ESP HONDA PASSPORT 2002 2.G User Guide

158Driving Tips
You may drive your new vehicle
from its very first mile/kilometer
without following a formal
“break-in” schedule. However,
there are things you can do during
the first few hundred miles/
kilometers of driving that will add
to the future performance and
economy of your vehicle.
It is recommended that your speed
during the first 500 miles (800
kilometers) be limited to a
maximum of 55 mph (90 km/h)
and that you do not drive for long
periods at any one constant speed,
either fast or slow. During this
period, avoid full-throttle starts
and, if possible, avoid hard stops;
especially during the first 200
miles (320 kilometers) of driving.
Always drive at moderate speed
until the engine has completely
warmed up.
When leaving your vehicle
unattended:
•Set the parking brake.
•Place the shift lever in
“P”
(Park) position for automatic
transmission.
•When parking a vehicle equipped
with a manual transmission on an
upward slope, or on a level
surface, place the shift lever in
the “1st” position.
•When parking a vehicle
equipped with a manual
transmission on a downward
slope, place the shift lever in
the “
R” (Reverse) position.
•Turn the key to the “LOCK”
position.
•Remove the key. The beeper
will remind you.
•Close all windows and lock all
doors.
•Check to make certain the
lights are turned off. The
beeper will remind you.
•If your vehicle is equipped with
a transfer case (4
WD), make
sure the shift lever is in 4
H or
4
L.
Parking Tips
•Never drive the vehicle with
the parking brake set. This can
overheat the rear brakes,
reducing their effectiveness and
causing excessive wear or
damage.
•Always apply the parking brake
whenever you leave the vehicle,
whether it is equipped with a
manual or automatic transmission.
New Vehicle Break-InParking

213Care and Maintenance
Oil Viscosity
Engine oil viscosity (thickness) has
an effect on fuel economy. Lower
viscosity engine oils can provide
increased fuel economy; however,
higher temperature weather
conditions require higher viscosity
engine oils for satisfactory
lubrication. To get the best fuel
economy with your vehicle, you
should use a fuel-saving engine oil
of the proper viscosity. These oils
can be found in service stations andother retail stores. They are
identified by words such as
“Energy Saving,” “Conserves
Gasoline,” “Gas Saving,”
“Gasoline Saving,” “Friction
Reducing,” “Improved Gasoline
Mileage” or “Fuel Saving.”
The chart lists the recommended
engine oil viscosities for the
temperature range you expect
before the next oil change. For
temperatures above 0

F (–18
C),
SAE 10W–30 is the preferred viscosity grade. If cold-weather
starting problems are encountered
at temperatures below 0

F
(–18
C), SAE 5W–30 viscosity
oils may be required.
Oil Level Check
It is the owner ’s responsibility to
keep the engine oil at the proper
level. Check the oil level at regular
intervals (such as every other fuel
stop) and keep it above the
“minimum” level mark.
Remember, your engine may use
more oil when it is new.
The best time to check the engine
oil level is when the oil is warm,
such as during a fuel stop. Shut off
the engine and wait about 5 minutes
for the oil to drain back to the oil
pan. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it
clean, and push it back down all the
way. Now pull out the dipstick and
–20 F 0 F
– 30 C –20 C –10 C 20 F
40 F
0 C 10 C 20 C
60 F
80 F
30 C 40 C
100 F
TEMPERATURE RANGE YOU EXPECT BEFORE NEXT OIL CHANGE
VISCOSITY GRADE – AMBIENT TEMPERATURE
SAE 5W–30
SAE 10W–30, PREFERRED
SAE 15W–40, 20W–40, 20W–50

218Care and Maintenance
You usually do not need to remove
the radiator cap to check the engine
coolant level.
Removing the radiator cap
while the engine is hot can
cause the coolant to spray
out, seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and
radiator cool down before
removing the radiator cap.
Adding Engine Coolant
To add engine coolant, remove the
cap on the radiator reserve tank
and fill the tank up to the
maximum level mark. Add a
50/50 mixture of water and a good
quality ethylene glycol antifreeze.
If you need to add engine coolant
frequently, see your Honda dealer
for a cooling system check.
If the proper quality antifreeze
is used, there is no need to add
extra inhibitors or additives. They
may be harmful to the proper
operation of the system.
Cooling System Service
The cooling system should be
serviced at the intervals specified
in the Maintenance Schedule as
follows:
•Wash the radiator cap and filler
neck with clean water.
•Check the engine coolant level
in the radiator and have it tested
for freeze protection. Add
ethylene glycol antifreeze, if
needed, to maintain freeze
protection at
–33
F ( –36
C).
•Have the cooling system and
radiator cap tested for a
pressure capacity of 15 psi (105
kPa). If a replacement cap is
needed, use a cap specified for
your model.
•Tighten all radiator and heater
hose clamps and inspect all
hoses. Replace the hoses if they
are swollen, “checked, ” or
otherwise worn. Carefully
tighten the hose clamps at the
radiator. Overtightening could
bend or collapse the radiator
fittings.
•Clean the front of the radiator
core and air conditioning
condenser.
It is the owner ’s responsibility to:
•Maintain the cooling system
freeze protection at –33
F

222Care and Maintenance
Front (4WD Only) and Rear
Propeller Shaft
Lubricate the sliding yoke with
EP chassis grease. Lubricate
universal joints with grease
containing MoS
2 (molybdenum
disulfide-type grease) at the
intervals shown in the
Maintenance Schedule. Also
check the propeller shaft
flange-to-pinion bolts for proper
torque of 64 N⋅ m (46.3 lb-ft).
Most lubrication recommendations
and procedures for four-wheel drive-
equipped vehicles are the same
for the corresponding components
in conventional drive vehicles.
Exhaust System
Check the complete exhaust
system and nearby body areas for
damaged, missing, or
mispositioned parts, open seams, holes, loose connections, or other
deterioration that could allow
exhaust fumes to seep into the
passenger compartment or cause
heat build-up in the floor pan. Any
necessary corrections should be
made immediately. For continued
safety, exhaust system pipes and
resonators rearward of the muffler
must be replaced whenever a new
muffler is installed.
Fuel Line and Fuel Tank/Cap
Inspect the fuel tank, cap and lines
for damage that could cause
leakage. Inspect the fuel cap and
gasket for correct sealing ability
and indications of physical
damage. Replace any damaged or
malfunctioning parts.
Drive Belt
Check the belt driving the
alternator, power steering pump,
and air conditioning compressor.
Look for cracks, fraying, and
wear. Replace as necessary.
Timing Belt
The timing belt should normally
be replaced at the intervals shown
in the Maintenance Schedule.
Valve Clearance
Incorrect valve clearance will
result in increased engine noise
and lower engine output, thereby
adversely affecting engine
performance.

226Care and Maintenance
been coated with corrosion
protectants.
At least every spring, flush these
materials from the underbody
with plain water. Take care to
thoroughly clean any areas where
mud and other debris can collect.
Sediment packed in closed areas
of the frame should be loosened
before being flushed.
With the use of modern trim
materials it is very important that
proper cleaning techniques and
cleaners be used. Failure to do
this on the first cleaning may
result in water spots, spot rings or
setting of stains, all of which
make it more difficult to remove
on a second cleaning.
The portion of the following
cleaning instructions that are in
ALL CAPITAL LETTERS are
especially important and
MUST
be followed.
Dust and loose dirt that
accumulate on interior fabrics
should be removed often with a
vacuum cleaner or soft brush.
Vinyl or leather trim should be
wiped regularly with a clean
damp cloth. Normal trim soil,
spots or stains can be cleaned with
conventional cleaners.
Remember These Basic Steps
Before Cleaning
1. Remove stains as quickly as possible before they become
“set.”
2. Use a clean cloth or sponge and change to a clean area
often. (
A SOFT brush may be
used if stains persist.)
3. Use solvent-type cleaners only in a well ventilated area; also,
do not saturate the stained
area.
4. If a ring forms after spot cleaning, clean the entire area
IMMEDIATELY.
5. Follow specific instructions onthe cleaning products’ labels.
Interior

251Owner Assistance
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a
comparative rating based on the
wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a
specified government test course.
For example, a tire graded 150
would wear one-and-a-half
(1-1/2) times as well on the
government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative
performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of their
use, however, and may depart
significantly from the norm due to
variation in driving habits, service
practices and differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction – AA, A, B, C
The traction grades from highest
to lowest are AA, A, B, and C.
Those grades represent the tire’sability to stop on wet pavement as
measured under controlled
conditions on specified
government test surfaces of
asphalt and concrete. A tire
marked C may have poor traction
performance.
Warning: The traction grade
assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include
acceleration, cornering,
hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics.
Temperature – A, B, C
The temperature grades are A (the
highest), B and C, representing
the tire’
s resistance to the
generation of heat and its ability
to dissipate heat when tested
under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test
wheel. Sustained high temperature
can cause the material of the tire
to degenerate and reduce tire life
and excessive temperature can
lead to sudden tire failure. The
grade C corresponds to a level of
performance which all vehicle
tires must meet under the Federal
Motor Vehicle Safety Standard
No. 109. Grades B and A
represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory test
wheel than the minimum required
by law.
Warning: The temperature grade
for this tire is established for a tire
that is properly inflated and not
overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive
loading either separately or in
combination, can cause heat
build-up and possible tire failure.

and other useful information.
Recreational
vehicle clubs can put
you in touch with other drivers,
and

off-road magazines publish
first-hand

descriptions of driving

locations.

To help keep off-road driving areas open, stay on roads, trails
and open areas approved for
off-highway

vehicles (OHVs).
Please respect no trespassing
signs, and don't drive on private

property

without permission. Check Out Your Vehicle
Off-road driving can be hard on a
vehicle, requiring extra attention to maintenance. Before driving
off-road,
be sure all scheduled
maintenance

and service has been
done, and that you have also inspected

your vehicle. Pay
special

attention to the condition
of the tires and use a gauge to
check

the tire pressures. Improperly
inflated tires can be
more

easily damaged by rocks
and

other hard or sharp objects.
Do not let air out of your tires unless

you can reinflate them
soon after returning to pavement,
and remember to periodically
inspect the tires for signs of
damage

, especially if you hit a
large or sharp rock. Off-Road Driving Information

Reading the Terrain

In nature, visual information comes in unpredictable ways. That means
you need to stay alert, constantly
survey

the terrain, and go slow
enough to analyze situations and make good decisions.
As your eyes search the terrainahead, watch for changes in
surface conditions. Surfaces can
vary

widely, and traction can
change quite suddenly. One
minute

you can be on firm soil
and

the next minute in soft sand
or deep mud. A trail or road can
quickly
change from level to
bumpy.

It can suddenly slope at a
dangerou

s angle, or even
disappear in an unexpected
drop-off. Road

s and trails aren't banked for
turns, and the edges can be steep
berms or drop-offs. When you
drive

down a graded road, watch
ahead for ruts, potholes and washouts.
Some trails can offer
more surprises. A smooth, inviting
trail can suddenly twist
up or down, become very narrow,
be blocked by a fallen tree,
tangled
with roots, or dwindle to a
tight dead-end.
Some areas don't have roads or
trails - just wide open spaces
where

you must carefully choose
your path.
Controlling Speed

Off-road, the general rule is to
keep your speed low. Of course,
you'll need enough spee
d to keep
moving
forward, especially on
sand,

mud, soft snow, and when
starting

up a hill. But too much
speed leads to problems.
At higher speeds you have less
time
to read the terrain and make
good

decisions. You'll also
bounce

more, which makes
controlling the vehicle more
difficult. And there's a greater
chance of sliding if you brake or turn quickly on wet soil, gravel orice

. In any situation, never go
faster
than conditions allow. Off-Road Driving Information

Driving Off-Road
Driving off-road can be hazardous if you fail to take the proper
precautions.
For example, you can
have an accident or roll over during maneuvers such as turning,
driving
on hills, or over obstacles.
The following pages contain
practical

tips on basic off-road
operations. They also give important guidelines about
driving

on hills, avoiding
obstacles,

and other situations you
may encounter.
Improperly
operating this

vehicle off-road can cause an
accident

or rollover in which

you and your passengers

could be seriously injured or

killed

.

Follow all instructions and

guidelines in this booklet.

Keep your speed low and

don't drive faster than

conditions permit.

Don't take chances and be

especially
careful on hills
and rough terrain. Starting
Off
For better traction on all surfaces, accelerate slowly and gradually
build up speed. If you start too
fast

on wet soil, mud, snow or ice,
you might not have enough tractio
n to get underway. On soft
sand, you could dig yourself into
a hole. Off-Road
Driving Information

Get a tow from another vehicle
by using a towing rope, strap or
chain.
To be successful, the
pulling vehicle will need adequate

power and traction.
Be sure the rope, strap or chain is attached to the frames (not
bumpers
) of both vehicles, and
keep

people away in case the
connecting device breaks. Use a winch. If you have a
winch, you might be able to
attach it to another vehicle or a
sturdy, fixed object (such as a
tree).

Or another vehicle with a
winch may be able to attach it to your vehicle and pull you

out
.

Get experienced help. This is
often
the best solution,
especially if you have dug in deep, are stuck in mud or on
sloped terrain. Grounded
on a Bump or Log
You have fewer options if you bottom

out (or high-center) on a
bump,

log, or other raised

obstacle. You can try getting a
tow

(forward or backward) from
another vehicle, use a winch (see
above

for additional tips), or get
experienced help.
Flat Tire
Change a flat tire only if the vehicle

is on firm, level ground
that can safely support the jack. If

this is not the case, your options
are:

drive slowly and carefully
until you reach firm, level ground;
get a tow from another vehicle (as
described
above); or send for
experienced help. Off-Road Driving Information