radiator cap HONDA PRELUDE 1990 Owners Manual

Speedometer

The speed is indicated in miles per hour (outside scale) and
kilometers per hour (inside).

Odometer

The numbers on the odometer indicate miles.
The odometer registers total distance traveled, and serves as your
guide for determining when periodic maintenance is due. Federal law makes it illegal to alter the odometer of any motor vehicle with the
intent to change the number of miles indicated.

Trip Meter
The numbers on the trip meter indicate miles.
The trip meter can be returned to zero by pushing in the resetbutton. Use it for checking fuel consumption or distance traveled per trip.

Tachometer
The tachometer indicates engine speed in revolutions per minute.The beginning of the RED ZONE indicates the maximum allowable
engine R.P.M. Do not run the engine with the tachometer indicator
needle in the RED ZONE.

Fuel Gauge
FUEL TANK CAPACITY: 60 l (15.9 US gal, 13.2 Imp gal)
As a convenience, the gauge continues to show the same fuel level as when the ignition was last on. After refueling, the gauge will
slowly change to the new fuel level when the ignition is switched on.
When the needle first indicates E (empty), you have a usable reserve left in the tank of about:
4 l
(1.1
US gal, 0,9 Imp gal)
Coolant Temperature GaugeCAUTION:
The needle should stay within the white range. If the needle reaches the red line at "H" (Hot), pull safely off the road, stop the
engine and check the coolant level in the reserve tank on the passenger side of the radiator under the hood.
Do not remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot. The
coolant is under pressure and may blow out and scald you.

GaugesProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s

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

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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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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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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Index
(cont'd)
Air Conditioner

Operation.....................................
43

Service.......................................108

Air Filte
r ...........................................95
Air Pressure, Tires........................105
Aluminum Alloy Wheels...............111
Antifreeze ..................See
"Radiator coolant"
Anti Lock Brakes(ALB) ..................18 ALB Warning Light .....................
24

ALB Fluid
.....................................
99
Anti-theft Steering

Column Lock

System.........................................58

Appearance Care .........................
110

Ashtrays..........................................38
Audio System
.................................
47
Automatic Transmission

Driving Technique ......................68

Fluid.............................................87
Operation....................................67

Shift Lever

Position
Indicator .................................
21 Battery
Charging System Warning

Light.......................................23

Jump Starting ...........................119 Maintenance .............................100

Specification ........................... 126

Beeper System Fasten Seat Belt Beeper ............13
Key Reminder .............................58

Light Reminder Chime ................30

Belts,Seat...............See "Seat Belts"
Brake Lamp Warning Light.............25
Brakes Brake Failure Warning Light .......................................23
Brake Fluid...................................99
Brake System Design .................98
Brake Wear .................................98
Brake Wear Indicators................98

Parking Brake ..............................39

Parking Brake Warning Light .......................................23
Break-in Period ..................................2

Bulb

Replacement.............................103
Specification .............................126
Buzzer ............See "Beeper System"
Capacities......................................125

Care and Cleaning.........................110

Catalytic Converter .....................134
Certification Label ........................127

Chains,Tires ................................. 106

Child Restraint System ..................14
Cigarette Lighter .............................38

Clock................................................37

COMPACT Spare Tire .................114Coolant Temperature Gauge .........20
Cooling(with A/C) ...........................44 Cooling System ...............................88
Crankcase Emission ControlSystem ..........................................
130
Cruise Control
Opeartion...................................
35Indicator .....................................22
Defogger.........................................28
Defroster .........................................45

Dimmer Switch, Headlights...........31
Doors
Locks............................................3

Warning Light ............................25
Emergency
Changing Flat Tire ...................116

Hazard Warning System ..........33If the Retractable Headlights do not operate ...................123

If the Sunroof Won't
Close .....................................54
If Your Car Gets Stuck ...........122
Jump Starting .........................119Towing.....................................121Warning and
Indicator

Lights....................................21
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Index (cont'd)

Replacement

Air Filter .....................................94
Bulbs........................................ 103

Engine Oil ...................................84

Fuel Filter ...................................96
Fuses .......................................101Oil Filter
......................................84

Radiator Coolant .......................90
Spark Plugs...............................92

Tires.........................................107
Wiper Blades .............................93Retractable Headlights I
f the Retractable Headlights
do not operate ...................123
Rust Prevention.........................111
Safety Items ...................................63
Seat Belt Reminder Light and
Beeper ..................................... .21

Seat Belts
Anchor Points ...........................16
Buckling the FrontSeat Belts .............................10
Buckling the Rear Seat Belts............................12
Child Restraint......................14

Cleaning .....................................17

Warning Light and Warning Beeper ...................13
Inspection ..................................17
Lap/Shoulder Belts ...................10
Pregnant Women ......................16
Reminder Light ..........................20
Replacement .............................17
Seats
Driver's Lumbar Support ...........7
Driver's Side Support..............7
Front Seat ....................................5

Head Restraints ...........................8

Shift Lever Position Indicator........20
Shifting

Automatic..................................67
5-Speed......................................65

Spare Tire

Changing a Flat Tire................116

COMPACT Spare Tire ...........114
Specifications .........................125
Spark Plugs...................................92
Specifications...............................125Speedometer ..................................
20

Starting the Engine .........................61

Steering Anti-theft Column Lock ...........
58Four Wheel Steering............59
Power Steerin g
.........................97
Tilt Steering ........................26
Stereo Sound System
Operation...................................47

Stuck Car ..............................122
Sunroof

If the Sunroof Won't

Close .....................................54

Maintenance...........................54
Operation ........................ 53

Sunshade.......................................
53

Tachometer.............................20

Temperature Gauge
,
Coolant

....................................................20

Thermostat...................................90
Tilt Steering.....................................26
Tire
Air Pressure ............................105

Balancing ................................106

Chains...................................106
Changing a Fla
t Tire................118

COMPACT Spare .................114
DOT Tir
e
Quality Grades........128
Inflation Pressures ..................105

Requirement ..................................128

Rotation ...................................
106

Snow Tires ........................ 105

Spare Tire................................114

Specification ....................... .
126

To Get In/Out of Rear Seat..............6
Tools ..............................................
116

Towing...........................................121
Towing a Traile
r ..............................
71
Transmission

Identification
Number............127

Oil/Fluid......................................86

Shifting the Automatic.............67

Shifting the Manual...................65

Capacity ...................................125ProCarManuals.comMain Menu t s