Honda Prelude (2000 year). Manual — part 13

Windshield Washers

Check the level in the windshield

washer reservoir at least monthly

during normal usage. In bad weather,

when you use the washers often,
check the level every time you stop
for fuel.

The windshield washer reservoir is

located behind the driver's side
headlight. Check the reservoir's fluid
level by removing the cap and
looking at the float. It should be up
to the top of the neck. If the float is
at the bottom of the neck, the
reservoir is nearly empty.

Fill the reservoir with a good-quality
windshield washer fluid. This
increases the cleaning capability and
prevents freezing in cold weather.

Maintenance

Do not use engine antifreeze or a

vinegar/water solution in the

windshield washer reservoir.

Antifreeze can damage your car's paint,

while a vinegar/water solution can
damage the windshield washer pump.

Use o n l y c o m m e r c i a l l y - a v a i l a b l e

windshield washer fluid.

FLOAT

NOTICE

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Transmission Fluid

Automatic Transmission

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 as

shown 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 Transmission
Fluid (ATF). If it is not available,
you may use a DEXRON

®

III

automatic transmission fluid as a
temporary replacement. However,
continued use can affect shift
quality. Have the transmission
drained and refilled with Honda

A T F as soon as it is convenient.

6. Insert the dipstick all the way back

into the transmission securely as

shown 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

DIPSTICK

UPPER MARK
LOWER MARK

DIPSTICK

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Transmission Fluid

5-speed Manual Transmission

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 M T F 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 not

available. However, motor oil does
not contain the proper additives and
continued use can cause stiffer
shifting. 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.

Maintenance

FILLER

BOLT

Correct

level

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Brake and Clutch Fluid

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.

Brake System

The fluid level should be between

the M I N and MAX marks on the side

of the reservoir. If the level is at or
below the M I N mark, your brake
system needs attention. Have the

brake system inspected for leaks or
worn brake pads.

Maintenance

MIN

MAX

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Brake and Clutch Fluid, Power Steering

Clutch System

The fluid should be between the

M I N and MAX marks on the side of
the reservoir. If it is not, add brake
fluid to bring it up to that level. Use
the same fluid specified for the
brake system.

Low fluid level can indicate a leak in
the clutch system. Have this system
inspected as soon as possible.

Power Steering

Check the level when the engine is
cold. Look at the side of the
reservoir. The fluid should be
between the UPPER LEVEL and
LOWER LEVEL. If it is below the
LOWER LEVEL, add power steering

fluid to the UPPER LEVEL.

Always use Genuine Honda Power

Steering Fluid. If it is not available,

you may use another power steering
fluid as an emergency replacement.

However, continued use can cause
increased wear and poor steering in
cold weather. Have the power
steering system flushed and refilled
with Honda PSF as soon as possible.

A low power steering fluid level can

indicate a leak in the system. Check
the fluid level frequently and have
the system inspected as soon as
possible.

Maintenance

Turning the steering wheel to full left
or right lock and holding it there can
damage the power steering pump.

MAX

MIN

UPPER LEVEL

LOWER

LEVEL

NOTICE

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Air Cleaner Element

The air cleaner element should be

cleaned or replaced according to the
time and distance recommendations
in the maintenance schedule.

Cleaning (Severe Conditions)
Clean the air cleaner element by
blowing compressed air through it in

the opposite direction to normal air
flow. If you do not have access to
compressed air (such as a service

station), ask your Honda dealer to do

this service.

Follow the replacement procedure
for removal and reinstallation.

Replacement

The air cleaner element is inside the

air cleaner housing on the passenger's
side of the engine compartment.

To replace it:

1. Unsnap the four hold-down clamps

and remove the air cleaner
housing cover.

2. Remove the old air cleaner

element.

Carefully clean the inside of the
air cleaner housing with a damp

rag.

3. Place the new air cleaner element

in the air cleaner housing.

4. Reinstall the air cleaner housing

cover, snap the four hold-down
clamps back into place.

Maintenance

CLAMPS

AIR CLEANER

ELEMENT

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Hood Latch, Spark Plugs

Hood Latch

Clean the hood latch assembly with a
mild cleaner, then lubricate it with a
multipurpose grease. Lubricate all

the moving parts, including the pivot.
Follow the time and distance
recommendations in the
Maintenance Schedule. If you are
not sure how to clean and grease the
latch, contact your Honda dealer.

Spark Plugs

The spark plugs in your car should
be replaced according to the time

and distance recommendations in
the maintenance schedule.

Replacement

1. Remove the four nuts, then

remove the plug wire cover.

2. Clean up any dirt and oil around

the spark plug caps.

Maintenance

PIVOTS

NUTS

NUTS

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Spark Plugs

3. Remove the spark plug cap by

pulling it straight out.

4. Remove the spark plug with

a five-eighths inch (16 mm) spark
plug socket.

5. Put the new spark plug into the

socket; then screw it into the hole.
Screw it in by hand so you do not
crossthread it.

6. Torque the spark plug. (If you do

not have a torque wrench, tighten
the spark plug two-thirds of a turn
after it contacts the cylinder head.)

Tightening torque:

13 lbf.ft (18N.m ,1.8kgf.m)

CONTINUED

Maintenance

SPARK PLUG

CAP

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Spark Plugs, Battery

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-11

PKJ20CR-L11

Battery

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.

Maintenance

NOTICE

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.

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Battery

Check the battery condition by

looking at the test indicator window
on the battery.

The label on the battery explains the

test indicator's colors.

Check the battery terminals for
corrosion (a white or yellowish

powder). To remove it, cover the
terminals with a solution of baking
soda and water. It will bubble up and
turn brown. When this stops, wash it
off with plain water. Dry off the
battery with a cloth or paper towel.
Coat the terminals with grease to
help prevent future corrosion.

If the terminals are severely cor-
roded, clean them with baking soda
and water. Then use a wrench to
loosen and remove the cables from
the terminals. Always disconnect the
negative

(

—

)

cable first and recon-

nect it last. Clean the battery termi-
nals with a terminal cleaning tool or
wire brush. Reconnect and tighten
the cables, then coat the terminals
with grease.

If you need to connect the battery to
a charger, disconnect both cables to
prevent damage to the car's
electrical system.

Maintenance

CONTINUED

TEST INDICATOR WINDOW

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Battery, Wiper Blades

If your car's battery is disconnected
or goes dead, the audio system will
disable itself. The next time you turn
on the radio you will see
in the frequency display. Use the
Preset buttons to enter the five-digit
code (see page

).

Charging the battery with the cables

connected can seriously damage your
car's electronic controls. Detach the
battery cables before connecting the
battery to a charger.

Wiper Blades

Check the condition of the wiper
blades at least every six months.
Look for signs of cracking in the
rubber, or areas that are getting

hard. Replace the blades if you find
these signs, or they leave streaks

and unwiped areas when used.

Maintenance

The battery gives off explosive

hydrogen gas during normal
operation.

A spark or flame can cause the

battery to explode with enough

force to kill or seriously hurt you.

Wear protective clothing and a
face shield, or have a skilled

mechanic do the battery
maintenance.

NOTICE

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Wiper Blades

To replace the blade:

1. Raise the wiper arm off the

windshield.
Raise the driver's side first, then
the passenger's side.

2. Disconnect the blade assembly

from the wiper arm by pushing in

the lock tab. Hold it in while you
push the blade assembly toward
the base of the arm.

3. Remove the blade from its holder

by grasping the tabbed end of the
blade. Pull firmly until the tabs
come out of the holder.

CONTINUED

Maintenance

WIPER ARMS

LOCK TAB

BLADE

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Wiper Blades, Air Conditioning System

4. Examine the new wiper blades. If

they have no plastic or metal rein-
forcement along the back edge,
remove the metal reinforcement
strips from the old wiper blade and
install them in the slots along the
edge of the new blade.

5. Slide the new wiper blade into the

holder until the tabs lock.

6. Slide the wiper blade assembly

onto the wiper arm. Make sure it

locks in place.

7. Lower the wiper arm down against

the windshield.
Lower the passenger's side first,
then the driver's side.

Air Conditioning System
Your car's air conditioning is a sealed

system. Any major maintenance,
such as recharging, should be done

by a qualified mechanic. You can do
a couple of things to make sure the

air conditioning works efficiently.

Maintenance

BLADE

REINFORCEMENT

AIR CONDITIONING CONDENSER

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Air Conditioning System, Air Conditioning Filter

Periodically check the engine's
radiator and air conditioning
condenser for leaves, insects, and
dirt stuck to the front surface. These

block the air flow and reduce cooling

efficiency. Use a light spray from a
hose or a soft brush to remove them.

The. condenser and radiator fins bend
easily. Only use a low-pressure spray
or soft-bristle brush to clean them.

Run the air conditioning at least once
a week during the cold weather
months. Run it for at least ten
minutes while you are driving at a
steady speed with the engine at
normal operating temperature. This
circulates the lubricating oil con-

tained in the refrigerant.

If the air conditioning does not get as
cold as before, have your dealer
check the system. Recharge the
system with Refrigerant HFC-134a

(R-134a). (See Specifications on page

265

.)

Whenever you have the air conditioning

system serviced, make sure the service

facility uses a refrigerant recycling

system. This system captures the
refrigerant for reuse. Releasing

refrigerant into the atmosphere can

damage the environment.

Air Conditioning Filter
The air conditioning filter removes

pollen and dust from the outside air
the climate control system brings
into the interior.

This filter should be replaced every

30,000 miles (48,000 km) under
normal conditions. It should be
replaced every 15,000 miles (24,000
km) if you drive primarily in urban
areas that have high concentrations
of soot in the air from industry and
diesel-powered vehicles. Replace it
more often if air flow from the
heating and cooling system becomes
less than usual. Have the air
conditioning filter replaced by your
Honda dealer.

Maintenance

NOTICE

NOTICE

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Drive Belts, Timing Belt

Drive Belts

Check the condition of the two drive

belts. Examine the edges of each
belt for cracks or fraying.

Check the tension of each belt by
pushing on it with your thumb
midway between the pulleys.

The belts should have the following

"play" or deflection.

Alternator belt:

0.37 — 0.49 in (9.5 — 12.5 mm)

Power steering belt:

0.53 — 0.65 in (13.5 — 16.5 mm)

If you see signs of wear or looseness,

have your dealer adjust or replace
the belts.

Timing Belt
The timing belt and balancer belt

should normally be replaced at the
intervals shown in the maintenance
schedule.

Replace these belts at 60.000 miles

(U.S.) or 100,000 km (Canada) if you

regularly drive your car in one or
more of these conditions:

In very high temperatures

(over 110°F,43°C).

In very low temperatures

(under — 20°F, — 29°C).

Maintenance

POWER STEERING BELT

ALTERNATOR BELT

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Tires

To safely operate your car, your tires

must be the proper type and size, in
good condition with adequate tread,
and correctly inflated. The following
pages give more detailed information
on how and when to check air
pressure, how to inspect your tires

for damage and wear, and what to do
when your tires need to be replaced.

Inflation
Keeping the tires properly inflated
provides the best combination of
handling, tread life and riding
comfort. Underinflated tires wear
unevenly, adversely affect handling
and fuel economy, and are more
likely to fail from being overheated.
Overinflated tires can make your car
ride more harshly, are more prone to
damage from road hazards, and wear
unevenly.

We recommend that you visually
check your tires every day. If you
think a tire might be low, check it
immediately with a tire gauge.

Use a gauge to measure the air
pressure at least once a month. Even
tires that are in good condition may
lose one to two psi (10 to 20 kPa, 0.1

to 0.2 kgf/cm

2

) per month.

Remember to check the spare tire at
the same time you check all the
other tires.

Check the pressure in the tires when
they are cold. This means the car
has been parked for at least three
hours. If you have to drive the car
before checking the tire pressure,
the tires can still be considered
"cold" if you drive less than 1 mile

(1.6 km).

If you check the pressure when the
tires are hot (the car has been driven
several miles), you will see readings
4 to 6 psi (30 to 40 kPa, 0.3 to 0.4
kgf/cm

2

) higher than the cold

reading. This is normal. Do not let
air out to match the specified cold
pressure. The tire will be
underinflated.

You should get your own tire

pressure gauge and use it whenever
you check your tire pressures. This
will make it easier for you to tell if a
pressure loss is due to a tire problem
and not due to a variation between
gauges.

Maintenance

CONTINUED

Using tires that are excessively

worn or improperly inflated can
cause a crash in which you can
be seriously hurt or killed.

Follow all instructions in this

owner's manual regarding tire
inflation and maintenance.

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