As a Honda owner, the crush washer you should be most concerned with is the one that must be replaced every time you change your motor oil. This crush washer fits between your oil pan and the drain plug. It is a one-time-use washer. Discard the old washer at each oil change and replace with a new one. If you have your oil changed at any service outlet other than a Honda dealer, remind them of the importance to use a new crush washer.
When a new washer is installed and the drain plug is tightened, this washer "crushes" to form a very tight seal, thereby preventing motor oil leaks without overstressing the oil pan threads.
Oil changers who are not aware of its importance may think it's OK to re-use this washer. Since it has already been crushed, it will not collapse further. As a result, the installer may overtighten the drain plug to get a tight fit. This can eventually lead to stripped threads in the oil pan -- a very expensive repair.
This is another example of why your Honda dealer is the easy choice for your service needs. Honda dealers know your Honda best.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Why should I wait to change the oil the first time?
Your Honda engine was delivered with an oil that is specially formulated for new engines that have not yet developed their "natural" wear patterns and may contain minute particles from the manufacturing process.
American Honda strongly recommends this special oil be left in the engine long enough for these wear patterns to develop, usually until the first maintenance interval specified in your Owner's Manual, based on your specific driving conditions.
American Honda strongly recommends this special oil be left in the engine long enough for these wear patterns to develop, usually until the first maintenance interval specified in your Owner's Manual, based on your specific driving conditions.
Does it help to use a fuel with a higher octane rating than required in my Owner's Manual?
Refer to your Owner's Manual for the pump octane number recommended for your Honda. Use of a lower-octane gasoline than recommended can cause a persistent, heavy metallic rapping noise in the engine that can lead to mechanical damage.
There is no advantage in using a fuel with a pump octane greater than that recommended in your Owner's Manual.
There is no advantage in using a fuel with a pump octane greater than that recommended in your Owner's Manual.
What's that sulfur smell coming from my vehicle?
All gasolines contain trace amounts of sulfur. The human sense of smell can detect sulfur odor in concentrations as low as 3 to 5 parts per million in air.
The exhaust on today's catalyst-equipped Honda vehicles will emit varying degrees of sulfur odor depending on operating temperatures and conditions. On normally operating vehicles, the odor is usually noticeable when the engine is cold, right after deceleration, or after wide-open throttle acceleration.
It may not be possible to eliminate sulfur odor completely due to the various operating conditions. If the sulfur odor is overly bothersome, please contact Honda Customer Relations or your dealer for further guidance or assistance.
The exhaust on today's catalyst-equipped Honda vehicles will emit varying degrees of sulfur odor depending on operating temperatures and conditions. On normally operating vehicles, the odor is usually noticeable when the engine is cold, right after deceleration, or after wide-open throttle acceleration.
It may not be possible to eliminate sulfur odor completely due to the various operating conditions. If the sulfur odor is overly bothersome, please contact Honda Customer Relations or your dealer for further guidance or assistance.
Are some gasolines better than others? What is "Top Tier Detergent Gasoline"?
In general, Honda recommends that you buy gasoline from high-volume, major name-brand stations.
To prevent the build up of deposits inside your engine and fuel system, it is important to choose fuels that contain effective detergent additives. The detergency of some US gasolines is insufficient to provide protection from such deposits. Honda recommends the use of "Top Tier Detergent Gasolines," where available. Gasoline brands with this designation meet new, voluntary standards and have demonstrated their ability to keep engines clean through a series of demanding tests. Significantly, Top Tier Detergent Gasoline does not contain MMT, a metallic additive that creates deposits in your engine and exhaust system; (see the MMT explanation below). Fuel brands that have achieved the Top Tier Detergent Gasoline designation can be identified through their marketing campaigns, and/or by fueling station signage.
To prevent the build up of deposits inside your engine and fuel system, it is important to choose fuels that contain effective detergent additives. The detergency of some US gasolines is insufficient to provide protection from such deposits. Honda recommends the use of "Top Tier Detergent Gasolines," where available. Gasoline brands with this designation meet new, voluntary standards and have demonstrated their ability to keep engines clean through a series of demanding tests. Significantly, Top Tier Detergent Gasoline does not contain MMT, a metallic additive that creates deposits in your engine and exhaust system; (see the MMT explanation below). Fuel brands that have achieved the Top Tier Detergent Gasoline designation can be identified through their marketing campaigns, and/or by fueling station signage.
My "Malfunction Indicator Lamp" stays on while I'm driving. What should I do?
Typically, this indicator displays for several seconds when you turn the ignition switch ON.
If you have recently refueled your Honda, this light may display to warn you of a loose or missing fuel filler cap. Check the cap and tighten it until it clicks. If the fuel cap is missing, replace it with a Genuine Honda replacement cap. Tightening the cap will not make the indicator turn off immediately; it may take several driving trips.
If the indicator continues to display after three driving trips, or if the fuel cap was not loose or missing, there may be a problem in one of the engine's emissions control systems. You should have the vehicle checked by the dealer as soon as possible.
You should also have the dealer inspect your vehicle if this indicator comes on repeatedly, even if it turns off as you continue driving
If you have recently refueled your Honda, this light may display to warn you of a loose or missing fuel filler cap. Check the cap and tighten it until it clicks. If the fuel cap is missing, replace it with a Genuine Honda replacement cap. Tightening the cap will not make the indicator turn off immediately; it may take several driving trips.
If the indicator continues to display after three driving trips, or if the fuel cap was not loose or missing, there may be a problem in one of the engine's emissions control systems. You should have the vehicle checked by the dealer as soon as possible.
You should also have the dealer inspect your vehicle if this indicator comes on repeatedly, even if it turns off as you continue driving
What is the break-in period of my Honda?
Help assure your vehicle's future reliability and performance by paying extra attention to how you drive during the first 600 miles (1,000 kilometers). During this period:
 | Avoid full-throttle starts and rapid acceleration. |
| Avoid hard braking. New brakes need to be broken in by moderate use for the first 200 miles (300 km). |
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