check engine light HONDA PASSPORT 2002 2.G User Guide

155Driving Tips
Before Driving156
. . . . . . . . . . .
Starting the Engine157 . . . . .
New Vehicle Break-In 158 . . . . .
Parking 158 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brakes 159 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tires 163 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inflation 164 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inspection 165 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maintenance 166 . . . . . . . . . .
Tire Rotation 166 . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing Tires
and Wheels 166 . . . . . . . . . .
Wheels and Tires 167 . . . . . .
Traction 168 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tire Chains 168 . . . . . . . . .
Wheel Replacement
Considerations 169 . . . . . . .
Fuel Economy 170 . . . . . . . . . . .
Three-Way Catalytic
Converter 172 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Operation in
Foreign Countries 173
. . . . . . .
Accessories & Modifications173
Carrying Cargo175 . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer Towing 178 . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer Hitches 180 . . . . . . . .
Safety Chain181 . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer Lights181 . . . . . . . . . .
Tires181 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trailer Brakes181 . . . . . . . . .
Equipment Check182 . . . . . .
Limited Slip Differential 182 . . .
Driving Tips

157Driving Tips
switch is turned to the “
ON”
or “
START” position.
5. Check all gauges (including the fuel gauge).
6. Release the parking brake (and make sure the “
BRAKE”
light turns off).
See related topics in this manual if
you find any problems.
Starting the Engine
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Manual Transmission: Press
the clutch pedal to the floor
and shift the transmission to
the Neutral position. Hold the
clutch pedal to the floor while
you are starting the engine. A
starter safety switch keeps the
starter from operating if the
clutch pedal is not fully
depressed. Automatic Transmission:
Place the shift lever in “P”
or “N” position (“P” is
preferred). A starter safety
switch prevents the starter
from operating if the shift
lever is in any drive position.
If it is necessary to restart the
engine with the vehicle
moving, place the shift lever
in “N” (never in “P”).
3. Do not touch the accelerator pedal. Start the engine by
turning the ignition switch to
“
START.”
If the engine does not start in
10 seconds, wait 15 seconds to let
the starter cool down. Then crank
the engine at wide open throttle
for a maximum of 10 seconds. If
the engine still does not start, wait
another 15 seconds and repeat the
entire procedure. Do not crank the engine for more
than 10 seconds at a time. Wait 15
seconds before trying again.
4. Return the ignition switch to
the “
ON” position as soon as
the engine starts.
5. Apply the regular brakes and shift into the proper gear.
Release the parking brake and
brake pedal and drive off.
In models with an automatic
transmission, you cannot shift
from “P” (Park) position to
any other position unless the
brake pedal is applied.

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

160Driving Tips
hazard. This is sometimes referred
to as “stomp and steer
.”
You will feel 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 the brake pedal very hard
before you activate the
ABS.
However, you may feel the
ABS
activate immediately if you are
trying to stop on snow or ice.
Important Safety Reminders
ABS does not reduce the time
or distance it takes to stop the
vehicle, it only helps with steering
control during braking. You
should always maintain a safe following distance from other
vehicles.
ABS will not prevent a skid that
results from changing direction
abruptly, such as trying to take a
corner too fast or making a
sudden lane change. Always drive
at a safe, prudent speed for the
road and weather conditions.
ABS cannot prevent a loss of
stability. Always steer moderately
when you are braking hard.
Severe or sharp steering wheel
movement can still cause your
vehicle to veer into oncoming
traffic or off the road.
A vehicle with
ABS may require
a longer distance to stop on
loose or uneven surfaces, such as
gravel or snow, than a vehicle
without anti-lock. Slow down and allow a greater distance between
vehicles under those conditions.
ABS Indicator
The
ABS is self-checking. You
may feel a slight movement of the
brake pedal just after you start the
engine. This is the
ABS performing
a check. It also checks itself
whenever you use the brakes.

200 Care and Maintenance
To Close
1.
Lift the hood slightly to remove
tension from the support rod.
2. Place the support rod in its
retaining clip and lower the
hood.
Always make sure the hood is
securely latched before you begin
driving.
Engine Oil Dipstick
Check the oil level when the
engine is off and the oil is warm,
such as during a fuel stop. See
page 213. Your Honda operates most
effectively on unleaded gasoline
with a pump octane number of 86
or higher. Use of a lower octane
gasoline can cause a persistent,
heavy metallic rapping noise in
the engine that can lead to
mechanical damage.
We recommend gasolines containing
detergent additives that help prevent
fuel system and engine deposits.
Using gasoline containing lead will
damage your vehicle
’s emission
controls. This contributes to air
pollution and can void certain parts
of your warranty.
Oxygenated Fuels
Some conventional gasolines are
being blended with alcohol or an
ether compound. These gasolines
are collectively referred to as
oxygenated fuels. To meet clean air
Fuel Requirements

208 Care and Maintenance
Promptly take any safety
problems to your Honda dealer
for service advice.
Parking
brake — Park on a fairly
steep hill and hold the vehicle
with the parking brake only. This
checks its holding ability.
Starter safety switch (automatic
transmission) —
Check the safety
switch by trying to start the
engine in each gear. The starter
should work only with the shift
lever in the “P” (Park) or “N”
(Neutral) position.
Starter safety switch (manual
transmission) —
To check the
safety switch, place the shift lever
in “Neutral,” push the clutch
pedal halfway and try to start the
engine. The starter should not
work. The starter should work only when the clutch pedal is fully
depressed.
Transmission shift indicator
(automatic transmission)
—
Check that the indicator points to
the gear chosen.
Steering — Be alert for any
changes in steering action. An
inspection or service is needed
when the steering wheel is harder
to turn or has too much free play,
or if there are unusual sounds
when turning or parking.
Wheel alignment, balance and
tires —
Uneven or abnormal tire
wear, or pulling to the right or left
on a straight and level road may
show the need for a wheel
alignment. A vibration of the
steering wheel or seat at normal
highway speeds means wheel balancing is needed. Check tire
pressures (including the spare) at
least monthly and whenever the
vehicle is serviced (see page 163).
Brakes — Watch for the
“
BRAKE” light coming on. Other
signs of possible brake trouble are
such things as repeated pulling to
one side when braking, unusual
sounds when braking or between
brake applications, or increased
brake pedal travel. If you note one
of these conditions, have the
system checked at once and
repaired if needed.
Owner Safety Checks

212Care and Maintenance
Change the oil and oil filter every
3,750 miles (6,000 kilometers) or
every three months if you drive
under one or more of these
“severe driving” conditions:
•Driving in dusty areas
•Towing a trailer
•Frequent idling or idling for
long periods
•Frequent short trips (4 miles [6
kilometers] or less) in cold or
freezing weather, where the
engine does not thoroughly
warm up.
•Change the oil and oil filter as
soon as possible after driving in
a dust storm.
Oil Change
Changing the oil and filter requires
special tools and access from
underneath the vehicle. The vehicle
should be raised on a service
station-type hydraulic lift for this
service. Unless you have the
knowledge and proper equipment,
you should have this maintenance
done by a skilled mechanic.
1. Warm up the engine. This
makes the oil drain faster and
more thoroughly.
2. Remove the oil filler cap.
3. Remove the drain plug and drain oil fully.
4. Install the drain plug, with a new gasket, and tighten it.
5. Fill the engine with the proper amount of new oil (see
“Specifications”). Oil Filter Installation
1. Remove the old oil filter with
the filter wrench.
2. Apply a light coat of engine oil to the oil filter gasket.
3. Hand-tighten the filter until the gasket contacts the sealing
face.
4. Using the filter wrench, tighten the filter one full turn.
5. Run the engine and inspect for leaks.
6. Shut off the engine. After a couple of minutes, check the
oil level. If necessary, add oil
to bring it to the
FULL mark.

An improperly installed oil filter
can result in severe engine
damage.

221Care and Maintenance
Hood Latch and Hinges
Lubricate the hood latch assembly
and hood hinge assembly as
follows:
1. Wipe off any accumulation ofdirt or contamination on the
latch parts.
2. Apply multipurpose-type grease (
NLGI No. 1 or 2) to
the hood latch pin cam.
3. Apply light engine oil to all pivot points in the release
mechanism.
4. Lubricate hood hinges with multipurpose-type grease
(
NLGI No. 1 or 2).
5. Check the hood hinges and latch mechanism to assure
they are working correctly.
Air Conditioning
Periodically have your Honda
dealer check your air conditioning
system to be sure there has been
no loss in cooling output. See
your Honda dealer if you suspect
that the system is not performing
as it should.
Body Lubrication
Normal use of a vehicle causes
metal-to-metal movement at certain
points in the body. Noise, wear and
improper operation at these points
will result when a protective film
of lubricant is not provided.
For exposed surfaces such as door
checks, door lock bolts, lock
striker plates, etc., apply a thin
film of light engine oil.
Any lubricant should be used
sparingly. After application, all excess lubricant should be
carefully wiped off.
The seat adjusters and seat track
should be lubricated with water-
resistant
EP chassis lubricant.
There are other points on the
vehicle body which may
occasionally require lubrication.
Window regulators and controls
are confined in the space between
the upholstery and the outside
door panel. Easy access to the
working parts may be made by
removing the trim. Door
weatherstrips and rubber hood
bumpers should be lightly coated
with a rubber lubricant.

256
Break-in158. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid
219. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking
86. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power
161. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wear Indicators
162. . . . . . . . .
Break-in, New Vehicle
158. . . . . .
Brightness Control, Instrument Panel. See Illumination Control
Brights, Headlights
62. . . . . . . .
Bulb Replacement Specifications
243. . . . . . . . . . . .
C
Capacity Charts235. . . . . . . . . . .
Carbon Monoxide Hazard
47. . .
Care and Maintenance
195. . . . . .
Cargo Loading
233. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Carrying
17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cassette Player
Care
141. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operation
128. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Catalytic Converter, Three-Way
172. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CAUTION, Explanation ofiv. . .
CD Changer131. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Certification Label
234. . . . . . . . .
Chains, Tire
168. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changing Oil How to
212. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When
204, 205, 211. . . . . . . . .
Changing a Flat Tire
186. . . . . . .
Lifting Points
187. . . . . . . . . . .
Changing Engine Coolant
218. . .
Charging System Indicator
62. .
Check Engine Light
63. . . . . . . .
Checklist, Before Driving
156. . . Children, Protecting
18. . . . . . . .
Child-Safe Door Locks
105. . . . .
Child Seats, General Guidelines
22. . . . . . .
Cigarette Lighter
116. . . . . . . . . .
Circuit Breaker, Checking the
108
Cleaner, Air214. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cleaning Exterior
224. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interior
226. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Seat Belts
229. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vinyl
229. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clock, Setting the
153. . . . . . . . . .
Clutch Fluid
223. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CO in the Exhaust
47, 249. . . . . .
Consumer Information
246. . . . . .
Control Locations
56. . . . . . . . .
Controls, Instruments and
55. . .

257

Controls Near
the Steering Wheel
Hazard Warning
76. . . . . . . . .
Headlights
72. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Illumination Control
73. . . . .
Rear Window Defogger
74. . .
Steering Wheel Adjustment
115
Turn Signals75. . . . . . . . . . . .
Windshield Wiper/Washer
70.
Rear Window Wiper/ Washer
74. . . . . . . . . . . .
Coolant Adding
218. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capacity
236. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Checking
217. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proper Solution
218. . . . . . . . .
Temperature Gauge
60. . . . . .
Corrosion Protection
225. . . . . . .
Courtesy Lights
112. . . . . . . . . . . Crankcase Emissions
Control System
249. . . . . . . . . .
Cruise Control Operation
147. . . .
Customer Relations Information
246. . . . . . . . . . . . .
D
DANGER, Explanation ofiv. . . .
Dashboard
56. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defects, Reporting Safety
248. . .
Defogger, Rear Window
74. . . .
Defrosting the Windows
122. . . .

\b 153
\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\b\
\b\b\b
Dimensions243. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dimming the Headlights
72. . . .
Dipstick, Engine Oil
200, 213. . .
Directional Signals
75. . . . . . . . . Disc Brake Wear Indicators
162. .
Dome Light
111. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Door Locks
9. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power
104. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Doors, Close and Lock
10. . . . . .
DOT Tire Quality Grading
251. . .
Downshifting, 5-Speed Manual Transmission
84. . . . .
Drive Belts
222. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Driving, On-Road Fuel Economy
170. . . . . . . . . .
In Bad Weather
168. . . . . . . . .
In Foreign Countries
173. . . . .
On Slippery Surfaces
162. . . . .
E
Economy, Fuel170. . . . . . . . . . . .
EGR System
250. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Emergency Brake
86. . . . . . . . . .