to handle that type of load The hitch should bolt to the underbody of the car and distribute the load over a wide area Al...

Page 127: ...ht of 450 kg 1 000 Ibs do not have their own braking system If you are thinking of getting a trailer that does have brakes make sure they are electrically operated There are no provisions in your car...

Page 128: ...ou are preparing to tow your trailer do the following Measure the trailer s tongue load You can do this with a bathroom scale Verify that the hitch and safety chain are securely fastened Check the con...

Page 129: ...d and steer straight ahead If there is too much wind buffeting slow down to get out of the other vehicle s air turbulence Towing a trailer puts an extra load on your car You should have your car servi...

Page 130: ...s into the curb set the parking brake firmly and put the transmission in 1st or Reverse manual or Park automatic In addition place wheel chocks at each of the trailer s tires Backing up with a trailer...

Page 131: ...odic Checks 142 Fluid Locations 143 Engine Oil 145 Checking Engine Oil 145 Adding Oil 146 Recommended Oil 146 Synthetic Oil 148 Additives 148 Oil and Filter Changes 148 Cooling System 151 Checking the...

Page 132: ...chanic Some of the most important safety precautions are given in the next page However we cannot warn you of every conceivable hazard that can arise in performing maintenance Only you can decide whet...

Page 133: ...engine and exhaust system cool before touching any parts Injury from moving parts Do not run the engine unless in structed to do so Read the instructions before you begin and make sure you have the t...

Page 134: ...ess stress on the engine brakes and many other parts of your car The load limit is shown on the label on the driver s doorjamb Operate your car on reasonable roads within the legal speed limit Drive y...

Page 135: ...e 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 perfomance and durabil...

Page 136: ...page do not apply For Canadian Owners This Maintenance Schedule outlines the minimum required maintenance that you should perform to ensure the trouble free operation of your vehicle Due to regional...

Page 137: ...driving less than 16 km 10 miles per trip Driving in extremely hot over 90 F 32 C conditions Extensive idling or long periods of stop and go driving Trailer towing driving with a car top carrier or dr...

Page 138: ...Required Maintenance Record Maintenance Have your servicing dealer record all Required Maintenance below Keep receipts for all work done on your car...

Page 139: ...Non Scheduled Maintenance Record Record additional maintenance for severe driving conditions or non scheduled maintenance on this page see page 139 Maintenance...

Page 140: ...ers frequently check the reservoir each time you stop for fuel See page 158 Automatic transmission Check the fluid level monthly See page 159 Brakes clutch and power steering Check the fluid level mon...

Page 141: ...LUID Gray cap ENGINE OIL FILL CAP COOLANT RESERVOIR AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID DIPSTICK Yellow loop 5 M T only CLUTCH FLUID Gray cap ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK Orange loop ANTI LOCK BRAKE RESERVOIR Gray ca...

Page 142: ...inder Models ENGINE OIL FILL CAP ANTI LOCK BRAKE RESERVOIR POWER STEERING FLUID Red cap ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK Orange loop BRAKE FLUID Gray cap COOLANT RESERVOIR AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID DIPSTICK Yel...

Page 143: ...el ground 1 Pull out the dipstick orange loop and wipe it with a cloth or paper towel 2 Insert it all the way back in its tube 3 Pull it out again and look at the oil level at the end of the dipstick...

Page 144: ...l cap Tighten it securely Wait a few minutes and recheck the oil level Do not fill above the upper mark you could damage the engine Recommended Oil Oil is a major contributor to your engine s performa...

Page 145: ...I Service label also tells you the service classification of the oil Always use an oil that says API Service SH This service rating may also include other designations such as CD These additional clas...

Page 146: ...itives Your Honda does not need any oil additives Purchasing additives for the engine or transmission will not increase your car s performance or longevity It only increases the cost of operating your...

Page 147: ...e remaining oil drain A special wrench available from your Honda dealer is required to remove the filter 4 Install a new oil filter according to instructions that come with it 5 Put a new washer on th...

Page 148: ...within five seconds If it does not turn off the engine and reinspect your work 8 Let the engine run for several minutes and check the drain bolt and oil filter for leaks 9 Turn off the engine let it s...

Page 149: ...ing system for leaks This coolant should always be a mixture of 50 antifreeze and 50 water Never add straight antifreeze or plain water Always use Genuine Honda Anti freeze Coolant The cooling system...

Page 150: ...t pressing down on it until it stops This relieves any pressure remaining in the cooling system 3 Remove the radiator cap by pushing down and turning counterclockwise Maintenance Removing the radiator...

Page 151: ...oling system They may not be compatible with the coolant or engine compo nents Replacing Engine Coolant The cooling system should be completely drained and refilled with new coolant according to the t...

Page 152: ...ke sure the engine and radiator are cool to the touch 2 Remove the radiator cap 4 cylinder models 3 Loosen the drain plug on the bottom of the radiator The coolant will drain through the splash guard...

Page 153: ...ight up Drain the coolant then put the tank back in its holder 5 When the coolant stops draining tighten the drain plug in the bottom of the radiator Apply non hardening sealant to the drain bolt thre...

Page 154: ...into the radiator up to the base of the filler neck 8 Loosen the bleeder bolt on top of the engine Tighten it again when coolant comes out in a steady stream with no bubbles 9 Refill the radiator to...

Page 155: ...eserve tank to the MAX mark Install the reserve tank cap Maintenance BLEEDER BOLT 6 cylinder models RESERVE TANK 4 cylinder models RESERVE TANK 6 cylinder models Removing the radiator cap while the en...

Page 156: ...s fluid level by removing the cap and looking at the float It should be up to the top of the neck If the float is at the bottom of the neck the reservoir is nearly empty Fill the reservoir with a goo...

Page 157: ...pstick and check the fluid level It should be between the upper and lower marks 5 If the level is below the lower mark add fluid into the tube to bring it to the upper mark Use Honda Premium Formula A...

Page 158: ...pstick and check the fluid level It should be between the upper and lower marks 5 If the level is below the lower mark add fluid into the tube to bring it to the upper mark Use Honda Premium Formula A...

Page 159: ...h a viscosity of SAE 10W 30 or 10W 40 temporarily Motor oil can cause increased trans mission wear and higher shifting effort so you should have the trans mission drained and refilled with Honda MTF a...

Page 160: ...o the MAX mark use Genuine Honda Brake Fluid or an equivalent from a sealed container that is marked DOT3 or DOT4 only Brake fluid marked DOT5 is not compatible with your car s braking system Anti loc...

Page 161: ...indicate a leak in the clutch system Have this system inspected as soon as possible Power Steering You should check the fluid level in the power steering reservoir monthly Check the level when the eng...

Page 162: ...holding it there can damage the power steering pump Air Cleaner The air cleaner element should be cleaned or replaced according to the time and distance recommendations in the maintenance schedule Cl...

Page 163: ...d push it away from the air cleaner 3 Loosen the four bolts and remove the air cleaner housing cover 4 Remove the old air cleaner element Clean the inside of the air cleaner housing with a damp rag 5...

Page 164: ...from the air cleaner 2 Loosen the four bolts and remove the air cleaner housing cover 3 Remove the old air cleaner element Clean the inside of the air cleaner housing with a damp rag 4 Place the new a...

Page 165: ...eplacement 1 Clean up any dirt and oil around the spark plug caps 2 Remove the spark plug cap by pulling it straight out 3 Remove the spark plug with a 16 mm 5 8 inch spark plug socket 4 Put the new s...

Page 166: ...N m 1 8 kgf m 13 Ibf ft Tighten the spark plugs carefully A spark plug that is too loose can overheat and damage the engine Overtightening can cause damage to the threads in the cylinder head 6 Insta...

Page 167: ...eplacement 1 Clean up any dirt and oil around the spark plug caps 2 Remove the spark plug cap by pulling it straight out 3 Remove the spark plug using a 16 mm 5 8 inch spark plug socket 4 Put the new...

Page 168: ...N m 1 8 kgf m 13 Ibf ft Tighten the spark plugs carefully A spark plug that is too loose can overheat and damage the engine Overtightening can cause damage to the threads in the cylinder head 6 Insta...

Page 169: ...y call a physician or 911 Skin Remove contaminated clothing Flush the skin with large quantities of water Call a physician immediately Swallowing Drink water or milk Call your local Poison Control Cen...

Page 170: ...ry off the battery with a cloth or paper towel Coat the terminals with grease to help prevent future corrosion If the terminals are severely cor roded clean them with baking soda and water Then use a...

Page 171: ...display Use the Preset buttons to enter the five digit code see page 100 Charging the battery with the cables connected can seriously damage your car s electronic controls Detach the battery cables b...

Page 172: ...hat are getting hard Replace the blades if you find these signs or they leave streaks and unwiped areas when used To replace 1 Raise the wiper arm off the windshield 2 Disconnect the blade assembly fr...

Page 173: ...r metal rein forcement along the back edge remove the metal reinforcement strips from the old wiper blade and install them in the slots along the edge of the new blade 5 Slide the new wiper blade into...

Page 174: ...low pressure spray or soft bristle brush to clean them Run the air conditioning at least once a week during the cold weather months Run it for at least ten minutes while you are driving at a steady s...

Page 175: ...ns of wear or looseness have your dealer adjust or replace the belts Tires To safely operate your car your tires must be the proper type and size in good condition with adequate tread and correctly in...

Page 176: ...y are cold This means the car has been parked for at least three hours If you have to drive the car before checking the tire pressure the tires can still be considered cold if you drive less than 1 6...

Page 177: ...you find either of these conditions Cuts splits or cracks in the side of the tire Replace the tire if you can see fabric or tread Excessive tread wear Your car s tires have wear indicators molded int...

Page 178: ...bute wear more evenly you should have the tires rotated every 12 000 km 7 500 miles Move the tires to the positions shown in the chart each time they are rotated When shopping for replacement tires yo...

Page 179: ...your car Replacement wheels are available at your Honda dealer Wheels and Tires Wheel U S DX Canada LX 14x5J U S LX Canada EX 15 x 5 1 2 JJ U S EX Canada EX R 15 x 5 1 2 JJ U S LX V 6 Canada EX V 6 15...

Page 180: ...your car s original equipment tires You should drive cautiously even when the roads are clear Check with the tire dealer for maximum speed recommenda tions Tire Chains Mount snow chains on your car wh...

Page 181: ...ght Side marker lights Daytime running lights Canadian cars If you find any bulbs are burned out replace them as soon as possible Refer to the chart on page 231 to determine what type of replacement b...

Page 182: ...al connector from the bulb by squeezing the connector to unlock the tab while you push down on the connector 3 Remove the bulb by turning it one quarter turn counterclockwise 4 Insert the new bulb int...

Page 183: ...se 4 Remove the burned out bulb from the socket by pulling it straight out of its socket 5 Install the new bulb in the socket 6 Push the bulb holder into the turn signal assembly and turn it clockwise...

Page 184: ...lockwise to remove it from the lens 4 Pull the bulb straight out of its socket Push the new bulb straight into the socket until it bottoms 5 Put the bulb holder back into its hole in the lens and turn...

Page 185: ...or turn signal 3 Remove the socket by turning it one quarter turn counterclockwise 4 Remove the burned out bulb from the socket by pulling it straight out of its socket 5 Install the new bulb in the s...

Page 186: ...back up light 3 Remove the socket by turning it one quarter turn counterclockwise 4 Remove the burned out bulb from the socket by pulling it straight out of its socket 5 Install the new bulb in the s...

Page 187: ...ding the assembly backwards 3 Remove the socket from the light assembly by turning it counter clockwise 4 Remove the bulb from the socket by pulling it straight out Install the new bulb Turn on the he...

Page 188: ...by pulling it straight out of the socket 3 Install the new bulb and reinstall the socket Make sure the new bulb is working Replacing a Rear License Bulb 1 Remove the two screws and remove the license...

Page 189: ...the lens by carefully prying on the edge of the lens with a fingernail file or a small flat tip screwdriver Do not pry on the edge of the housing around the lens Door light Not available on the U S D...

Page 190: ...V 6 EX R and EX R V 6 models On U S EX EX V 6 EX and EX V 6 models and Canadian EX EX V 6 EX R and EX R V 6 models On U S Anniversary Edition LX LX V 6 EX and EX V 6 models and Canadian EX EX V 6 EX R...

Page 191: ...of the lens with a fingernail file or a small flat tip screwdriver Do not pry on the edge of the housing around the lens 2 Remove the bulb by pulling it straight out of its metal tabs 3 Push the new...

Page 192: ...slightly if the car is being stored indoors Disconnect the battery Support the front wiper blade arms with a folded towel or rag so they do not touch the windshield Apply a silicone spray lubricant t...

Page 193: ...ance the paint bright work wheels and interior Also included are several things you can do to help prevent corrosion Exterior Care 196 Washing 196 Waxing 197 Aluminum Wheels 197 Paint Touch up 198 Int...

Page 194: ...ishwashing liquid or a product made especially for car washing Wash the car using the water and detergent solution and a soft bristle brush sponge or soft cloth Start at the top and work your way down...

Page 195: ...They normally contain mild abrasives and solvents that remove the top layer of the finish You should use a polish on your Honda if the finish does not have its original shine after using a wax Cleanin...

Page 196: ...mb Take this code to your dealer so you are sure to get the correct color Inspect your car for frequently for chips or scratches in the paint Repair them right away to prevent corrosion of the metal u...

Page 197: ...hidden area of the fabric first to make sure it does not bleach or stain the fabric Follow the instructions that come with the cleaner Vinyl Remove dirt and dust with a vacuum cleaner Wipe the vinyl w...

Page 198: ...f one part white vinegar to ten parts water This will remove the haze that builds up on the inside of the windows Use a soft cloth or paper towels to clean all glass and clear plastic surfaces The rea...

Page 199: ...the paint as soon as you discover them Inspect and clean out the drain holes in the bottom of the doors and body Check the floor coverings for dampness Carpeting and floor mats may remain damp for a l...

Page 200: ...e Once installed they do not give the same high quality appearance When reporting your collision to the insurance company tell them you want genuine Honda parts used in the repair Although most insure...

Page 201: ...you may be able to get going again If not you will also find instructions on getting your car towed Compact Spare Tire 204 Changing a Flat Tire 205 If Your Engine Won t Start 210 Nothing Happens 210...

Page 202: ...traction on some road sur faces than the regular tire Use greater caution while driving on this tire Do not mount snow chains on the compact spare The wheel of the compact spare tire is designed espec...

Page 203: ...n to LOCK 0 2 Put the transmission in Park automatic or Reverse manual Set the parking brake Have your passengers get out of the vehicle 3 Open the trunk Raise the trunk floor by lifting up on the bac...

Page 204: ...der Remove the cover by turning the handle clockwise then pulling on the cover 7 Turn the jack s end bracket counterclockwise to loosen it then remove the jack 8 Loosen the four wheel nuts 1 2 turn wi...

Page 205: ...the jacking point tab is resting in the jack notch 10 Use the extension and wheel wrench as shown to raise the car until the flat tire is off the ground 11 Remove the wheel nuts and flat tire Tempora...

Page 206: ...hub with a cloth 13 Put on the spare tire Put the wheel nuts back on finger tight then tighten them in a crisscross pattern with the wheel wrench until the wheel is firmly against the hub Do not try t...

Page 207: ...emove the spacer cone from the wing bolt turn it over and put it back on the bolt 18 Secure the flat tire by screwing the wing bolt back into its hole 19 Store the jack in its holder Turn the jack s e...

Page 208: ...floor or the starter will not operate With an automatic transmission it must be in Park or Neutral Turn the ignition switch to ON II Turn on the headlights and check their brightness If the headlight...

Page 209: ...ooster battery Although this seems like a simple procedure there are several precautions you should take Follow the directions closely You cannot start a Honda with an automatic transmission by pushin...

Page 210: ...second jumper cable to the negative terminal on the booster battery Connect the other end to the grounding strap as shown Do not connect this jumper cable to any other part of the engine 5 If the boo...

Page 211: ...hey have good metal to metal contact 7 Once your car is running discon nect the negative cable from your car then from the booster battery Disconnect the positive cable from your car then the booster...

Page 212: ...take immediate action 1 Safely pull to the side of the road Put the transmission in neutral or park and set the parking brake Turn off the heating and cooling system and all other accessories Turn on...

Page 213: ...nterclockwise without pushing down to the first stop This releases any remaining pressure in the cooling system After the pressure releases push down on the cap and turn it until it comes off 10 Start...

Page 214: ...off the engine as soon as you can safely get the car stopped 1 Safely pull off the road and shut off the engine 2 Let the car sit for a minute Open the hood and check the oil level see page 145 Altho...

Page 215: ...ear defogger cruise control etc Try not to use other electrically operated controls such as the power windows Keep the engine running and take extra care not to stall it Starting the engine will disch...

Page 216: ...ngine damage If this indicator light comes on have your car checked by the dealer as soon as possible Drive moderately until the dealer has inspected the problem Avoid full throttle accelera tion and...

Page 217: ...f the new fuse blows immediately or the moonroof motor still does not operate you can close the moonroof manually 3 Get the tool kit out of the trunk 4 Use a screwdriver or coin to remove the round pl...

Page 218: ...ted in two or three fuse boxes The interior fuse box is underneath the dashboard on the driver s side To open it turn the knob as shown The under hood fuse box is located in the front of the engine co...

Page 219: ...e or fuses control that component Check those fuses first but check all the fuses before deciding that is not the cause Replace any blown fuses and check the component s operation 1 Turn the ignition...

Page 220: ...uch as the cigarette lighter or radio If you replace the blown fuse with a spare fuse that has a lower rating it might blow out again This does not indicate anything wrong Replace the fuse with one of...

Page 221: ...BOX 1 On Canadian cars 2 U S EX LX V 6 and EX V 6 Canada EX R EX V 6 EX R V 6 3 U S LX V 6 EX V 6 Canada EX V 6 EX R V 6 4 U S EX LX V 6 and EX V 6 Canada EX R EX V 6 and EX R V 6 CONTINUED Taking Ca...

Page 222: ...Fuses ABS FUSE BOX INTERIOR FUSE BOX Taking Care of the Unexpected...

Page 223: ...ur car s suspension and body can be seriously damaged if this method of towing is attempted If your Honda cannot be transported by flat bed it should be towed with the front wheels off the ground If d...

Page 224: ...ation 234 Wheel Size Designation 234 Tire Speed Ratings 234 Tire Pressure Adjustment For High Speed Driving 235 DOT Tire Quality Grading 235 Treadwear 235 Traction 236 Temperature 236 Emission Control...

Page 225: ...icensing and insuring your car The easiest place to find the VIN is on a plate fastened to the top of the dashboard You can see it by looking through the windshield on the driver s side It is also on...

Page 226: ...ne block It is on the front The Transmission Number is on a label on top of the transmission Technical Information 4 Cylinder Models AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION NUMBER MANUAL TRANSMISSION NUMBER ENGINE NUM...

Page 227: ...and that remaining in the engine Reserve tank capacity 0 6 0 16 US gal 0 13 Imp gal 2 Excluding the oil remaining in the engine 3 U S EX Canada EX R 4 6 cylinder models 1 6 cylinder models 2 U S DX L...

Page 228: ...Specifications Technical Information CONTINUED pages 168 and 170 page 223 page 224...

Page 229: ...U S DX Canada LX 2 U S LX Canada EX 3 U S EX Canada EX R 4 6 cylinder models 5 U S DX LX without ABS Canada LX EX without ABS 6 U S LX with ABS EX Canada EX Automatic Transmission with ABS EX R Techn...

Page 230: ...s the pulse frequencies from the four wheels When the control unit detects a wheel locking up it energizes the appropriate solenoid in the modulator solenoid unit There are six solenoids two for each...

Page 231: ...Index a numerical code associated with the maximum load the tire can carry S Speed Rating Symbol See the speed rating chart in this section for additional information Wheel Size Designation Wheels ar...

Page 232: ...r meet all U S Federal Safety Requirements All tires are also graded for treadwear traction and temperature perform ance according to Department of Transportation DOT standards The following explains...

Page 233: ...ssipate 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 ex...

Page 234: ...them This section summarizes how the emission controls work Scheduled maintenance is on page 138 In Canada Honda vehicles comply with the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards CMVSS for Emissions va...

Page 235: ...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 f...

Page 236: ...lace It can set on fire any com bustible materials that come near it Park your car away from high grass dry leaves or other flammables A defective three way catalytic converter contributes to air poll...

Page 237: ...omer Relations Warranty Coverages 242 Customer Relations Information 243 U S Zone Office Map 244 Canada Zone Office Map 245 Reporting Safety Defects U S Cars 246 Authorized Manuals 247 Warranty and Cu...

Page 238: ...me 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 accessoiy and other factors Please re...

Page 239: ...this way If you are dissatisfied with the decision made by the dealership s management contact your Honda Customer Relations Zone Office Refer to the U S and Canadian Zone Office maps on the followin...

Page 240: ...ne 902 Wind River Ln Suite 200 Gaithersburg Maryland 20878 301 990 2020 Southeastern Zone 1500 Morrison Parkway Alpharetta Georgia 30201 770 442 2045 North Central Zone 601 Campus Drive Suite A 9 Arli...

Page 241: ...278 7121 Central Zone Honda Canada Inc 715 Milner Avenue Scarborough Ontario M1B2K8 416 299 3400 Quebec Zone Honda Canada Inc 1750 rue Eiffel Boucherville Quebec J4B 7W1 514 655 6161 Atlantic Zone Hon...

Page 242: ...tion 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...

Page 243: ...ressure Tires 178 Alcohol and Drugs 28 Alcohol in Gasoline 102 Antifreeze 151 Anti lock Brakes ABS Description 233 Indicator Light 37 124 Operation 124 Anti theft Steering Column Lock 52 Appearance Ca...

Page 244: ...nging a Flat Tire 205 Changing Engine Coolant 153 Charging System Indicator 36 217 Check Engine Light 37 Checking Automatic Transmission Fluid 159 Battery Condition 171 Brake Fluid 162 Clutch Fluid 16...

Page 245: ...reign Countries 103 Economy Fuel 109 Emergencies on the Road 203 Battery Jump Starting 211 Changing a Flat Tire 205 Charging System Indicator 217 Check Engine Eight 218 Checking the Fuses 221 Low Oil...

Page 246: ...ams Turning on 42 Low Beams Turning on 42 Reminder Chime 42 Replacing Halogen Bulbs 183 Turning on 42 Head Restraints 59 Heating and Cooling 74 High Altitude Starting at 116 High Low Beam Switch 42 Ho...

Page 247: ...l 43 Loading Cargo 111 LOCK Ignition Key Position 52 Locks Anti theft Steering Column 52 Fuel Fill Door 104 Glove Box 55 Power Door 53 Trunk 54 Low Coolant Level 151 Lower Gear Downshifting to a 117 L...

Page 248: ...6 Steering 163 Windows 63 Pregnancy Using Seat Belts 11 Proper Seat Belt Usage 7 Radiator Overheating 214 Radio Cassette Sound System 81 Rear End Towing 225 Rear Eights Bulb Replacement 191 Rear Seat...

Page 249: ...ontrol 48 Speedometer 39 SRS Indicator 17 37 START Ignition Key Position 52 Starting the Engine 115 In Cold Weather at High Altitude 116 With a Dead Battery 211 Steam Coming from Engine 214 Steering W...

Page 250: ...oline 102 Upholstery Cleaning 199 Used Oil How to Dispose of 150 Vanity Mirror 69 Vehicle Capacity Load 111 Vehicle Dimensions 230 Vehicle Identification Number 228 Vehicle Storage 194 VIN 228 Vinyl C...

Page 251: ...oil SAE 5W 30 viscosity Tire Pressure measured cold DX LX EX EX R Front Rear 220 kPa 2 2 kgf cm 2 32 psi LX V 6 EXV 6 EX RV 6 Front 220 kPa 2 2 kgf cm 2 32 psi Rear 200 kPa 2 0 kgf cm 2 29 psi Spare...

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Summary of Contents for 1996 Accord

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Honda 1996 Accord, Owner'S Manual

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Summary of Contents for 1996 Accord

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