HONDA PRELUDE 1990 Workshop Manual

Repeat Button (REPEAT)
Push the REPEAT button (indicator on) to return to the beginning of
a song or section of programming and repeat its play. Push the
button again (indicator off) to cancel the repeat function and resume
normal play. DOLBY
®
Noise Reduction ( )
Push in when playing tapes recorded in Dolby (the Dolby NR Indicator will light). Push again (out) when playing tapes not recorded
in Dolby. Use of the wrong setting will affect high frequency

response.

NOTE:

The Dolby NR circuit will not operate during radio reception.Dolby noise reduction system is manufactured under license from
Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. "Dolby" and the
double-D symbol are trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. Skip Button
The circuit senses silent passages between songs or programs on a
tape. Push upward to automatically advance to the beginning of the next song, or downward return to the beginning of the song just
played.

NOTE:

Tapes that contain short silent passages between songs, a high level
of noise between songs, or silent passages within a song may not be

suitable for this function.
Metal Indicator (METAL)
Most metal or CrO2 cassettes are coded with slots on their back
edge. If such a cassette is inserted, the player will detect the slots and automatically switch to the proper equalization for full
enjoyment of metal/CrO2 tapes. The indicator light will go on when
coded cassettes are played.
Eject

Push this button to stop and eject the tape.
Ignition Key-OFF Eject: The cassette being played will be
automatically ejected when the ignition or the unit is turned off.
NOTE:

When one side of the tape ends, "Auto-Reverse" will automatically begin playing the other side, therefore, you must push the ejectbutton to stop or remove the tape.

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Stereo Sound System (cont'd)
CLEAN Indicator Light
After 50 hours of cassette tape play, the light will come on as a reminder to clean the tape heads. If the light comes on and the tape
heads were not cleaned at the recommended 30 hours of usage (see maintenance section below), they should be cleaned immediately.
To reset, push the indicator for a minimum of five seconds until the light goes off.

Defective Tape Eject

The tape player includes a protection mechanism to automatically eject defective tapes (warped housing, loose label, faulty tape movement) immediately upon insertion, if a tape malfunctions while
in play, the tape direction will change back and forth and then e|ect
the cassette. Tapes ejected before play should be considered faulty and discarded; tapes ejected during play may only be unevenly
wound and could be re-usable if fully rewound, manually, outside the player.
NOTE:
The tape player may repeat cycle through the loading and unloading
motion several times in an effort to eject a faulty tape. During this
process the tape will either eject fully or rise to the loading level and
have to be pulled out manually. In either case, discard the tape; re-
use may damage the tape player.

Maintenance

The head in the cassette tape player can pick up dirt or tape
deposits each time a cassette is played. The result is low or "muddy" sound from one or both channels, as if the treble tone
control were turned all the way down. To prevent this, you should periodically clean the head with a commercially available cleaning

cassette.

As preventive maintenance, clean the head about every 30 hours of
use. If you wait until the head becomes very dirty (noticeably poor
sound), it may not be possible to remove all deposits with a simple
cleaning cassette.
The use of 120 minutes tape is not recommended.
CAUTION:
Storing cassettes out of their cases, or touching the magnetic
tape with your fingers will increase the amount of dirt that gets to

the tape head. Using low-quality "off-brand" tape will increase the
amount of tape deposits that get on the head. Both of these

practices may eventually lead to damage of the head and playing

mechanism.ProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s

Sunroof
Sunroof
To open the sunroof, push and hold the switch. To close
the sunroof, push and hold the switch. Release the switch
when the roof reaches the desired position.
Do not hold the switch on after the sunroof has fully opened or
closed, or you may damage the sunroof motor. Do not allow any part of your body to extend through the
sunroof while the vehicle is in motion. In the event of a collision
or
sudden application of the brakes, severe personal injury could

result.

To avoid the possibility of injury while closing the sunroof,

never allow
any part of your body to extend through the

opening.

CAUTION:

Operating the sunroof in severe cold or when it is covered with
snow or ice may cause damage to the sunroof.

Sunshade

As well as the sunroof, there is a sliding sunshade which you canadjust to let in light with the roof closed, or to block out light
entirely. The sunshade opens automatically as you open the sunroof.

(cont'd)

Push
Push

SUNSHADE
SLIDING GLASSProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s

Sunroof (cont'd)
If the Sunroof Won't Close
The sunroof can be closed manually, if the control switch will not close it. 1. Remove the round plug near the rear center of the headliner,
2. Insert the sunroof wrench (from the tool bag) into the socket.
3. Turn the wrench counterclock- wise until the roof closes and
seats into its locked position.

4. Replace the plug.

CAUTION:

Do not put weight on the sunroof or force it open or closed, you
may damage the mechanism.

Maintenance
Periodically pour a little water down the front corner drain holes to
make sure they are not plugged. If they are free, water should drop
on the ground behind each front wheel.
Remove plug

SOCKET

DRAIN HOLESProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s

Gasoline
For proper operation of your car's emission controls, your engine is
designed to use unleaded fuel only.

CAUTION:

Using leaded or even low-lead gasoline could damage some of your
emission controls, and also void their coverage under the emission
controls warranty.
Use gasoline from pumps labeled unleaded, with a pump octane
number of 86 or higher. The pump octane number is an average of
the Research (R) octane and Motor (M) octane numbers. Use of a
lower octane gasoline can cause persistent, heavy "SPARK
KNOCK" (a metallic rapping noise), which can lead to engine damage

if severe.
CAUTION:
If you notice steady spark knock while holding a steady speed on a
level road, try changing brands of gasoline. If the spark knock persists, consult your Honda dealer. Failure to do so is considered
misuse, and misuse is not covered under the New Car Warranty.
Occasionally you may notice light spark knock while accelerating or
driving up hills. This is no cause for concern, it simply means your engine is running at its most economical.
Gasoline Containing Alcohol
If you decide to use a gasoline containing alcohol ("gasohol"), be
sure its octane rating is at least as high as that recommended for
unleaded gasoline. There are two types of "gasohol": that
containing ethanol, and that containing methanol. Do not use
gasohol that contains more than 10% ethanol. Do not use gasoline
containing methanol (methyl or wood alcohol) that does not also contain cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors for methanol. Never use
gasoline containing more than 5% methanol, even if it hascosolvents and corrosion inhibitors.

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Gasoline (cont'd)
NOTE:
Fuel system damage or vehicle performance problems resulting
from the use of such fuels is not covered under the new car warranties. Honda cannot endorse the use of fuels containingmethanol since evidence of their suitability is as yet incomplete. Before purchasing fuel from an unfamiliar station, try to confirm
whether the fuel contains alcohol; of what kind, and how much. If
you notice any undesirable operating symptoms after using a
gasoline that contains alcohol, or one that you think contains
alcohol, switch to an unleaded gasoline, as recommended on page 55.
Operation In Foreign Countries In order to comply with U.S. Federal Emissions Regulations, you
must use unleaded fuels of the recommended octane rating. These
fuels may not be available in other countries. If you intend taking your car outside the U.S. or Canada, write to American Honda
Consumer Affairs (stating the year and model of your car) at the
address below for information regarding modifications you mayneed to have done.
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Consumer Affairs

100 W. AIondra Blvd.,
Gardena, CA 90248
Fuel Filler Door and Cap
Gasoline is extremely flammable and is explosive under certain
conditions. Perform this operation in a well-ventilated area with
the engine stopped. Do not smoke or allow open flames or sparks in the area or where gasoline is stored.
The fuel filler door is opened by pulling up on the lever at the leftside of the driver's seat.
The door will lock automatically when closed; push it until it clicks.

CAUTION:

You may hear a hiss when you open the filler cap. This sound is residual pressure escaping from the fuel tank. Open the cap slowly
and remove the cap after the hissing stops. Do not overfill the tank;
fill only until the gas pump clicks off automatically and never top off.ProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s

Open

Close

Fuel vapor is extremely hazardous under certain conditions.
Always stop the engine before refueling, and never refuel near
sparks or open flames.

CAUTION:

When reinstalling the fuel cap, be sure both tabs on the cap are engaged in the slots of the filler neck and turn the cap until it stops.
If you replace the cap, use only a genuine Honda replacement part
or Its equivalent. Failure to use the proper part could cause serious
fuel system problems.
How to Improve Your Gas Mileage:
Drive at a smooth, steady pace to avoid unnecessary
decelerations and stops — accelerating back to speed uses more
fuel.
Plan trips to avoid rush hour traffic if possible.Make sure the parking brake is completely released.
Consolidate trips whenever possible.
Keep vehicle weight to a minimum by removing unnecessary
items from the luggage area.
Whenever possible, use fresh air from the dash vents to keep
cool when driving; open windows, or use of the air conditioningboth affect fuel economy.
Keep the tires adjusted to the recommended pressure.
Tire Pressure (measured cold)

Front: 195 kPa (28 psi)
Rear: 180 kPa (26 psi)
195 kPa (28 psi) : (Si with 4WS)

Condition of Your Car

You can only get maximum fuel economy if your car is in top running condition. Have all required maintenance done at theproper intervals. Check tire pressures and tire wear frequently. If
tire wear is uneven, have the alignment checked by your Honda dealer. Proper alignment saves gasoline and prolongs tire life.
RELEASE LEVER

Pull upProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s

Ignition Switch
The combined ignition switch/anti-theft lock is located on the right side of the steering column and has four positions:
0-LOCK position: The key can be removed or inserted in thisposition. To remove the key, push it in at position I, then turn it to
0 and pull it out. When the key is removed, the steering column

will lock.

NOTE:

On cars equipped with automatic transmissions, the transmission
must be in Park before pushing and turning the key to the O-LOCK position.
Never turn the ignition switch to the lock position or remove the
key while the car is in motion; the steering wheel can lock causing
a loss of directional control, and an accident could result. I-ACCESSORY position: In this position, the accessory circuit is

on, but the ignition circuit is off.
If the key is difficult to turn from the 0 to the I position, turn the

steering wheel slightly to relieve pressure on the lock.
II-ON position: This Is the normal running position.
III-START position: The starter will engage when the key is
turned to this position.
To remind you to remove the ignition key when leaving your car, a beeper will sound if the key is still in the ignition when you open the
driver's door. The beeper system is deactivated when you turn the ignition to 0 (Lock) and fully remove the key.ProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s

Four Wheel Steering (Si with 4WS)
The four wheel steering system (4WS) provides limited steering of the rear wheels, in addition to the normal steering of the front wheels. The system is "steering angle dependent." That is,
depending on how far the steering wheel is turned, the rear wheels
are steered in either the same or the opposite direction of the front
wheels.
When the steering wheel is turned a
moderate amount, up to

approximately one half turn, the rear wheels are steered in the same
direction as the front wheels. For

example, during lane changing and
on gentle curves, the front and rearwheels steer in the same direction. Moderate turns Sharper turns
When the steering wheel is turned
more than approximately one half
turn, the rear wheels are steered in

the opposite direction of the front

wheels. This reduces the turning
radius of the car for easier parking,

U-turns, and maneuvering in

confined spaces.
Moderate turns
Conventional steering

(cont'd)

Same direction


Opposite direction
4WS Sharper turnsProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s

Four Wheel Steering (cont'd)

CAUTION:

If the car is very close to a wall or other obstacle, the rear of the
body can swing enough to contact the obstacle when turning very sharply. Go slowly, and use both outside mirrors.

Conventional steering
4WSProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s