maintenance schedule HONDA PRELUDE 1998 Owner's Manual

Transmission Fluid

Automatic Transmission
Check the fluid level with the engine
at normal operating temperature.
1. Park the vehicle on level ground. Shut off the engine.
2. Remove the dipstick (yellow loop) from the transmission and wipe it
with a clean cloth. 3. Insert the dipstick all the way into
the transmission securely as
shown in the illustration.
4. Remove the dipstick and check the fluid level. It should bebetween the upper and lowermarks. 5. If the level is below the lower
mark, add fluid into the filler hole
to bring it to the upper mark.
Always use Honda Premium Formula Automatic Transmission
Fluid (ATF). If it is not available,
you may use a DEXRON ®
III
automatic transmission fluid as a
temporary replacement. However,
continued use can affect shift quality. Have the transmission
drained and refilled with Honda
ATF as soon as it is convenient.
6. Insert the dipstick all the way back into the transmission securely as
shown in the illustration.
The transmission should be drained and refilled with new fluid according
to the time and distance recommen-
dations in the maintenance schedule.
Maintenance

DIPSTICK

UPPER MARK
LOWER MARK

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Transmission Fluid

5-speed Manual Transmission Check the fluid level with the
transmission at normal operating temperature and the vehicle sittingon level ground. Remove the
transmission filler bolt and carefully
feel inside the bolt hole with your
finger. The fluid level should be up
to the edge of the bolt hole. If it is
not, add Genuine Honda Manual
Transmission Fluid (MTF) until it starts to run out of the hole. Reinstall
the filler bolt and tighten it securely. If Honda MTF is not available, you
may use an API service SG, SH or SJ
grade motor oil with a viscosity of SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 as a
temporary replacement. An SG
grade is preferred, but an SH or SJ
grade may be used if SG is not available. However, motor oil does
not contain the proper additives and
continued use can cause stiffershifting. Replace as soon as
convenient.
The transmission should be drained and refilled with new fluid according
to the time and distance recommen- dations in the maintenance schedule.

Maintenance

Correct
level
FILLER

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Brake and Clutch Fluid
Check the fluid level in the reser-
voirs monthly. There are up to two reservoirs, depending on model.
They are: Brake fluid reservoir (all models)
Clutch fluid reservoir
(manual transmission only)
The brake fluid in the brake system should be replaced according to the
time and distance recommendations
in the maintenance schedule. Always use Genuine Honda DOT 3
brake fluid. If it is not available, youshould use only DOT 3 or DOT 4
fluid, from a sealed container, as a
temporary replacement. However,
the use of any non-Honda brake fluid can cause corrosion and decrease
the life of the system. Have the brake system flushed and refilled
with Honda DOT 3 brake fluid as soon as possible.
Brake fluid marked DOT 5 is not
compatible with your vehicle's
braking system and can cause extensive damage. Brake System
MAX
The fluid level should be between the MIN and MAX marks on the sideof the reservoir. If the level is at or
below the MIN mark, your brake system needs attention. Have the
brake system inspected for leaks or worn brake pads.

Maintenance
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Air Cleaner Element
The air cleaner element should be cleaned or replaced according to the
time and distance recommendationsin the maintenance schedule.
Cleaning (Severe Conditions)
Clean the air cleaner element by
blowing compressed air through it in
the opposite direction to normal air
flow. If you do not have access to compressed air (such as a service
station), ask your Honda dealer to do
this service.
Follow the replacement procedure
for removal and reinstallation. Replacement
The air cleaner element is inside the air cleaner housing on the passenger'sside of the engine compartment.
To replace it:
1. Unsnap the four hold-down clamps and remove the air cleaner
housing cover.
AIR CLEANER

ELEMENT

2. Remove the old air cleaner element.
Clean the inside of the air cleaner housing with a damp rag.
3. Place the new air cleaner element in the air cleaner housing.
4. Reinstall the air cleaner housing cover, snap the four hold-down
clamps back into place.

Maintenance

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Drive Belts, Timing Belt

Drive Belts
Check the condition of the two drive
belts. Examine the edges of each belt for cracks or fraying.
Check the tension of each belt by
pushing on it with your thumb
midway between the pulleys. The belts should have the following
"play" or deflection.
Alternator belt:
0.37-0.49 in (9.5-12.5 mm)

Power steering belt:

0.53-0.65 in (13.5-16.5 mm)

If you see signs of wear or looseness,
have your dealer adjust or replace
the belts. Timing Belt
The timing belt and balancer belt should normally be replaced at the
intervals shown in the maintenance
schedule.

Replace these belts at 60,000 miles
(U.S.) or 100,000 km (Canada) if you
regularly drive your vehicle in one or
more of these conditions:
In very high temperatures
(over110°F,43°C).
In very low temperatures

(under — 20°F, — 29°C).

Maintenance
POWER STEERING BELT

ALTERNATOR BELT
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Storing Your Vehicle

If you need to park your vehicle for
an extended period (more than one
month), there are several things you should do to prepare it for storage.
Proper preparation helps prevent
deterioration and makes it easier to
get your vehicle back on the road. If
possible, store your vehicle indoors. Fill the fuel tank.
Change the engine oil and filter
(see page 175). Wash and dry the exterior

completely.
Clean the interior. Make sure the
carpeting, floor mats, etc. are
completely dry.
Leave the parking brake off. Put
the transmission in Reverse (5- speed manual) or Park (automatic). Block the rear wheels. If the vehicle is to be stored for a
longer period, it should be supported on jackstands so the
tires are off the ground. Leave one window open slightly (if
the vehicle is being stored

indoors).
Disconnect the battery.
Support the front wiper blade
arms with a folded towel or rag so
they do not touch the windshield.
To minimize sticking, apply a silicone spray lubricant to all door
and trunk seals. Also, apply a
vehicle body wax to the painted surfaces that mate with the door
and trunk seals. Cover the vehicle with a
"breathable" vehicle cover, one
made from a porous material such as cotton. Nonporous materials,such as plastic sheeting, trap
moisture, which can damage the
paint. If possible, run the engine for a
while periodically (preferably once a month).
If you store your vehicle for 12
months or longer, have your Honda dealer perform the inspections called
for in the 24 months/30,000 miles (48,000 km) maintenance schedule
(Normal Conditions) as soon as you
take it out of storage (see page 164).
The replacements called for in the maintenance schedule are not
needed unless the vehicle hasactually reached that time or mileage.

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Emissions Controls

The burning of gasoline in your vehicle's engine produces several by-products. Some of these are carbon
monoxide (CO), oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and hydrocarbons (HC).
Gasoline evaporating from the tank
also produces hydrocarbons. Con-
trolling the production of NOx, CO, and HC is important to the environ-
ment. Under certain conditions of sunlight and climate, NOx and HC
react to form photochemical "smog." Carbon monoxide does not contri-
bute to smog creation, but it is a
poisonous gas. The Clean Air Act
The United States Clean Air Act* sets standards for automobile
emissions. It also requires that
automobile manufacturers explain to
owners how their emissions controls
work and what to do to maintain them. This section summarizes how
the emissions controls work.Scheduled maintenance is on page 164.
* In Canada, Honda vehicles comply
with the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS) forEmissions valid at the time they are
manufactured. Crankcase Emissions Control
System
Your vehicle has a Positive Crankcase Ventilation System. This
keeps gasses that build up in the engine's crankcase from going into
the atmosphere. The Positive Crank- case Ventilation valve routes them
from the crankcase back to the intake manifold. They are thendrawn into the engine and burned.
Evaporative Emissions Control
System
As gasoline evaporates in the fuel tank, an evaporative emissions
control canister filled with charcoaladsorbs the vapor. It is stored in this
canister while the engine is off. After
the engine is started and warmed up,
the vapor is drawn into the engine and burned during driving.

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Index

Locks Anti-theft Steering Column........ 71
Fuel Fill Door............................. 121
Glove Box.....................................74

Power Door.................................. 72

Trunk............................................
73

Low Coolant
Level......................... 124
Lower Gear, Downshifting to a.... 134
Low Fuel Indicator.......................... 55
Low Oil Pressure Indicator.... 53, 240
Lubricant Specifications Chart........................................... 254
Luggage.......................................... 128
Maintenance................................... 159 Owner Maintenance Checks.... 171

Record................................. 169 - 170

Required Indicator....................... 58
Schedule............................. 162 -

168

Malfunction Indicator
Lamp ... 53,

242

Manual Transmission.....................
134

Manual Transmission

Fluid .......... 184
Maximum Allowable Shift
Speeds................................. 135, 142
Meters, Gauges................................ 56
Methanol in Gasoline.................... 259
Mirrors, Adjusting........................... 83

Moonroof.......................................... 82
Closing Manually....................... 244
Operation...................................... 82
Neutral Gear Position.................... 139
New Vehicle Break-in ................... 120
Normal Shift Speeds...................... 135
NOTICE, Explanation of.................... i Numbers, Identification................ 252
Octane Requirement, Gasoline.... 120Odometer.......................................... 56

Odometer, Trip................................ 56

Oil Change, How to ......................... 175
Change, When to....................... 164
Checking Engine....................... 123
Pressure Indicator............... 53, 240 Selecting Proper Viscosity
Chart....................................... 174
ON (Ignition Key Position) ............ 71
Opening the Hood ......................... 122
Opening the Trunk.......................... 73
Operation in Foreign Countries... 260 Outside Mirrors............................... 83
Overheating, Engine..................... 238
Panel Brightness Control............... 61
Park Gear Position......................... 138 Parking............................................ 144
Parking Brake.................................. 84
Parking Lights.................................. 60
Parking Over Things that Burn... 144
PGM-FI System.............................. 262
Polishing and Waxing ................... 221

Power
Door Locks................................... 72

Mirrors.......................................... 83

Steering.......................................186

Windows....................................... 80
Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts.......... 17ProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t

Index

Protecting Adults............................. 10
Additional Safety Precautions.... 17
Advice for Pregnant Women...... 17

Protecting Children......................... 19
Protecting Infants........................ 27
Protecting Larger Children........ 35
Protecting Small Children.......... 31
Using Child Seats with Tethers......................................38
Radiator Overheating.................... 238
Radio/CD Sound System.............. 100

Rear End Towing........................... 250

Rear Lights, Bulb Replacement... 211

Rear Seat Access ............................. 76

Rear Seat, Folding........................... 79

Rear View Mirror............................. 83
Rear Window Defogger.................. 63
Reclining the Seat Backs................ 75
Recommended Shift Speeds ........ 135
Reminder Lights.............................. 51
Replacement Information Air Cleaner Element.................. 187
Coolant........................................ 179 Engine Oil and Filter................. 175

Fuses...........................................245

Light Bulbs................................. 206
Schedule..................................... 164
SparkPlugs................................. 188
Timing Belt................................. 196 Tires............................................ 200
Wiper Blades.............................. 193
Replacing Seat Belts After a
Crash.............................................42

Reserve Tank, Engine Coolant.... 124

Restraint, Child................................ 19

Reverse Gear Position................... 138

Rotation, Tire................................. 200

Safety Belts......................................... 5

Safety Features.................................. 5
Airbags.......................................... 43Door Locks..................................... 9

Head Restraints............................. 8

Seat Belts........................................ 6

Seats & Seat-Backs........................ 8

Safety Labels, Location of.............. 48

Safety Messages................................ ii
Seat Belt, Additional Information.. 40
Lap/Shoulder Belt....................... 40
Seat Belt Maintenance................ 42
Seat Belt System Components... 40

Seat Belts............................................ 6

Cleaning...................................... 223
Maintenance................................. 42
Reminder Light and Beeper....... 52
System Components.................... 40
Tether Attachment Points.......... 38
Use During Pregnancy................ 17
Seat Heaters..................................... 78

Seats, Adjusting the......................... 75

Sequential SportShift Mode......... 139
Serial Number................................ 252
Service Intervals............................ 164
Service Manual* ............................ 271
Service Station Procedures .......... 121
Setting the Clock............................. 85
Shifting
The Automatic Transmission .. 137
The 5-speed Manual Transmission.......................... 134
Shift Lever Position Indicator...... 136
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