Honda 1997 Prelude Owner'S Manual Download Page 238

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Index

Accessories

Installation..................................

105

ACCESSORY (Ignition Key

Position)........................................

Accessory Power Socket................

Active Torque Transfer System

(ATTS)

Indicator................................

125

Operation....................................

125

Adding

Automatic Transmission

Fluid........................................

156

Brake Fluid.................................

158

Clutch Fluid................................

159

Engine Coolant...........................

150

Engine Oil...................................

146

Manual Transmission Fluid.....

157

Power Steering Fluid.................

159

Windshield Washer Fluid.........

155

Additional Safety Information........

Door Locks...................................

Driving with Pets.........................

Head Restraint Position..............

Seat-back Position........................

Storing Cargo Safely...................

Additives, Engine Oil.....................

147

Adjustments

Headlights..................................

176

Head Restraints...........................

Mirrors..........................................

Seats..............................................

Steering Wheel............................

Airbag (SRS)....................................

Air Cleaner Element......................

160

Air Conditioning...............................

Maintenance...............................

168

Usage.............................................

Air Outlets (Vents)..........................

Air Pressure, Tires........................

170

High Speed Driving...................

229

Normal Driving..........................

171

Alcohol and Drugs...........................

Alcohol in Gasoline..........................

Antifreeze.......................................

150

Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)

Indicator Light....................

124

Operation....................................

122

Anti-theft Steering Column

Lock...............................................

Appearance Care...........................

191

Ashtrays (Optional).........................

Audio System...................................

Automatic Speed Control................

Automatic Transmission...............

112

Capacity, Fluid...........................

226

Checking Fluid Level................

156

Sequential SportShift Mode.....

115

Shifting........................................

113

Shift Lever Position Indicator..

112

Shift Lever Positions.................

113

Shift Lock Release.....................

119

Battery

Charging System

Indicator............................

213

Jump

Starting.............................

208

Maintenance...............................

163

Specifications.............................

227

Before Driving.................................

Belts, Seat..........................................

. 5

Beverage Holder..............................

Body Repair....................................

197

CONTINUED

Main Menu

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Summary of Contents for 1997 Prelude

Page 1: ...n your new vehicle and how to load luggage and other cargo Driving 107 The proper way to start the engine shift the transmission and park plus towing a trailer Maintenance 135 The Maintenance Schedule...

Page 2: ...d the coverages and are aware of your rights and responsibilities Maintaining your vehicle according to the schedules given in this manual helps to keep your driving trouble free while it preserves yo...

Page 3: ...judgement You will find important safety information in a variety of forms including Safety Labels on the vehicle Safety Messages preceded by a safety alert symbol and one of three signal words DANGER...

Page 4: ...acts About Airbags 11 How the Driver s Airbag Works 12 How the Passenger s Airbag Works 13 How the SRS Indicator Light Works 14 System Service 14 System Service Precautions 15 Additional Safety Inform...

Page 5: ...ing 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 from being ac...

Page 6: ...d larger children All infants and small children must be properly restrained in child safety seats see page 18 A pregnant woman needs to wear a seat belt to protect herself and her unborn child see pa...

Page 7: ...t and across your hips Each lap shoulder belt has 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 coll...

Page 8: ...le still allowing you to maintain full control of the vehicle Make sure the seat back is upright see page 16 The front seat passenger should move the seat as far back as possible 1 Pull the latch plat...

Page 9: ...ce of a crash 4 Pull up on the shoulder part of the belt to remove any slack Make sure the belt goes over your collarbone and across your chest To unlatch the seat belt push the red PRESS button on th...

Page 10: ...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 fully and look for frays cut...

Page 11: ...Emergency backup power in case your car s electrical system is disconnected in a crash What Happens In a Crash If you ever have a severe frontal collision the sensors will detect rapid deceleration an...

Page 12: ...y once They cannot protect you during any additional impacts that can occur during a crash sequence Injuries including fatal injuries can occur in a severe collision even if seat belts are worn proper...

Page 13: ...brasions or other injuries To reduce the possibility of injury you should always sit back as far from the steering wheel as practical while still maintaining full vehicle control After the bag complet...

Page 14: ...nt 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 seat We strongly rec...

Page 15: ...re driving If you see any of these 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 restra...

Page 16: ...ags to inflate inadver tently possibly injuring someone very seriously Tell anyone who works on your car that you have a supplemental restraint system Failure to follow the procedures and precautions...

Page 17: ...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 under the belt i...

Page 18: ...jure his knees For information on loading cargo see page 106 Driving with Pets Loose pets can be a hazard while you are driving An unrestrained pet can interfere with your ability to drive the car In...

Page 19: ...ag inflates it can hit the infant seat with great force The infant seat can be dislodged or struck with enough force to cause very serious injury to the infant If a toddler seat is used in the front p...

Page 20: ...seat The seat must meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 FMVSS 213 or Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards Look for the manufac turer s statement of compliance on the box and seat Use a se...

Page 21: ...he car with a lap shoulder belt Be sure to follow the instructions for securing a child seat with a lap shoulder belt on page 22 We strongly recommend that you do not put an infant seat in the front p...

Page 22: ...Restraining a Child Who Weighs Over 40 Ibs 18 kg We recommend that whenever possible a child who has outgrown a toddler seat ride in the rear seat and use a lap shoulder belt Put the lap shoulder belt...

Page 23: ...ed back into the retractor You should hear a clicking noise that indicates the locking mechanism has engaged 5 After the belt has retracted fully pull up on the shoulder portion to remove any slack 6...

Page 24: ...hor plate and mounting hardware for a top tether are supplied with the car When install ing make sure the toothed washer is on the bottom of the bolt The supplied anchor plate is designed only for mou...

Page 25: ...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 transpor tation Call...

Page 26: ...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 with the trunk lid...

Page 27: ...of potential hazards that could cause serious injury Read these labels carefully and don t remove them If a label comes off or becomes hard to read contact your Honda dealer for a replacement Driver a...

Page 28: ...Washers 41 Hazard Warning 41 Rear Window Defogger 41 Steering Wheel Adjustment 42 Steering Wheel Controls 43 Cruise Control 43 Keys and Locks 46 Keys 46 Learning Key 47 Immobilizer System 47 Ignition...

Page 29: ...WINDOW SWITCHES P 58 FUEL FILL DOOR RELEASE P 100 DOOR LOCK SWITCHES P 50 DIGITAL CLOCK P 63 TRUNK RELEASE HANDLE P 51 HOOD RELEASE HANDLE P 101 COOLING CONTROLS P 70 AUDIO SYSTEM P 78 Instruments and...

Page 30: ...n indicator does not light during this test it cannot alert you if that system develops a problem Have the dealer check your car for burned out bulbs or other problems The U S instrument panel is show...

Page 31: ...if you fasten your seat belt before turning on the ignition The U S Type SH instrument panel is shown Differences for the Canadian model are noted in the text Instruments and Controls MALFUNCTION INDI...

Page 32: ...complete information see page 213 Low Oil Pressure Indicator The engine can be severely damaged if this light flashes or stays on when the engine is running For complete information see page 212 Malfu...

Page 33: ...y other time there is a problem in the Active Torque Transfer System ATTS If this happens take the car to your dealer to have it checked With the indicator on your car will corner normally but you wil...

Page 34: ...hts DRL are on see page 38 Low Fuel Indicator Daytime Running Lights Indicator Canadian models only This indicator lights when you turn the ignition to ON II with the headlight switch off and the park...

Page 35: ...e 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 regulations in...

Page 36: ...temperature of the engine s coolant During normal operation the pointer should rise from the bottom white mark to about the middle of the gauge In severe driving conditions such as very hot weather or...

Page 37: ...nce driven since the last scheduled maintenance nears 7 500 miles 12 000 km the indicator will turn yellow If you exceed 7 500 miles 12 000 km the indicator will turn red Your dealer will reset the in...

Page 38: ...the moonroof cruise control and instrument panel brightness The switches for the hazard warning lights and rear window defogger are to the right of the steering column The tilt adjustment lever on the...

Page 39: ...hear a click then let go The blue high beam indicator will light see page 33 To flash the high beams pull the turn signal lever back lightly then release it The high beams will come on and go off The...

Page 40: ...nge 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 release the lever...

Page 41: ...the wipers operate every few seconds You can vary how often the wipers sweep the windshield by turning the INT TIME ring next to the rotary switch In low speed and high speed the wipers run continuous...

Page 42: ...urn 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 The rear window def...

Page 43: ...e them safely 2 The lever to tilt the steering wheel is under the steering column to the left Push this lever all the way down 3 Move the steering wheel up or down to the desired position Position the...

Page 44: ...he Cruise Control 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 1 Push in...

Page 45: ...ired 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 either of two w...

Page 46: ...anel 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 remembers the previous...

Page 47: ...this key number if you ever have to get a lost key replaced Keep the plate stored in a safe place If you need to replace a key use only Honda approved key blanks These keys contain electronic circuit...

Page 48: ...l other keys that came with your car to your Honda dealer Immobilizer System The Immobilizer System protects your vehicle from theft A properly coded master or valet key must be used in the ignition s...

Page 49: ...nditions 1 This device may not cause harmful interference and 2 this device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause undesired operation This device complies with DO...

Page 50: ...d accessories on the car are usable Several of the lights on the instru ment panel come on as a test when you turn the ignition switch from ACCESSORY to ON see page 29 START III Use this position only...

Page 51: ...ks that door To lock the passenger s door when getting out of the car push the lock tab in and close the door To lock the driver s door remove the key from the ignition switch and push the lock tab in...

Page 52: ...You can open the trunk in two ways Pull the trunk release handle to the left of the driver s seat Use the master key to open the trunk lock The valet key does not work in this lock To close the trunk...

Page 53: ...n the valet key Open the glove box by pulling the bottom of the handle Close it with a firm push Lock or unlock the glove box with the master key Instruments and Controls MASTER KEY An open glove box...

Page 54: ...position To change the angle of the seat back pull up on the lever on the outside of the seat bottom Move the seat back to the desired position and release the lever Let the seat back latch in the ne...

Page 55: ...tment lever To get into the back seat on the passenger s side push forward on the release lever at the base of the seat back The seat back will tilt forward and the entire seat will move forward to al...

Page 56: ...to adjust it while driving To raise it pull upward To lower the restraint push the release button sideways and push the restraint down To remove a head restraint for cleaning or repair pull it up as f...

Page 57: ...lamp will go out Follow these precautions whenever you use the seat heaters Use the HI setting only to heat the seats quickly Select the LO setting when the seats feel warm The HI setting draws large...

Page 58: ...tched in place by pulling on the top of the seat Make sure both 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...

Page 59: ...t The driver s armrest has a master power window control panel To open the passenger s window push down on the switch and hold it down until the window reaches the desired position To close the window...

Page 60: ...ust pull back on the window switch and hold it until the window reaches the desired position The MAIN switch controls power to the passenger s window With this switch off the passenger s window cannot...

Page 61: ...up to ten minutes after you turn off the ignition The key off delay cancels as soon as you open either door You must then turn the ignition ON II for the moonroof to operate If you try to open the mo...

Page 62: ...ors Adjust the outside mirrors with the adjustment switch on the driver s door armrest 1 Turn the ignition switch ON II 2 Move the selector switch to L driver s side or R passenger s side 3 Push the a...

Page 63: ...urn the heaters off Parking Brake PARKING BRAKE LEVER To apply the parking brake pull the lever up fully To release it pull up slightly push the button and lower the lever The parking brake light on t...

Page 64: ...to the desired time 4 Press and hold the MIN button until the numbers advance to the desired time You can use the RESET button to quickly set the time to the nearest hour If the displayed time is befo...

Page 65: ...e the partition completely backward Use the beverage holder only when the car is parked If you place cups in the holder while driving the liquid may spill when you go over bumps or around corners Be c...

Page 66: ...console compartment press the lower lever and lift the lid To close lower the lid and push it down until it latches You can put small items in the tray located in the console compartment lid To use t...

Page 67: ...oin box on the console guide Never use the coin box for smoking materials To use the accessory power socket pull down the cover The ignition switch must be in ACCESSORY I or ON II This socket is inten...

Page 68: ...ials To prevent a possible fire and damage to your car don t put paper or other things that can burn in the ashtray Ceiling Lights The ceiling light contains a main light as well as two spotlights The...

Page 69: ...s on when you unlock the door with the key the lock tab on the driver s door or the master door lock switch If you relock the driver s door or close the driver s door with the key in the ignition swit...

Page 70: ...that requires a code number to enable it Heating and Cooling 70 What Each Control Does 70 How to Use the System 72 To Turn Everything Off 77 Audio System 78 AM FM CD Audio System 78 Operating the Rad...

Page 71: ...ON and OFF The indicator in the button lights when the A C is on Rear Window Defogger Button This button turns the rear window defogger on and off see page 41 Recirculation Button This button controls...

Page 72: ...ents 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 at the base of the windshield Air flows from the defroster...

Page 73: ...stem 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 generate hot a...

Page 74: ...ting and 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 int...

Page 75: ...ld come on 2 Make sure the temperature control lever is all the way to the left 3 Select and Fresh Air mode 4 Set the fan to the desired speed Comfort and Convenience Features MODE BUTTONS RECIRCULATI...

Page 76: ...p and go traffic or climbing a long steep hill If it moves near the red zone turn off the A C until the gauge reads normally To Heat To warm the interior 1 Start the engine 2 Select and Fresh Air mode...

Page 77: ...perature control lever so the air flow from the defroster vents feels warm 4 Turn on the rear window defogger to help clear the rear window When you switch to another mode from the A C stays on Press...

Page 78: ...the windshield and the side window defroster vents 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 underneath each vent This...

Page 79: ...low you to easily select your favorite stations The Anti theft feature will disable the system if it is disconnected from the car s battery To get the system working again you must enter a code number...

Page 80: ...of the bar to tune to a higher frequency and the 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...

Page 81: ...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 prope...

Page 82: ...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 press any preset button that does not have a s...

Page 83: ...e Balance or Fader to your liking by turning the PWR VOL knob The number in the display from 9 to 9 shows you the current setting MODE BUTTON PWR VOL KNOB Treble Bass Use these modes to adjust the ton...

Page 84: ...is fairly common for stations to round off the frequency in their advertising so your radio could display a frequency of 100 9 even though the announcer may identify the station as FM101 Radio Recept...

Page 85: ...ives 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 recep...

Page 86: ...ou can also play 3 inch 8 cm discs without using an adapter ring When the system reaches the end of the disc it will return to the begin ning and play that disc again You can switch to the radio while...

Page 87: ...SEEK bar the system skips forward to the beginning of the next track Press the side to skip backward to the beginning of the current track Press it again to skip to the beginning of the previous trac...

Page 88: ...slot empty try to load the CD in the next slot This continues until it finds a CD to load and play If you load a CD in the in dash player while the changer is playing a CD the system will stop the ch...

Page 89: ...ut 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 The small plas...

Page 90: ...see an error indication in the display while operating the CD player find the cause in the chart to the right If you cannot clear the error indication take the car to your Honda dealer Comfort and Co...

Page 91: ...see an error indication in the display while operating the CD changer find the cause in the chart to the right If you cannot clear the error indication take the car to your Honda dealer Comfort and C...

Page 92: ...ght 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 Dolby noise reduction manufactured under license from Dolby Laboratories Lic...

Page 93: ...off the ignition the cassette will remain in the drive When you turn the system back on the tape will begin playing where it left off To switch to the radio or CD player while a tape is playing press...

Page 94: ...to activate it you will see RPT displayed as a reminder When the system reaches the end of the song or passage currently playing it will automatically go into rewind When it senses the beginning of t...

Page 95: ...an indication the tape is wound unevenly It should play after the tape is manually rewound Use 100 minute or shorter cassettes Cassettes longer than that use thinner tape that may break or jam the dri...

Page 96: ...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 this happens you will see Code in the frequ...

Page 97: ...n will help you If you plan to add any accessories to your car please read the information in this section first Break in Period 98 Gasoline 98 Oxygenated Fuels 98 Driving in Foreign Countries 99 Serv...

Page 98: ...crease in power as a result We recommend gasolines containing detergent additives that help prevent fuel system and engine deposits Using gasoline containing lead will damage your car s emission contr...

Page 99: ...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 mor...

Page 100: ...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 changes 5 Screw the fuel fill cap back on tighten it until it...

Page 101: ...e your hand to the left until you feel the hood latch handle Push this handle to the left until it releases the hood Lift the hood 3 Pull the support rod out of its clip and insert the end into the ho...

Page 102: ...l the car with fuel Wait at least two minutes after turning the engine off before you check the oil 1 Remove the dipstick orange handle 2 Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth or paper towel 3 Insert i...

Page 103: ...heck Look at the 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 150 for information on adding th...

Page 104: ...er 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 maintain a const...

Page 105: ...ing 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 cellular telephone...

Page 106: ...al weight of cargo you can load in or on the car With four occupants driver and three passengers the maximum recommended weight for cargo is 100 Ibs 45 kg Where you store this cargo and how well you s...

Page 107: ...ngine 109 Starting in Cold Weather at High Altitude 109 5 speed Manual Transmission 110 Recommended Shift Points 111 Maximum Speeds 111 Automatic Transmission 112 Shift Lever Position Indicator 112 Sh...

Page 108: ...ide are stored properly or fastened down securely 5 Check the adjustment of the seat see page 53 6 Check the adjustment of the inside and outside mirrors see page 61 7 Check the adjustment of the stee...

Page 109: ...e way down and hold it there while starting in order to clear flooding As before keep the ignition key in the START III position for no more than 15 seconds Return to step 5 if the engine does not sta...

Page 110: ...ith the car moving Push down the clutch pedal and pause for a few seconds before shifting into Reverse or shift into one of the forward gears for a moment This stops the gears so they won t grind When...

Page 111: ...shift points are recommended Maximum Speeds The speeds in this table are the maximums for the given gears If you exceed these speeds the engine speed will enter into the tachometer s red zone If this...

Page 112: ...tachometer shows which shift position the shift lever is in The illuminated number next to the D4 indicator shows you the gear you have selected in the Sequential SportShift mode The D4 indicator com...

Page 113: ...elerator pedal To select the Sequential SportShift mode slide the shift lever toward the left from the D4 position In this mode the shift lever allows you to shift up and down manually Whenever you mo...

Page 114: ...n Park before you can 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 s...

Page 115: ...much like a manual transmission but without a clutch pedal To enter the Sequential SportShift mode slide the shift lever further to the left To return to D4 slide the shift lever to the right In the S...

Page 116: ...2 50 km h If you press the brake pedal as you drive downhill Downshifting gives you more power when climbing or provides engine braking when going down a steep hill The transmission will also shift au...

Page 117: ...nd downshifting Drive D3 This position is similar to D4 except only the first three gears are selected Use D3 when towing a trailer in hilly terrain or to provide engine braking when going down a stee...

Page 118: ...eded in the lower gear First 1 With the lever in this position the transmission locks in First gear If you shift into First position when the vehicle speed exceeds 31 mph 50 km h the transmission shif...

Page 119: ...tipped screwdriver or small metal plate neither are included in the tool kit to remove the cover Carefully pry off the edge of the cover 4 Insert a screwdriver in the shift lock release slot 5 Push do...

Page 120: ...o drive away If the vehicle is facing uphill turn the front wheels away from the curb If you have a manual transmission put it in first gear If the vehicle is facing downhill turn the front wheels tow...

Page 121: ...ssist the brakes by downshifting to a lower gear and taking your foot off the accelerator pedal Check your brakes after driving through deep water Apply the brakes moderately to see if they feel norma...

Page 122: ...to the side of the road as soon as it is safe Because of the longer stopping distance needed brake system failure is very hazardous You should have your car towed but if you must drive the car in thi...

Page 123: ...ers ABS does not reduce the time or distance it takes to stop the car it only helps with steering control during braking You should always maintain a safe following distance from other vehicles ABS wi...

Page 124: ...the instrument panel comes on see page 32 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 sto...

Page 125: ...m and two sets of clutches and gears Important Safety Information The ATTS cannot prevent skidding if you enter a corner too fast It has almost no effect on braking and vehicle speed It is still your...

Page 126: ...ns This is especially true in snow A person can forget some snow driving techniques during the summer months Practice is needed to relearn those skills Exercise extra caution when driving in rain afte...

Page 127: ...can have patches of ice Driving conditions can be very hazardous when the outside temperature is near freezing The road surface can become covered with areas of water puddles mixed with areas of ice s...

Page 128: ...front and 40 percent 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 pa...

Page 129: ...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 overa wide area Always have a trai...

Page 130: ...00 Ibs 450 kg 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 to tap in...

Page 131: ...s you 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...

Page 132: ...e s air turbulence Towing a trailer puts an extra load on your car You should have your car serviced according to the Maintenance Schedule under severe driving conditions on page 141 This extra load i...

Page 133: ...ront wheels 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...

Page 134: ...tenance Checks 144 Fluid Locations 145 Engine Oil 146 Adding Oil 146 Recommended Oil 146 Synthetic Oil 147 Additives 147 Changing the Oil and Filter 148 Cooling System 150 Adding Engine Coolant 150 Re...

Page 135: ...ome of the most important safety precautions are given here However we cannot warn you of every conceivable hazard that can arise in performing maintenance Only you can decide whether or not you shoul...

Page 136: ...haust 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 tools and skill...

Page 137: ...d limit This puts excess 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 lega...

Page 138: ...nd 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 Cars M...

Page 139: ...f the severe driving conditions specified in the Severe Conditions Maintenance Schedule on the next page do not apply NOTE If you only OCCASIONALLY drive under a severe condition you should follow the...

Page 140: ...an 10 miles 16 km per trip Driving in 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 driving in mountainous cond...

Page 141: ...Required Maintenance Record Maintenance Have your servicing dealer record all Required Maintenance below Keep receipts for all work done on your car Main Menu Table of Contents...

Page 142: ...Non Scheduled Maintenance Record Maintenance Record additional maintenance for severe driving conditions or non scheduled maintenance on this page see page 141 Main Menu Table of Contents...

Page 143: ...in the reservoir monthly If weather conditions cause you to use the washers frequently check the reservoir each time you stop for fuel See page 155 Automatic transmission Check the fluid level monthly...

Page 144: ...peed Manual Transmission only CLUTCH FLUID Gray cap POWER STEERING FLUID Red cap WASHER FLUID Blue cap ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK Orange loop AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID DIPSTICK Yellow loop COOLANT RESERVO...

Page 145: ...Service label on the oil container A fuel efficient oil is recommended for your Honda This is shown on the API Service label by the words Energy Conserving or Energy Conserving II This oil is formulat...

Page 146: ...ynthetic Oil You may use a synthetic motor oil if it meets the same requirements given for conventional motor oil energy conserving a service classification of SJ or SH and the proper weight as shown...

Page 147: ...e hydraulic lift for this service Unless you have the knowledge and proper equipment you should have this maintenance done by a skilled mechanic 1 Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temp...

Page 148: ...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 sit for several minutes...

Page 149: ...emporary replacement Make sure it is a high quality coolant recommended for aluminum engines However continued use of any non Honda coolant can result in corrosion causing the cooling system to malfun...

Page 150: ...Remove the radiator cap by pushing down and turning counterclockwise 4 The coolant level should be up to the base of the filler neck Add coolant if it is low 5 Put the radiator cap back on Tighten it...

Page 151: ...Only use Genuine Honda antifreeze coolant Draining the coolant requires access to the underside of the car Unless you have the tools and knowledge you should have this maintenance done by a skilled m...

Page 152: ...put a new washer on the drain bolt and reinstall the bolt in the engine block Tighten it securely Tightening torque 61 lbf ft 8 5 kgf m 83 N m 6 Mix the recommended antifreeze with an equal amount of...

Page 153: ...ck Put the cap on the radiator and tighten it only to the first stop Start the engine and let it run until it warms up the radiator cooling fan comes on at least twice 10 Turn off the engine Check the...

Page 154: ...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 good quality windshield washer fluid This increases the cleaning c...

Page 155: ...add fluid into the filler hole to bring it to the upper mark Always use Honda Premium Formula Automatic Transmission Fluid ATF If it is not available you may use a DEXRON III automatic transmission f...

Page 156: ...til it starts to run out of the hole Reinstall the filler bolt and tighten it securely If Honda MTF is not available you may use an API service SG or SH grade motor oil with a viscosity of SAE 10W 30...

Page 157: ...3 or DOT 4 fluid from a sealed container as a temporary replacement However the use of any non Honda brake fluid can cause corrosion and decrease the life of the system Have the brake system flushed...

Page 158: ...the LOWER LEVEL add power steering fluid to the UPPER LEVEL Always use Genuine Honda Power Steering Fluid If it is not available you may use another power steering fluid as an emergency replacement H...

Page 159: ...ervice Follow the replacement procedure for removal and reinstallation Replacement The air cleaner element is inside the air cleaner housing on the passenger s side of the engine compartment To replac...

Page 160: ...8 000 km whichever comes first Replacement 1 Remove the four nuts then remove the plug wire cover 2 Clean up any dirt and oil around the spark plug caps 3 Remove the spark plug cap by pulling it strai...

Page 161: ...ter it contacts the cylinder head Tightening torque 13 lbf ft 1 8 kgf m 18 N m Tighten the spark plugs carefully A spark plug that is too loose can overheat and damage the engine Overtightening can ca...

Page 162: ...r car s battery monthly You should check the color of the test indicator window and for corrosion on the terminals Check the battery condition by looking at the test indicator window on the battery Th...

Page 163: ...e cables from the terminals Always disconnect the negative cable first and recon nect it last Clean the battery termi nals with a terminal cleaning tool or wire brush Reconnect and tighten the cables...

Page 164: ...will see Code in the frequency display Use the Preset buttons to enter the five digit code see page 95 Charging the battery with the cables connected can seriously damage your car s electronic contro...

Page 165: ...d Replace the blades if you find these signs or they leave streaks and unwiped areas when used To replace the blade 1 Raise the wiper arm off the windshield 2 Disconnect the blade assembly from the wi...

Page 166: ...orcement 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 the holder un...

Page 167: ...sh 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 speed with the engine at normal operatin...

Page 168: ...ing belt 0 53 0 65 in 13 5 16 5 mm If you see signs of wear or looseness have your dealer adjust or replace the belts Timing Belt The timing belt and balancer belt should normally be replaced at the i...

Page 169: ...ay lose one to two psi per month Remember to check the spare tire at the same time you check all the other tires Check the pressure in the tires when they are cold This means the car has been parked f...

Page 170: ...s 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 Inspection Every time you...

Page 171: ...ou find a tire is worn unevenly have your dealer check the wheel alignment The tires were properly balanced by the factory They may need to be rebalanced at some time before they are worn out Have you...

Page 172: ...ar can reduce its braking ability traction and steering accuracy 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...

Page 173: ...87V See Tire Information on page 228 for additional information about tire and wheel size designations See page 229 for information about DOT Tire Quality Grading Winter Driving Tires that are marked...

Page 174: ...red by local laws Make sure the chains are the correct size for your tires Install them only on the front tires If metal chains are used they must be SAE class S Cable type traction devices can also b...

Page 175: ...oon as possible Refer to the chart on page 227 to determine what type of replacement bulb is needed Headlight Aiming The headlights were properly aimed when your car was new You should check their aim...

Page 176: ...icator should line up with the 0 mark on the gauge VERTICAL ANGLE GAUGE 5 Check the vertical angle gauge The bubble should be centered underneath the longest scribe mark on the gauge HORIZONTAL ADJUST...

Page 177: ...lb handle it by its plastic case and protect the glass from contact with your skin or hard objects If you touch the glass clean it with denatured alcohol and a clean cloth The headlight bulbs in your...

Page 178: ...nd remove the bulb 5 Insert the new bulb into the hole making sure the tabs are in their slots Pivot the hold down wire back in place and clip the end into the slot 6 Install the rubber seal over the...

Page 179: ...he socket from the headlight assembly by turning it one quarter turn counterclockwise 3 Pull the bulb straight out of its socket Push the new bulb straight into the socket until it bottoms 4 Insert th...

Page 180: ...ull the bulb straight out of its socket Push the new bulb straight into the socket until it bottoms 5 Insert the socket back into the side marker assembly Turn it clockwise to lock it in place 6 Test...

Page 181: ...se 4 Pull the bulb straight out of its socket Push the new bulb straight into the socket until it bottoms 5 Insert the socket back into the turn signal assembly Turn it clockwise to lock it in place 6...

Page 182: ...the lining back 3 Determine which of the five bulbs is burned out stop taillight turn signal light side marker light back up light or taillight 4 Remove the socket by turning it one quarter turn coun...

Page 183: ...lb is working 8 Reinstall the trunk lining 9 Reset the fastener by pushing on the pointed end until it pops back almost flush with the fingers on the housing 10 Put the fastener in the hole in the sid...

Page 184: ...e quarter turn counterclockwise 3 Pull the bulb straight out of its socket Push the new bulb straight into the socket until it bottoms 4 Reinstall the socket Turn it clockwise until it locks 5 Test th...

Page 185: ...t 2 Remove the socket from the light assembly by turning it one quarter turn counterclockwise 3 Pull the bulb straight out of its socket Push the new bulb in until it bottoms in the socket 4 Turn on t...

Page 186: ...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 Ceiling light pry on the front edge of the lens in the middle On Ty...

Page 187: ...b 1 Open the trunk Pull down the trunk light cover 2 Remove the bulb by pulling it straight out of its metal tabs 3 Push the new bulb into the metal tabs 4 Push the cover back in place Maintenance TRU...

Page 188: ...d indoors Disconnect the battery Support the front wiper blade arms with a folded towel or rag so they do not touch the windshield To minimize sticking apply a silicone spray lubricant to all door and...

Page 189: ...arance the paint brightwork wheels and interior Also included are several things you can do to help prevent corrosion Exterior Care 192 Washing 192 Waxing 193 Aluminum Wheels 193 Paint Touch up 193 In...

Page 190: ...d detergent such as dishwashing 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 a...

Page 191: ...with removers also takes off the wax Remember to re wax those areas even if the rest of the car does not need waxing Aluminum Wheels Clean your Honda s aluminum alloy wheels as you do the rest of the...

Page 192: ...al frequently For general cleaning use a solution of mild soap and lukewarm water letting it air dry To clean off stubborn spots use a commercially available fabric cleaner Test it on a hidden area of...

Page 193: ...soap and warm water or isopropyl alcohol Windows Clean the windows inside and out with a commercially available glass cleaner You can also use a mixture of one part white vinegar to ten parts water Th...

Page 194: ...f the car Many corrosion preventive measures are built into your Honda You can help keep your car from corroding by performing some simple periodic maintenance Repair chips and scratches in the paint...

Page 195: ...ed 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 insurers recognize t...

Page 196: ...again If not you will also find instructions on getting your car towed Compact Spare Tire 200 Changing a Flat Tire 201 If Your Engine Won t Start 206 Nothing Happens or the Starter Motor Operates Very...

Page 197: ...me 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 especially to fit y...

Page 198: ...ransmission in Park automatic or Reverse manual Set the parking brake Have all of the passengers get out of the car while you change the tire 3 Open the trunk Raise the trunk floor by lifting up on th...

Page 199: ...y 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 five wheel nuts 1 2 turn with the wheel wrench Ta...

Page 200: ...ng point Make sure 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...

Page 201: ...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 to tighten t...

Page 202: ...ghten the wheel nuts to 80 lbf ft 11 kgf m 108 N m 16 Remove the center cap before storing the flat tire in the trunk well 17 Place the flat tire face down in the spare tire well 18 Remove the spacer...

Page 203: ...Diagnosing why your engine won t start falls into two areas depending on what you hear when you turn the key to START III You hear nothing or almost nothing The engine s starter motor does not operat...

Page 204: ...ransmission it must be in Park or Neutral Turn the ignition switch to ON II Turn on the headlights and check their brightness If the headlights are very dim or don t light at all the battery is discha...

Page 205: ...e engine by using a booster battery Although this seems like a simple procedure you should take several precautions You cannot start a Honda with an automatic transmission by pushing or pulling it To...

Page 206: ...e to any other part of the engine 5 If the booster battery is in another car have an assistant start that car and run it at a fast idle 6 Start your car If the starter motor still operates slowly chec...

Page 207: ...Neutral or Park and set the parking brake Turn off the heating and cooling system and all other accessories Turn on the hazard warning indicators 2 If you see steam and or spray coming from under the...

Page 208: ...sure in the cooling system After the pressure releases push down on the cap and turn it until it comes off 10 Start the engine and set the temperature control lever to maximum Add coolant to the radia...

Page 209: ...can safely get the car stopped 1 Safely pull off the road and shut off the engine Turn on the hazard warning indicators 2 Let the car sit for a minute Open the hood and check the oil level see page 1...

Page 210: ...ruise 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 discharge the batte...

Page 211: ...l cap if it is missing Tightening the cap will not make the indicator turn off immediately it takes three driving trips If the indicator remains on past three driving trips or the fuel cap was not loo...

Page 212: ...immediately or the moonroof motor still does not operate you can close the moonroof manually 3 Get the tool out of the tool kit in the trunk 4 Use a screwdriver or coin to remove the round plug in th...

Page 213: ...o fuse boxes The under hood fuse box is located in the back of the engine compart ment on the passenger s side To open it push the tab as shown The interior fuse box is underneath the dashboard on the...

Page 214: ...ck the component s operation 1 Turn the ignition switch to LOCK 0 Make sure the headlights and all other accessories are off 2 Remove the cover from the fuse box 3 Check each of the large fuses in the...

Page 215: ...e correct rating as soon as you can 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 replace ment fuse with the p...

Page 216: ...Fuses INTERIOR FUSE BOX 1 On Type SH 2 On Canadian cars CONTINUED Taking Care of the Unexpected Main Menu Table of Contents...

Page 217: ...Fuses UNDER HOOD FUSE BOX Taking Care of the Unexpected Main Menu Table of Contents...

Page 218: ...od 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 due to damage your car must be towed with the front wheels on the g...

Page 219: ...gnation 228 Wheel Size Designation 228 Tire Speed Ratings 228 Tire Pressure Adjustment For High Speed Driving 229 DOT Tire Quality Grading 229 Treadwear 229 Traction 230 Temperature 230 Emission Contr...

Page 220: ...nsuring 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 the Certificat...

Page 221: ...gine Number is stamped into the engine block The Transmission Number is on a label on top of the transmission MANUAL TRANSMISSION NUMBER ENGINE NUMBER Technical Information AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONNUMBE...

Page 222: ...nt in the reserve tank and that remaining in the engine Reserve tank capacity 0 16 US gal 0 6 0 13 Imp gal 2 Type SH 3 Except Type SH 4 Excluding the oil remaining in the engine Technical Information...

Page 223: ...ecifications 1 Except Type SH 2 Type SH Technical Information page 219 page 220 1 Except high mount brake light installed in rear spoiler 2 Type SH 1 Except Type SH 2 Type SH Main Menu Table of Conten...

Page 224: ...d Rating Symbol See the speed rating chart in this section for additional information Wheel Size Designation Wheels are also marked with important information that you need if you ever have to replace...

Page 225: ...ral Safety Requirements All tires are also graded for treadwear traction and temperature perform ance according to Department of Transportation DOT standards The following explains these gradings Trea...

Page 226: ...hen 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 temper...

Page 227: ...ion summarizes how the emission controls work Scheduled maintenance is on page 140 In Canada Honda vehicles comply with the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards CMVSS for Emissions valid at the tim...

Page 228: ...ount of HC CO and NOx produced 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 ga...

Page 229: ...t 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 pollution and can...

Page 230: ...Relations Customer Relations Information 236 U S Zone Office Map 237 Canada Zone Office Map 238 Warranty Coverages 239 Reporting Safety Defects U S Cars 240 Authorized Manuals 241 Warranty and Custome...

Page 231: ...ou 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 following pages When y...

Page 232: ...l Park 115 Gaither Drive Moorestown New Jersey 08057 609 235 5533 Includes NYC Metro area and Fairfield County CT area Mid Atlantic Zone 902 Wind River Ln Suite 200 Gaithersburg Maryland 20878 301 990...

Page 233: ...one Honda Canada Inc 715 Milner Avenue Scarborough Ontario M1B 2K8 416 299 3400 Quebec Zone Honda Canada Inc 1750 rue Eiffel Boucherville Quebec J4B 7W1 514 655 6161 Atlantic Zone Honda Canada Inc 51...

Page 234: ...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...

Page 235: ...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 Hond...

Page 236: ...orm For manuals prior to the year shown below contact Helm Incorporated P O Box 07280 Detroit Michigan 48207 or call 1 800 782 4356 Valid only for sales within the U S Canadian owners should contact t...

Page 237: ...tenance and recommended procedures for repair to engine and chassis components It is written for the Journeyman mechanic but is simple enough for most mechanically inclined owners to under stand Elect...

Page 238: ...Wheel 42 Airbag SRS 10 Air Cleaner Element 160 Air Conditioning 70 Maintenance 168 Usage 70 Air Outlets Vents 72 Air Pressure Tires 170 High Speed Driving 229 Normal Driving 171 Alcohol and Drugs 24 A...

Page 239: ...Halogen 178 Cables Jump Starting With 208 Capacities Chart 226 Carbon Monoxide Hazard 25 Cargo Loading 106 Cassette Player Care 94 Operation 91 CAUTION Explanation of ii CD Changer 87 CD Player 85 Ce...

Page 240: ...ne Oil 102 Directional Signals 39 Disabled Towing Your Car If 221 Disc Brake Wear Indicators 121 Disposal of Used Oil 149 Doors Locking and Unlocking 50 Power Door Locks 50 DOT Tire Quality Grading 22...

Page 241: ...Driving in 99 Four way Flashers 41 Front End Towing by Emergency Wrecker 221 Fuel 98 Fill Door and Cap 100 Gauge 35 Octane Requirement 98 Oxygenated 98 Reserve Indicator 33 Tank Filling the 100 Fuses...

Page 242: ...irror 61 Inspection Tire 171 Instrument Panel 28 Instrument Panel Brightness 39 Interior Cleaning 194 Interior Lights 67 Introduction i Lights Bulb Replacement 178 Indicator 29 Parking 38 Turn Signal...

Page 243: ...hecking Engine 102 Pressure Indicator 31 212 Selecting Proper Viscosity Chart 147 ON Ignition Key Position 49 Opening the Hood 101 Opening the Trunk 51 Operation in Foreign Countries 99 Outside Mirror...

Page 244: ...p Shoulder Belt 7 Seats Adjusting the 53 Sequential SportShift Mode 115 Serial Number 224 Service Intervals 140 Service Manual 241 Service Station Procedures 100 Setting the Clock 63 Shifting The Auto...

Page 245: ...170 Inspection 171 Maintenance 172 Replacing 173 Rotating 173 Snow 175 Specifications 227 Tire Chains 175 Technical Information 228 Winter Driving 174 Tools Tire Changing 201 Torn Seat Belts 9 Towing...

Page 246: ...9 Washer Windshield Checking the Fluid Level 155 Operation 41 Washing 192 Waxing and Polishing 193 Wheels Adjusting the Steering 42 Alignment and Balance 172 Compact Spare 200 Wrench 202 Windows Clean...

Page 247: ...Imp gal Recommended Engine Oil API SJ or SH grade Energy Conserving or Energy Conserving II oil SAE 5W 30 viscosity Tire Pressure measured cold Front Rear 32 psi 2 2kgf cm 2 220 kPa Spare Tire Pressu...

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Honda 1997 Prelude, Owner'S Manual

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