engine overheat HONDA PRELUDE 2000 Owner's Manual (in English)

5-spee
d Manua l Transmissio n

The manual transmission is syn- chronized in all forward gears forsmooth operation. It has a lockout so
you cannot shift directly from Fifth to Reverse. When shifting up or down, make sure you push the clutch
pedal down all the way, shift to the
next gear, and let the pedal up
gradually. When you are not shifting, do not rest your foot on the clutch
pedal. This can cause your clutch to
wear out faster. Come to a full stop before you shift
into Reverse. You can damage the
transmission by trying to shift into Reverse with the car moving. Pushdown the clutch pedal, and pause for
a few seconds before shifting into
Reverse, or shift into one of the
forward gears for a moment. This stops the gears so they won't "grind."
When slowing down, you can get extra braking from the engine byshifting to a lower gear. This extra
braking can help you maintain a safe speed and prevent your brakes from
overheating while going down a steep hill. Before downshifting,
make sure engine speed will not go into the tachometer's red zone in the
lower gear.

Drivin g
Rapid slowing or speeding-up
can cause loss of control on slippery surfaces. If you crash,
you can be injured.
Use extra care when driving on
slippery surfaces.

Towing a Traile r
Drivin g Safel y Wit h a Traile r
The added weight, length, and height of a trailer will affect your
vehicle's handling and performance, so driving with a trailer requires
some special driving skills and
techniques.
For your safety and the safety of
others, take time to practice driving
maneuvers before heading for the open road, and follow the guidelines
discussed below.
Towing Speeds and Gears
Drive slower than normal in alldriving situations, and obey posted
speed limits for vehicles with trailers.
If you have an automatic
transmission, use D
4 position when
towing a trailer on level roads. D
3 is
the proper shift lever position to use
when towing a trailer in hilly terrain. (See "Driving on Hills" in the next
column for additional gear
information.)
Making Turns and Braking
Make turns more slowly and wider
than normal. The trailer tracks a smaller arc than your vehicle, and it
can hit or run over something the
vehicle misses. Allow more time and distance for braking. Do not brake or
turn suddenly as this could cause the
trailer to jackknife or turn over.
Driving on Hills
When climbing hills, closely watch
your temperature gauge. If it nears the red mark, turn the airconditioning off, reduce speed and, ifnecessary, pull to the side of the
road to let the engine cool.
If the automatic transmission shifts
frequently between 3rd and 4th
gears while going up a hill, shift to
D3.
If you must stop when facing uphill,
use the foot brake or parking brake.
Do not try to hold the vehicle in
place by pressing on the accelerator, as this can cause the automatic
transmission to overheat.
When driving down hills, reduce
your speed and shift down to 2nd gear. Do not "ride" the brakes, andremember it will take longer to slowdown and stop when towing a trailer.
Drivin g

Spar
k Plugs , Batter y

Tighten The spark plugs carefully. A
spark plug That is too loose can overheat and damage The engine.Overtightening can cause damage to
the Threads in the cylinder head. Specifications
:
NGK:

DENSO:

Spark Plug Gap:
0.04 in (1.1 mm
PZFR6F-1
1
PKJ20CR-L1 1
Batter
y

Check the condition of your car's
battery monthly. You should check
the color of the test indicator window, and for corrosion on the terminals.
Maintenanc e

NOTIC
E

7. Install the spark plug cap.
8. Repeat this procedure for the other three spark plugs.
Reinstall the plug wire cover, and
tighten the four nuts.

Takin
g Car e o f th e Unexpecte d

This section covers the more- common problems that motorists
experience with their vehicles. It
gives you information about how to safely evaluate the problem and what
to do to correct it. If the problem has stranded you on the side of the road,
you may be able to get going again. If not, you will also find instructions
on getting your car towed. Compact Spare Tire....................... 236
Changing a Flat Tire ..................... 237
If Your Engine Won't Start........... 242
Nothing Happens or theStarter Motor OperatesVery Slowly............................. 243
The Starter Operates Normally................................. 244
Jump Starting................................. 244 If Your Engine Overheats............. 246Low Oil Pressure Indicator.......... 248
Charging System Indicator........... 249
Malfunction Indicator Lamp ........ 250
Brake System Indicator................ 251
Closing the Moonroof................... 252

Fuses...............................................253

Checking and Replacing........... 254
Emergency Towing....................... 258
Takin g Car e o f th e Unexpecte d

If You r Engin e Overheat s
The pointer of your car's tempera-
ture gauge should stay in the mid-
range under most conditions. It may
go higher if you are driving up a longsteep hill on a very hot day. If it
climbs to the red mark, you should determine the reason.
Driving with the temperature gauge
pointer at the red mark can cause serious damage to your engine.
Your car can overheat for severalreasons, such as lack of coolant or a
mechanical problem. The only
indication may be the temperature
gauge climbing to or above the red mark. Or you may see steam orspray coming from under the hood.
In either case, you should take
immediate action.
1. Safely pull to the side of the road. Put the transmission in Neutral or
Park and set the parking brake.
Turn off the heating and cooling system and all other accessories.
Turn on the hazard warning indicators. 2. If you see steam and/or spray
coming from under the hood, turn
off the engine.
3. If you do not see steam or spray, leave the engine running and
watch the temperature gauge. Ifthe high heat is due to overloading (climbing a long, steep hill on a
hot clay with the A/C running, for example), the engine should start
to cool down almost immediately. If it does, wait until the tempera-
ture gauge comes down to the mid-
point then continue driving.
4. If the temperature gauge stays at the red mark, turn off the engine.
5. Wait until you see no more signs of steam or spray, then open the
hood.
Takin g Car e o f th e Unexpecte d
NOTICE
Steam and spray from an
overheated engine can
seriously scald you.
Do not open the hood if steam
is coming out.

I
f You r Engin e Overheat s

6. Look for any obvious coolant leaks, such as a split radiator hose.
Everything is still extremely hot, so use caution. If you find a leak, it
must be repaired before you
continue driving (see Emergenc y
Towin g on page 258).
7. If you don't find an obvious leak, check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank (see page131). If the level is below the
MIN mark, add coolant to halfway
between the MIN and MAX marks.
8. If there was no coolant in the reserve tank, you may also have toadd coolant to the radiator. Let the
engine cool down until the pointer
reaches the middle of the tempera-
ture gauge, or lower, before check- ing the radiator. 9. Using gloves or a large heavy
cloth, turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without pushing
down, to the first stop. This
releases any remaining pressure in
the cooling system. After the
pressure releases, push down on
the cap and turn it until it comes off. 10. Start the engine and set the
temperature control lever tomaximum. Add coolant to the
radiator up to the base of the filler
neck. If you do not have the
proper coolant mixture available,
you can add plain water. Remember to have the coolingsystem drained and refilled with
the proper mixture as soon as you
can.

11. Put the radiator cap back on tightly. Run the engine and watchthe temperature gauge. If it goes
back to the red mark, the engine
needs repair. (See Emergenc y
Towin g on page 258.)
12. If the temperature stays normal, check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. If it has
gone down, add coolant to the MAX mark. Put the cap back on

tightly.

Takin g Car e o f th e Unexpecte d

Removing the radiator cap
while the engine is hot can cause the coolant to spray out,
seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and radiator cool down before
removing the radiator cap.

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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

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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

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Protecting Adults............................. 12 Additional Safety Precautions.... 19
Advice for Pregnant Women...... 19
Protecting Children......................... 21 Protecting Infants........................ 29
Protecting Larger Children........ 37
Protecting Small Children.......... 33
Using Child Seats with Tethers...................................... 40
Radiator Overheating.................... 246 Radio/CD Sound System.............. 106
Rear End Towing........................... 258
Rear Lights, Bulb Replacement... 219

Rear Seat Access ............................. 81

Rear Seat, Folding........................... 84

Rear View Mirror............................. 88
Rear Window Defogger.................. 65
Reclining the Seat Backs................ 80
Recommended Shift Speeds ........ 143
Reminder Lights.............................. 53
Remote Transmitter........................ 75
Replacement Information Air Cleaner Element.................. 195
Coolant........................................ 187

Engine Oil and Filter................. 183

Fuses...........................................254

Light Bulbs................................. 214

Schedule..................................... 170

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

Timing Belt................................. 204

Tires............................................ 208
Wiper Blades.............................. 200

Replacing Seat Belts After a
Crash.............................................44

Reserve Tank, Engine Coolant.... 131

Restraint, Child................................ 21

Reverse Gear Position................... 146

Rotation, Tire................................. 208

Safety Belts......................................... 8
Safety Features.................................. 7
Airbags............................................ 9Door Locks................................... 1
1

Head Restraints........................... 10
Seat Belts........................................
8
Seats & Seat-Backs...................... 10

Safety Labels, Location of.............. 50
Safety Messages................................

ii

Seat Belt, Additional Information..
4
2
Lap/Shoulder Belt....................... 42
Seat Belt Maintenance................ 44
Seat Belt System Components... 42
Seat Belts............................................8
Cleaning...................................... 231
Maintenance................................. 44
Reminder Light and Beeper....... 54
System Components.................... 42
Tether Attachment Points.......... 40
Use During Pregnancy................ 19
Seat Heaters..................................... 83
Seats, Adjusting the......................... 80
Sequential SportShift Mode ......... 147
Serial Number................................ 262
Service Intervals............................ 172

Service Manual* ............................ 279
Service Station Procedures .......... 127
Setting the Clock............................. 90
Shifting The Automatic Transmission .. 144
The 5-speed Manual
Transmission.......................... 142
Shift Lever Position Indicator...... 144
CONTINUED