check engine light HONDA PRELUDE 1990 Owners Manual

Warning and Indicator Lights (cont'd)

Oil Pressure Warning Light

A severe fluctuation in engine oil pressure will cause this light to
flash on and off. You should stop as soon as possible, check the oil level, and add oil if necessary.
The oil pressure warning light will come on, and remain on, if there is insufficient oil pressure or when the ignition switch is turned on
with the engine not running. If the light should stay on while driving,
get the car off the road as soon as you can, turn the engine off and
check the engine oil level (see page 83).
Even if the oil level is correct, the engine should be checked by a
Honda dealer before the car is driven again.

NOTE:

The oil pressure warning light will only light as a result of low oil pressure. It is not directly an oil level indicator.
CAUTION:
Running the engine while the oil pressure warning light is on
constantly may cause immediate and severe engine damage.
Cruise Control Indicator Light
When the cruise control system is on, this indicator light is on (see
page 35 and 36).

Fuel Reserve Warning Light

If the warning light glows, it means you should refuel, because the
tank contains less than:
10 l (2.6 US gal, 2.2 Imp gal) CRUISE
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Charging System Warning Light
The charging system warning light comes on when there is a problem with the electrical charging system or when the ignition
switch is turned on with the engine not running. If the light comes
on while driving, stop the car and check to see if the alternator belt is loose or broken.
To check the belt tension, stop the engine and push with about 98N (22 Ib) of force on the middle of the belt as shown. The belt should
deflect about:
10
—
12 mm (0.4
—
0.5 in) 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.

NOTE:

If necessary, have the charging system checked by an authorized

Honda dealer.

Check Engine Warning Light
This light comes on for a couple of seconds each time the ignition is
turned on. It will also come on, and remain on, if there is a
malfunction in the emission control system. If the light comes on
while driving, avoid driving at high speed, and have the system checked by a Honda dealer as soon as possible.
Parking Brake/Brake Failure Warning Light
Check the brake warning light every time you start the car.
With the parking brake set, the warning light should go on when the
ignition switch is turned to II or III, With the parking brake released,
the light should go on when the ignition switch is turned to III. If the light goes on at any other time, it means the brake fluid level in the
master cylinder reservoir is too low ; add fluid and have your dealer
check for leaks and brake pad wear immediately. See page 99. BRAKE

(cont'd)ProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s

Warning and indicator Lights (cont'd)
Anti Lock Brake Warning Light (Si with ALB)
The ALB (Anti Lock Brake) warning light will come on, and remain
on, if there is a malfunction in the ALB system or when the ignition switch is turned on with the engine not running, if the light comes
on while driving, stop the car at a safe place and shut off the engine, if the light does not go out or lights again while driving, have the
system checked by an authorized Honda dealer as soon as possible.

NOTE:
The light does not indicate a failure of the normal brake system.
The light only indicates a malfunction in the ALB system. In such acase, the ALB system is automatically shut down but normal
braking capability continues.
After jump-starting the car, there is a possibility that the ALB
warning light may come on due to insufficient battery voltage.
After the battery is sufficiently recharged and the engine is turned
off and restarted, the ALB warning light should indicate that the
ALB system is OK, by coming on for a few seconds each time the
engine is started. If the light remains on after recharging, have it
checked by a Honda dealer.
ANTI
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What the Controls Do:

FUNCTION BUTTONS
AND INDICATOR LIGHTS RECIRCULATION BUTTON
AND INDICATOR LIGHT FRESH AIR BUTTON
AND INDICATOR LIGHT

FAN SWITCH

TEMPERATURE LEVER AIR CONDITIONER SWITCH
AND INDICATOR LIGHT COMPRESSOR LIGHT

Fan Switch

Turning the dial clockwise will increase the fan speed, and the fan
will circulate warm, cool, or outside air, depending on where the
temperature lever and function buttons are set.
Function Buttons

Push the appropriate button to direct air to and from the heater,
defroster and vents. Each function button has an indicator light that
comes on when the button is pushed in.
Air Conditioner Switch (optional on the 2.0 S and 2.0 Si models)
With the fan on, push the A/C switch to operate the air conditioner;
the indicator light will come on.
Push the switch again to turn the air conditioner off.
NOTE:
If the air conditioner compressor light comes on, turn off the A/C
switch (with the engine running) and turn it on again. If the light does
not come on again, the system is functioning normally, if the light
does come on again, turn off the A/C switch and do not use the
system until it can be checked by an authorized Honda dealer.
Temperature Lever Slide the lever from left to right to make air warmer when the
appropriate function is selected. and Recirculation
Fresh Air
When the
Buttons

button is pushed, the indicator light will go on and
outside air will be allowed to circulate inside the car.
When the outside air is shut off, and the air inside the car is recirculated. So,
when the heater or air conditioner is on and you want to warm up
or cool down the interior more quickly, or keep smoke or dust out
of the car without losing the heat or cool function, simply push the
button.
button is pushed, the indicator light comes on,ProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s

CAUTION:
Before starting out, check the operation of the lights and all car/
trailer connections. After driving a short distance, stop and
recheck the lights and connections.
Reversing is difficult and requires practice. While backing-up,
the trailer may pivot off-course. To correct for this, grip the bottom of the steering wheel and move your hand to the left to
move the trailer to the left, or to the right to move the trailer to
the right. Turn the steering wheel a little at a time, and keep the
speed very low. Have someon e guide you when backing.

To help
prevent overheating of the brakes, shift into a lower
gear to make use of engine braking before descending steep or
long grades. Do not make sudden downshifts. Pay strict attention to the coolant temperature gauge when
going up hills. Because of the added load of the trailer, your car's
engine may overheat on hot days. Turning off the air conditioner
will reduce the load on the cooling system.
On cars equipped with automatic transmission. —Do not hold the car stationary on an incline by using the accelerator pedal; this can cause the transmission fluid tooverheat. Instead, use the handbrake or footbrake.
—When towing trailers, avoid high transmission fluid temperatures (caused by the transmission frequently shiftingbetween 3rd and 4th gears) by driving in S3.

NOTE:

Be sure to check state and local laws concerning maximum speed or

other driving restrictions for cars towing trailers. If you are driving
across several states, check each state's requirements before

leaving home, because restrictions may vary.

Parking with a Trailer

Whenever parking your car on an incline with a trailer attached, first
place and seat chocks at each wheel of the car and trailer. This is in

addition to the normal parking preparations of firmly applying the parking brake and placing the transmission in first or reverse
(manual transmission) or P (automatic transmission).

CAUTION:
Parking on an incline is not recommended and should be done only
if it cannot be avoided. Follow all precautions mentioned above
and turn the wheels to point towards a curb if facing downhill,
away from a curb if facing uphill. When leaving an inclined parking place, move the car slightly to unseat the chocks. Then while
keeping the foot brakes firmly applied, have an assistant remove
the chocks.ProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s

Check the following items at each fuel stop:

1. Engine oil level.

2. Radiator coolant level.
Check the following items periodically: 1. Brakes: for braking efficiency, brake pedal travel and hydraulic fluid level.
2. Lights: for operation of headlights, taillights, side marker lights, stoplights, turn signals and back-up lights.
3. Tires: for correct pressures (including spare); inspect for cuts and uneven or excessive wear. Rotate every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
in the pattern shown on page 107.
4. Steering: for excessive play or vibration while driving. 5. Exhaust system: for leaks or loose mounts.
6. Wipers: for operation of windshield wipers and washer, and condition of wiper blades.
7. Seat belts: for condition of fabric and buckles, and operation of the restraint mechanism.

8. Battery condition.

(cont'd)ProCarManuals.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

UPPER

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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

Jump Starting
To start a car with a dead battery, use another battery of the same voltage, and the proper jumper cables. Procedures other than those below could cause injury or
damage from battery acid spray, explosion or charging system

overload.

Never connect the jumper cable directly to the negative post of
the "dead" battery.
Never allow the two cars to touch each other.
Never allow the jumper cable clamps to touch each other.
Never lean over the battery when making connections.
Never attempt to jump start a vehicle with a frozen battery. The
battery could rupture and explode. If you suspect a frozen
battery, remove the vent caps and check the fluid. If there
seems to be no fluid, or if you see ice, do not attempt a jump
start until the fluid thaws.

CAUTION:

If jumper cables are connected backwards, the car's main fuse
may blow.
1.Turn off all lights, heater and other electrical loads, set parking
brake, and
shift transmission to Neutral or Park.
2. Use one cable to connect the positive terminal of the booster battery to the positive terminal of the "dead" battery.

(cont'd)

Do not attach cable here

DEAD BATTERY
Positive to positive
Negative to the engine, not to the battery

BOOSTER BATTERYProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s

Jump Starting (cont'd)
3. Use the other cable to connect the negative terminal of the booster battery to the engine at the ground cable as shown.
4.To remove the cables, reverse the above procedures exactly.
DO NOT push or tow a car to start it. The forward surge when the
engine starts could cause a collision. Also, under some conditions,
the catalytic converter could be damaged. A car equipped with an
automatic transmission cannot be started by pushing or towing.
NOTE:
After jump-starting the car, there is a possibility that the ALB
warning light may come on due to insufficient battery voltage. After
the battery is sufficiently recharged and the engine is turned off and restarted, the ALB warning light should indicate that the ALB
system is OK, by coming on for a few seconds each time the engine is started. If the light remains on after recharging, have it checked

by a Honda dealer.ProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s