HONDA PRELUDE 1990 Owners Manual
Page 91 of 143
6. Mix the recommended antifreeze with an equal amount of low-
mineral or distilled water and fill the reservoir to maximum, as
illustrated.
7. Loosen the air bleed bolt in the thermostat housing, then fill the radiator to the filler neck with the coolant mixture. Tighten thebleed bolt as soon as coolant starts to run out in a steady stream
without bubbles.
8. With the radiator cap off, start the engine and let it run until warmed up (fan goes on at least twice). Then, if necessary, addmore coolant mixture to bring the level back up to the filter neck.
9. Put the radiator cap on, then run the engine again and check for
leaks.
Fill to
here
Fill to here
FILLER
NECKProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s
Page 92 of 143
Spark Plugs
Spark plugs should be replaced every 24 months or 30,000 miles
(48,000 km), whichever comes first.
Recommended spark plugs: (2.0S)
For all normal driving
BCPR5EY-N11 (NGK) BCPR5E-11 (NGK)
Q16PR-U11 (ND)
For hot climates or continuous high speed driving
BCPR6EY-N11 (NGK) BCPR6E-11 (NGK)
BCPR7EY-N11 (NGK) BCPR7E-11 (NGK)
Q20PR-U11 (ND) Q22PR-U11 (ND)
(2.0Si,Si)
For all normal driving
ZFR5F-11 (NGK) KJ16CR-L11 (ND)
For hot climates or continuous high speed driving ZFR6F-11 (NGK) KJ20CR-L11 (ND)
Keep hands away from the radiator fan. The fan may start
automatically without warning and run for up to 15 minutes, even
after the engine is turned off.
CAUTION:
Never use spark plugs with an improper heat range; they will
adversely affect engine performance and durability.ProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s
Page 93 of 143
Spark Plug Replacement
Replace plugs one at a time, so you don't get the wires mixed up. 1. Clean any dirt from around the spark plug base.
2. Disconnect the spark plug cap, then remove and discard the old
plug.
3. Check the gap of the new spark plugs before installation.
Plug gap should be:
1.1 mm (0.04 in)
4. Thread the new spark plug in by hand to prevent cross-threading.
5. After the plug seats against the cylinder head, tighten 1/2 turn with a spark plug wrench to compress the washer.
6. Reinstall the spark plug cap.
CAUTION:
The spark plugs must be securely tightened, but not overtightened.A plug that's too loose can get very hot and possibly damage the
engine; one that's too tight could damage the threads in thecylinder head.
PLUG CAPProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s
Page 94 of 143
Wiper Blades
For maximum visibility, replace worn or cracked wiper blades when
you notice they do not wipe the windshield cleanly or smoothly.
To Replace Worn-out Blades:
1. Detach the blade assembly from the arm by pressing the
lock tab in, then pushing the
blade toward the base of the
arm.
2. Firmly grasp the end of the
blade rubber and pull until the
tabs are free of the metal
support.
METAL SUPPORT
TAB
Pull out
3. Remove the metal retainers from the worn-out blade rubber and
put them in a new blade rubber. RETAINERS
4. Insert the new blade rubber from the opposite side of the blade
tabs and position the tabs in the
metal support.
5. Reinstall the blade assembly on
the arm. Press Lock
Tab In
Push InProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s
Page 95 of 143
Air Filter
Replace the air filter every 24 months or 30,000 miles (48,000 km),
whichever comes first (more often in extremely dusty conditions).
Replacement
(2.0 S)
Disconnect the tube, hose and wire connector from the air cleaner
cover.
WING BOLT
CLIP
Loosen the wing bolt and unsnap
the clips,
Remove the old filter and replace it
with a new one, reinstall the cover
and secure it with the clips and wing bolt. Connect the connector, hose
and tube.
(2.0 Si,Si)
Loosen the air filter band.
Loosen the attaching bolts and remove the filter cover and seal. Remove the old filter and replace it with a new one, reinstall the seal
and cover.
Tighten the bolts.
TUBE
CLIP
AIR CLEANER
COVER
CONNECTOR
AIR CLEANER
COVER
HOSE
AIR FILTER
BAND COVER
BOLT
SEAL
AIR FILTERProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s
Page 96 of 143
Fuel Filters/Clutch Fluid
Fuel Filters
(2.0 S)
There are two fuel filters in your car; the main filter is located near
the left side of the fuel tank and an auxiliary filter is at the left side
of the air filter in the engine compartment. Both should be replaced at 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months,
whichever comes first, or any time you suspect contaminated gas
may have clogged them.
For easier access to the main filter, remove the left rear wheel to
inspect or replace the filter.
The fuel filter is located in the engine compartment, on the right
center of the firewall. It should be replaced at 60,000 miles (96,000km) or 48 months whichever comes first, or any time you suspect
contaminated gas may have clogged it.
CAUTION:
Because the fuel system is under pressure, the filter should be
replaced only by a qualified Honda technician.
CLUTCH FLUID
RESERVOIR
Clutch Fluid
Check the fluid level in the clutchreservoir periodically; it should be
between the MAX and MIN marks
on the reservoir.
If the level is near the MIN mark, add
fluid to raise it to the MAX mark. Do not overfill. Use only brake fluid
manufactured to DOT 3 or DOT 4
specifications from a sealed
container. Follow the manufacturer's instructions printed on the can.
NOTE:
A low clutch fluid level may be an indication of clutch fluid leakage.
You should have your clutch checked if the clutch fluid level in the reservoir is low.
When removing the rear wheel, use safety stands to support the
car.
AUXILIARYFILTER
(2.0 Si,Si)
MAIN FILTERProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s
Page 97 of 143
Power Steering
The power steering on your car provides easy handling while parking and maneuvering in traffic, without loss of road "feel" at
highway speeds. An engine-driven hydraulic pump provides full
power assist at low speeds and decreasing assist as the car goes
faster.
CAUTION:
If the power steering system should fail, or if the engine should
stall, the car can still be steered. However, much greater effort will be required, particularly in sharp turns at low speed.
NOTE:
You may feel a slight clunk or knock when turning the wheel with
the engine off. This is a normal condition due to the design of the system.
Power Steering Fluid
Check the power steering fluid level with the engine cold and the
car parked on level ground. Make sure the fluid level is between theupper and lower marks on the reservoir. If the level has dropped
close to or below the lower mark, check for leaks before adding
fluid to the upper mark. Do not overfill.
CAUTION:
Use only genuine Honda power steering fluid. The use of other
fluids such as A.T.F. or other manufacturer's power steering fluid will damage the system. POWER STEERING
FLUID RESERVOIR
UPPER
LOWERProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s
Page 98 of 143
Brakes
Brake System Design
The diagonally-separated dual service brake systemis designed so half the
system will still provide
braking action if the other
half fails.However, stopping the car with only half the system will require
more pedal pressure and pedal travel than normal. Also, the distance
required to stop will be longer using only half the brake system. If
the brakes fail suddenly, downshift to a lower gear for increased engine braking, and pull off the road as soon as possible.
It is dangerous to drive your car with a problem in either the
brake electrical or hydraulic system; have your dealer check
both systems if you suspect brake trouble. Do not ride the brakes, In other words, don't put your foot on
the brake pedal unless you intend to brake. This causes excessive brake wear and can damage, or lead to loss of braking
effectiveness through overheating. Your brake lights may also
confuse drivers behind you.Driving through deep water may affect the brakes.
Check their effectiveness by pressing the brake pedal gently.If the car does not slow down at the normal rate, continue
gently applying the brakes, while maintaining a safe speed, until
they dry out and normal performance returns.
Brake Wear
Both front and rear brakes should be inspected for wear at the
intervals shown in the maintenance schedule on page 78
When the brakes require maintenance, use only genuine Honda replacement parts or their equivalent.
Brake Wear Indicators
Your car is equipped with audible brake wear indicators. When the
brake pads need to be replaced, the wear indicators will make a "screeching" sound or a high pitch chirp.
NOTE:
Due to some driving habits or climates, brakes may "squeal" when
you first apply them or when you have them partially applied; this is normal, and does not indicate excessive wear. The wear indicator
makes a "screeching" sound while the brakes are applied.ProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s
Page 99 of 143
BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR
Brake Fluid
Check the fluid level in the brake
fluid reservoir periodically; it should be between the MAX and MINmarks on the reservoir.If the level is near the MIN mark, add
fluid to raise it to the MAX mark. Do not overfill, Use only brake fluid
manufactured to DOT 3 or DOT 4
specifications (see reservoir cap)
from a seated container. Follow the manufacturer's instructions printed
on the can.
NOTE:
A low brake fluid level may be an indication of brake pad wear or of
brake fluid leakage. You should have your brakes checked if the
brake fluid level in the reservoir is low before refilling it.
CAUTION:
The arrow on the reservoir cap must be pointing forward after the cap is installed. Make sure the brake warning switch wiring doesn't
get caught between the cap and top edge of the reservoir.
ANTI LOCK
BRAKE FLUIDRESERVOIR
Anti Lock Brake Fluid (Si with ALB)
Check the fluid level in the ALB
reservoir periodically.
To check, drive the car for a few
minutes to equalize fluid pressure in
the system.
The level should be between the
MAX and MIN marks on the
reservoir. If the level is near the MIN
mark, add fluid to raise it to the
MAX mark.
Do not overfill. Use only brake fluid
manufactured to DOT 3 or DOT 4
specifications from a sealed
container.
Follow the manufacturer's
instructions printed on the can.
If the level is more than 10 mm (0.4 in) above the MAX mark, it may
indicate a malfunction of ALB system. Have an authorized Honda
dealer check the system as soon as possible.ProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s
Page 100 of 143
The condition of the battery can be determined by checking the
test indicator. Service as required according to the label on the
battery.
Any corrosion around the positive and negative terminals should be washed off with a solution of baking soda and warm water. Dry the
terminals and then coat them with grease.
The battery gives off explosive gases; keep sparks, flames andcigarettes away. Provide adequate ventilation when charging orusing the battery in an enclosed space.
The battery contains sulfuric acid (electrolyte). Contact with skin or eyes may cause severe burns. Wear protective clothing
and a face shield.
— If electrolyte gets on your skin, flush with water.
— If electrolyte gets in your eyes, flush with water for at least
15 minutes and call a physician immediately.
Electrolyte is poisonous.
— If swallowed, drink large quantities of water or milk and follow with milk of magnesia or vegetable oil and call a physician.
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
Battery
TEST INDICATOR
TERMINAL
TERMINAL
ProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s