VIN CODE ID EXPLANATION
Numbers preceding the explanations in the legend below refer to the sequence of characters as listed on VIN identification label. See VIN example below.
VIN Code ID Explanation. Scheme 3
SEVERE & NORMAL SERVICE DEFINITIONS
Service is recommended at mileage intervals based on vehicle operation. Service schedules are based on the following primary operating conditions
Normal Service
- Driven More Than 10 Miles Daily
- No Operating Conditions From Severe Service Schedule
Severe Service (Unique Driving Conditions)
Note. Use the Severe Service schedule if the vehicle to be serviced is operated under ANY (one or more) of these conditions
- Driving Less Than 5 Miles (8 Km) Per Trip Or, In Freezing Temperatures, Driving 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 Mountainous Conditions
- Driving On Muddy, Dusty, Or De-Iced Roads
CAMSHAFT TIMING BELT
Camshaft timing belt and timing balancer belt should be replaced at 105,000 miles.
| CAUTION | Failure to replace a faulty camshaft timing belt may result in serious engine damage. |
The condition of camshaft drive belts should always be checked on vehicles which have more than 50,000 miles. Although some manufacturers do not recommend belt replacement at a specified mileage, others require it at 60,000-100,000 miles. A camshaft drive belt failure may cause extensive damage to internal engine components on most engines, although some designs do not allow piston-to-valve contact. These designs are often called "Free Wheeling".
Many manufacturers changed their maintenance and warranty schedules in the mid-1980's to reflect timing belt inspection and/or replacement at 50,000-60,000 miles. Most service interval schedules in this manual reflect these changes.
Belts or components should be inspected and replaced if any of the following conditions exist
- Cracks Or Tears In Belt Surface
- Missing, Damaged, Cracked Or Rounded Teeth
- Oil Contamination
- Damaged Or Faulty Tensioners
- Incorrect Tension Adjustment
Scheme 4
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (AIR BAG)
Note. See the AIR BAGS article in the ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT Section.
Modifications or improper maintenance, including incorrect removal and installation of the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), can adversely affect system performance. DO NOT cover, obstruct or change the steering wheel horn pad in any way, as such action could cause improper function of the system. Use only plain water when cleaning the horn pad. Solvents or cleaners could adversely affect the air bag cover and cause improper deployment of the system.
| WARNING | To avoid injury from accidental air bag deployment, read and carefully follow all warnings and service precautions. See appropriate AIR BAGS article in ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT. |
| CAUTION | Disconnect negative battery cable before servicing any air bag system, steering column or passenger side dash component. After any repair, turn ignition key to the ON position from passenger's side of vehicle in case of accidental air bag inflation |
AIR CONDITIONER
Ensure the air conditioning system is sufficiently charged before using. Prolonged use of an under-charged system may damage the compressor.
AIR CONDITIONING SERVICING
| WARNING | Avoid breathing R-134a refrigerant and PAG lubricant vapors, exposure may irritate eyes, nose and throat. To remove R-134a from system use R-134a recycling equipment that meets SAE J2210 specifications. If accidental system discharge occurs, ventilate work area before resuming service. |
| WARNING | R-134a service equipment or vehicle A/C systems SHOULD NOT be pressure tested or leak tested with compressed air. Some mixtures of air/R134a have shown to be combustible at elevated pressures. These mixtures are dangerous and may cause fire and/or explosions. See AIR CONDITIONING SERVICE article in GENERAL INFORMATION section. |
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM
| CAUTION | The anti-lock brake system contains electronic equipment that can be susceptible to interference caused by improperly installed or high output radio transmitting equipment. Since this interference could cause the possible loss of the anti-lock braking capability, such equipment should be installed by qualified professionals. |
On models equipped with anti-lock brake systems, ALWAYS observe the following cautions
- DO NOT attempt to bleed hydraulic system without first referring to the appropriate ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM article in the BRAKES Section.
- DO NOT mix tire sizes. As long as tires remain close to the original diameter, increasing the width is acceptable. Rolling diameter must be identical for all 4 tires. Some manufacturers recommend tires of the same brand, style and type. Failure to follow this precaution may cause inaccurate wheel speed readings.
- Use ONLY recommended brake fluids. DO NOT use silicone brake fluids in an ABS-equipped vehicle.
REPLACING BLOWN FUSES
| CAUTION | Before replacing a blown fuse, remove ignition key, turn off all lights and accessories to avoid damaging the electrical system. Be sure to use fuse with the correct indicated amperage rating. The use of an incorrect amperage rating fuse may result in a dangerous electrical system overload. |
BRAKE PAD WEAR INDICATOR
Indicator will cause a squealing or scraping noise, warning that brake pads need replacement.
CATALYTIC CONVERTER
| CAUTION | Continued operation of vehicle with a severe malfunction could cause converter to overheat, resulting in possible damage to converter and vehicle. |
ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE SENSITIVE (ESD) PARTS
| WARNING | Many solid state electrical components can be damaged by static electricity (ESD). Some will display a warning label, but many will not. Discharge personal static electricity by touching a metal ground point on the vehicle prior to servicing any ESD sensitive component. |
ENGINE OIL
| CAUTION | Never use non-detergent or straight mineral oil. |
FUEL SYSTEM SERVICE
| WARNING | Relieve fuel system pressure prior to servicing any fuel system component (fuel injection models). |
HALOGEN BULBS
Halogen bulbs contain pressurized gas which may explode if overheated. DO NOT touch glass portion of bulb with bare hands. Eye protection should be worn when handling or working around halogen bulbs.
RADIATOR & CONDENSER FINS
Radiator and condenser fins are very thin and easily damaged. Exercise extreme care when working around them.
RADIATOR CAP
| CAUTION | Always disconnect the fan motor when working near the radiator fan. The fan is temperature controlled and could start at any time even when the ignition key is in the OFF position. DO NOT loosen or remove radiator cap when cooling system is hot. |
RADIATOR FAN
| WARNING | Keep hands away from radiator fan. Fan is controlled by a thermostatic switch which may come on or run for up to 15 minutes even after engine is turned off. |
METHANOL GASOLINE
| CAUTION | DO NOT use fuel containing more than 5% methanol, as it can corrode metal parts in fuel system and damage metal, plastic, and rubber parts. Always use co-solvents and anti-corrosion substances, even if fuel contains less than 5% methanol, to prevent problems. |
WARRANTY INFORMATION
| CAUTION | Always refer to customer's copy of warranty information for specific model application and/or coverage limitations. |
NEW CAR LIMITED WARRANTY
Covers all repairs or replacements of any factory-installed part that is defective in material or workmanship under normal use, free of charge, for a period of 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
EMISSION SYSTEMS PERFORMANCE WARRANTY (EXCEPT CALIFORNIA)
Warrants to the owner, that if the vehicle is maintained and used in accordance with the instructions for care and use in the Owner's Manual, and if the vehicle fails an EPA approved emissions test, and such failure results or will result in a penalty to the owner, the manufacturer will make any repairs or replacements necessary to comply with applicable emission standards for 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
EMISSION SYSTEMS PARTS WARRANTY (EXCEPT CALIFORNIA)
Primary emission control parts are warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for 8 years or 80,000 miles, whichever occurs first. The parts covered are as follows
- Three-Way Catalytic Converter
- Engine Control Module (ECM)
- Powertrain Control Module
EMISSION CONTROL PERFORMANCE WARRANTY (CALIFORNIA)
Warrants to the owner that if the vehicle fails a California Smog Check test (or an EPA-approved short test) during the warranty period of 3 years or 50,000 miles whichever occurs first, manufacturer will make all adjustments, diagnosis, repairs and replacements necessary to ensure that vehicle passes the test.
EMISSION CONTROL DEFECTS WARRANTY (CALIFORNIA)
If any emission-related part on the vehicle is defective, the part will be repaired or replaced by manufacturer for a period of 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Certain components are warranted for 7 years or 70,000 miles, whichever occurs first. See copy of warranty for specific details.
ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT & BATTERY LIMITED WARRANTY
Coverage begins on the same date as the New Car Limited Warranty and is for 3 years with no mileage limit.
During its first 24 months from the date New Car Limited Warranty begins, a defective original equipment battery will be replaced free of charge. If the battery fails during the last 12 months of this 3 year warranty, a 50% credit will be given towards the purchase of a new battery.
SEAT BELT LIMITED WARRANTY
Covers repair or replacement, at manufacturer's option, any factory-installed seat belt that fails to function properly during normal use for the useful life of the vehicle.
RUST PERFORATION LIMITED WARRANTY
Covers any repairs or replacement, at manufacturer's option, of any original body panels that are rusted completely through from the inside out (perforated by corrosion) for 5 years with no mileage limit.
ACCESSORY LIMITED WARRANTY
Covers any repairs or replacements, at the manufacturer's option, of any Honda-installed accessory defective in material or workmanship under normal use for the length of the New Car Limited Warranty, 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
Accessories installed by the dealer after retail sale are covered for the longer of the two periods; the time remaining in the New Car Limited Warranty or 1 year or 12,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Accessories not installed by the Honda dealer are covered for 1 year.