Honda Prelude (2000 year). Manual - part 9

Break-in Period, Gasoline

Break-in Period
Help assure your car's future
reliability and performance by paying
extra attention to how you drive
during the first 600 miles (1,000 km).
During this period:

Avoid full-throttle starts and rapid

acceleration.

Avoid hard braking. New brakes

need to be broken-in by moderate
use for the first 200 miles (300
km).

You should follow these same re-

commendations with an overhauled
or exchanged engine, or when the
brakes are relined.

Gasoline

Your Honda is designed to operate

on premium unleaded gasoline with a
pump octane number of 91 or higher.

If you are unable to find premium
unleaded gasoline, you may substi-
tute an unleaded regular gasoline.

The engine will compensate for the

lower octane, but you may notice a
slight decrease 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 emissions

In Canada, some gasolines contain
an octane-enhancing additive called
M M T . If you 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 dealer for service.

Before Driving

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Service Station Procedures

Filling the Fuel Tank

1. Because the fuel fill cap is on the

driver's side of the car, park with

that side closest to the service

station pumps.

2. Open the fuel fill door by pulling

on the handle to the left of the

driver's seat.

3. Remove the fuel fill cap slowly.

You may hear a hissing sound as

pressure inside the tank escapes.
Place the cap in the holder on the
fuel fill door.

4. Stop filling the tank after the fuel

nozzle automatically clicks off. Do
not try to "top off" the tank, leave

some room for the fuel to expand
with temperature changes.

Your car has an on-board refueling
vapor recovery system to help

keep fuel vapors from going into
the atmosphere. If the fuel pump
keeps clicking off even though the
tank is not full, there may be a
problem with this system. Consult
your dealer.

CONTINUED

Before Driving

Gasoline is highly flammable
and explosive. You can be
burned or seriously injured

when handling fuel.

Stop the engine and keep
heat, sparks, and flame away

Handle fuel only outdoors.

Wipe up spills immediately.

FUEL FILL CAP

Pull

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Service Station Procedures

5. Screw the fuel fill cap back on,

tighten it until it clicks several
times. If you do not properly
tighten the cap, the Malfunction
Indicator Lamp may come on (see
page

250

6. Push the fuel fill door closed until

it latches.

Opening the Hood

1. Shift to Park or Neutral and set

the parking brake. Pull the hood
release handle located under the
lower left corner of the dashboard.
The hood will pop up slightly.

2. Standing in front of the car, put

your fingers under the front edge

of the hood to the right of center.
Slide your hand to the left until
you feel the hood latch handle.
Push this handle up until it
releases the hood. Lift the hood.

Before Driving

HOOD RELEASE HANDLE

LATCH

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Service Station Procedures

If you can open the hood without
lifting the hood latch handle, or the
hood latch handle moves stiffly or
does not spring back as before, the
mechanism should be cleaned and

lubricated (see page

196

3. Pull the support rod out of its clip

and insert the end into the hole on
the left side of the hood.

To close the hood, lift it up slightly to

remove the support rod from the
hole. Put the support rod back into
its holding clip. Lower the hood to
about a foot (30 cm) above the
fender, then let it drop.

After closing the hood, make sure it

is securely latched.

Before Driving

CONTINUED

SUPPORT ROD

CLIP

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Service Station Procedures

Oil Check

Check the engine oil level every time

you fill the car with fuel. Wait a few
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 it all the way back in its tube.

Before Driving

DIPSTICK

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Service Station Procedures

4. Remove the dipstick again and

check the level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks.

If it is near or below the lower mark,
see

Adding Oil on page

181

Engine Coolant Check

Look at the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. Make sure it is
between the MAX and M I N lines. If
it is below the M I N line, see

Adding

Engine Coolant on page

185

for

information on adding the proper
coolant.

Refer to

Owner Maintenance

Checks on page

179

for information

on checking other items in your
Honda.

Before Driving

UPPER MARK

LOWER MARK

RESERVE TANK

MAX

MIN

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Fuel Economy

The condition of your car and your

driving habits are the two most
important things that affect the fuel
mileage you get.

Vehicle Condition
Always maintain your car according

to the maintenance schedule. This
will keep it in top operating condition.

An important part of that mainte-

nance is the

Owner Maintenance

Checks (see page

179

). For

example, an underinflated tire
causes more "rolling resistance,"
which uses fuel. It also wears out
faster, so check the tire pressure at
least monthly.

In winter, the build-up of snow on

your car's underside adds weight and

rolling resistance. Frequent cleaning
helps your fuel mileage and reduces
the chance of corrosion.

Driving Habits

You can improve fuel economy by

driving moderately. 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 maintain a constant speed. Every

time you slow down and speed up,
your car uses extra fuel. Use the
cruise control, when appropriate, to

increase fuel economy.

A cold engine uses more fuel than a
warm engine. It is not necessary to

"warm-up" a cold engine by letting it
idle for a long time. You can drive
away in about a minute, no matter
how cold it is outside. The engine
will warm up faster, and you get
better fuel economy. To cut down on
the number of "cold starts," try to
combine several short trips into one.

The air conditioning puts an extra

load on the engine which makes it
use more fuel. Turn off the A / C to
cut down on air conditioning use.

Use the flow-through ventilation

when the outside air temperature is

moderate.

Before Driving

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Accessories and Modifications

Modifying your car, or installing
some non-Honda accessories, can
make your car unsafe. Before you
make any modifications or add any
accessories, be sure to read the
following information.

Accessories
Your dealer has Genuine Honda

accessories that allow you to
personalize your car. These
accessories have been designed and
approved for your car, and are
covered by warranty.

Non-Honda accessories are usually
designed for universal applications.

Although aftermarket accessories

may fit on your car, they may not
meet factory specifications, and
could adversely affect your car's
handling and stability. (See
"Modifications" on the page

134

for

additional information.)

When properly installed, cellular
phones, alarms, two-way radios, and
low-powered audio systems should
not interfere with your car's

computer-controlled systems, such
as the SRS and anti-lock brake
system.

However, if electronic accessories
are improperly installed, or exceed

your car's electrical system capacity,

they can interfere with the operation

of your car, or even cause the
airbags to deploy.

Before installing any accessory:

Make sure the accessory does not
obscure any lights, or interfere
with proper car operation or
performance.

Be sure electronic accessories do
not overload electrical circuits

(see page

256

Have the installer contact your
Honda dealer for assistance before
installing any electronic accessory.

If possible, have your dealer inspect
the final installation.

Before Driving

Improper accessories or
modifications can affect your

car's handling, stability and

performance, and cause a
crash in which you can be hurt
or killed.

Follow all instructions in this

owner's manual regarding
accessories and modifications.

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Accessories and Modifications

Modifications
Do not remove any original
equipment or modify your car in any

way that would alter its design or

operation. This could make your car
unsafe and illegal to drive.

For example, do not make any
modifications that would change the
ride height of your car, or install
wheels and tires with a different
overall diameter.

Such modifications can adversely
affect handling, and interfere with

the operation of the car's anti-lock
brakes and other systems.

In addition, any modifications that
decrease ground clearance increase
the chance of undercarriage parts
striking a curb, speed bump, or other
raised object, which could cause

your airbags to deploy.

Do not modify your steering wheel
or any other part of your
Supplemental Restraint System.
Modifications could make the
system ineffective.

Additional Safety Precaution

Do not attach or place objects on the
airbag covers. Any object attached to
or placed on the covers marked "SRS

AIRBAG," in the center of the

steering wheel and on top of the
dashboard, could interfere with the
proper operation of the airbags. Or,
if the airbags inflate, the objects
could be propelled inside the car and
hurt someone.

Before Driving

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Carrying Cargo

Your car has several convenient

storage areas so you can stow cargo
safely.

The glove box, and the pockets in

the front doors and seat-back, are

designed for small, lightweight items.

The trunk is intended for larger,

heavier items. In addition, the back

seat can be folded down to allow you
to carry more cargo or longer items.

However, carrying too much cargo,
or improperly storing it, can affect

your car's handling, stability and

operation and make it unsafe. Before
carrying any type of cargo, be sure to
read the following pages.

Before Driving

GLOVE BOX

SEAT-BACK POCKET

TRUNK

FRONT DOOR POCKET

CONSOLE COMPARTMENT

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Carrying Cargo

Load Limit

The maximum load for your car is

700 lbs (325 kg).

This figure includes the total weight

of all occupants, cargo, accessories,
and the tongue weight if you are
towing a trailer.

To figure out how much cargo you

can carry:

Add up the weight of all occupants.

If you are towing a trailer, add the
tongue weight to the number
above.

Subtract the total from 700 Ib (325
kg).

The final number is the total weight

of cargo you can carry.

Carrying Items in the Passenger

Compartment

Store or secure all items that could
be thrown around and hurt
someone during a crash.

Do not put any items on top of the
rear shelf. They can block your

view and be thrown around the car

during a crash.

Be sure items placed on the floor
behind the front seats cannot roll
under the seats and interfere with
the driver's ability to operate the
pedals, or with the proper
operation of the seats.

Keep the glove box closed while
driving. If the lid is open, a
passenger could injure their knees
during a crash or sudden stop.

Before Driving

Overloading or improper
loading can affect handling and
stability and cause a crash in
which you can be hurt or killed.

Follow all load limits and other
loading guidelines in this
manual.

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Carrying Cargo

Carrying Cargo in the Trunk or on

a Roof Rack

Distribute cargo evenly on the

floor of the trunk, placing the
heaviest items on the bottom and

as far forward as possible.

If you fold down the back seat, tie
down items that could be thrown
about the car during a crash or
sudden stop.

If you carry large items that
prevent you from closing the trunk
lid, exhaust gas can enter the
passenger area. To avoid the
possibility of

carbon monoxide

poisoning, follow the instructions
on page

If you can carry any items on a
roof rack, be sure the total weight
of the rack and the items does not
exceed the maximum allowable

weight. Please contact your Honda

dealer for further information.

Before Driving

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138

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Driving

This section gives you tips on

starting the engine under various
conditions, and how to operate the
5-speed manual and automatic

transmissions. It also includes
important information on parking
your car, the braking system, and
facts you need if you are planning to
tow a trailer.

Preparing to Drive.........................

140

Starting the Engine........................

141

Starting in Cold Weather

at High Altitude.....................

141

5-speed Manual Transmission.....

142

Recommended Shift Points......

143

Engine Speed Limiter ...............

143

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

144

Shift Lever Position Indicator..

144

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

145

Engine Speed Limiter...............

150

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

151

Parking............................................

152

The Braking System......................

153

Brake Wear Indicators..............

153

Brake System Design................

154

Anti-lock Brakes........................

154

Important Safety

Reminders..........................

155

ABS Indicator.........................

156

Active Torque Transfer System ..

157

Driving in Bad Weather................

158

Towing a Trailer............................

160

Driving

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Preparing to Drive

You should do the following checks

and adjustments every day before

you drive your car.

1. Make sure all windows, mirrors,

and outside lights are clean and
unobstructed. Remove frost, snow,
or ice.

2. Check that the hood and trunk are

fully closed.

3. Visually check the tires. If a tire

looks low, use a gauge to check its
pressure.

4. Check that any items you may be

carrying with you inside are stored
properly or fastened down
securely.

5. Check the adjustment of the seat

(see page

6. Check the adjustment of the

inside and outside mirrors (see
page

7. Check the adjustment of the

steering wheel (see page

8. Make sure the doors are securely

closed and locked.

9. Fasten your seat belt. Check that

your passengers have fastened
their seat belts (see page

10. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).

Check the indicator lights in the
instrument panel.

11. Start the engine (see page

141

12. Check the gauges and indicator

lights in the instrument panel (see
page

Driving

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Starting the Engine

1. Apply the parking brake.

2. In cold weather, turn off all

electrical accessories to reduce
the drain on the battery.

3. Manual Transmission:

Push the clutch pedal down all the

way. START (III) does not
function unless the clutch pedal is

depressed.

Automatic Transmission:
Make sure the shift lever is in
Park. Press on the brake pedal.

4. Without touching the accelerator

pedal, turn the ignition key to the
START (III) position. If the engine
does not start right away, do not
hold the key in START (III) for
more than 15 seconds at a time.
Pause for at least 10 seconds
before trying again.

5. If the engine does not start within

15 seconds, or starts but stalls

right away, repeat step 4 with the
accelerator pedal pressed half-way
down. If the engine starts, release
pressure on the accelerator pedal
so the engine does not race.

6. If the engine still does not start,

press the accelerator 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 engine does not start.
If it starts, lift your foot off the
accelerator pedal so the engine
does not race.

Starting in Cold Weather at High

Altitude (Above 8,000 feet/

2,400 meters)

An engine is harder to start in cold
weather. The thinner air found at

high altitude above 8,000 feet (2,400

meters) adds to the problem.
Use the following procedure:

1. Turn off all electrical accessories

to reduce the drain on the battery.

2. Push the accelerator pedal half-

way to the floor and hold it there
while starting the engine. Do not
hold the ignition key in START

(III) for more than 15 seconds.
When the engine starts, release

the accelerator pedal gradually as
the engine speeds up and smooths
out.

3. If the engine fails to start in step 2,

push the accelerator pedal to the
floor and hold it there while you
try to start the engine for no more
than 15 seconds. If the engine
does not start, return to step 2.

Driving

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