208
Care and Maintenance
Promptly take any safety
problems to your Honda dealer
for service advice.
Parking brake —
Park on a fairly
steep hill and hold the vehicle
with the parking brake only. This
checks its holding ability.
Starter safety switch (automatic
transmission) —
Check the safety
switch by trying to start the
engine in each gear. The starter
should work only with the shift
lever in the “P” (Park) or “N”
(Neutral) position.
Starter safety switch (manual
transmission) —
To check the
safety switch, place the shift lever
in “Neutral,” push the clutch
pedal halfway and try to start the
engine. The starter should not
work. The starter should work
only when the clutch pedal is fully
depressed.
Transmission shift indicator
(automatic transmission) —
Check that the indicator points to
the gear chosen.
Steering —
Be alert for any
changes in steering action. An
inspection or service is needed
when the steering wheel is harder
to turn or has too much free play,
or if there are unusual sounds
when turning or parking.
Wheel alignment, balance and
tires —
Uneven or abnormal tire
wear, or pulling to the right or left
on a straight and level road may
show the need for a wheel
alignment. A vibration of the
steering wheel or seat at normal
highway speeds means wheel
balancing is needed. Check tire
pressures (including the spare) at
least monthly and whenever the
vehicle is serviced (see page
163
).
Brakes —
Watch for the
“BRAKE” light coming on. Other
signs of possible brake trouble are
such things as repeated pulling to
one side when braking, unusual
sounds when braking or between
brake applications, or increased
brake pedal travel. If you note one
of these conditions, have the
system checked at once and
repaired if needed.
Owner Safety Checks