check engine HONDA PRELUDE 1990 User Guide

5. Reinstall the drain bolt with a new washer and tighten it securely.
Refill the engine with the recommended oil, to the upper mark on

the dipstick.

ENGINE OIL CHANGE CAPACITY (including filter):

3.8 l (4,0 US qt, 3.3 Imp qt)

6. Start the engine and make sure oil is not leaking from the drain
bolt or filter.

7. Shut off the engine and recheck the oil level.
NOTE:
Please dispose of used motor oil in a manner that is compatible with
the environment. We suggest you take it in a sealed container to

your local service station for reclamation. Do not throw it in the

trash or pour it on the ground.

CAUTION:
Used motor oil may cause skin cancer if repeatedly left in contact
with the skin for prolonged periods. Although this is unlikely unless you handle used oil on a daily basis, it is still advisable to
thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water as soon as possible after handing used oil.ProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s

Transmission Oil/Fluid Check
Transmission oil/fluid must be checked with the engine off and the
car on level ground.
If the engine has been running, some engine components may
be hot enough to burn you. Keep hands away from the radiator fan. The fan may start
automatically without warning and run for up to 15 minutes,
even after the engine is turned off.

CAUTION:

If the oil/fluid level is low, check for possible leaks before adding
oil. Do not overfill.
Since the transmission and differential are in the same housing, you
are actually checking both oil/fluid levels in one procedure. Change
transmission oil/fluid according to the Maintenance Schedule on
page 78 .

5-Speed

Remove the oil filler bolt (beside the right axle). Feel inside the boh
hole with your finger. If the oil is up to the bottom edge of the hole,
the oil level is correct. If it is not, slowly add oil until it runs out of
the hole, then reinstall the bolt and tighten it securely with a wrench.
CORRECT
LEVEL

5-SPEED TRANSMISSION

OIL CHANGE CAPACITY: 2.1 l (2.2 US qt, 1.8 Imp qt)
Use only SE or SF grade motor oil when adding or changing
transmission oil. OIL CHECK
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Use the proper

viscosity oil for

the climate in
which you drive:
Ambient Temperature
Automatic
The automatic transmission fluid level is checked (with the engine off and the car on level ground) using the dipstick in the right end of
the transmission housing. Remove the dipstick and wipe it off.
Insert the dipstick and remove it. The fluid level should be between
the upper and lower marks.
If necessary, add fluid and recheck. Use only DEXRON ®
II
Automatic Transmission Fluid (A.T.F.) when adding or changing fluid. After checking the fluid level, push the dipstick in securely.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
FLUID CHANGE CAPACITY:
2.8 l (3.0 US qt, 2.5 Imp qt) DIP STICK

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Cooling System

Your Honda engine contains a number of aluminum parts. Therefore, it requires an antifreeze/coolant specifically formulated to protect
the aluminum parts from corrosion. Failure to use a suitable antifreeze/coolant may seriously shorten the life of the engine as
the result of rapid corrosion damage. Some antifreeze/coolants, although labelled for use in engines containing aluminum, may not provide adequate protection for your engine.
Therefore, use only a Honda RECOMMENDED antifreeze/coolant.
CHECK WITH YOUR AUTHORIZED HONDA DEALER.

For best corrosion protection, the mixture of coolant and water
must be maintained year-round at 50/50. Concentrations less than50% coolant may not provide sufficient protection against
corrosion and freezing. Concentrations of greater than 60% coolant
will impair cooling efficiency and are not recommended. Low- mineral drinking water or distilled water should be mixed with the
antifreeze/coolant. Coolant loss should be replenished by a mixture
containing the proper concentration of antifreeze and water. Do not mix different antifreeze/coolants.
Do not use additional rust inhibitors or anti-rust products, as they
may not be compatible with the radiator coolant.

ENGINE DAMAGE CAUSED BY IMPROPER COOLANT USAGE IS

NOT COVERED BY THE NEW CAR WARRANTY.

Checking Coolant
Check the coolant level in the reserve tank when the engine is at
normal operating temperature (with the engine off and the car on
the level ground), using the dipstick in the reserve tank. Remove the dipstick and wipe it off. Insert the dipstick and remove it. The
coolant level should be between the MAX and MIN marks. Do not remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot; the
coolant is under pressure and could severely scald you. Keep hands away from the radiator fan. The fan may start
automatically without warning and run for up to 15 minutes,
even after the engine is turned off.ProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s

If the level is between the MIN and MAX marks on the dipstick
add a 50/50 solution of antifreeze and water to bring it up to MAX. If there is no coolant visible on the dipstick, the cooling system
should be checked for leaks and repaired if necessary. Coolantmust then be added to the radiator.

CAUTION:

Radiator coolant will damage paint. Quickly rinse any spilled

coolant from painted surfaces.

Wait until the engine is cool, then turn the radiator cap counterclock-wise until it stops. DO NOT PRESS DOWN WHILE TURNING THECAP. After any remaining pressure has been relieved, remove the
cap by pressing down and again turning it counterclockwise. Add
enough coolant to fill the radiator, and reinstall the cap. Be sure to
tighten it securely. Fill the reserve tank up to the MAX mark with
the engine cold.

Maintenance
1. Check the freeze protection level of the coolant with a hydrometer.
2. Keep the front of the radiator free of dirt and debris.

3. Check hoses and hose clamps regularly.

(cont'd)
MAX
MIN
RESERVE TANKProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s

6. Mix the recommended antifreeze with an equal amount of low-
mineral or distilled water and fill the reservoir to maximum, as
illustrated.
7. Loosen the air bleed bolt in the thermostat housing, then fill the radiator to the filler neck with the coolant mixture. Tighten thebleed bolt as soon as coolant starts to run out in a steady stream
without bubbles.
8. With the radiator cap off, start the engine and let it run until warmed up (fan goes on at least twice). Then, if necessary, addmore coolant mixture to bring the level back up to the filter neck.
9. Put the radiator cap on, then run the engine again and check for
leaks.
Fill to

here

Fill to here

FILLER
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Spark Plug Replacement

Replace plugs one at a time, so you don't get the wires mixed up. 1. Clean any dirt from around the spark plug base.
2. Disconnect the spark plug cap, then remove and discard the old
plug.

3. Check the gap of the new spark plugs before installation.
Plug gap should be:

1.1 mm (0.04 in)

4. Thread the new spark plug in by hand to prevent cross-threading.
5. After the plug seats against the cylinder head, tighten 1/2 turn with a spark plug wrench to compress the washer.
6. Reinstall the spark plug cap.
CAUTION:
The spark plugs must be securely tightened, but not overtightened.A plug that's too loose can get very hot and possibly damage the
engine; one that's too tight could damage the threads in thecylinder head.
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Fuel Filters/Clutch Fluid

Fuel Filters
(2.0 S)
There are two fuel filters in your car; the main filter is located near
the left side of the fuel tank and an auxiliary filter is at the left side
of the air filter in the engine compartment. Both should be replaced at 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 48 months,
whichever comes first, or any time you suspect contaminated gas
may have clogged them.

For easier access to the main filter, remove the left rear wheel to
inspect or replace the filter.
The fuel filter is located in the engine compartment, on the right
center of the firewall. It should be replaced at 60,000 miles (96,000km) or 48 months whichever comes first, or any time you suspect

contaminated gas may have clogged it.

CAUTION:
Because the fuel system is under pressure, the filter should be
replaced only by a qualified Honda technician.

CLUTCH FLUID
RESERVOIR

Clutch Fluid
Check the fluid level in the clutchreservoir periodically; it should be
between the MAX and MIN marks
on the reservoir.
If the level is near the MIN mark, add

fluid to raise it to the MAX mark. Do not overfill. Use only brake fluid

manufactured to DOT 3 or DOT 4

specifications from a sealed

container. Follow the manufacturer's instructions printed on the can.
NOTE:

A low clutch fluid level may be an indication of clutch fluid leakage.
You should have your clutch checked if the clutch fluid level in the reservoir is low.
When removing the rear wheel, use safety stands to support the
car.

AUXILIARYFILTER

(2.0 Si,Si)
MAIN FILTERProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s

Power Steering
The power steering on your car provides easy handling while parking and maneuvering in traffic, without loss of road "feel" at
highway speeds. An engine-driven hydraulic pump provides full
power assist at low speeds and decreasing assist as the car goes

faster.

CAUTION:

If the power steering system should fail, or if the engine should
stall, the car can still be steered. However, much greater effort will be required, particularly in sharp turns at low speed.

NOTE:

You may feel a slight clunk or knock when turning the wheel with
the engine off. This is a normal condition due to the design of the system.
Power Steering Fluid
Check the power steering fluid level with the engine cold and the
car parked on level ground. Make sure the fluid level is between theupper and lower marks on the reservoir. If the level has dropped
close to or below the lower mark, check for leaks before adding
fluid to the upper mark. Do not overfill.

CAUTION:

Use only genuine Honda power steering fluid. The use of other
fluids such as A.T.F. or other manufacturer's power steering fluid will damage the system. POWER STEERING

FLUID RESERVOIR

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Brakes

Brake System Design
The diagonally-separated dual service brake systemis designed so half the
system will still provide
braking action if the other
half fails.However, stopping the car with only half the system will require
more pedal pressure and pedal travel than normal. Also, the distance
required to stop will be longer using only half the brake system. If
the brakes fail suddenly, downshift to a lower gear for increased engine braking, and pull off the road as soon as possible.
It is dangerous to drive your car with a problem in either the
brake electrical or hydraulic system; have your dealer check
both systems if you suspect brake trouble. Do not ride the brakes, In other words, don't put your foot on
the brake pedal unless you intend to brake. This causes excessive brake wear and can damage, or lead to loss of braking
effectiveness through overheating. Your brake lights may also
confuse drivers behind you.Driving through deep water may affect the brakes.
Check their effectiveness by pressing the brake pedal gently.If the car does not slow down at the normal rate, continue
gently applying the brakes, while maintaining a safe speed, until
they dry out and normal performance returns.
Brake Wear
Both front and rear brakes should be inspected for wear at the
intervals shown in the maintenance schedule on page 78
When the brakes require maintenance, use only genuine Honda replacement parts or their equivalent.
Brake Wear Indicators
Your car is equipped with audible brake wear indicators. When the
brake pads need to be replaced, the wear indicators will make a "screeching" sound or a high pitch chirp.

NOTE:

Due to some driving habits or climates, brakes may "squeal" when
you first apply them or when you have them partially applied; this is normal, and does not indicate excessive wear. The wear indicator
makes a "screeching" sound while the brakes are applied.ProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s