HONDA PRELUDE 1990 Manual Online

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Fluid Locations
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONFLUID DIPSTICK
POWER STEERING
FLUID RESERVOIR
ANTI LOCK BRAKE
FLUID RESERVOIR (Si with ALB) ENGINE OIL
FILLER CAP
CLUTCH FLUID
RESERVOIR (Manual Transmission Only)
RADIATOR

RESERVE

TANK CAP
RADIATOR
CAP ENGINE OIL
DIPSTICK WASHER FLUID
RESERVOIR BRAKE FLUID
RESERVOIRProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s

Engine Oil and Filter

Checking

Check the engine oil a couple of minutes after shutting the engine
off, with the car parked on level ground. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean. Reinsert it all the way down, then pull it out and read
the level. The level should be between the upper and lower marks.
ENGINE OIL
FILLER CAP

Adding
If the level has dropped close to the lower mark, add oil until it is
even with the upper mark. 1 .Turn the oil filler cap counterclockwise to remove. Add oil, then check the level again. Do not overfill.
2. Reinstall the cap and twist clockwise until it stops.

CAUTION:
Be sure the oil filler cap is correctly replaced before starting the

engine.
Engine oil is a major factor affecting the performance and

service life of the engine; you should use only a premium quality

detergent oil labeled SG grade.
LOOK FOR THIS LABEL
ON THE OIL CONTAINER

Use the proper viscosity oil for the
climate in which you drive:
Some oil labels may also include additional designations of quality
such as CC or CD. However, these are acceptable only when
used together with SG.
NOTE:

5W-30 viscosity
oil is recommended for improved fuel economy.

(cont'd)

Ambient Temperature

UPPER

LOWER
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Engine Oil and Filter (cont'd)
Fuel Efficient Oil
For the best fuel economy from your car, it is recommended that
you use a fuel efficient SG oil. This oil is usually identified by the words such as: "Energy Conserving II," "Gas Saving," and "Fuel
Saving," etc.
Changing Oil and FilterEngine oil and filter should be changed together every 6 months or

7,500 miles (12,000 km), whichever occurs first. The filter is on the

engine block, below the intake manifold.

CAUTION:

The oil filter cannot easily be removed from above the engine.For this reason it is recommended
that the oil filter change be done by a skilled mechanic.

1. Start the car to warm up the
engine, then shut it off.

2. Remove the engine oil filler cap and drain bolt, and drain the oil. ENGINE OIL DRAIN BOLT
A warmed-up engine and the oil in it are hot; be careful not to burn
yourself.
3. Remove the oil filter and let the remaining oil drain out.
4. Install a new fitter according to
instructions on or with the filter.
OIL FILTERProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s

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

UPPER

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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

Cooling System (cont'd)
Thermostat The thermostat in the cooling system does not need to be changedfor summer or winter operation. However, for extremely cold
climates, an optional thermostat is available from your Honda dealer.
Replacing CoolantReplace coolant at 36 months or 45,000 miles (72,000 km),
whichever comes first. Thereafter, replace every 2 years or 30,000
miles (48,000 km), whichever comes first.
RADIATOR COOLANT
REFILL CAPACITY:
including reserve tank 0.75 l (0.198 US gal, 0.165 Imp gal)

Manual transmission 2.0 S: 5.15 l (1.361 US gal, 1.133 Imp gal)
2.0 Si,Si: 6.15 l (1.625 US gal, 1.353 Imp gal)

Automatic transmission 2.0S:5.85 l (1.546 US gal, 1.287 Imp gal)

2.0 Si,Si: 6.15 l (1.625 US gal, 1.353 Imp gal)

1. Set the heater temperature lever to maximum heat.
2. Remove the radiator cap and loosen the drain plug when the radiator is cool, and drain the radiator.
RADIATOR
CAP BLEED BOLT
DRAIN BOLT
3. Remove the drain bolt from the front side of the cylinder block, and drain the engine and heater.
4. Apply non-hardening sealant to the drain bolt threads, then reinstall the bolt and tighten it securely.
5. Tighten the radiator drain plug securely.
DRAIN

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