HONDA INSIGHT 2002 1.G Owners Manual

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 pref erred, 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 stif f er
shif ting. Replace as soon as it is
convenient.
The transmission should be drained
and ref illed with new f luid according
to the time and distance recommen-
dations in the maintenance schedule.
Check the f luid level with the
transmission at normal operating
temperature and the car sitting on
the level ground.
Remove the black cover under the
engine. Remove the transmission f iller bolt
and caref ully f eel inside the bolt hole
with your f inger. The f luid level
should be up to the edge of the bolt
hole. If it is not, add Honda Manual
Transmission Fluid (MTF) until it
starts to run out of the hole. Reinstall
the f iller bolt and tighten it securely.
Maint enance
T ransmission Fluid
5-speed Manual Transmission
178

The f luid level should be between
theMINandMAXmarksontheside
of the reservoir. If the level is at or
below the MIN mark, your brake
system needs attention. Have the
brake system inspected f or leaks or
worn brake pads.
Always use Honda Heavy Duty
Brake Fluid DOT 3. If it is not
available, you should use only DOT 3
or DOT 4 f luid, f rom a sealed
container, as a temporary
replacement. However, the use of
any non-Honda brake fluid can cause
corrosion and decrease the lif e of the
system. Have the brake system
f lushed and ref illed with Honda
Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3 as
soon as possible.
Brake f luid marked DOT 5 is not
compatible with your car’s braking
system and can cause extensive
damage.
Check the f luid level in the reser-
voirs monthly. There are up to two
reservoirs, depending on the model.
They are:
The brake f luid should be replaced
accordingtothetimeanddistance
recommendations in the mainte-
nance schedule.
Brake f luid reservoir (all models)
Clutch f luid reservoir
(manual transmission only)
Maint enance
Brake and Clutch Fluid
Brake System
179
M M
A
AX
X
M
M I
INN

The f luid should be between the
MIN and MAX marks on the side of
the reservoir. If it is not, add brake
f luid to bring it up to that level. Use
the same f luid specif ied f or the
brake system.
Low f luid level can indicate a leak in
the clutch system. Have this system
inspected as soon as possible.
Maint enance
Brake and Clutch Fluid
Clutch System
180
M MA
AX
X
M
M I
INN

The air cleaner element should be
replaced according to the time and
distance recommendations in the
maintenance schedule.Remove the old air cleaner
element. Unsnap the four clips and remove
the air cleaner housing cover.
To replace it: The air cleaner element is inside the
air cleaner housing in the engine
compartment.
Caref ully clean the inside of the
air cleaner housing with a damp
rag.
Reinstall the air cleaner housing
cover, snap the four clips back into
place. Place the new air cleaner element
in the air cleaner housing.
1. 3.
2. 4.
5.
Replacement
A ir Cleaner Element
Maint enance181
C CL
LIIPP S
S
A
AI
IRR C
CLLEE A
A N
NE ER
R E
EL
LEE M
M E
EN
NT T

Clean the hood latch assembly with a
mild cleaner, then lubricate it with a
multipurpose grease. Lubricate all
the moving parts (as shown),
including the pivot. Follow the time
and distance recommendations in
the Maintenance Schedule. If you
are not sure how to clean and grease
the latch, contact your Honda dealer.
Maint enance
Hood L at ch
182
P PI
IVV O
OT TS
S

Check the battery terminals for
corrosion (a white or yellowish
powder). To remove it, cover the
terminals with a solution of baking
soda and water. It will bubble up and
turn brown. When this stops, wash it
of f with plain water. Dry of f the
battery with a cloth or paper towel.
Coat the terminals with grease to
help prevent f uture corrosion.
Check the battery condition by
looking at the test indicator window
on the battery.
The label on the battery explains the
test indicator’s colors.
Check the condition of your car’s
battery monthly. You should check
the color of the test indicator window,
and f or corrosion on the terminals.
Battery posts,
terminals and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds.
CONT INUED
Battery
Maint enance
WARNING:
Wash hands af ter handling.
183
T T E
ES
ST T I
INND DI
ICCA A T
TO
OR R W
WI INND DO
OW W

µ
If the terminals are severely cor-
roded, clean them with baking soda
and water. Then use a wrench to
loosen and remove the cables f rom
the terminals. Always disconnect the
negative ( ) cable f irst and recon-
nect it last. Clean the battery termi-
nals with a terminal cleaning tool or
wire brush. Reconnect and tighten
the cables, then coat the terminals
with grease. If you need to connect the battery to
a charger, disconnect both cables to
prevent damage to the car’s
electrical system.
Maint enance
Battery
184
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.
Wear protective clothing and a
face shield, or have a skilled
mechanic do the battery
maintenance.
Charging the battery with the cables
connected can seriously damage your
car’s electronic controls. Detach the
battery cables bef ore connecting the
battery to a charger.

Disconnect the blade assembly
fromthewiperarmbypushingin
the lock tab. Hold it in while you
push the blade assembly toward
thebaseof thearm.
To replace the blade:
Raise the wiper arm of f the
windshield.
Check the condition of the wiper
blades at least every six months.
Look f or signs of cracking in the
rubber, or areas that are getting
hard. Replace the blades if you f ind
these signs, or if they leave streaks
and unwiped areas when used.
2.
1.
CONT INUED
Wiper Blades
Maint enance185
W WI IPP E
ER
R A
AR
RMM S
S
L
LOOC CKK T
TA
A B
B

Remove the blade f rom its holder
by grasping the tabbed end of the
blade. Pull f irmly until the tabs
come out of the holder.Examine the new wiper blades. If
they have no plastic or metal rein-
f orcement along the back edge,
remove the metal reinf orcement
strips f rom the old wiper blade and
install them in the slots along the
edge of the new blade.Slide the new wiper blade into the
holder until the tabs lock.
Slide the wiper blade assembly
onto the wiper arm. Make sure it
locks in place.
Lower the wiper arm down against
the windshield.
3. 4. 5.
6.
7.
Wiper Blades
Maint enance186
B BL
LAA D
DE
E
B
BLLAA D
DE
E
R
RE EI
INNF FOOR RCCEEM
M E
EN
NT T

Slide the blade out of the holder.
Slide the new blade into the holder.
Make sure it is engaged in the slot
along its f ull length.
To replace the rear wiper blade: Raise the wiper arm of f the
windshield.
Pull one end of the blade out f rom
the holder. Insert both ends of the blade into
the holder. Make sure they are
secure.
Slide the wiper blade assembly
onto the wiper arm. Make sure it
locks in place.
Lower the wiper arm.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
1.
2.
Wiper Blades
Maint enance187