window HONDA CR-Z 2014 1.G Owner's Manual

174
Driving
Before Driving
Driving Preparation
Check the following items before you start driving.
• Make sure there are no obstructions on the windows, door mirrors, exterior
lights, or other parts of the vehicle.
u Remove any frost, snow, or ice.
u Remove any snow on the roof, as this can slip down and obstruct your field of
vision while driving. If frozen solid , remove ice once it has softened.
u When removing ice from around the wheels, be sure not to damage the wheel
or wheel components.
• Make sure the hood is securely closed.
u If the hood opens while driving, your front view will be blocked.
• Make sure the tires are in good condition.
u Check air pressures, and check for damage and excessive wear.
2Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 255
•Make sure there are no people or ob jects behind or around the vehicle.
u There are blind spots from the inside.
■Exterior Checks1Exterior Checks
NOTICE
When doors are frozen s hut, use warm water around
the door edges to melt any ice. Do not try to force
them open, as this can damage the rubber trim
around the doors. When done, wipe dry to avoid
further freezing.
Do not pour warm water into the key cylinder.
You will be unable to insert the key if the water
freezes in the hole.
Heat from the engine and exhaust can ignite
flammable material s left under the hood, causing a
fire. If you've parked y our vehicle for an extended
period, inspect and remove any debris that may have
collected, such as dried grass and leaves that have
fallen or have been carried in for use as a nest by a
small animal.
Also check under the hood fo r leftover flammable
materials after you or so meone else has performed
maintenance on your vehicle.

222
Driving
Accessories and Modifications
Accessories
When installing accessories, check the following:
• Do not install accessories on the windshield. They can obstruct your view and
delay your reaction to driving conditions.
• Do not install any accessorie s over areas marked SRS Airbag, on the sides or backs
of the seats, on front or side pillars, or near the side windows. Accessories
installed in these areas may interfere with proper operation of the vehicle’s
airbags or may be propelled into you or another occupant if the airbags deploy.
• Be sure electronic accessories do not over load electrical circuits or interfere with
proper operation of your vehicle.
2 Fuses P. 301
•Before installing any electron ic accessory, have the installer contact a dealer for
assistance. If possible, have a d ealer inspect the final installation.
Modifications
Do not modify your vehicle or use non-Honda components that can affect its
handling, stability, and reliability.
Overall vehicle performance can be affect ed. Always make sure all equipment is
properly installed and maintained, and th at it meets federal, state, province,
territory, and local regulations.
1 Accessories and Modifications
Honda Genuine accessor ies are recommended to
ensure proper operati on on your vehicle.
3WARNING
Improper accessories or modifications can
affect your vehicle's handling, stability, and
performance, and cause a crash in which
you can be seriously hurt or killed.
Follow all instruction s in this owner's
manual regarding accessories and
modifications.

223
Maintenance
This chapter discusses basic maintenance.
Before Performing MaintenanceInspection and Maintenance ............ 224
Safety When Performing Maintenance .... 225Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance Service ........................................... 226
Maintenance Minder
TM..................... 227
Maintenance Under the Hood
Maintenance Items Under the Hood ..... 231Opening the Hood ........................... 232
Recommended Engine Oil ................ 233
Oil Check ......................................... 234
Adding Engine Oil ............................ 235
Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter .. 236
Engine Coolant ................................ 238
Transmission Fluid ............................ 240
Brake/Clutch Fluid ............................ 242
Refilling Window Wa sher Fluid......... 243
Replacing Light Bulbs ....................... 244
Checking and Maintaining Wiper
Blades .......................................... 252
Checking and Maintaining Tires
Checking Tires ................................. 255
Tire and Loading Information Label .. 256
Tire Labeling .................................... 256
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles) .. 258Wear Indicators................................ 260 Tire Service Life ................................ 260
Tire and Wheel Replacement ........... 261
Tire Rotation .................................... 262
Winter Tires ..................................... 263
12 Volt Battery .................................. 264
Remote Transmitter Care
Replacing the Button Battery ........... 266
Climate Control System Maintenance ...... 267Cleaning
Interior Care .................................... 268
Exterior Care.................................... 270

243
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uRefilling Window Washer Fluid
Maintenance
Refilling Window Washer Fluid
Check the amount of window washer fluid using the washer fluid level gauge on the
cap.
If the level is low, fill the washer reservoir.
If the washer fluid is low, a message appears on the multi-information display.
Pour the washer fluid carefully. Do not overflow the reservoir.
Models with washer fluid level gauge1Refilling Window Washer Fluid
NOTICE
Do not use engine antifreeze or a vinegar/water
solution in the washer reservoir.
Antifreeze can damage y our vehicle's paint. A
vinegar/water solution ca n damage the washer
pump.
Level Gauge
Models with washer level sensor

252
Maintenance
Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades
Checking Wiper Blades
If the wiper blade rubber has deteriorated, it will leave streaks and the metal wiper
arm may scratch the window glass.
Changing the Front Wiper Blade Rubber
1. Lift the driver side wiper arm first, then the
passenger side.
2. Push the lock tab up.
3. Slide the blade from the wiper arm.
1Changing the Front Wiper Blade Rubber
NOTICE
Avoid dropping the wiper ar m; it may damage the
windshield.
Lock Tab

254
uuChecking and Maintaining Wiper Blades uChanging the Rear Wiper Blade Rubber
Maintenance
Changing the Rear Wiper Blade Rubber
1. Raise the wiper arm off.
2. Slide the wiper blade out from the wiper
arm while pushing the lock tab.
3. Slide the wiper blade out from its holder by
pulling the tabbed end out.
4. Remove the retainer from wiper blade and
mount it to a new rubber blade.
5. Slide the wiper blade onto the holder.
u Make sure it is engaged correctly, then
install the wiper blade assembly onto the
wiper arm.1Changing the Rear Wiper Blade Rubber
NOTICE
Avoid dropping the wiper ar m; it may damage the
rear window.
Tabbed End

264
Maintenance
12 Volt Battery
Checking the 12 Volt Battery
Check the battery condition monthly. Look at
the test indicator window and check the
terminals for corrosion.
If your vehicle's battery is disconnected or goes dead:
• The audio system is disabled.
2 Reactivating the audio system P. 143
•The clock resets.
2 Clock P. 98
•The navigation system* is disabled. A PIN code will be required.
2 Refer to the navigation system manual
112 Volt Battery
WARNING: Battery post, terminals,
and related accessories contain lead
and lead compounds.
Wash your hands after handling.
The test indicator's color information is on the
battery.
3WARNING
The battery gives off explosive hydrogen
gas during normal operation.
A spark or flame can cause the battery to
explode with enough force to kill or
seriously hurt you.
When conducting any battery
maintenance, wear prot ective clothing and
a face shield, or have a skilled technician do
it.
Test Indicator Window
* Not available on all models

267
Maintenance
Climate Control System Maintenance
Dust and Pollen Filter
The climate control system is equipped with a dust and pollen filter that collects
pollen, dust, and other debris in the air. The Maintenance MinderTM messages will let
you know when to replace the filter.
We recommend that you repl ace the dust and pollen filter sooner when using your
vehicle in areas with high concentrations of dust.
1 Dust and Pollen Filter
If the airflow from the climate control system
deteriorates noticeably, and the windows fog up
easily, the filter may need to be replaced. Please
contact a dealer for replacement.

270
uuCleaning uExterior Care
Maintenance
Exterior Care
Dust off the vehicle body after you drive.
Regularly inspect your vehi cle for scratches on painted surfaces. A scratch on a
painted surface can result in body rust. If you find a scratch, promptly repair it.
Wash the vehicle regularly. Wash more frequently when driving in the following
conditions:
• If driving on roads with road salt.
• If driving in coastal areas.
• If tar, soot, bird droppings, insects, or tree sap are stuck to painted surfaces.
Fold in the door mirrors. Make sure to fo llow the instructions indicated on the
automated car wash.
• Keep sufficient distance between the cleaning nozzl e and the vehicle body.
• Take particular care around the windows. St anding too close may cause water to
enter the vehicle interior.
• Do not spray high pressure water directly into the engine compartment. Instead,
use low pressure water and a mild detergent.
■Washing the Vehicle
■Using an Automated Car Wash
■Using High Pressure Cleaners
1 Washing the Vehicle
Do not spray water into the air intake vents. It can
cause a malfunction.
Do not spray water onto the fuel fill door directly. A
high-pressure spray ma y cause it to open.
Air Intake Vents

271
uuCleaning uExterior Care
Maintenance
A good coat of automotive body wax helps protect your vehicle’s paint from the
elements. Wax will wear off over time and expose your vehicle’s paint to the
elements, so reapply as necessary.
If you get gasoline, oil, engine coolant, or battery fluid on resi n coated parts, they
may be stained or the coating may peel. Prom ptly wipe it away using a soft cloth and
clean water.
Wipe using a glass cleaner.
Aluminum is susceptible to deterioration caused by salt and other road
contaminants. Use a sponge and mild detergent to wipe away promptly.
Be careful not to use harsh chemicals (including some commercial wheel cleaners) or
a stiff brush. They can damage the clear coat of the aluminum alloy wheels that
helps keep the aluminum from corroding and tarnishing.
■Applying Wax
■Maintaining the Bumpers and Other Resin Coated Parts
■Cleaning the Window
■Maintaining Aluminum Wheels
1Applying Wax
NOTICE
Chemical solvents and st rong cleaners can damage
the paint, metal, and plasti c on your vehicle. Wipe up
spills immediately.
1 Maintaining the Bumpers an d Other Resin Coated Parts
Ask a dealer about the corr ect coating material when
you want to repair the painted surface of the parts
made of resin.
1 Cleaning the Window
Wires are mounted to the in side of the rear window.
Wipe along the same direct ion as the wires with a
soft cloth so as not to damage them.