tow HONDA PRELUDE 1998 Owner's Guide

Brake System Indicator

The Brake System indicator light comes on when you turn the ignitionON (II). If the parking brake is notset, it goes off after you start the
engine. If the parking brake is set, it
goes off when you fully release the
parking brake with the engine
running.
If it comes on at any other time, it
indicates a problem with the vehicle's
brake system. In most cases, the problem is a low fluid level in the brake fluid reservoir. Press lightly on
the brake pedal to see if it feels
normal. If it does, check the brake
fluid level the next time you stop at a service station (see page 185). If the
fluid level is low, take the vehicle to
your dealer and have the brake system inspected for leaks or worn
brake pads.
However, if the brake pedal does not
feel normal, you should take
immediate action. Because of the
brake system's dual-circuit design, a
problem in one part of the system
will still give you braking at two
wheels. You will feel the brake pedal go down much farther before the
vehicle begins to slow down, and you will have to press harder on thepedal. The distance needed to stop
will be much longer.
Slow down by shifting to a lower
gear, and pull to the side of the road
when it is safe. Because of the longer distance needed to stop, it is
hazardous to drive the vehicle. You
should have it towed, and repaired as

soon as possible.

If you must drive the vehicle a short
distance in this condition, drive
slowly and cautiously.
Taking Care of the Unexpected

BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR

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Towing
If your vehicle needs to be towed,
call a professional towing service or,
if you belong to one, an organization
that provides roadside assistance. Never tow your vehicle behindanother vehicle with just a rope or
chain. It is very dangerous.
Emergency Towing
There are three popular methods of towing a vehicle:
Flat-bed Equipment — The operator
loads your vehicle on the back of a truck. This is the best way of trans-
porting your Honda.

Wheel Lift Equipment — The tow

truck uses two pivoting arms that go
under the tires (front or rear) and lift
them off the ground. The other two
tires remain on the ground. Sling-type Equipment The tow
truck uses metal cables with hooks
on the ends. These hooks go around
parts of the frame or suspension and
the cables lift that end of the vehicle off the ground. Your vehicle's sus-
pension and body can be seriously damaged if this method of towing is
attempted.
If your Honda cannot be transported
by flat-bed, it should be towed withthe front wheels off the ground. Ifdue to damage, your vehicle must be
towed with the front wheels on the ground, do the following:

5-speed Manual Transmission
Release the parking brake.
Shift the transmission to Neutral.

Automatic Transmission:
Release the parking brake.
Start the engine.
Shift to D4, then to N.
Turn off the engine.
Improper towing preparation will
damage the transmission. Follow the
above procedure exactly. If yon cannot
shift the transmission or start the
engine (automatic transmission), yourvehicle must be transported on a flat-
bed.
It is best to tow the vehicle no far-
ther than 50 miles (80 km), and
keep the speed below 35 mph (55

km/h).

If your vehicle is equipped with an
optional front air spoiler, remove it
before towing so it is not damaged.

Trying to lift or tow your vehicle by the
bumpers will cause serious damage. The bumpers are not designed to
support the vehicle's weight.
Taking Care of the Unexpected
NOTICE
NOTICE
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U.S. Zone Office Map

Western Zone
P.O. Box 2260

700 Van Ness Avenue
Torrance, California

90509-2260
(310)781-4565
Northwestern Zone
P.O. Box 20186
12439 N.E. Airport Way
Portland, Oregon 97230

(503) 256-0943

(also includes Alaska and
Hawaii)
South Central Zone
4529 Royal Lane
Irving, Texas 75063

(972) 929-5481

The addresses and telephone numbers are subject to change. If you cannot reach your Zone office, ask your Honda dealer for the current information. Central Zone
101 South Stanfield Road
Troy, Ohio 45373
(937) 332-6250

Northeastern Zone

P.O. Box 337

Eastgate Industrial Park 115 Gaither Drive
Moorestown, New Jersey 08057

(609) 235-5533

Includes: NYC Metro area and
Fairfield County, CT area
Mid-Atlantic Zone

902 Wind River Ln., Suite 200
Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878
(301)990-2020
Southeastern Zone1500 Morrison Parkway
Alpharetta, Georgia 30201
(770) 442-2045

North Central Zone
601 Campus Drive, Suite A-9

Arlington Heights, Illinois 60004
(847) 870-5600

New England Zone
555 Old County Road
Windsor Locks, Connecticut 06096 (860)623-3310See Zone 5 for:
NYC Metro area andFairfield County, CT area
West Central Zone1600 South Abilene Street, Suite D
Aurora, Colorado 80012
(303) 696-3935

Puerto Rico and U.S. V.I.
Bella International
P.O. Box 190816
San Juan, PR 00919-0816
(787)250-4318

Warranty and Customer RelationsProCarManuals.comMain Menu Table of Contents s t

Warranty Coverages

U.S. Owners
Your new Honda is covered by these

warranties:

New Vehicle Limited Warranty —

covers your new vehicle, except for
the battery, emissions control systems and accessories, against
defects in materials and
workmanship.

Emissions Control Systems Defects
Warranty and Emissions

Performance Warranty — these two
warranties cover your vehicle's emis- sions control systems. Time, mileage,
and coverage are conditional. Please
read the warranty manual for exact
information.

Original Equipment Battery Limited
Warranty — this warranty gives up
to 100 percent credit toward a
replacement battery. Seat Belt Limited Warranty — a seat
belt that fails to function properly is covered for the useful life of the

vehicle.

Rust Perforation Limited Warranty
— all exterior body panels are
covered for rust-through from the
inside for the specified time period
with no mileage limit.

Accessory Limited Warranty —
Genuine Honda Accessories are
covered under this warranty. Time
and mileage limits depend on the
type of accessory and other factors. Please read your warranty manual
for details.

Replacement Parts Limited

Warranty — covers all Genuine
Honda replacement parts against
defects in materials and workman-

ship.
Replacement Battery Limited

Warranty — provides prorated
coverage for a replacement battery
purchased from a Honda dealer.
Replacement Muffler Lifetime
Limited Warranty — provides
coverage for as long as the pur- chaser of the muffler owns the
vehicle.
Restrictions and exclusions apply to
all these warranties. Please read the1998 Honda Warranty Information
booklet that came with your vehicle
for precise information on warranty coverages. Your Honda's original
tires are covered by their
manufacturer. Tire warranty infor-
mation is in a separate booklet.
Canadian Owners
Please refer to the 1998 Warranty
Manual that came with your vehicle.

Warranty and Customer RelationsProCarManuals.comMain Menu Table of Contents s t

Index

Cleaning
Aluminum Wheels..................... 221Carpeting.................................... 222
Exterior....................................... 220
Fabric.......................................... 222
Interior........................................ 222
Seat Belts....................................223
Vinyl............................................ 222
Windows..................................... 223
Clock, Setting the ............................ 85
Clutch Fluid.................................... 186
Coin Box........................................... 88
CO in the Exhaust......................... 261
Cold Weather, Starting in............. 133
Compact Spare............................... 228
Consumer Information*................ 266
Controls, Instruments and.............. 49
Coolant
Adding......................................... 177
Checking..................................... 124

Proper Solution.......................... 177

Replacing.................................... 179

Temperature Gauge.................... 57
Corrosion Protection..................... 224

Courtesy Lights............................... 90
Crankcase Emission Control

System......................................... 261

Cruise Control Operation............... 65

Customer Relations Office........... 266

DANGER, Explanation of................. ii
Dashboard........................................ 50
Daytime Running Lights................. 60
Dead Battery, What to Do............ 236
Defects, Reporting Safety............. 270
Defog and Defrost........................... 98
Defogger, Rear Window................. 63
DEXRON ®
III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.................... 183
Dimensions..................................... 254
Dimming the Headlights ................ 60
Dipstick Automatic Transmission........... 183
Engine Oil................................... 123
Directional Signals........................... 61
Disabled, Towing Your Car If...... 250
Disc Brake Wear Indicators......... 145
Disposal of Used Oil...................... 176 Doors
Locking and Unlocking............... 72
Power Door Locks....................... 72
DOT Tire Quality Grading........... 257
Downshifting, 5-speed Manual Transmission.............................. 134
Drive Belts...................................... 190
Driving............................................ 131
Economy..................................... 125
In Bad Weather.......................... 150
In Foreign Countries................. 260
Economy, Fuel............................... 125
Emergencies on the Road............. 227 Battery, Jump Starting.............. 236
Brake System Indicator............ 243Changing a Flat Tire................. 229
Charging System Indicator ...... 241
Checking the Fuses................... 245
Low Oil Pressure Indicator...... 240
Malfunction Indicator Lamp.... 242
Manually Closing Moonroof.... 243
Overheated Engine................... 238 CONTINUEDProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t

Index

Emergency Brake............................ 84
Emergency Flashers....................... 63
Emission Controls......................... 261

Engine

Coolant Temperature Gauge ..... 57
Malfunction Indicator Lamp................................. 53, 242
Oil Pressure Indicator......... 53, 240
Oil, What Kind to Use............... 173
Overheating................................ 238
Specifications............................. 254
Ethanol in Gasoline ....................... 259
Evaporative Emission Controls.... 261
Exhaust Fumes................................ 47
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat Belts by.........................................17
Exterior, Cleaning the................... 220
Fabric, Cleaning............................. 222

Fan, Interior...................................... 92

Features, Comfort and Convenience................................. 91
Filling the Fuel Tank..................... 121 Filters

Air................................................187

Oil................................................175

First Gear, Shifting........................ 142 5-speed Manual Transmission Checking Fluid Level................ 184
Shifting the................................. 134
Flashers, Hazard Warning.............. 63
Flat Tire, Changing a.................... 229
Fluids Automatic Transmission........... 183
Brake...........................................185
Clutch..........................................186

Manual Transmission............... 184
Power Steering........................... 186

Windshield Washer................... 182

FM Stereo Radio
Reception.................................... 105

Folding Rear Seat............................ 79

Foreign Countries, Driving in...... 260 Four-way Flashers........................... 63

Front End, Towing by
Emergency Wrecker................. 250

Fuel..................................................120

Fill Door and Cap....................... 121
Gauge............................................ 57
Octane Requirement................. 120

Oxygenated................................ 259

Reserve Indicator......................... 55
Tank, Filling the......................... 121

Fuses, Checking the...................... 245

Gas Mileage, Improving................ 125
Gasohol........................................... 259
Gasoline.......................................... 120 Fuel Reserve Indicator................ 55
Gauge............................................ 57Octane Requirement................. 120
Tank, Filling the......................... 121
Gas Station Procedures................. 121

Gauges
Engine Coolant Temperature .... 57

Fuel................................................57

Gearshift Lever Positions Automatic Transmission........... 137

5-speed Manual
Transmission.......................... 134
Glass Cleaning............................... 223
Glove Box......................................... 74ProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t

Index

Halogen Headlight Bulbs.............. 206
Hazard Warning Flashers............... 63

Headlights
Aiming......................................... 205

Daytime Running Lights............. 60
High Beam Indicator................... 60
High Beams, Turning on............ 60
Low Beams, Turning on ............. 60
Reminder Chime.......................... 60
Replacing Halogen Bulbs ......... 206

Turning on.................................... 60

Head Restraints............................... 77
Heating and Cooling........................ 92
High Altitude, Starting at.............. 133
High-Low Beam Switch .................. 60
High-mount Brake Light............... 213

Hood, Opening the ........................ 122

Horn................................................... 59

Hot Coolant, Warning About........ 177
Hydraulic Clutch............................ 186
Hydroplaning.................................. 151 Identification Number, Vehicle.... 252
If Your Car Has to be Towed....... 250
Ignition Keys............................................... 68
Switch............................................ 70
Timing Control System............. 262
Immobilizer System......................... 69
Indicator Lights, Instrument Panel.............................................. 51
Infant Restraint................................ 19 Inflation, Proper Tire ....................
197

High Speed
Driving................... 257
Normal Driving.......................... 198
Inside Mirror.................................... 83
Inspection, Tire.............................. 198
Instrument Panel............................. 50
Instrument Panel Brightness......... 61
Interior Cleaning............................ 222
Interior Lights.................................. 89
Introduction.........................................

i

Jacking up
the Car......................... 231
Jack, Tire........................................ 230

Jump Starting................................. 236

Keys................................................... 68

Label, Certification........................ 252
Lane Change, Signaling.................. 61
Lap/Shoulder Belts......................... 40Leaking of Exhaust into Car.......... 47
Learning Key.................................... 69
Lights Bulb Replacement..................... 206
Indicator........................................ 51

Parking.......................................... 60

Turn Signal................................... 61
Loading Cargo................................ 128
LOCK (Ignition Key Position)....... 71
CONTINUEDProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t

Index

Protecting Adults............................. 10
Additional Safety Precautions.... 17
Advice for Pregnant Women...... 17

Protecting Children......................... 19
Protecting Infants........................ 27
Protecting Larger Children........ 35
Protecting Small Children.......... 31
Using Child Seats with Tethers......................................38
Radiator Overheating.................... 238
Radio/CD Sound System.............. 100

Rear End Towing........................... 250

Rear Lights, Bulb Replacement... 211

Rear Seat Access ............................. 76

Rear Seat, Folding........................... 79

Rear View Mirror............................. 83
Rear Window Defogger.................. 63
Reclining the Seat Backs................ 75
Recommended Shift Speeds ........ 135
Reminder Lights.............................. 51
Replacement Information Air Cleaner Element.................. 187
Coolant........................................ 179 Engine Oil and Filter................. 175

Fuses...........................................245

Light Bulbs................................. 206
Schedule..................................... 164
SparkPlugs................................. 188
Timing Belt................................. 196 Tires............................................ 200
Wiper Blades.............................. 193
Replacing Seat Belts After a
Crash.............................................42

Reserve Tank, Engine Coolant.... 124

Restraint, Child................................ 19

Reverse Gear Position................... 138

Rotation, Tire................................. 200

Safety Belts......................................... 5

Safety Features.................................. 5
Airbags.......................................... 43Door Locks..................................... 9

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

Seat Belts........................................ 6

Seats & Seat-Backs........................ 8

Safety Labels, Location of.............. 48

Safety Messages................................ ii
Seat Belt, Additional Information.. 40
Lap/Shoulder Belt....................... 40
Seat Belt Maintenance................ 42
Seat Belt System Components... 40

Seat Belts............................................ 6

Cleaning...................................... 223
Maintenance................................. 42
Reminder Light and Beeper....... 52
System Components.................... 40
Tether Attachment Points.......... 38
Use During Pregnancy................ 17
Seat Heaters..................................... 78

Seats, Adjusting the......................... 75

Sequential SportShift Mode......... 139
Serial Number................................ 252
Service Intervals............................ 164
Service Manual* ............................ 271
Service Station Procedures .......... 121
Setting the Clock............................. 85
Shifting
The Automatic Transmission .. 137
The 5-speed Manual Transmission.......................... 134
Shift Lever Position Indicator...... 136
CONTINUEDProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t

Index

Shift Lock Release......................... 143
Side Marker Lights, Bulb
Replacement in.......................... 209

Signaling Turns................................ 61

Snow Tires...................................... 202

Solvent-type Cleaners.................... 220
Sound System................................. 100

Spare Tire

Inflating.......................................228

Specifications............................. 255
Spark Plugs, Replacing................. 188
Specifications Charts ............ 254, 255

Speed Control................................... 65

Speedometer.................................... 56
SRS, Additional Information........... 43 Additional Safety Precautions.... 46How Your Airbags Work............ 43How Your SRS Indicator Light
Works........................................ 45

SRS Components......................... 43
SRS Service................................... 45
SRS Indicator.............................. 45, 53
START (Ignition Key Position) ..... 71
Starting the Engine........................ 133 In Cold Weather at HighAltitude................................... 133 With a Dead Battery ................. 236
Steam Coming from Engine......... 238
Steering Wheel Adjustment................................... 64
Anti-theft Column Lock.............. 71

Stereo Sound System.................... 100
Storing Your Car............................ 217

Supplemental Restraint System..... 43
Servicing....................................... 45

SRS Indicator.......................... 45, 53

Synthetic Oil................................... 174

Tachometer...................................... 56 Taillights, Changing Bulbs in....... 211
Taking Care of the Unexpected................................ 227
Tape Player..................................... 113
Technical Descriptions Emission Control Systems........ 261
Three Way Catalytic Converter................................ 263
Tire Information........................ 256
Temperature Gauge........................ 57
Tether Attachment Points.............. 38 Three Way Catalytic Converter... 263

Time, Setting the ............................. 85

Timing Belt..................................... 196
Tire Chains..................................... 202
Tire, How to Change a Flat.......... 229
Tires................................................ 197
Air Pressure............................... 197Checking Wear.......................... 198
Compact Spare........................... 228
DOT Tire Quality Grading....... 257
Inflation....................................... 197
Inspection................................... 198
Maintenance............................... 199
Replacing.................................... 200 Rotating....................................... 200

Snow............................................202

Specifications............................. 255
Tire Chains................................. 202 Technical Information.............. 256
Winter Driving........................... 201
Tools, Tire Changing.................... 229
Towing A Trailer...................................... 152Emergency................................. 250ProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t

Index

Transmission
Checking Fluid Level,Automatic............................... 183
Checking Fluid Level,
Manual....................................184

Fluid Selection............................ 183
Identification Number............... 253
Shifting the Automatic.............. 136
Shifting the Manual................... 134
Treadwear...................................... 257
Trip Meter........................................ 56

Trunk................................................. 73
Opening the..................................
73

Open Monitor
Light.................... 55

Turn Signals..................................... 61

Underside, Cleaning...................... 224

Unexpected, Taking Care
of the........................................... 227

Uniform Tire Quality Grading..... 257

Unleaded Gasoline......................... 120

Upholstery Cleaning...................... 222

Used Oil, How to Dispose of........ 176 Vehicle Capacity Load .................. 129
Vehicle Dimensions....................... 254
Vehicle Identification Number..... 252
Vehicle Storage.............................. 217

Ventilation.........................................95
VIN..................................................252

Vinyl Cleaning................................ 222
Viscosity, Oil................................... 174
Warning Beepers
Headlights on............................... 60

Key in Ignition.............................. 71

Seat Belts........................................ 6

WARNING, Explanation of.............. ii
Warning Labels, Location of.......... 48 Warranty Coverages*................... 269
Washer, Windshield Checking the Fluid Level......... 182

Operation...................................... 63

Washing.......................................... 220

Waxing and Polishing................... 221
Wheels

Adjusting the Steering................ 64
Alignment and Balance............. 199
Compact Spare........................... 228

Wrench.......................................230

Windows Cleaning...................................... 223
Operating the Power................... 80
Rear, Defogger............................ 63
Windshield
Cleaning........................................ 62

Defroster...................................... 98
Wipers, Windshield Changing Blades........................ 193
Operation...................................... 62
Worn Tires..................................... 198
Wrecker, Emergency Towing...... 250
* U.S. and Canada onlyProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t