Honda Del Sol 1997 Reference Owner'S Manual Download Page 3

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A Few Words About Safety

Your safety, and the safety of others,

is very important. And operating this
vehicle safely is an important
responsibility.

To help you make informed

decisions about safety, we have
provided operating procedures and
other information on labels and in
this manual.

This information alerts you to

potential hazards that could hurt you
or others.

Of course, it is not practical or

possible to warn you about all the
hazards associated with operating or
maintaining your vehicle. You must
use your own good judgement.

You will find this 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, WARNING,

CAUTION.

These signal words mean:

You WILL be KILLED or
SERIOUSLY HURT if you do not
follow instructions.

You CAN be KILLED or
SERIOUSLY HURT if you do not

follow instructions.

You CAN be HURT if you do not
follow instructions.

Safety Headings

— such as Important Safety Reminders or Important

Safety Precautions.

Safety Section

— such as Driver and Passenger Safety.

Instructions

— how to use this vehicle correctly and safely.

This entire book is filled with important safety information — please read it

carefully.

Summary of Contents for Del Sol 1997

Page 1: ...o load luggage and other cargo Driving 99 The proper way to start the engine shift the transmission and park plus towing a trailer Maintenance 117 The Maintenance Schedule shows you when you need to t...

Page 2: ...understand 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 pre...

Page 3: ...judgement You will find this 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...

Page 4: ...ash 10 Important Facts 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 Additi...

Page 5: ...y a role in occupant safety For 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...

Page 6: ...ned for adults and larger children 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 p...

Page 7: ...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 your seat while it keeps some tension...

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

Page 9: ...s take the force 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 PRES...

Page 10: ...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 fully and loo...

Page 11: ...system 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 deceler...

Page 12: ...nd deflate only 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 a...

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

Page 14: ...e It can seriously hurt a passenger who is not in the proper position and wearing the seat belt properly The passenger should move the seat as far back as practical and sit well back in the seat We st...

Page 15: ...es while you are 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 suppl...

Page 16: ...cause the airbags 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 an...

Page 17: ...most protection 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 unde...

Page 18: ...ere with your ability to drive the car In a crash or sudden stop loose pets or cages can be thrown around inside the car and hurt you It is also for their safety that pets should be properly restraine...

Page 19: ...o secure the seat with the lap shoulder belt be sure to follow the instructions on page 22 The vehicle seat should be moved as far back as possible If the passenger s bag inflates it could seriously h...

Page 20: ...e an approved child 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 b...

Page 21: ...ver you need to drive with an infant Restraining a Child Who Weighs Between 20 and 40 Ibs 9 and 18 kg Toddler seats are designed for children who weigh between 20 and 40 Ibs 9 and 18 kg We recommend t...

Page 22: ...shoulder belt on your child and check its fit The shoulder belt should fit over the collarbone and across the chest The lap belt should sit low on your child s hips not across the stomach If the shou...

Page 23: ...ched 3 Slowly pull the shoulder portion of the belt out of the retractor until it stops 4 Allow the belt to slowly feed back into the retractor You should hear a clicking noise that indicates the lock...

Page 24: ...nd the seat back 2 Remove the plug with a small flat tipped screw driver or fingernail file 3 Install the tether hardware that came with the child seat Tighten the bolt to 16 lbf ft 2 2 kgf m 22 N m M...

Page 25: ...he toothed washer is on the 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...

Page 26: ...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 27: ...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 with...

Page 28: ...They warn you of potential hazards that could cause serious injury Read these labels carefully and don t remove them If a label comes off or becomes hard to read contact your Honda dealer for a replac...

Page 29: ...hield Wipers 40 Windshield Washers 40 Hazard Warning 41 Rear Window Defogger 41 Steering Wheel Adjustment 42 Steering Wheel Controls 43 Cruise Control 43 Keys and Locks 45 Keys 45 Ignition Switch 46 D...

Page 30: ...and Controls DIGITAL CLOCK P 62 HEATING COOLING CONTROLS P 68 AUDIO SYSTEM P 76 DOOR LOCK SWITCH P 48 MIRROR CONTROLS P 60 POWER WINDOW SWITCHES P 51 FUEL FILL DOOR RELEASE P 92 TRUNK RELEASE HANDLE...

Page 31: ...ght If an 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 Differences in the indic...

Page 32: ...harged For complete information see page 189 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 pag...

Page 33: ...OPEN INDICATOR REAR WINDOW INDICATOR The roof and trunk monitor includes three indicators the Roof Unlatched Indicator the Trunk Open Indicator and the Rear Window Indicator Roof Unlatched Indicator T...

Page 34: ...y it usually means one of the turn signal bulbs is burned out see page 164 Replace the bulb as soon as possible since other drivers cannot see that you are signalling When you turn on the Hazard Warni...

Page 35: ...achometer needle in the red zone 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...

Page 36: ...to the new reading after you turn the ignition back ON II Temperature Gauge This shows the temperature of the engine s coolant During normal operation the pointer should rise from the bottom white ma...

Page 37: ...s are on the right edge of the dash above the instrument panel On the U S Si and VTEC models There is cruise control switch on the left edge The instrument panel brightness control is on the instrumen...

Page 38: ...lever until you hear a click then let go The blue high beam indicator will light see page 34 To flash the high beams pull the turn signal lever back lightly then release it The high beams will come on...

Page 39: ...turn 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 re...

Page 40: ...e wipers run continu ously To 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 Wi...

Page 41: ...r window defogger will clear fog frost and thin ice from the window Push the defogger button to turn it on and off The light in the button lights to show the defogger is on If you do not turn it off t...

Page 42: ...is lever all the way down 3 Move the steering wheel up or down to the desired position Position the wheel so you can see all the instrument panel gauges and warning lights Push the lever up to lock th...

Page 43: ...have full control of the car under 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...

Page 44: ...SET decel button You can decrease the set cruising speed in either of two ways Press and hold the SET decel button The car will decelerate Release the button when you reach the desired speed Tap the...

Page 45: ...celerate to above 25 mph 40 km h and press the RESUME accel button until the CRUISE CON TROL light comes on The car will accelerate to the same cruising speed as before If you cancel cruise control by...

Page 46: ...the right side of the steering column It has four positions LOCK 0 ACCESSORY I ON II START III LOCK 0 You can insert or remove the key only in this position When you turn the key from LOCK to ACCESSO...

Page 47: ...of the key You will hear a reminder beeper if you leave the key in the ignition switch in the LOCK 0 or ACCESSORY I position and open the driver s door Remove the key to turn off the beeper Door Locks...

Page 48: ...de with the key Only the driver s door unlocks when you use the key or lock tab To unlock the passenger s door use the master door lock switch or pull out the lock tab on the passenger s door Trunk Op...

Page 49: ...See page 98 for cargo loading and weight limit information You can also open the trunk by pulling the trunk release handle to the left of the driver s seat To protect items in the trunk when you need...

Page 50: ...eat before you start driving To adjust the seat forward and backward pull up on the lever under the seat cushion s front edge Move the seat to the desired position and release the lever Try to move th...

Page 51: ...open the passenger s window or rear window from the master control panel push down on the appropriate switch and hold it down until the window reaches the desired position To close the window push up...

Page 52: ...he window will stop as soon as you release the switch The AUTO function only works to lower the driver s window To raise the window you must push the window switch up and hold it until the window reac...

Page 53: ...e roof panel before you remove it so dirt and water do not fall in the interior and trunk Make sure any items you store in the trunk will not tumble around and damage the roof panel One person should...

Page 54: ...oting them forward 4 Release each side of the roof by Release each side of the roof by pushing the lock tab sideways and pulling down the release lever Carefully lift the roof straight up 5 Place the...

Page 55: ...rs toward the back of the car Installing 1 Open both windows or doors 2 Turn off the engine and set the parking brake 3 Open the trunk 4 Release the roof from the holder by pushing the tabs and pivoti...

Page 56: ...in place on the car Make sure all four corners are sitting flush with the car body Move the roof from side to side to position the seals 7 Check the fit of the seals at the back of the roof If the en...

Page 57: ...ntil the lock tab clicks forward Pull on the levers to make sure they are locked Protecting Against Leaks Do not push or pull on the door glass or side window when you are opening or closing the door...

Page 58: ...sure they cannot bounce around and damage the roof while driving A high pressure water stream can distort the roof seals and cause them to leak Do not spray a high pressure stream from a hose directly...

Page 59: ...the roof holder push down on it until it locks Make sure it is locked so it will not rattle or damage the trunk lid Roof Unlatched Indicator ROOF UNLATCHED INDICATOR This indicator lights when you tu...

Page 60: ...er Mirrors SELECTOR SWITCH ADJUSTMENT SWITCH On Si and VTEC models Adjust the outside mirrors with the adjustment switch on the driver s door 1 Turn the ignition switch ON II 2 Move the selector switc...

Page 61: ...you try to drive the car without releasing the parking brake the ABS indicator may come on and the ABS may not work properly Driving the car with the parking brake applied can damage the rear brakes...

Page 62: ...ress and hold the M button until the numbers advance to the desired time You can use R to quickly set the time to the nearest hour If the displayed time is before the half hour pressing R sets the clo...

Page 63: ...he beverage holder open the center console compartment Pull the beverage holder out while pushing the locking tab Use the beverage holder only when the car is parked If you place cups in the holder wh...

Page 64: ...ashtray under the ashtray lid The ignition switch must be in ACCES SORY I or ON II for the cigarette lighter to work To heat up the lighter push it in It will pop out when it is ready for use Do not...

Page 65: ...t paper or other things that can burn in the ashtray Interior Light The interior light has a three position switch In the OFF position the light does not come on In the center position the interior li...

Page 66: ...ng instructions that came with it Some models have an anti theft audio system that requires a code number to enable it Heating and Cooling 68 What Each Control Does 68 How to Use the System 70 To Turn...

Page 67: ...he fan s speed which increases air flow FAN CONTROL DIAL TEMPERATURE CONTROL LEVER AIR CONDITIONING BUTTON Temperature Control Lever Sliding this lever to the right increases the temperature of the ai...

Page 68: ...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 69: ...e vent approximately 45 clockwise How to 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 fo...

Page 70: ...es for the heating 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 t...

Page 71: ...era ture control lever is all the way to the left 3 Set the fan to maximum speed 4 Open the windows partially Select and Recirculation mode When the interior has cooled down to a more comfortable temp...

Page 72: ...urn on the air conditioning 3 Select and Fresh Air mode 4 Adjust the temperature control lever so the mixture of heated and cooled air feels comfortable This setting is suitable for all driving condit...

Page 73: ...nd 3 Switch the fan and temperature controls to maximum To rapidly remove exterior frost or ice from the windshield on very cold days first select the Recirculation mode Once the windshield is clear s...

Page 74: ...shield de froster vents For safety make sure you have a clear view through all the windows before driving away To Turn Everything Off To shut off the system temporarily turn off the fan and slide the...

Page 75: ...the AM or FM button On the FM band ST will be displayed if the station is broad casting in stereo Stereo reproduction on AM is not available You can use any of three methods to find radio stations on...

Page 76: ...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 77: ...o 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 you are fini...

Page 78: ...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 79: ...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 80: ...ape direction indicator will light to show you which side of the cassette is playing The indicates the side you inserted facing upward is now playing If you want to play the other side press the PROG...

Page 81: ...while in fast forward or rewind it automatically stops that function reverses direction and begins to play TMS The Tape Music Search Function allows you to find the beginning of a song or passage To a...

Page 82: ...the drive Look at the cassette before you insert it If the tape is loose tighten it by turning a hub with a pencil or your finger If the label is peeling off remove it from the cassette or it could c...

Page 83: ...single CD player available that is operated by the radio controls To operate this unit use the instructions except for those relating to multiple discs in this section Using the instructions that came...

Page 84: ...cks within a disc If you press and release the TUNE SEEK bar the system will move to the beginning of a track Press the side to move to the beginning of the next track and the side to move to the begi...

Page 85: ...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 86: ...cations If you see an error indication in the display while operating the CD changer find the cause in the chart to the right If you cannot clear the error indication take the car to your Honda dealer...

Page 87: ...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 this happens you w...

Page 88: ...his section will help you If you plan to add any accessories to your car please read the information in this section first Break in Period 90 Gasoline 90 Oxygenated Fuels 90 Driving in Foreign Countri...

Page 89: ...use such gasolines your emission control system performance may deteriorate and the malfunction indicator lamp on your instrument panel may turn on If this happens contact your authorized Honda deale...

Page 90: ...rubber and plastic parts of your fuel system If you notice any undesirable operating symptoms try another service station or switch to another brand of gasoline Fuel system damage or performance prob...

Page 91: ...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 clicks If y...

Page 92: ...will pop up slightly LATCH 2 Standing in front of the car put your fingers under the front edge of the hood to the left of center Slide your hand to the right until you feel the hood latch handle Push...

Page 93: ...ing clip Lower the hood to about a foot above the fender then let it drop Oil Check DIPSTICK Check the engine oil level every time you fill the car with fuel Wait at least two minutes after turning th...

Page 94: ...ng Oil on page 128 Engine Coolant Check 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 pa...

Page 95: ...y Rapid 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 mai...

Page 96: ...ling and stability Your car has several computer controlled systems including the SRS system the engine s fuel injection and the Anti lock brake system Strong electronic inter ference can affect their...

Page 97: ...is the total weight of cargo you can load in or on the car With two occupants a driver and a passenger the maximum recommended weight for cargo is 100 Ibs 45 kg Where you store this cargo and how well...

Page 98: ...arting the Engine 101 Starting in Cold Weather at High Altitude 101 5 speed Manual Transmission 102 Recommended Shift Points 103 Maximum Speeds 103 Automatic Transmission 104 Shift Lever Position Indi...

Page 99: ...you may be carrying with you inside are stored properly or fastened down securely 5 Check the adjustment of the seat see page 50 6 Check the adjustment of the inside and outside mirrors see page 60 7...

Page 100: ...r pedal all the 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 engin...

Page 101: ...into Reverse with 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 wo...

Page 102: ...following shift points are recommended S Si VTEC 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 tachomete...

Page 103: ...ur Honda s transmission has four forward speeds It has a lock up torque converter for better fuel economy You may feel what seems like another shift when the converter locks Shift Lever Position Indic...

Page 104: ...ly on the brake pedal and keep your foot off the accelerator pedal Park P This position mechani cally locks the transmission Use Park whenever you are turning off or starting the engine To shift out o...

Page 105: ...e transmis sion automatically selects a suitable gear for your speed and acceleration Drive D3 This position is similar to D4 except only the first three gears are selected Use D3 to provide engine br...

Page 106: ...perate this transmission much like a manual transmission without a clutch pedal Maximum Speeds The speeds in this table are the maximums for the given position If you exceed these speeds the engine sp...

Page 107: ...itch 3 Insert the key in the Shift Lock Release slot next to the shift lever 4 Push down on the key while you press the release button and move the shift lever out of Park to Neutral 5 Remove the key...

Page 108: ...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 toward the...

Page 109: ...ing 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 normal If not apply them gently an...

Page 110: ...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 this condi...

Page 111: ...rtant Safety Reminders 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 ot...

Page 112: ...ng goes wrong the ABS indicator on the instrument panel comes on see page 34 This means the anti lock function of the braking system has shut down The brakes still work like a conventional system with...

Page 113: ...just barely damp Apply smooth even pressure to all the controls Abrupt steering wheel movements or sudden hard appli cation of the brakes can cause loss of control in wet weather Be extra cautious fo...

Page 114: ...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 115: ...Towing a Trailer Your car is not designed to tow a trailer Attempting to do so can void your warranties Driving...

Page 116: ...ecks 126 Fluid Locations 127 Engine Oil 128 Adding Oil 128 Recommended Oil 128 Synthetic Oil 130 Additives 130 Changing the Oil and Filter 130 Cooling System 133 Adding Engine Coolant 133 Replacing En...

Page 117: ...ied mechanic Some 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...

Page 118: ...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 119: ...ing your car s load limit This puts excess stress on the engine brakes and many other parts of your car The load limit is shown on the label in the glove box Operate your car on reasonable roads withi...

Page 120: ...Honda parts and fluids whenever you have maintenance done These are manufactured to the same high quality standards as the original components so you can be confident of their performance and durabil...

Page 121: ...nce Schedule if the severe driving conditions specified in the Severe Conditions Maintenance Schedule on the next page do not apply NOTE If you only OCCASIONALLY drive under a severe condition you sho...

Page 122: ...riving less than 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 mo...

Page 123: ...Required Maintenance Record Maintenance Have your servicing dealer record all Required Maintenance below Keep receipts for all work done on your car...

Page 124: ...Non Scheduled Maintenance Record Record additional maintenance for severe driving conditions or non scheduled maintenance on this page see page 121 Maintenance...

Page 125: ...he level 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 138 Automatic transmission Check the fluid leve...

Page 126: ...MATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID DIPSTICK Yellow loop COOLANT RESERVOIR BRAKE FLUID Gray cap CLUTCH FLUID 5 speed Manual Transmission only Gray cap ENGINE OIL FILL CAP POWER STEERING FLUID Red cap WASHER FLUI...

Page 127: ...the engine Recommended Oil Oil is a major contributor to your engine s performance and longevity Always use a premium grade deter gent oil You can determine an oil s SAE viscosity and Service Classif...

Page 128: ...y classified SF is not recommended The oil container may also display the API Certification mark shown below Make sure it says For Gasoline Engines The SAE numbers tell you the oil s viscosity or weig...

Page 129: ...ncrease your car s performance or longevity It only increases the cost of operating your car Changing the Oil and Filter Always change the oil and filter according to the time and distance miles kilom...

Page 130: ...ain bolt and washer from the bottom of the engine Drain the oil into an appropriate container 3 Remove the oil filter and let the remaining oil drain A special wrench available from your Honda dealer...

Page 131: ...conds 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 sit for several...

Page 132: ...i freeze coolant The cooling system contains many aluminum compo nents that can corrode if an improper antifreeze is used Some antifreeze even though labeled as safe for aluminum parts may not provide...

Page 133: ...ounterclockwise 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 fully 6 Pour coolant into the reserve tank Fill it to...

Page 134: ...lant requires access to the underside of the car Unless you have the tools and knowledge you should have this maintenance done by a skilled mechanic 1 Slide the heater temperature control lever to max...

Page 135: ...new washer on the drain bolt then reinstall the drain bolt in the engine block Tighten it securely Tightening torque 58 Ibf ft 8 0 kgf m 78 N m 8 Mix the recommended antifreeze with an equal amount of...

Page 136: ...st twice 11 Turn off the engine Check the level in the radiator add coolant if needed Install the radiator cap and tighten it fully 12 Fill the reserve tank to the MAX mark Install the reserve tank ca...

Page 137: ...oir s fluid level by removing the cap and looking inside Fill the reservoir with a good quality windshield washer fluid This increases the cleaning capability and prevents freezing in cold weather Do...

Page 138: ...the lower mark 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...

Page 139: ...n Fluid MTF until 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...

Page 140: ...is not available you should use only DOT 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...

Page 141: ...in the ABS Have the dealer inspect the system as soon as possible Clutch System The fluid should be between the MIN and MAX marks on the side of the reservoir If it is not add brake fluid to bring it...

Page 142: ...lable you may use another power steering fluid as an emergency replacement However continued use can cause increased wear and poor steering in cold weather Have the power steering system drained and r...

Page 143: ...air cleaner housing on the passenger s side of the engine compartment To replace it 1 Loosen the four bolts and remove the air cleaner housing cover 2 Remove the old air cleaner element Clean the ins...

Page 144: ...ap the four clips and remove the air cleaner housing cover 2 Remove the old air cleaner element Clean the inside of the air cleaner housing with a damp rag 3 Place the new air cleaner element in the a...

Page 145: ...for longer life They only need to be replaced every 6 years or 60 000 miles 96 000 km whichever comes first Replacement 1 VTEC only Remove the four nuts then remove the plug wire cover 2 Clean up any...

Page 146: ...turn after 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...

Page 147: ...R L11 Spark Plug Gap 0 043 in 1 1 mm VTEC NGK Nippondenso PFR6L 13 PK20PR L13 Spark Plug Gap 0 051 in 1 3 mm Battery Check the condition of your car s battery monthly You should check the color of the...

Page 148: ...loth 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 wrench to loosen and remove...

Page 149: ...e 88 Charging the battery with the cables connected can seriously damage your car s electronic controls Detach the battery cables before connecting the battery to a charger Maintenance The battery giv...

Page 150: ...tting hard 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 fr...

Page 151: ...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 152: ...r 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 speed with the engine...

Page 153: ...grease to the body seals wherever they contact the roof panel or each other 2 Place the roof panel upside down on a blanket or carpet 3 Turn the release levers to the lock position so the lock pins e...

Page 154: ...1 0 mm S Si 0 41 0 55 in 10 5 14 0 mm On cars with Air Conditioning Compressor belt VTEC 0 24 0 37 in 6 0 9 5 mm S Si 0 30 0 37 in 7 5 9 5 mm If you see signs of wear or looseness have your dealer adj...

Page 155: ...good condition may lose one to two psi per month Remember to check the spare tire at the same time you check all the other tires Check the pressure in the tires when they are cold This means the car h...

Page 156: ...ve 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 check inf...

Page 157: ...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 your dealer check the tires if you...

Page 158: ...d to match the perform ance capabilities of the car while providing the best combination of handling ride comfort and long life You should replace them with radial tires of the same size load range sp...

Page 159: ...wheels are available at your Honda dealer Wheels and Tires Wheel S 13 x 5 J Si VTEC 14 x 5 1 2 JJ Tire S P175 70R13 82S Si P185 60R14 82H VTEC P195 60R14 85V See Tire Information on page 201 for addit...

Page 160: ...tions or required 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 devi...

Page 161: ...e it by its steel base 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 Halogen headlight bulbs get very hot w...

Page 162: ...e 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 Push the rubber weather seal over the bulb 7 Push the electrica...

Page 163: ...turning it counter clockwise 5 Install the new bulb in the socket Turn it clockwise to lock it in place 6 Insert the socket back into the lens Turn it clockwise to lock it in place 7 Turn on the parki...

Page 164: ...l or side marker Remove the socket for that bulb by turning it counter clockwise 4 To remove the tail stoplight bulb back up light bulb or the turn signal bulb push it in slightly and turn it counterc...

Page 165: ...se 4 Pull the bulb straight out of the socket 5 Install the new bulb Test it to make sure it works 6 Reinstall the light assembly on the bracket Install the mounting screws and tighten them securely R...

Page 166: ...Lights Maintenance TRUNK LIGHT 2 Remove the bulb by pulling it straight out of its metal tabs 3 Push the new bulb into the metal tabs Snap the lens back in place...

Page 167: ...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 To minimize sticking apply a silicone spray lubricant t...

Page 168: ...appearance the paint brightwork wheels and interior Also included are several things you can do to help prevent corrosion Exterior Care 170 Washing 170 Waxing 171 Aluminum Wheels 171 Paint Touch up 1...

Page 169: ...r Mix in a mild 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 Star...

Page 170: ...emovers also takes off the wax Remember to re wax those areas even if the rest of the car does not need waxing Aluminum Wheels Only on cars equipped with aluminum wheels Clean your Honda s aluminum al...

Page 171: ...n off stubborn spots use a commercially available fabric cleaner Test it on a hidden area of the fabric first to make sure it does not bleach or stain the fabric Follow the instructions that come with...

Page 172: ...our car it is best to use a solid type Some liquid air fresheners contain chemi cals that may cause parts of the interior trim and fabric to crack or discolor If you use a liquid air freshener make su...

Page 173: ...ar needs repairs after a collision pay close attention to the parts used in the repair and the quality of the work Make sure the repair facility uses Genuine Honda replacement body parts Some companie...

Page 174: ...ble to get going again If not you will also find instructions on getting your car towed Compact Spare Tire 176 Changing a Flat Tire 177 If Your Engine Won t Start 183 Nothing Happens or the Starter Mo...

Page 175: ...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 espe...

Page 176: ...hazard warning lights and turn the ignition to LOCK 0 2 Put the transmission in Park automatic or Reverse manual Set the parking brake Have your passenger get out of the car while you change the tire...

Page 177: ...nscrew the wing bolt and take the spare tire out of its well 6 Turn the jack s end bracket counterclockwise to loosen it then remove the jack 7 Loosen the four wheel nuts 1 2 turn with the wheel wrenc...

Page 178: ...ntacts the jacking point Make sure the jacking point tab is resting in the jack notch 9 Use the extension and wheel wrench as shown to raise the car until the flat tire is off the ground 10 Remove the...

Page 179: ...uts 11 Before mounting the spare tire wipe any dirt off the mounting surface of the wheel and hub with a clean cloth 12 Put on the spare tire Put the wheel nuts back on finger tight then tighten them...

Page 180: ...ely in the same crisscross pattern Have the wheel nut torque checked at the nearest automotive service facility Tighten the wheel nuts to 80 Ibf ft 11 kgf m 108 N m 15 On the Si and VTEC models Remove...

Page 181: ...et facing to the rear Turn the jack s end bracket to lock it in place Replace the cover Store the tool kit 20 Store the wheel cover or center cap in the trunk Make sure it does not get scratched or da...

Page 182: ...must be pushed all the way to the 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...

Page 183: ...le to start the 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...

Page 184: ...is jumper cable 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 operat...

Page 185: ...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 186: ...terclockwise 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 187: ...as soon as you 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 le...

Page 188: ...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 189: ...e the fuel fill 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 c...

Page 190: ...se boxes The interior fuse box is underneath the dashboard on the driver s side Remove the fuse box lid by swinging the lid down and pulling it straight out of its hinges The under hood fuse box is lo...

Page 191: ...fuse box lid which fuse or fuses control that component Check those fuses first but check all the fuses before deciding that a blown fuse is not the cause Replace any blown fuses and check the compon...

Page 192: ...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 the co...

Page 193: ...Fuses INTERIOR FUSE BOX On Canadian cars Taking Care of the Unexpected...

Page 194: ...Fuses UNDER HOOD FUSE BOX ABS FUSE BOX Taking Care of the Unexpected...

Page 195: ...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 196: ...rmation 202 Tire Size Designation 202 Wheel Size Designation 202 Tire Speed Ratings 202 Tire Pressure Adjustment For High Speed Driving 203 DOT Tire Quality Grading 203 Treadwear 204 Traction 204 Temp...

Page 197: ...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 198: ...Identification Numbers The Engine Number is stamped into the engine block The Transmission Number is on a label on top of the transmission Technical Information ENGINE NUMBER TRANSMISSION NUMBER...

Page 199: ...VTEC 1 Including the coolant in the reserve tank and that remaining in the engine Reserve tank capacity 0 11 US gal 0 4 0 09 Imp gal 2 S 3 Si 4 VTEC 5 Excluding the oil remaining in the engine Techni...

Page 200: ...Specifications Technical Information page 194 page 195 1 S 2 Si 3 VTEC 4 U S S Si without ABS Canada Si 5 VTEC U S Si with ABS VTEC...

Page 201: ...Index a numerical code associated with the maximum load the tire can carry H Speed Rating Symbol See the speed rating chart in this section for additional information Wheel Size Designation Wheels ar...

Page 202: ...sive heat can build up and cause sudden tire failure Be sure to readjust the pressure for normal driving speeds You should wait until the tires are cold before adjusting the tire pressure see page 15...

Page 203: ...as signed to this tire is based on brak ing straight ahead traction tests and does not include cornering turning traction Temperature The temperature grades are A the highest B and C representing the...

Page 204: ...them This section summarizes how the emission controls work Scheduled maintenance is on page 120 In Canada Honda vehicles comply with the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards CMVSS for Emissions va...

Page 205: ...under all operating conditions Ignition Timing Control System This system constantly adjusts the ignition timing reducing the amount of HC CO and NOx produced Three Way Catalytic Converter The three...

Page 206: ...ire any com bustible materials that come near it Park your car away from high grass dry leaves or other flammables Si VTEC A defective three way catalytic converter contributes to air pollution and ca...

Page 207: ...omer Relations Customer Relations Information 210 U S Zone Office Map 211 Canada Zone Office Map 212 Reporting Safety Defects U S Cars 213 Warranty Coverages 214 Authorized Manuals 215 Warranty and Cu...

Page 208: ...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 209: ...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 210: ...specified time period with no mileage limit Accessory Limited Warranty Genuine Honda Accessories are covered under this warranty Time and mileage limits depend on the type of accessory and other facto...

Page 211: ...eed Driving 203 Normal Driving 156 Alcohol and Drugs 25 Alcohol in Gasoline 90 Aluminum Wheels Cleaning 171 Antifreeze 133 Anti lock Brakes ABS Description 111 Indicator Light 34 113 Operation 112 Ant...

Page 212: ...on of ii CD Changer 84 Certification Label 198 Chains 161 Change Oil How to 130 When to 122 Changing a Flat Tire 177 Changing Engine Coolant 135 Charging System Indicator 32 189 Checking Automatic Tra...

Page 213: ...d Oil 131 Doors Locking and Unlocking 47 DOT Tire Quality Grading 203 Downshifting 5 speed Manual Transmission 102 Drive Belts 155 Driving 99 Economy 96 In Bad Weather 114 In Foreign Countries 91 Econ...

Page 214: ...serve Indicator 33 Tank Filling the 92 Fuses Checking the 192 Gas Mileage Improving 96 Gasohol 91 Gasoline 90 Fuel Reserve Indicator 33 Gauge 36 Octane Requirement 90 Tank Filling the 92 Gas Station P...

Page 215: ...er Belts 6 Leaking of Exhaust into Car 26 Lighter Cigarette 64 Lights Bulb Replacement 162 Indicator 31 Parking 38 Turn Signal 39 Loading Cargo 98 LOCK Ignition Key Position 46 Locks Anti theft Steeri...

Page 216: ...ts 38 Parking Over Things that Burn 207 PGM FI System 206 Polishing and Waxing 171 Power Door Locks 48 Mirrors 60 Steering 143 Windows 51 Pregnancy Using Seat Belts 9 Proper Seat Belt Usage 7 Radiator...

Page 217: ...ssion 102 Shift Lever Position Indicator 104 Shift Lock Release 108 Side Marker Lights Bulb Replacement in 164 Signaling Turns 39 Snow Tires 161 Solvent type Cleaners 170 Sound System 76 Spare Tire In...

Page 218: ...Trailer 116 Emergency Wrecker 196 Transmission Checking Fluid Level Automatic 139 Checking Fluid Level Manual 140 Fluid Selection 139 Identification Number 198 Shifting the Automatic 104 Shifting the...

Page 219: ...1 Wheels Adjusting the Steering 42 Alignment and Balance 158 Compact Spare 176 Wrench 178 Windows Cleaning 173 Operating the Power 51 Rear Defogger 41 Windshield Cleaning 40 Defroster 73 Wipers Windsh...

Page 220: ...city 11 9 US gal 45 l 9 9 Imp gal Recommended Engine Oil API SH grade Energy Conserving II oil SAE 5W 30 viscosity Tire Pressure measured cold S Front Rear 32 psi 220 kPa 2 2 kgf cm 2 Si VTEC Front Re...

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Honda Del Sol 1997, Reference Owner'S Manual

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Summary of Contents for Del Sol 1997

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