Maintenance Under the Hood
Maintenance Items Under the Hood
Engine Oil Dipstick
(Orange)
Engine Oil Fill Cap
Brake Fluid
(Black Cap)
Washer Fluid
(Blue Cap)
Battery
Engine Coolant
Reserve Tank
Radiator Cap
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uuMaintenance Under the HooduOpening the Hood
Opening the Hood
1. Park the vehicle on level ground, and set
the parking brake.
1Opening the Hood
Hood Release Handle
NOTICE
2. Pull the hood release handle under the
lower left corner of the dashboard.
u The hood will pop up slightly.
Do not open the hood when the wiper arms are
raised.
The hood will strike the wipers, and may damage
either the hood or the wipers.
Pull
When closing the hood, check that the hood is
securely latched.
3. Push up the hood latch lever in the center
of the hood to release the lock mechanism,
and open the hood.
If the hood latch lever moves stiffly, or if you can
open the hood without lifting the lever, the latch
mechanism should be cleaned and lubricated.
Lever
4. Remove the support rod from the clamp
using the grip. Mount the support rod in
the hood.
Support Rod Grip
When closing, remove the support rod, and
stow it in the clamp, then gently lower the
hood. Remove your hand at a height of
approximately 12 inches (30 cm) and let the
hood close.
Clamp
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uuMaintenance Under the HooduRecommended Engine Oil
Recommended Engine Oil
1Recommended Engine Oil
• Genuine Honda Motor Oil
• Premium-grade 0W-20 detergent oil with an API Certification Seal on the
Engine Oil Additives
Your vehicle does not require oil additives. In fact,
they may adversely affect the engine performance
and durability.
container.
Oil is a major contributor to your engine's
performance and longevity. If you drive the
vehicle with insufficient or deteriorated oil,
the engine may fail or be damaged.
This seal indicates the oil is energy conserving
and that it meets the American Petroleum
Institute’s latest requirements.
Use a Genuine Honda Motor Oil or another
commercial engine oil of suitable viscosity for
the ambient temperature as shown here.
Ambient Temperature
■
Synthetic oil
You may also use synthetic motor oil if it is labeled with the API Certification Seal
and is the specified viscosity grade.
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uuMaintenance Under the HooduOil Check
Oil Check
We recommend that you check the engine oil level every time you refuel.
1Oil Check
Park the vehicle on level ground.
Wait approximately three minutes after turning the engine off before you check the
If the oil level is near or below the lower mark, slowly
add oil being careful not to overfill.
oil.
1. Remove the dipstick (orange handle).
2. Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth or
paper towel.
3. Insert the dipstick back all the way into its
hole.
4. Remove the dipstick again, and check the
level. It should be between the upper and
lower marks. Add oil if necessary.
Upper Mark
Lower Mark
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uuMaintenance Under the HooduAdding Engine Oil
Adding Engine Oil
1. Unscrew and remove the engine oil fill cap. 1Adding Engine Oil
2. Add oil slowly.
3. Reinstall the engine oil fill cap, and tighten
it securely.
If any oil spills, wipe it away immediately. Spilled oil
may damage the engine compartment components.
NOTICE
4. Wait for three minutes and recheck the
engine oil dipstick.
Do not fill the engine oil above the upper mark.
Overfilling the engine oil can result in leaks and
engine damage.
Engine Oil
Fill Cap
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uuMaintenance Under the HooduChanging the Engine Oil and Oil Filter
Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter
You must change the engine oil and oil filter regularly in order to maintain the
engine's lubrication. The engine may be damaged if they are not changed regularly.
1Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter
NOTICE
You may damage the environment if you do not
dispose of the oil in a suitable way. If you are
changing the oil by yourself, appropriately dispose of
the used oil. Put the oil in a sealed container and take
it to a recycling center. Do not throw the oil away
into a garbage can or onto the ground.
Change the oil and filter in accordance with the maintenance message on the
information display*/multi-information display*/i-MID.
1. Run the engine until it reaches normal
operating temperature, and then turn the
engine off.
2. Open the hood and remove the engine oil
fill cap.
3. Remove the drain bolt and washer from
the bottom of the engine, and drain the
oil into a suitable container.
Washer
Drain Bolt
Oil Filter
* Not available on all models
Continued
445
uuMaintenance Under the HooduChanging the Engine Oil and Oil Filter
4. Remove the oil filter and dispose of the remaining oil.
5. Check that the filter gasket is not stuck to the engine contact surface.
u If it is stuck, you must detach it.
1Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter
You will need a special wrench to replace the oil
filter. You can buy this wrench from a dealer.
6. Wipe away dirt and dust adhering to the contact surface of the engine block,
and install a new oil filter.
u Apply a light coat of new engine oil to the oil filter gasket.
7. Put a new washer on the drain bolt, then reinstall the drain bolt.
u Tightening torque:
When installing the new oil filter, follow the
instructions supplied with the oil filter.
Reinstall the engine oil fill cap. Start the engine. The
low oil pressure indicator should go off within five
seconds. If it does not, turn off the engine, and check
your work.
30 lbf∙ft (40 N∙m, 4.0 kgf∙m)
8. Pour the recommended engine oil into the engine.
u Engine oil change capacity (including filter):
4.6 US qt (4.4 L)
9. Reinstall the engine oil fill cap securely and start the engine.
10. Run the engine for a few minutes, and then check that there is no leak from the
drain bolt or oil filter.
Be sure to verify that the oil filter is designed for your
vehicle. A genuine Honda oil filter is recommended
for optimum lubrication flow and filtration properties
to assure the reliability of the engine.
11. Stop the engine, wait for three minutes, and then check the oil level on the
dipstick.
u If necessary, add more engine oil.
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uuMaintenance Under the HooduEngine Coolant
Engine Coolant
1Engine Coolant
Specified coolant: Honda Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2
If Honda antifreeze/coolant is not available, you may
use another major brand non-silicate coolant as a
temporary replacement. Check that it is a high quality
coolant recommended for aluminum engines.
Continued use of any non-Honda coolant can result
in corrosion, causing the cooling system to
malfunction or fail. Have the cooling system flushed
and refilled with Honda antifreeze/coolant as soon as
possible.
This coolant is premixed with 50% antifreeze and 50% water. Do not add any
straight antifreeze or water.
We recommend you check the engine coolant level every time you refuel. Check the
reserve tank first. If it is completely empty, also check the coolant level in the
radiator. Add the engine coolant accordingly.
Reserve Tank
■
Do not add rust inhibitors or other additives to your
vehicle's cooling system. They may not be compatible
with the coolant or with the engine components.
1. Check the amount of coolant in the reserve
tank.
MAX
Reserve
Tank
MIN
2. If the coolant level is below the MIN mark,
add the specified coolant until it reaches
the MAX mark.
3. Inspect the cooling system for leaks.
Continued
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uuMaintenance Under the HooduEngine Coolant
1Radiator
Radiator
■
1. Make sure the engine and radiator are
cool.
3WARNING
Removing the radiator cap while the
engine is hot can cause the coolant to spray
out, seriously scalding you.
Radiator Cap
2. Turn the radiator cap counterclockwise to
relieve any pressure in the cooling system.
Do not push the cap down when turning.
3. Push down and turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise to remove it.
Always let the engine and radiator cool
down before removing the radiator cap.
4. The coolant level should be up to the base
of the filler neck. Add coolant if it is low.
5. Put the radiator cap back on, and tighten it
fully.
6. Pour coolant into the reserve tank until it
reaches the MAX mark. Put the cap back
on the reserve tank.
NOTICE
Pour the fluid slowly and carefully so you do not spill
any. Clean up any spills immediately; they can
damage components in the engine compartment.
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uuMaintenance Under the HooduTransmission Fluid
1Continuously Variable Transmission Fluid
Transmission Fluid
Continuously Variable Transmission Fluid
■
NOTICE
Specified fluid: Honda HCF-2 Transmission Fluid
Do not mix HCF-2 with other transmission fluids.
Using a transmission fluid other than HCF-2 may
adversely affect the operation and durability of your
vehicle’s transmission, and damage the transmission.
Any damage caused by using a transmission fluid that
is not equivalent to HCF-2 is not covered by Honda’s
new vehicle warranty.
Have a dealer check the fluid level and replace if necessary.
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uuMaintenance Under the HooduBrake Fluid
Brake Fluid
1Brake Fluid
Specified fluid: Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3
NOTICE
Brake fluid marked DOT 5 is not compatible with your
vehicle's braking system and can cause extensive
damage.
Checking the Brake Fluid
■
The fluid level should be between the MIN
and MAX marks on the side of the reservoir.
Brake Reservoir
If the specified brake fluid is not available, you should
use only DOT 3 or DOT 4 fluid from a sealed
container as a temporary replacement.
MAX
MIN
Using any non-Honda brake fluid can cause corrosion
and decrease the longevity of the system. Have the
brake system flushed and refilled with Honda Heavy
Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3 as soon as possible.
If the brake fluid level is at or below the MIN mark,
have a dealer inspect the vehicle for leaks or worn
brake pad as soon as possible.
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uuMaintenance Under the HooduRefilling Window Washer Fluid
1Refilling Window Washer Fluid
Refilling Window Washer Fluid
Check the amount of window washer fluid by looking at the reservoir.
If the level is low, fill the washer reservoir.
NOTICE
Do not use engine antifreeze or a vinegar/water
solution in the windshield washer reservoir.
Antifreeze can damage your vehicle's paint. A
vinegar/water solution can damage the windshield
washer pump.
Canadian models with information display
If the washer fluid is low, the washer level indicator comes on.
Canadian models with multi-information display
If the washer fluid is low, a message appears on the multi-information display.
Pour the washer fluid carefully. Do not overflow the reservoir.
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