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
- Short Trips (About 10 Miles) In Freezing Temperatures
- Towing Or Heavily Loaded
- Severe Dust Conditions
- Hot Weather, Stop-And-Go Driving
- Extensive Idling Conditions (Taxi Or Delivery Type Service)
CAMSHAFT TIMING BELT
Camshaft timing belt on (2.6L & 3.2L) should be replaced every 60,000 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
Scheme 5
Scheme 6
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (AIR BAG)
Note. See the AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM 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 AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEM 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
| CAUTION | 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.
BATTERY WARNING
| WARNING | When battery is disconnected, vehicles equipped with computers may lose memory data. When battery power is restored, driveability problems may exist on some vehicles. These vehicles may require a relearn procedure. See COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in GENERAL INFORMATION section. |
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 COOLANT
If the proper quality anti-freeze is used, there is no need to add extra inhibitors or additives that claim to improve the system. They may be harmful to the proper operation of the system.
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. |
HALOGEN BULBS
| WARNING | 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. |
METHANOL GASOLINE
| CAUTION | Fuel that is more than 5% methanol should not be used in this vehicle. It can corrode metal parts in the fuel system, and damage plastic and rubber parts. Even at 5% methanol or less, solvents and corrosion preventers must be used with this fuel to avoid these problems. |
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. |
SPARK PLUGS
Note. Allow engine to cool before removing spark plugs from aluminum cylinder heads.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
| CAUTION | Due to the different warranties offered in various regions and the variety of after-market extended warranties available, please refer to the warranty package that came with the vehicle to verify all warranty options. |
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.
BATTERY
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 after the first 24 months, a 50% credit will be given towards the purchase of a new battery.
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 if 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 5 years or 50,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
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.
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 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
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 36 months with no mileage limit.
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 useful life of vehicle.
Instrument Panel Fuse Indentification
- 1 - 10 Amp Starter
- 2 - 15 Amp Audio
- 3 - 15 Amp Cigarette Lighter
- 4 - 10 Amp Rear Wiper and Washer
- 5 - 20 Amp Front Wiper and Washer
- 6 - 15 Amp Elec. IG.
- 7 - 15 Amp Back Up/Turn Light
- 8 - 15 Amp IG. Coil
- 9 - 15 Amp Engine IG.
- 10 - 15 Amp Meter
- 11 - 15 Amp Rear Defogger No. 1
- 12 - 15 Amp Rear Defogger No. 2
- 13 - 10 Amp Mirror Defogger
- 14 - 20 Amp Power Door Lock
- 15 - 15 Amp Stop Light
- 16 - 10 Amp Dome Light/Audio.B
- 17 - 15 Amp Tail/Illumi. Light
- 18 - 10 Amp Anti Theft
- 19 - Not Used
- 20 - 20 Amp Acc. Socket
- Circuit Breaker 30 Amp Power Window