Honda Prelude (2000 year). Instruction

5-speed Manual Transmission

The manual transmission is syn-

chronized in all forward gears for
smooth 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. Push

down 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 by
shifting 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.

Driving

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.

０３／０７／１０１６：１１：０９３１Ｓ５Ａ９３０００２１

Main Menu

Table of Contents

5-speed Manual Transmission

Recommended Shift Points
Drive in the highest gear that lets
the engine run and accelerate
smoothly. This will give you the best
fuel economy and effective emis-

sions control. The following shift
points are recommended:

caused by a limiter in the engine's
computer controls. The engine will
run normally when you reduce the
RPM below the red zone.

Before downshifting, make sure the
engine will not go into the
tachometer's red zone in the lower
gear.

Driving

Main Menu

Table of Contents

Automatic Transmission

Your Honda's transmission has four
forward speeds, and is electronically

controlled for smoother shifting. It
also has a "lock-up" torque converter
for better fuel economy. You may
feel what seems like another shift

when the converter locks.

Shift Lever Position Indicator

x1000r/min

This indicator in the tachometer

shows which position the shift lever

is in. The illuminated number next to
the "D

" indicator shows you the

gear you have selected in the
Sequential SportShift mode.

The "D

" indicator comes on for a

few seconds when you turn the
ignition switch ON (II). If it flashes
while driving (in any shift position),
it indicates a possible problem in the
transmission. Avoid rapid acceler-
ation and have the transmission
checked by an authorized Honda

dealer as soon as possible.

Driving

Main Menu

Table of Contents

Automatic Transmission

Shift Lever Positions

SHIFT LEVER

The shift lever has eight positions. It

must be in Park or Neutral to start
the engine. When you are stopped in
D

, D

, 2 , 1 , N, R, or the Sequential

SportShift mode, press firmly on the
brake pedal and keep your toot off
the accelerator pedal.

To select the Sequential SportShift

mode, slide the shift lever toward the
left from the "D

" position.

In this mode the shift lever allows

you to shift up and down manually.

Whenever you move the shift lever,

slide it along the guide on the
console.

You cannot shift out of Park with the

brake pedal depressed when the
ignition switch is in LOCK (0) or

ACCESSORY (I).

CONTINUED

SEQUENTIAL

SPORTSHIFT

MODE

POSITION

Driving

Main Menu

Table of Contents

Automatic Transmission

Park (P) — This position mechani-
cally locks the transmission. Use
Park whenever you are turning off or
starting the engine. To shift out of
Park, you must press on the brake
pedal and have your foot off the
accelerator pedal. Move the shift
lever to the right to shift out of the
Park position.

If you have done all of the above and
still cannot move the lever out of
Park, see Shift Lock Release on page

151

To avoid transmission damage, come

to a complete stop before shifting
into Park. The shift lever must be in

Park before you can remove the key

from the ignition switch.

Reverse (R) — To shift to Reverse
from Park, see the explanation under
Park. To shift to Reverse from
Neutral, come to a complete stop and
then shift.

Your car has a reverse lockout so
you cannot accidentally shift to

Reverse from Neutral or any other
driving position when the car speed
exceeds 7 — 9 mph (12 — 14 km/h).

If you cannot shift to Reverse when
the car is stopped, press the brake
pedal and slowly shift to Neutral
then to Reverse.

If there is a problem in the reverse
lockout system, or your car's battery
is disconnected or goes dead, you
cannot shift to Reverse. In this case,
use the procedure of Shift Lock
Release (see page

151

Driving

Main Menu

Table of Contents

Automatic Transmission

Neutral (N) — Use Neutral if you
need to restart a stalled engine, or if
it is necessary to stop briefly with
the engine idling. Shift to Park posi-
tion if you need to leave the car for
any reason. Press on the brake pedal
when you are moving the shift lever
from Neutral to another gear.

Drive (D

) — Use this position for

your normal driving. The transmis-

sion automatically selects a suitable

gear for your speed and acceleration.
You may notice the transmission

shifting up at higher speeds when

the engine is cold. This helps the
engine warm up faster.

Sequential SportShift Mode — W i t h

the shift lever in "D

" position, you

can select the Sequential SportShift
mode to shift gears; much like a
manual transmission, but without a
clutch pedal.

To enter the Sequential SportShift

mode, slide the shift lever further to
the left. To return to "D

", slide the

shift lever to the right.

In the Sequential SportShift mode,
each time you push forward on the

shift, lever, the transmission shifts to
a higher gear. Pull back on the lever

to downshift. The number of the
gear selected is displayed next to the
"D

" indicator (see page

144

If you slide the shift lever from "D

to the Sequential SportShift mode,
the display shows the selected gear.
If you selected "4", you will see / 4 /
next to "D

" in the display. The Shift

Lever Position Indicator will show

the gear you selected while in the
sequential sportshift mode. If you

select the Sequential SportShift

while the car is stopped, the
transmission automatically selects
first gear and the display shows / 1 / .

CONTINUED

Upshift

Downshift

Driving

Main Menu

Table of Contents

Automatic Transmission

When you accelerate away from a

stop, the transmission will be in first

gear. The transmission will not
automatically upshift. Watch the
tachometer and upshift manually
before the engine reaches redline.

The transmission remains in the

selected gear (4, 3, 2, or 1). There is
no automatic downshift when you

push the accelerator pedal to the
floor.

The transmission may automatically

downshift from fourth gear to third"

gear under the following conditions:

The car speeds drops below

20 mph (32 km/h).

If you drive uphill between
20 — 31 mph (32 — 50 km/h).

If you press the brake pedal as you
drive downhill.

Downshifting gives you more power
when climbing or provides engine
braking when going down a steep hill.

The transmission will also shift

automatically as the car comes to a
complete stop. It will downshift to
first gear when the car speed is
under 6 mph (10 km/h).

If you try to manually downshift at a
speed that would cause the engine to
exceed the redline in a lower gear,
the transmission will not downshift.

If you try to downshift from fourth
gear to third gear, the gear indicator
will flash /3/ several times, then
return to / 4 / ; if you try to downshift
from third gear to second gear, the
gear indicator will flash / 2 / several
times, then return to third gear.

Driving

Main Menu

Table of Contents

Automatic Transmission

If the car speed slows to below the
redline of the selected lower gear
position while the indicator is
flashing, the transmission will
downshift and the display will show
the selected lower gear.

If the transmission temperature is
below 14°F ( — 10 °C), you may not
be able to use the Sequential
SportShift mode.

The table shows the speed ranges

for upshifting and downshifting.

Drive (D

) — This position is similar

to D

, except only the first three

gears are selected. Use D

, when

towing a trailer in hilly terrain, or to
provide engine braking when going
down a steep hill. D

can also keep

the transmission from cycling
between third and fourth gears in
stop-and-go driving.

For faster acceleration when in D

, you can get the transmission to

automatically downshift by pushing
the accelerator pedal to the floor.

The transmission will shift down one

or two gears, depending on your
speed.

CONTINUED

Driving

Main Menu

Table of Contents

Automatic Transmission

Second (2) — This position locks
the transmission in second gear. It
does not downshift to first gear

when you come to a stop. Second
gives you more power when climbing,
and increased engine braking when
going down steep hills, Use second
gear when starting out on a slippery

surface or in deep snow. It will help
reduce wheelspin.

First (1) — With the lever in this
position, the transmission locks in
First gear.

If you shift into First position when
the car speed exceeds 31 mph (50
km/h), the transmission shifts into
Second gear first to avoid the
application of the sudden engine
brake.

Engine Speed Limiter
If you exceed the maximum speed
for the gear you are in, the engine
speed will enter into the tachometer's
red zone. If this occurs, you may feel
the engine cut in and out. This is
caused by a limiter in the engine's
computer controls. The engine will
run normally when you reduce the
RPM below the red zone.

Driving

Main Menu

Table of Contents

Automatic Transmission

Shift Lock Release

This allows you to move the shift

lever out of Park if the normal
method of pushing on the brake
pedal does not work. This procedure
also releases the Reverse Lockout.

1. Set the Parking brake.

2. Make sure the key is in the

ignition switch OFF (0) position.

To release the Reverse Lockout,
make sure the key is in the
ACCESSORY (I) position.

3. Put a cloth on the edge of the Shift

Lock Release slot cover next to
the shift lever.
Use a small flat-tipped screwdriver
or small metal plate (neither are
included in the tool kit) to remove
the cover. Carefully pry off the
edge of the cover.

4. Insert a screwdriver in the shift

lock release slot.

5. Push down on the screwdriver and

move the shift lever out of Park to
Neutral.

To release the Reverse Lockout,

move the shift lever from Neutral
to Reverse, then Park.

6. Remove the screwdriver from the

shift lock release slot, then install
a new cover.
Depress the brake pedal and
restart the engine.

If you need to use the Shift Lock
Release, it means your car is
developing a problem. Have the car
checked by your Honda dealer.

Driving

SHIFT LOCK

RELEASE SLOT

COVER

Main Menu

Table of Contents

Parking

Always use the parking brake when
you park your car. The indicator on

the instrument panel shows that the
parking brake is not fully released; it
does not indicate that the parking
brake is firmly set. Make sure the
parking brake is set firmly or your
car may roll if it is parked on an
incline.

If your car has an automatic
transmission, set the parking brake
before you put the transmission in
Park. This keeps the car from
moving and putting pressure on the
parking mechanism in the

transmission — making it easier to
move the shift lever out of Park
when you want to drive away.

If the car is facing uphill, turn the
front wheels away from the curb. If

you have a manual transmission, put
it in first gear.

If the car is facing downhill, turn the
front wheels toward the curb. If you
have a manual transmission, put it in
reverse gear.

Make sure the parking brake is fully
released before driving away.
Driving with the parking brake
partially set can overheat or damage
the rear brakes.

Parking Tips

• Make sure the moonroof and the

windows are closed.

Turn off the lights.

Place any packages, valuables, etc.,
in the trunk or take them with you.

Lock the doors with the key or the
remote transmitter.

Never park over dry leaves, tall
grass, or other flammable
materials. The three way catalytic
converter gets very hot, and could
cause these materials to catch on
fire.

Driving

Main Menu

Table of Contents

The Braking System

Your Honda is equipped with disc
brakes at all four wheels. A power

assist helps reduce the effort needed
on the brake pedal. The ABS helps

you retain steering control when
braking very hard.

Put your foot on the brake pedal only

when you intend to brake. Resting
your foot on the pedal keeps the
brakes applied lightly, causing them
to build up heat. Heat build-up can
reduce how well your brakes work. It
also keeps your brake lights on all
the time, confusing drivers behind
you.

Constant application of the brakes

when going down a long hill builds
up heat and reduces their effective-
ness. Use the engine to assist the
brakes by downshifting to a lower
gear and taking your foot off the
accelerator pedal.

Check your brakes after driving

through deep water. Apply the
brakes moderately to see if they feel
normal. If not, apply them gently and
frequently until they do. Since a
longer distance is needed to stop
with wet brakes, be extra cautious
and alert in your driving.

Brake Wear Indicators

All four brakes have audible brake

wear indicators.
When the brake pads need replacing,
you will hear a distinctive metallic
"screeching" sound when you apply
the brakes. If you do not have the
brake pads replaced, they will begin

screeching all the time.

Your brakes may sometimes squeal

or squeak when you apply them
lightly. Do not confuse this with the
brake wear indicators. They make a

very audible "screeching."

Driving

Main Menu

Table of Contents

The Braking System

Brake System Design

The hydraulic system that operates

the brakes has two separate circuits.
Each circuit works diagonally across
the vehicle (the left-front brake is
connected with the right-rear brake,
etc.). If one circuit should develop a

problem, you will still have braking
at two wheels.

Anti-lock Brakes

Your vehicle has an Anti-lock Brake
System (ABS) as standard
equipment. ABS helps to prevent the
wheels from locking up and skidding
during hard braking, allowing you to
retain steering control.

When the front tires skid, you lose

steering control; the car continues
straight ahead even though you turn

the steering wheel. The ABS helps to
prevent lock-up and helps you retain
steering control by pumping the
brakes rapidly; much faster than a
person can do it.

You should never pump the

brake pedal, this defeats the
purpose of the ABS. Let the ABS
work for you by always keeping firm,

steady pressure on the brake pedal
as you steer away from the hazard.

This is sometimes referred to as

"stomp and steer."

You will feel a pulsation in the brake

pedal when the ABS activates, and
you may hear some noise. This is
normal, it is the ABS rapidly
pumping the brakes.

Activation varies with the amount of

traction your tires have. On dry
pavement, you will need to press on
the brake pedal very hard before you
activate the ABS. However, you may
feel the ABS activate immediately if
you are trying to stop on snow or ice.

Driving

Front

Main Menu

Table of Contents

The Braking System

Important Safety Reminders

ABS does not reduce the time or

distance it takes to stop the car, it
only helps with steering control
during braking. You should always
maintain a safe following distance
from other vehicles.

ABS will not prevent a skid that

results from changing direction

abruptly, such as trying to take a
corner too fast or making a sudden
lane change. Always drive at a safe,
prudent speed for the road and
weather conditions.

ABS cannot prevent a loss of

stability. Always steer moderately
when you are braking hard. Severe
or sharp steering wheel movement
can still cause your car to veer into
oncoming traffic or off the road.

A vehicle with ABS may require a

longer distance to stop on loose or
uneven surfaces, such as gravel or
snow, than a vehicle without anti-
lock. Slow down and allow a greater
distance between vehicles under
those conditions.

CONTINUED

Driving

Main Menu

Table of Contents

The Braking System

ABS Indicator

The ABS is self-checking. If anything

goes wrong, the ABS indicator on
the instrument panel comes on (see
page

). This means the anti-lock

function of the braking system has

shut down. The brakes still work like
a conventional system without anti-

lock, providing normal stopping
ability. You should have the dealer
inspect your car as soon as possible.

If anything goes wrong, the ABS
indicator on the instrument panel
comes on (see page

). This means

the anti-lock function of the braking
system has shut down. The brakes
still work like a conventional system
without anti-lock, providing normal
stopping ability. You should have the
dealer inspect your car as soon as
possible.

Driving

* U.S. indicator shown

ABS INDICATOR

Main Menu

Table of Contents

Active Torque Transfer System

Type SH only

Your Honda is equipped with an
Active Torque Transfer System

(ATTS). Under certain driving

conditions, the ATTS enhances the
car's cornering performance by
transferring some torque between
the inside and outside front wheels
during a turn.

Based on steering wheel turn angle,
lateral acceleration, and engine
power, the ATTS regulates the
driving force to each drive wheel

through an electronically-controlled
hydraulic system and two sets of
clutches and gears.

Important Safety Information

The ATTS cannot prevent

skidding if you enter a corner too

fast. It has almost no effect on
braking and vehicle speed.

It is still your responsibility to drive
at reasonable speeds and to leave a
sufficient margin of safety.

ATTS Indicator

The Active Torque Transfer System

(ATTS) is self-checking. If a problem

is detected in the system, the ATTS
indicator on the instrument panel
comes on.
If this happens, take the car to your
Honda dealer to have it checked.

With the indicator on, your car will

corner normally, but you will not
have active torque transfer.

Driving

ATTS INDICATOR

Main Menu

Table of Contents

Honda Prelude (2000 year). Instruction - part 10