check transmission fluid HONDA PRELUDE 2000 Owner's Manual (in English)

Maintenanc
e

This section explains why it is important to keep your car well
maintained and to follow basic
maintenance safety precautions.
This section also includes Maintenance Schedules for normal
driving and severe driving conditions,
a Maintenance Record, and instruc-
tions for simple maintenance tasks
you may want to take care of
yourself.
If you have the skills and tools to per-
form more complex maintenance
tasks on your Honda, you may want to purchase the Service Manual. See
page 279 for information on how toobtain a copy, or see your Honda

dealer.
Maintenance Safety....................... 168
Important Safety Precautions ..169
Maintenance Schedule.................. 170
Required Maintenance Record.... 177 Owner Maintenance Checks........ 17
9

Fluid Locations............................... 180

Engine Oil.......................................

181

Adding Oil...................................
181

Recommended Oil.....................
181

Synthetic Oil............................... 182

Additives.....................................182
Changing
the Oil and Filter...... 183
Cooling System.............................. 185 Adding Engine Coolant............. 185Replacing Engine Coolant........ 187
Windshield Washers..................... 190
Transmission Fluid........................ 19

1

Automatic Transmission.......................... 19

1

5-speed ManualTransmission.......................... 192
Brake an
d Clutch Fluid................. 193
Brake System............................. 193 Clutch System............................ 194
Power Steering............................... 194
Air Cleaner Element...................... 195
Hood Latch.....................................

196

Spark Plugs.....................................
196

Replacement...............................
196

Specifications.............................
198

Battery............................................
198

Wiper Blades.................................. 200
Air Conditionin g
System............... 202
Air Conditioning Filter.................. 203 Drive Belts...................................... 204
Timing Belt..................................... 204
Tires................................................ 205

Inflation.......................................205

Inspection................................... 206
Maintenance............................... 20

7

Tire Rotation.............................. 208
Replacing Tire s
and Wheels .... 208
Wheels and Tires....................... 209
Winter Driving...........................209
Snow Tires.............................. 210

Tire Chains............................. 210
Lights..............................................

211

Headlight Aimimg..................... 213
Replacing Bulbs........................ .
214
Storing Your Car............................ 225
Maintenance

Owne
r Maintenanc e Check s

You should check the following items at the specified intervals. If
you are unsure of how to perform any check, turn to the page given. Engine oil level — Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See
page 130. Engine coolant level — Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you fill the fuel tank. See page 131 .
Windshield washer fluid — Check the level in the reservoir monthly.If weather conditions cause you to
use the washers frequently, check
the reservoir each time you stop
for fuel. See page 190 .
Automatic transmission — Check the fluid level monthly. See page
191.
Brakes — Check the fluid level
monthly. See page 193 .
Tires — Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread for
wear and foreign objects. See page
205.
Lights — Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
turn signals, brake lights, and license plate lights monthly. See

page 211.

Maintenance

Transmissio
n Flui d

Automati c Transmissio n
Check the fluid level with the engine
at normal operating temperature.
1. Park the car on level ground. Shut off the engine.
2. Remove the dipstick (yellow loop) from the transmission and wipe it
with a clean cloth. 3. Insert the dipstick all the way into
the transmission securely asshown in the illustration.
4. Remove the dipstick and check the fluid level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks. 5. If the level is below the lower
mark, add fluid into the filler hole
to bring it to the upper mark.
Always use Honda Premium Formula Automatic TransmissionFluid (ATF). If it is not available,
you may use a DEXRON ®
III
automatic transmission fluid as a
temporary replacement. However, continued use can affect shiftquality. Have the transmission
drained and refilled with Honda
ATF as soon as it is convenient.
6. Insert the dipstick all the way back into the transmission securely asshown in the illustration.
The transmission should be drained and refilled with new fluid according
to the time and distance recommen- dations in the maintenance schedule.
Maintenance

DIPSTIC
K
UPPE
R MAR K
LOWE R MAR K

DIPSTIC
K

Transmissio
n Flui d

5-spee d Manua l Transmissio n
Check the fluid level with the
transmission at normal operating
temperature and the car sitting on
level ground. Remove the
transmission filler bolt and carefully
feel inside the bolt hole with your
finger. The fluid level should be up
to the edge of the bolt hole. If it is not, add Genuine Honda Manual
Transmission Fluid (MTF) until it starts to run out of the hole. Reinstall
the filler bolt and tighten it securely. If Honda MTF is not available, you
may use an API service SG, SH or SJ
grade motor oil with a viscosity of
SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 as a
temporary replacement. An SG
grade is preferred, but an SH or SJ grade may be used if SG is notavailable. However, motor oil does
not contain the proper additives and
continued use can cause stiffershifting. Replace as soon as
convenient.
The transmission should be drained and refilled with new fluid according
to the time and distance recommen- dations in the maintenance schedule.
Maintenanc e
FILLE
R
BOL T

Correc t
leve l

Brak
e an d Clutc h Flui d
Check the fluid level in the reser-
voirs monthly. There are up to two reservoirs, depending on the model.
They are: Brake fluid reservoir (all models)
Clutch fluid reservoir (manual transmission only)
The brake fluid should be replaced according to the time and distance
recommendations in the mainte-

nance schedule.
Always use Genuine Honda DOT 3
brake fluid. If it is not available, you should use only DOT 3 or DOT 4
fluid, from a sealed container, as a
temporary replacement. However,
the use of any non-Honda brake fluid
can cause corrosion and decrease

the life of the system. Have the brake system flushed and refilled
with Honda DOT 3 brake fluid as
soon as possible.

Brake fluid marked DOT 5 is not
compatible with your car's braking

system and can cause extensive

damage.
Brak
e Syste m
The fluid level should be between the MIN and MAX marks on the sideof the reservoir. If the level is at or
below the MIN mark, your brake system needs attention. Have the
brake system inspected for leaks or worn brake pads.
Maintenance
MI
N
MA
X

Inde
x

Accessories and Modifications.... 133
Accessories................................. 133

Additional Safety Precautions.. 134Modifications............................. 134
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key
Position)........................................ 73

Accessory Power Socket................ 93
Active Torque Transfer System
(ATTS)
Indicator............................... 56, 157
Operation.................................... 157

Adding
Automatic Transmission Fluid........................................ 191
Brake Fluid................................. 193
Clutch Fluid................................ 194

Engine Coolant........................... 185

Engine Oil................................... 181

Manual Transmission Fluid ..... 192
Power Steering Fluid................. 194
Windshield Washer Fluid......... 190
Additional Information About
Your Seat Belts........................ 42

Lap/Shoulder Belt....................... 42
Seat Belt Maintenance................ 44
Seat Belt System Components... 42
Additional Information About

Your SRS...................................45

Additional Safety Precautions.... 48 How the SRS Indicator Light
Works........................................ 47

How Your Airbags Work............ 45

SRS Components......................... 45

Additives, Engine Oil..................... 182
Adjustments
Headlights.................................. 213

Head Restraints........................... 82

Mirrors..........................................
88

Seats.............................................. 80

Steering Wheel............................ 66

Airba
g (SRS).................................... 45

Air Cleaner Element...................... 195

Air Conditioning............................... 98
Maintenance............................... 202

Usage............................................. 98

Air Conditioning Filter.................. 203
Air Outlets (Vents)........................ 100
Air Pressure, Tires........................ 205 High Speed Driving................... 206
Normal Driving.......................... 206 Alcohol in Gasoline........................ 268
Antifreeze....................................... 185

Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)

Indicator Light.................... 56, 156Operation....................................

15 4

Anti-theft Steering Column

Lock...............................................

73

Appearance Care...........................
227

Ashtrays (Optional)......................... 94
Audio System.................................

106

Automatic Speed Control................ 6
7

Automatic Transmission............... 144 Capacity, Fluid...........................
264
Checking Fluid Level................

191

Sequential SportShift Mode..... 147
Shifting........................................
145
Shift Lever Position Indicator.. 144
Shift Lever Positions................. 145

Shift Lock Release..................... 151

CONTINUED

Inde
x

Battery Charging SystemIndicator............................ 55, 249
Jump Starting............................. 244 Maintenance............................... 198
Specifications............................. 265
Before Driving............................... 125
Belts, Seat........................................... 8
Beverage Holder.............................. 91
Body Repair.................................... 233

Brakes
Anti-lock System (ABS)............ 154
Break-in, New Linings .............. 126

Fluid............................................ 193

Light, Burned-out....................... 219

Parking..........................................89

System Indicator.......................... 55
Wear Indicators......................... 153
Brakes, ABS Operation.................................... 154
System Indicator.................. 56, 156
Braking System.............................. 153
Break-in, New Car......................... 126
Brightness Control, Instruments... 63 Brights, Headlights......................... 62
Bulb Replacement
Back-up Lights........................... 219
Brake Lights............................... 219
Ceiling Lights............................. 223
Courtesy Lights......................... 223
Front Parking Lights................. 216
Front Side Marker Lights......... 217
Headlights.................................. 214
High-mount Brake Light.......... 221
License Plate Light.................... 222
Rear Side Marker Lights.......... 219
Specifications............................. 265
Trunk Light................................ 224
Turn Signal Lights..................... 218
Bulbs, Halogen............................... 214

Cables, Jump Starting With.......... 244

Capacities Chart............................. 264

Carbon Monoxide Hazard.............. 49

Cargo, Loading............................... 135

Cassette Player
Care............................................. 122

Operation.................................... 119
CAUTION, Explanation of ............... ii
CD Changer.................................... 114
CD Player........................................ 112
Certification Label......................... 262
Chains............................................. 210
Change Oil How to......................................... 183
When to....................................... 172
Changing a Flat Tire..................... 237
Changing Engine Coolant............. 187
Charging System Indicator .... 55, 249
Checking Automatic Transmission
Fluid........................................ 191
Battery Condition...................... 198
Brake Fluid................................. 193 Clutch Fluid................................ 194
Drive Belts.................................. 204
Engine Coolant........................... 131

Engine Oil................................... 130

Fuses...........................................254
Manual Transmission Fluid ..... 192

Power Steering Fluid................. 194
Checklist, Before Driving............. 140

Child Safety...................................... 21

Cleaner, Air.................................... 195

Inde
x

Cleaning
Aluminum Wheels..................... 229
Carpeting.................................... 230
Exterior....................................... 228
Fabric.......................................... 230
Interior........................................ 230
Seat Belts.................................... 23
1

Vinyl............................................ 230
Windows..................................... 231

Clock, Settin
g the ............................ 90

Clutch Fluid.................................... 194
Coin Box........................................... 93
CO in the Exhaust......................... 270
Cold Weather, Starting in.............

141

Compact Spare............................... 236
Consumer Information*................
274
Controls, Instruments and.............. 51

Coolant
Adding......................................... 185

Checking.....................................

131

Proper Solution.......................... 185
Replacing.................................... 187
Temperatur
e Gauge.................... 59
Corrosion Protection..................... 232
Courtesy Lights............................... 95 Crankcase Emission Control

System.........................................270

Cruise Control Operation............... 67
Customer Relations Office........... 274
DANGER, Explanation of.................

ii

Dashboard........................................ 52
Daytime Running Lights................
. 62
Dead Battery, What to Do............ 244
Defects, Reporting Safety............. 278 Defog and Defrost......................... 104
Defogger, Rear Window................. 65
DEXRON ®
III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.................... 19

1

Dimensions..................................... 264
Dimming the Headlights................
62
Dipstick Automatic Transmission........... 19

1

Engine Oil...................................130
Directional Signals...........................
63
Disabled, Towing Your Car If...... 258
Disc Brake Wear Indicators......... 153
Disposal of Used Oil...................... 184 Doors
Locking and Unlocking............... 7

4

Power Door Locks....................... 7
4

DOT Tire Quality Grading...........
266

Downshifting, 5-speed Manual
Transmission.............................. 14 2

Driv
e Belts...................................... 204

Driving............................................ 139

Economy..................................... 132
In Bad Weather.......................... 158
In Foreign Countries................. 269

Economy, Fuel............................... 132

Emergencies on the Road............. 235 Batteiy, Jump Starting.............. 244
Brake System Indicator............ 251Changing a Flat Tire................. 237
Charging System Indicator ...... 249
Checking the Fuses................... 254
Low Oil Pressure Indicator...... 248
Malfunction Indicator Lamp .... 250
Manually Closing Moonroof .... 252

Overheated Engine................... 246

CONTINUED

Inde
x

Emergency Brake............................ 89
Emergency Flashers....................... 65
Emergency Towing....................... 258
Emission Controls......................... 270
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge ..... 59

Malfunction Indicator
Lamp................................. 55, 250
Oil Pressure Indicator......... 55, 248
Oil, What Kind to Use............... 181
Overheating................................ 246

Specifications............................. 264

Ethanol in Gasoline ....................... 268
Evaporative Emission Controls.... 270
Exhaust Fumes................................ 49
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat Belts by......................................... 19
Exterior. Cleaning the................... 228
Fabric, Cleaning............................. 230

Fan, Interior...................................... 98

Features, Comfort and
Convenience.................................
97

Filling the Fuel Tank.....................
127

Filters
Air................................................ 195

Oil................................................ 183

First
Gear, Shifting........................ 150
5-speed Manual Transmission Checking Fluid Level................ 192

Shifting the................................. 142

Flashers, Hazard Warning.............. 65

Flat Tire, Changing a.................... 237

Fluids Automatic Transmission........... 191
Brake........................................... 193

Clutch.......................................... 194

Manual Transmission............... 192

Power Steering........................... 194

Windshield Washer................... 190
FM Stereo Radio
Reception.................................... 110

Folding Rear Seat............................ 84
Foreign Countries, Driving in...... 269
Four-way Flashers........................... 65

Front End, Towing by
Emergency Wrecker................. 258

Fuel.................................................. 126
Fill Door and Cap....................... 127
Gauge............................................ 59
Octane Requirement................. 126

Oxygenated................................ 268

Reserve Indicator......................... 57

Tank, Filling the......................... 127

Fuses, Checking the...................... 254
Gas Mileage. Improving................ 132

Gasohol........................................... 268

Gasoline.......................................... 126
Fuel Reserve Indicator................ 57

Gauge............................................ 59

Octane Requirement................. 126

Tank, Filling the......................... 127

Gas Station Procedures................. 127

Gauges
Engine Coolant Temperature .... 59

Fuel................................................ 59

Gearshift Lever Positions Automatic Transmission........... 144
5-speed Manual Transmission.......................... 142
Glass Cleaning............................... 231
Glove Box......................................... 79

Index
Locks
Anti-theft Steering Column........ 73
Fuel Fill Door............................. 127Glove Box..................................... 79
Power Door.................................. 74
Trunk............................................ 78
Low Coolant Level......................... 131
Lower Gear, Downshifting to a.... 142
Low Fuel Indicator .......................... 57
Low Oil Pressure Indicator.... 55, 248
Lubricant Specifications
Chart........................................... 264
Luggage.......................................... 135
Maintenance................................... 167
Owner Maintenance Checks.... 179
Record.................................. 177-178
Required Indicator....................... 60
Schedule.............................. 170-176
Malfunction Indicator Lamp .. 55, 250
Manual Transmission.................... 142
Manual Transmission Fluid ......... 192
Maximum Allowable Speeds................................. 143, 150
Meters, Gauges................................ 58
Methanol in Gasoline.................... 268
Mirrors, Adjusting........................... 88
Moonroof.......................................... 87
Closing Manually....................... 252
Operation...................................... 87
Neutral Gear Position.................... 147
New Vehicle Break-in ................... 126
Normal Shift Speeds...................... 143
NOTICE, Explanation of.................... i
Numbers, Identification................ 262
Octane Requirement, Gasoline.... 126
Odometer.......................................... 58
Odometer, Trip................................ 58
Oil Change, How to ......................... 183
Change, When to....................... 172
Checking Engine....................... 130
Pressure Indicator............... 55, 248
Selecting Proper Viscosity
Chart....................................... 182
ON (Ignition Key Position) ............ 73
Opening the Hood ......................... 128
Opening the Trunk.......................... 78
Operation in Foreign Countries... 269
Outside Mirrors............................... 88
Overheating, Engine..................... 246
Panel Brightness Control............... 63
Park Gear Position......................... 146
Parking............................................ 152
Parking Brake.................................. 89 Parking Lights.................................. 62
Parking Over Things that Burn... 272
PGM-FI System.............................. 271
Polishing and Waxing................... 229
Power
Door Locks................................... 74
Mirrors.......................................... 88
Steering....................................... 194
Windows....................................... 85
Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts.......... 19