steering HONDA INSIGHT 2001 1.G Owner's Manual

In addition, any modif ications that
decrease ground clearance increase
the chance of undercarriage parts
striking a curb, speed bump, or other
raised object, which could cause
your airbags to deploy.
Do not modif y your steering wheel
or any other part of your
Supplemental Restraint System.
Modif ications could make the
system inef f ective.
Do not remove any original
equipment or modif y your car in any
way that would alter its design or
operation. This could make your car
unsaf e and illegal to drive.
For example, do not make any
modif ications that would change the
ride height of your car, or install
wheels and tires with a dif f erent
overall diameter. Do not attach or place objects on the
airbag covers. Any object attached to
or placed on the covers marked ‘‘SRS
AIRBAG,’’ in the center of the
steering wheel and on top of the
dashboard, could interf ere with the
proper operation of the airbags. Or,
if the airbags inf late, the objects
could be propelled inside the car and
hurt someone.
Such modif ications can adversely
af f ect handling, and interf ere with
the operation of the car’s other
systems.
Modif ications
Additional Saf ety Precaution
Bef ore Driving
A ccessories and Modif ications
129

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To shift from Re-
verse to Park, see the explanation
under Park. To shif t to Reverse f rom
Neutral, come to a complete stop
first. Press the release button before
shifting into Reverse from Neutral.
Use Neutral if you
need to restart a stalled engine, or if
it is necessary to stop brief ly with
the engine idling. Always shif t to
Park position if you need to leave the
vehicle for any reason. Press on the
brake pedal when you are moving
the shift lever from Neutral to
another position. Usethismodefor
everyday driving. The transmission
automatically adjusts to keep the
engine at the best speed f or driving
conditions. To help the engine warm
up f aster, the transmission will select
ratios that allow the engine to run at
higher speeds when it is cold. Push
the Drive mode button on the
steering wheel to change f rom the
Second mode to the Drive mode.
Use this position f or
your normal driving. The drive
position has two modes, Drive (D)
andSecond(S).Youcanselectthe
desired mode with the two select
buttons on the steering wheel. The
‘‘D’’ indicator light remains lit in
either mode.
Reverse (R)
Neutral (N)
Drive (D)
Automatic Transmission (CVT)
Driving
Drive Mode
142
DDRRIIVVEEMMOODDEEBBUUTTTTOONN
SSEECCOONNDDMMOODDEEBBUUTTTTOONN

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µ To shif t to Low, press
the release button on the side of the
shif t lever. Use Low to get more
power when climbing, and f or
maximum engine braking when
going down steep hills.
You can switch into and out of
Second mode with the ignition
switch ON (II) and the shif t lever in
D position. If you turn the ignition
switch to ACCESSORY (I) in Second
mode, the mode is switched to Drive.
The ‘‘S’’ indicator also comes on f or a
f ew seconds when you turn the
ignition switch ON(II).
ForfasteraccelerationwheninDor
L, the transmission will automatically
‘‘kick down’’ to a lower range of
ratios by pushing the accelerator
pedal to the f loor.
In this mode, the
transmission selects a wider range of
ratios to give better acceleration.
Usethismodefordrivingupor
downhill. Push the Second mode
buttononthesteeringwheelto
select Second mode. Along with the
‘‘D’’ indicator, the ‘‘S’’ indicator
comes on as a reminder. To change
f rom Second (S) mode to Drive
mode, push the Drive mode button. If you exceed the maximum speed
f or the gear you are in, the engine
speed will enter into the tachometer’s
red zone. If this occurs, you may f eel
the engine cut in and out. This is
caused by a limiter in the engine’s
computer controls. The engine will
run normally when you reduce the
RPM below the red zone.
Low (L)
Engine Speed L imiter
Automatic Transmission (CVT)
Driving
Second (S) Mode
143
‘‘‘‘DD’’’’IINNDDIICCAATTOORR
‘‘‘‘SS’’’’IINNDDIICCAATTOORR

The hydraulic system that operates
the brakes has two separate circuits.
Each circuit works diagonally across
the vehicle (the lef t-f ront brake is
connected with the right-rear brake,
etc.). If one circuit should develop a
problem, you will still have braking
at two wheels.Your car has an Anti-lock Brake
System (ABS) as standard
equipment. ABS helps to prevent the
wheels f rom locking up and skidding
during hard braking, allowing you to
retain steering control.
When the f ront tires skid, you lose
steering control; the car continues
straightaheadeventhoughyouturn
the steering wheel. The ABS helps to
prevent lock-up and helps you retain
steering control by pumping the
brakes rapidly; much f aster than a
person can do it. this defeats the
purpose of the ABS. Let the ABS
work f or you by always keeping f irm,
steady pressure on the brake pedal
as you steer away from the hazard.
This is sometimes ref erred to as
You will f eel a pulsation in the brake
pedal when the ABS activates, and
you may hear some noise. This is
normal, it is the ABS rapidly
pumping the brakes.
Activation varies with the amount of
traction your tires have. On dry
pavement, you will need to press on
thebrakepedalveryhardbeforeyou
activate the ABS. However, you may
feel the ABS activate immediately if
you are trying to stop on snow or ice.
‘‘stomp and steer.’’
CONT INUED
Brake System Design A nti-lock Brakes You should never pump the brake pedal,
The Braking System
Driving149
FFrroonntt

it
only helps with steering control
during braking. You should always
maintain a saf e f ollowing distance
f rom other vehicles.
such as trying to take a
corner too f ast or making a sudden
lane change. Always drive at a safe,
prudent speed f or the road and
weather conditions.
Always steer moderately
when you are braking hard. Severe
or sharp steering wheel movement
can still cause your car to veer into
oncoming traffic or off the road. on loose or
uneven surf aces, such as gravel or
snow, than a car without anti-lock.
Slow down and allow a greater
distance between cars under those
conditions.
The ABS is self -checking. If anything
goes wrong, the ABS indicator on
the instrument panel comes on (see
page ). This means the anti-lock
f unction of the braking system has
shut down. The brakes still work like
a conventional system without anti-
lock, providing normal stopping
ability. You should have the dealer
inspect your car as soon as possible.48
Import ant Saf et y Reminders
A BS Indicat or
A BS does not reduce the time or
distance it takes to stop the car,
A BS will not prevent a skid that
results f rom changing direction
abruptly,
A BS cannot prevent a loss of
stability.A car with ABS may require a
longer distance to stop
The Braking System
Driving
150
AANNTTII--LLOOCCKKBBRRAAKKEESSYYSSTTEEMMIINNDDIICCAATTOORR

µ
µ Being able to see
clearly in all directions and being
visible to other drivers are important
in all weather conditions. This is
more difficult in bad weather. To be
seen more clearly during daylight
hours, turn on your headlights.
Inspect your windshield wipers and
washers f requently. Keep the wind-
shield washer reservoir f ull of the
proper f luid. Have the windshield
wiper blades replaced if they start to
streak the windshield or leave parts
unwiped. Use the def rosters and air
conditioning to keep the windows
f rom f ogging up on the inside (see
page ).
Exercise extra caution when driving
in rain af ter a long dry spell. Af ter
months of dry weather, the f irst
rains bring oil to the surf ace of the
roadway, making it slippery.
Rain, f og, and snow conditions re-
quire a dif f erent driving technique
because of reduced traction and
visibility. Keep your car well-
maintained and exercise greater
caution when you need to drive in
bad weather. Always drive
slower than you would in dry
weather. It takes your car longer to
react, even in conditions that may
seem just barely damp. Apply
smooth, even pressure to all the
controls. Abrupt steering wheel
movements or sudden, hard appli-
cation of the brakes can cause loss of
control in wet weather. Be extra
cautious f or the f irst f ew miles
(kilometers) of driving while you
adjust to the change in driving
conditions. This is especially true in
snow. A person can f orget some
snow-driving techniques during the
summer months. Practice is needed
to relearn those skills. 88
CONT INUED
Visibility
Driving T echnique
Driving in Bad Weather
Driving 151

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Follow the Normal Conditions
Maintenance Schedule if the
severe driving conditions
specif ied in the Severe
Conditions Maintenance
Schedule do not apply.
NOTE: If you only
drive under a
‘‘severe’’ condition, you should
f ollow the Normal Conditions
Maintenance Schedule.
Follow the Maintenance
Schedule f or Severe Conditions.
OCCASIONALLY
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
Maint enance
158 Visually inspect the following items:
Service at the indicated
distance or time whichever
comes first.
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
months
Replace every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months
Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
At 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 120 months,
then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 60 months Every 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 72 months
Every 36 months (independent of mileage)Rotate tires every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Cooling system hoses and connections Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections 152412
304824 609648
457236 75
120 60 90
144
72 105168
84 120192
96
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page .
Replace engine oil
Replace engine oil filter
Check engine oil and coolant
Replace air cleaner element
Inspect valve clearance
Replace spark plugs
Inspect and adjust drive belts
Inspect idle speed
Replace engine coolant
Replace transmission fluid
Inspect front and rear brakes
Replace brake fluid
Check parking brake adjustment
Replace dust and pollen filter
Rotate tires (Check tire inflation and condition
at least once per month)
Adjust only if noisy
MTCVT
U.S. model 157
::
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions

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Maint enance159
Canadian owners:
A, B, C, D
A B C D
Follow the schedule for Severe Conditions.
Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the items in as required for each distance/time interval. Follow this
schedule if the severe driving conditions described in the Severe Conditions Schedule on the next page do not apply.
7,500 mi/12,000 km
15,000 mi/24,000 km/1 yrs
22,500 mi/36,000 km
30,000 mi/48,000 km/2 yrs
37,500 mi/60,000 km
45,000 mi/72,000 km/3 yrs
52,500 mi/84,000 km
60,000 mi/96,000 km/4 yrs
67,500 mi/108,000 km
75,000 mi/120,000 km/5 yrs
82,500 mi/132,000 km
90,000 mi/144,000 km/6 yrs
97,500 mi/156,000 km
105,000 mi/168,000 km/7 yrs
112,500 mi/180,000 km
120,000 mi/192,000 km/6 yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km/8 yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km/10 yrs
then every 60,000 miles
(96,000 km) or 60 months Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,D.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C,D.
Do items in A.
Replace spark plugs. Inspect valve clearance.
Check idle speed.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A. Replace transmission fluid (MT) .
DoitemsinA,B,C. Replace engine coolant. Replace engine oil.
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page 185 ).
Replace engine oil filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Check parking brake adjustment.
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gearbox and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS).
Check all fluid levels, condition of fluids, and check
for leaks.
Inspect cooling system hoses and connections.
Inspect exhaust system.
Inspect fuel lines and connections.
Replace air cleaner element.
Replace dust and pollen filter.
Replace transmission fluid (CVT).
Inspect and adjust drive belts.
Replace brake fluid every 3 years (independent ofmileage).
Replace every 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 72 months.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last
column, page .
Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop.
Check and adjust valve clearance, cold engine, only if noisy. :
··
NOTE: :
157
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions (listed by distance/time)

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Follow the Severe Conditions
Maintenance Schedule if you
drive your vehicle
under one or more of the
f ollowing conditions:
Driving less than 5 miles (8
km) per trip or, in f reezing
temperatures, driving less
than 10 miles (16 km) per trip.
Driving in extremely hot
[over 90°F (32°C)] conditions.
Extensive idling or long
periods of stop-and-go driving.
Driving with a roof rack, or
driving in mountainous
conditions.
Driving on muddy, dusty, or
de-iced roads.
Follow the Maintenance
Schedule f or Severe Conditions.
MAINLY
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
Maint enance
160 Visually inspect the following items:
Service at the indicated
distance or time whichever
comes first.
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
months
Replace every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 6 monthsCheck oil and coolant at each fuel stop
At 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 120 months,
then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 60 months
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 36 months
Inspect every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months Every 36 months (independent of mileage)
Rotate tires every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Cooling system hoses and connections Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections
Lights and controls
Vehicle underbody Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months
152412
75
120
60 105168
84
304824 457236 609648 90
144
72 120192
96
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page .
Refer to page for replacement information under special driving conditions.
Replace engine oil and oil filter
Check engine oil and coolant
Replace air cleaner element
Inspect valve clearance
Replace spark plugs
Inspect and adjust drive belts
Inspect idle speed
Replace engine coolant
Replace transmission fluid
Inspect front and rear brakes
Replace brake fluid
Check parking brake adjustment
Replace dust and pollen filter
Lubricate all hinges, locks, and latches
Rotate tires (Check tire inflation and condition
at least once per month)
Adjust only if noisy
MTCVT
:
1:2: U.S. model
189 157
Use normal schedule except in dusty conditions
21
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions

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ÌÌ
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Ì
CONT INUED
Maint enance
161
Severe Conditions:
A, B, C, D, E
AB C D E
Driving less than 5 miles (8 km) per trip or, in freezing temperatures, driving less than 10 miles (16 km) p
er trip.
Driving in extremely hot (over 90°F/32°C) conditions.
Extensive idling or long periods of stop-and-go driving.
Driving with a roof rack, or driving in mountainous conditions.
Driving on muddy, dusty, or de-iced roads.
Use this schedule if your vehicle is MAINLY driven in any of the following Severe Conditions, o
r normally driven in Canada; otherwise use the Normal
Schedule. Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the items in as required for each distance/time.
3,750 mi/6,000 km/-
7,500 mi/12,000 km/6 mos
11,250 mi/18,000 km/-
15,000 mi/24,000 km/1 yr
18,750 mi/30,000 km/-
22,500 mi/36,000 km/1½ yrs
26,250 mi/42,000 km/-
30,000 mi/48,000 km/2 yrs
33,750 mi/54,000 km/-
37,500 mi/60,000 km/2½ yrs
41,250 mi/66,000 km/-
45,000 mi/72,000 km/3 yrs
48,750 mi/78,000 km/-
52,500 mi/84,000 km/3½ yrs
56,250 mi/90,000 km/-
60,000 mi/96,000 km/3 yrs
60,000 mi/96,000 km/4 yrs
63,750 mi/102,000 km/- Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C,D.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C,E.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do items in A.
Replace transmission fluid (MT).
DoitemsinA,B,C,D.
Do items in A. Replace engine oil and filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page 195 ).
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
Replace air cleaner element.
Check parking brake adjustment.
Lubricate all hinges, locks, and latches with
multipurpose grease.
Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS).
Check all fluid levels, condition of fluids, and check
for leaks.
Inspect cooling system hoses and connections.
Inspect exhaust system.
Inspect fuel lines and connections.
Check all lights.
Inspect the underbody.
Inspect and adjust drive belts.
Replace transmission fluid (CVT).
Replace dust and pollen filter.
Replace brake fluid every 3 years (independent ofmileage).
·····
Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop. See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page .
NOTE: :
 157
1
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions (listed by distance/time)