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Honda 1996 Prelude - User Manual

Honda 1996 Prelude
231 pages
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1996 Prelude Online Reference Owner's Manual
Use these links (and links throughout this manual) to navigate through this reference.
For a printed owner's manual, click on authorized manuals or go to www.helminc.com.
Contents
Owner's Identification Form
Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... i
A Few Words About Safety.................................................................................................................ii
Driver and Passenger Safety ..............................................................................................................3
Proper use and care of your vehicle's seat belts, and Supplemental Restraint System.
Instruments and Controls.................................................................................................................27
Instrument panel indicator and gauge, and how to use dashboard and steering column controls.
Comfort and Convenience Features .............................................................................................. 69
How to operate the climate control system, the audio system, and other convenience features.
Before Driving.................................................................................................................................. 93
What gasoline to use, how to break-in your new vehicle, and how to load luggage and other cargo.
Driving ..............................................................................................................................................103
The proper way to start the engine, shift the transmission, and park, plus towing a trailer.
Maintenance.....................................................................................................................................121
The Maintenance Schedule shows you when you need to take your vehicle to the dealer.
Appearance Care..............................................................................................................................175
Tips on cleaning and protecting your vehicle. Things to look for if your vehicle ever needs body repairs.
Taking Care of the Unexpected......................................................................................................183
This section covers several problems motorists sometimes experience, and how to handle them.
Technical Information.....................................................................................................................205
ID numbers, dimensions, capacities, and technical information.
Warranty and Customer Relations (U.S. and Canada)................................................................217
A summary of the warranties covering your new Acura, and how to contact us.
Authorized Manuals (U.S. only)......................................................................................................223
How to order manuals and other technical literature.
Index
......................................................................................................................................................
I
Gas Station Information
A summary of information you need when you pull up to the fuel pump.

Table of Contents

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Do you have a question about the Honda 1996 Prelude and is the answer not in the manual?

Summary

Introduction

Safety Messages

Driver and Passenger Safety

Your Occupant Protection System

Explains the vehicle's safety features and occupant protection systems.

The Seat Belt System and How It Works

Details the function and importance of the vehicle's seat belt system.

Supplemental Restraint System

Describes the SRS, including airbags and indicators, for enhanced safety.

Child Safety

Provides essential guidelines for the safe restraint of children in the vehicle.

Instruments and Controls

Indicator Lights

Explains the function of various warning and indicator lights on the instrument panel.

Gauges

Describes the vehicle's gauges, including speedometer, tachometer, and fuel/temperature indicators.

Controls Near the Steering Wheel

Details the functions of controls located on and around the steering column.

Cruise Control

Explains how to operate and use the vehicle's cruise control system.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Heating and Cooling

Details the operation and controls of the vehicle's heating and air conditioning system.

Audio System

Explains the features and operation of the vehicle's radio, cassette, and CD systems.

Theft Protection

Information on the vehicle's anti-theft system for the audio unit.

Break-in Period, Gasoline

Break-in Period

Recommendations for the initial driving period to ensure vehicle longevity.

Gasoline

Guidance on the types of gasoline and octane ratings suitable for the vehicle.

Service Station Procedures

Filling the Fuel Tank

Step-by-step instructions for safely refueling the vehicle.

Opening the Hood

Procedures for safely opening the vehicle's hood.

Engine Oil

Oil Check

Instructions for checking the engine oil level and procedures for adding oil.

Recommended Oil

Guidance on selecting the correct type and viscosity of engine oil.

Cooling System

Engine Coolant Check

How to check the engine coolant level and what to do if it's low.

Fuel Economy

Vehicle Condition

Importance of maintaining the vehicle for optimal fuel efficiency.

Driving Habits

Tips on driving techniques to improve fuel economy.

Accessories

Loading Cargo

Driving

Preparing to Drive

Daily checks and adjustments to ensure the vehicle is ready for safe operation.

Starting the Engine

Procedures for starting the engine under various conditions.

5-speed Manual Transmission

Operation and shifting procedures for the manual transmission.

Automatic Transmission

Details on shift lever positions and operation of the automatic transmission.

The Braking System

Driving in Bad Weather

Towing a Trailer

Maintenance Safety

Maintenance Schedule

Which Schedule to Follow:

Guidance on selecting between normal and severe maintenance schedules.

Maintenance Schedule (Normal Conditions)

Maintenance Schedule (Severe Conditions)

Required Maintenance Record

Non-Scheduled Maintenance Record

Periodic Checks

Fluid Locations

Engine Oil

Oil Check

Instructions for checking the engine oil level and procedures for adding oil.

Recommended Oil

Guidance on selecting the correct type and viscosity of engine oil.

Oil and Filter Changes

Cooling System

Engine Coolant Check

How to check the engine coolant level and what to do if it's low.

Transmission Fluid

Automatic Transmission

Procedures for checking and maintaining automatic and manual transmission fluid levels.

Brake and Clutch Fluid

Brake System

Information on checking brake and clutch fluid levels and replacement intervals.

Clutch System

Power Steering

Air Cleaner

Cleaning (Severe Conditions)

Instructions for cleaning the air cleaner element under severe conditions.

Fuel Filter

Spark Plugs

Specifications

Battery

Battery

Emergency procedures and precautions related to the vehicle battery.

Windshield Wipers

Air Conditioning

Drive Belts, Tires

Drive Belts

How to inspect and check the tension of the vehicle's drive belts.

Tires

Importance of proper tire type, size, condition, and inflation for safe operation.

Inflation

Tires

Tire Rotation

Details on tire balancing, rotation, and selecting replacement tires.

Replacing Tires and Wheels

Details on tire balancing, rotation, and selecting replacement tires.

Winter Driving

Lights

Replacing a Headlight Bulb

Step-by-step guide for replacing headlight bulbs, including safety precautions.

Replacing a Parking Light Bulb

Procedure for replacing parking light bulbs.

Replacing a Front Side Marker Light Bulb

Instructions for replacing front side marker light bulbs.

Appearance Care

Exterior Care

Guidance on washing, cleaning, waxing, and protecting the vehicle's exterior.

Interior Care

Instructions for cleaning and maintaining the vehicle's interior surfaces.

Corrosion Protection

Methods to prevent and protect the vehicle from corrosion.

Paint Touch-up

Carpeting

Fabric

Interior Care

Corrosion Protection

Body Repairs

Taking Care of the Unexpected

Compact Spare Tire

Information on the use and precautions for the compact spare tire.

Changing a Flat Tire

Step-by-step guide for changing a flat tire.

If Your Engine Wont Start

Troubleshooting steps for when the engine fails to start.

Jump Starting

Procedures and safety precautions for jump-starting a vehicle with a dead battery.

If Your Engine Overheats

Low Oil Pressure

Charging System Indication

Malfunction Indicator Lamp

Closing the Sunroof

Fuses

Checking and Replacing Fuses

Steps for identifying and replacing blown fuses in the vehicle.

Towing

Emergency Towing

Overview of methods for emergency towing of the vehicle.

Flat-bed Equipment

The recommended method for transporting the vehicle on a flatbed truck.

Technical Information

Identification Numbers

Location of vehicle identification numbers like VIN and engine numbers.

Specifications

Key technical specifications and capacities of the vehicle.

Anti-lock Brake System

Technical explanation of the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) operation.

Tire Information

Details on tire size designation, speed ratings, and pressure adjustments.

Emission Controls

Warranty and Customer Relations

Warranty Coverages

Summary of the different warranties covering the vehicle and its components.

Customer Relations Information

Information on how to contact customer relations for assistance or issues.

Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Cars)

Procedures for reporting potential safety defects to NHTSA and Honda.

Authorized Manuals

Gas Station Information

Gasoline

Types of unleaded gasoline, octane ratings, and fuel tank capacity.

Recommended Engine Oil

Guidance on selecting the correct type and viscosity of engine oil.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Recommended fluid type and capacity for automatic transmissions.

Tire Pressure (measured cold)

Recommended cold tire inflation pressures for normal driving.

Summary

Introduction

Safety Messages

Driver and Passenger Safety

Your Occupant Protection System

Explains the vehicle's safety features and occupant protection systems.

The Seat Belt System and How It Works

Details the function and importance of the vehicle's seat belt system.

Supplemental Restraint System

Describes the SRS, including airbags and indicators, for enhanced safety.

Child Safety

Provides essential guidelines for the safe restraint of children in the vehicle.

Instruments and Controls

Indicator Lights

Explains the function of various warning and indicator lights on the instrument panel.

Gauges

Describes the vehicle's gauges, including speedometer, tachometer, and fuel/temperature indicators.

Controls Near the Steering Wheel

Details the functions of controls located on and around the steering column.

Cruise Control

Explains how to operate and use the vehicle's cruise control system.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Heating and Cooling

Details the operation and controls of the vehicle's heating and air conditioning system.

Audio System

Explains the features and operation of the vehicle's radio, cassette, and CD systems.

Theft Protection

Information on the vehicle's anti-theft system for the audio unit.

Break-in Period, Gasoline

Break-in Period

Recommendations for the initial driving period to ensure vehicle longevity.

Gasoline

Guidance on the types of gasoline and octane ratings suitable for the vehicle.

Service Station Procedures

Filling the Fuel Tank

Step-by-step instructions for safely refueling the vehicle.

Opening the Hood

Procedures for safely opening the vehicle's hood.

Engine Oil

Oil Check

Instructions for checking the engine oil level and procedures for adding oil.

Recommended Oil

Guidance on selecting the correct type and viscosity of engine oil.

Cooling System

Engine Coolant Check

How to check the engine coolant level and what to do if it's low.

Fuel Economy

Vehicle Condition

Importance of maintaining the vehicle for optimal fuel efficiency.

Driving Habits

Tips on driving techniques to improve fuel economy.

Accessories

Loading Cargo

Driving

Preparing to Drive

Daily checks and adjustments to ensure the vehicle is ready for safe operation.

Starting the Engine

Procedures for starting the engine under various conditions.

5-speed Manual Transmission

Operation and shifting procedures for the manual transmission.

Automatic Transmission

Details on shift lever positions and operation of the automatic transmission.

The Braking System

Driving in Bad Weather

Towing a Trailer

Maintenance Safety

Maintenance Schedule

Which Schedule to Follow:

Guidance on selecting between normal and severe maintenance schedules.

Maintenance Schedule (Normal Conditions)

Maintenance Schedule (Severe Conditions)

Required Maintenance Record

Non-Scheduled Maintenance Record

Periodic Checks

Fluid Locations

Engine Oil

Oil Check

Instructions for checking the engine oil level and procedures for adding oil.

Recommended Oil

Guidance on selecting the correct type and viscosity of engine oil.

Oil and Filter Changes

Cooling System

Engine Coolant Check

How to check the engine coolant level and what to do if it's low.

Transmission Fluid

Automatic Transmission

Procedures for checking and maintaining automatic and manual transmission fluid levels.

Brake and Clutch Fluid

Brake System

Information on checking brake and clutch fluid levels and replacement intervals.

Clutch System

Power Steering

Air Cleaner

Cleaning (Severe Conditions)

Instructions for cleaning the air cleaner element under severe conditions.

Fuel Filter

Spark Plugs

Specifications

Battery

Battery

Emergency procedures and precautions related to the vehicle battery.

Windshield Wipers

Air Conditioning

Drive Belts, Tires

Drive Belts

How to inspect and check the tension of the vehicle's drive belts.

Tires

Importance of proper tire type, size, condition, and inflation for safe operation.

Inflation

Tires

Tire Rotation

Details on tire balancing, rotation, and selecting replacement tires.

Replacing Tires and Wheels

Details on tire balancing, rotation, and selecting replacement tires.

Winter Driving

Lights

Replacing a Headlight Bulb

Step-by-step guide for replacing headlight bulbs, including safety precautions.

Replacing a Parking Light Bulb

Procedure for replacing parking light bulbs.

Replacing a Front Side Marker Light Bulb

Instructions for replacing front side marker light bulbs.

Appearance Care

Exterior Care

Guidance on washing, cleaning, waxing, and protecting the vehicle's exterior.

Interior Care

Instructions for cleaning and maintaining the vehicle's interior surfaces.

Corrosion Protection

Methods to prevent and protect the vehicle from corrosion.

Paint Touch-up

Carpeting

Fabric

Interior Care

Corrosion Protection

Body Repairs

Taking Care of the Unexpected

Compact Spare Tire

Information on the use and precautions for the compact spare tire.

Changing a Flat Tire

Step-by-step guide for changing a flat tire.

If Your Engine Wont Start

Troubleshooting steps for when the engine fails to start.

Jump Starting

Procedures and safety precautions for jump-starting a vehicle with a dead battery.

If Your Engine Overheats

Low Oil Pressure

Charging System Indication

Malfunction Indicator Lamp

Closing the Sunroof

Fuses

Checking and Replacing Fuses

Steps for identifying and replacing blown fuses in the vehicle.

Towing

Emergency Towing

Overview of methods for emergency towing of the vehicle.

Flat-bed Equipment

The recommended method for transporting the vehicle on a flatbed truck.

Technical Information

Identification Numbers

Location of vehicle identification numbers like VIN and engine numbers.

Specifications

Key technical specifications and capacities of the vehicle.

Anti-lock Brake System

Technical explanation of the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) operation.

Tire Information

Details on tire size designation, speed ratings, and pressure adjustments.

Emission Controls

Warranty and Customer Relations

Warranty Coverages

Summary of the different warranties covering the vehicle and its components.

Customer Relations Information

Information on how to contact customer relations for assistance or issues.

Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Cars)

Procedures for reporting potential safety defects to NHTSA and Honda.

Authorized Manuals

Gas Station Information

Gasoline

Types of unleaded gasoline, octane ratings, and fuel tank capacity.

Recommended Engine Oil

Guidance on selecting the correct type and viscosity of engine oil.

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Recommended fluid type and capacity for automatic transmissions.

Tire Pressure (measured cold)

Recommended cold tire inflation pressures for normal driving.

Honda 1996 Prelude Specifications

General IconGeneral
BrandHonda
Model1996 Prelude
CategoryAutomobile
LanguageEnglish

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