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Owner's Manual Highlights

Current Fuel Mileage (Page 51)

This display shows the current, or instantaneous fuel mileage you are getting. To change the meter reading in the display, push the display change button. (U.S.: miles per hour and mpg, Canada: kilometer per hour and l/100 km) You can turn off this display at any time. See page 53.

Trip Meters

The trip meters show the number of miles or kilometers driven since you last reset them. There are two trip meters: Trip A and Trip B. Each trip meter works independently, so you can keep track of two different distances. To change the display to show Trip A or Trip B, or the odometer, press the Trip button repeatedly. To reset a trip meter, display it, then press and hold the Trip button until the numbers reset to 0.0.

Trip Mileage (Page 52)

When a trip meter is displayed, the average fuel mileage you have been getting during that trip is shown in the Fuel Mileage display. This number is updated once per minute. When you reset a trip meter, the average fuel mileage for that trip meter also resets. This display can be turned off at any time. See page 53.

Segment Distance and Fuel Mileage

You can use this function to display the distance and average fuel mileage for a segment of a trip. To display the segment distance and fuel mileage, press and release the FCD Select button. The Segment Display indicator will come on to remind you that this is the segment distance and fuel mileage display. To reset the display, press and hold the FCD Select button until the display resets to zero and dashes. The system then begins displaying the distance and average fuel mileage from that point. The display is updated once per minute. To switch between the segment display and the Trip Meter/Odometer display, press and release the FCD Select button.

Lifetime Fuel Mileage (Page 53)

 When the odometer is displayed, the Fuel Mileage display shows the lifetime fuel mileage. This is the average fuel mileage your vehicle has gotten since the last time the display was reset. To switch this display, turn the ignition switch to ON (II). If the engine is running, make sure the transmission is in neutral and the parking brake is set. Use the Trip button to display the odometer. Then press and hold the Trip button until the Lifetime Fuel Mileage Display begins to blink (approximately five seconds). Release the Trip button, then press it again while the display is blinking and hold it until the display clears to dashes.

Turning Off the Mileage Displays

You can temporarily turn off the Current Fuel Mileage and Fuel Mileage displays. To turn them off: 1. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II). If the engine is running, make sure the transmission is in neutral and the parking brake is set. 2. Use the Trip button to select Trip A, Trip B, or the odometer. 3. Press and hold the FCD Select button for approximately three seconds. The Current Fuel Mileage display will turn off. 4. Press and hold the FCD Select button again. The Fuel Mileage display for the meter you are displaying (Trip A, Trip B, or odometer) will turn off. (Page 54) 5. Use the Trip button to select another mileage display. 6. Press and hold the FCD Select button again to turn off that display. 7. Use the Trip button to select the third display. 8. Press and hold the FCD Select button again to turn off that display.

Although the displays are turned off, the average fuel mileages continue to be calculated. The displays will turn back on when you press and hold the FCD Select button again.

Keys (Page 65)

These keys contain electronic circuits that are activated by the Immobilizer System. They will not work to start the engine if the circuits are damaged.

The keys do not contain batteries. Do not try to take them apart.

Immobilizer System (Page 66)

The Immobilizer System protects your car from theft. A properly-coded master or valet key must be used in the ignition switch for the engine to start. If an improperly-coded key (or other device) is used, the engine's fuel system is disabled. When you turn the ignition switch to ON (II). the Immobilizer System indicator should come on for a few seconds, then go out. If the indicator starts to blink, it means the system does not recognize the coding of the key. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0), remove the key, reinsert it, and turn the switch to ON (II) again. The system may not recognize your key's coding if another immobilizer key or other metal object is near the ignition switch when you insert the key. To make sure the system recognizes the key code:

If the system repeatedly does not recognize the coding of your key, contact your Honda dealer. This indicator will also blink several times when you turn the ignition switch from ON (II) to ACCESSORY (I) or LOCK (0). Do not attempt to alter this system or add other devices to it. Electrical problems could result that may make your car undriveable. If you have lost your key and you cannot start the engine, contact your Honda dealer.

As required by the FCC: This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

This device complies with the Industry Canada Standard RSS-210. Operation is subject to the following tow conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

WARNING (Page 67)

Removing the key from the ignition switch while driving locks the steering. This can cause you to lose control. Remove the key from the ignition switch only when parked.

Heating ECON Button (Page 82)

When ECON is turned on with this button, the auto stop function will activate at a temperature approximately over 41°F (5°C).

Climate Control System ECON Button (Page 91)

This button turns the air conditioning on and off. When the air conditioning is turned on with this button, the auto idle stop function will activate at a temperature over approximately 41°F (5°C).

Audio System (Page 106)

A Compact Disc changer is available from your dealer. It holds up to six discs, providing several hours of continuous entertainment. You operate the CD changer with the same controls used for the radio and cassette player.

Your dealer also has an accessory in-dash single CD player that is operated by the radio controls. To operate this unit, use the instructions (except for those relating to multiple discs) in this section.

Break-in Period (Page 118)

Help assure you car's future reliability and performance by paying extra attention to how you drive during the first 600 miles (1,000 km). During this period:

You should follow these same recommendations with an overhauled or exchanged engine, or when the brakes are relined.

Gasoline

Your Honda is designed to operate on unleaded gasoline with a pump octane number of 87 or higher. Use of a lower octane gasoline can cause a persistent, heavy metallic rapping noise in the engine that can lead to mechanical damage.

We recommend gasolines containing detergent additives that help prevent fuel system and engine deposits.

Using gasoline containing lead will damage your car's emissions controls. This contributes to air pollution.

In Canada, some gasolines contain an octane-enhancing additive called MMT. If you use such gasolines, your emission control system performance may deteriorate and the Malfunction Indicator Lamp on your instrument panel may turn on. If this happens, contact your authorized Honda dealer for service.

Filling the Fuel Tank (Page 119)

  1. Because the fuel fill cap is on the driver's side of the car, park with that side closest to the service station pumps. [This cap is actually on the passenger's side of the car.]
  2. Open the fuel fill door by pulling on the handle to the left of the driver's seat.
  3. Remove the fuel fill cap slowly. You may hear a hissing sound as the pressure inside the tank escapes.
  4. Stop filling the tank after the fuel nozzle automatically clicks off. Do not try to "top off" the tank, leave some room for the fuel to expand with temperature changes.

Your car has an on-board refueling vapor recovery system to help keep fuel vapors from going into the atmosphere. If the fuel pump keeps clicking off even though the tank is not full, there may be a problem with this system. Consult your dealer

Fuel Economy (Page 124)

The condition of your car and your driving habits are the two most important things that affect the fuel mileage you get.

Vehicle Condition

Always maintain your car according to the maintenance schedule. This will keep it in top operating condition. An important part of that maintenance is the Owner Maintenance Checks (see page 157). For example, an underinflated tire causes more "rolling resistance," which uses fuel. It also wears out faster, so check the tire pressure at least monthly.

Engine oil also affects fuel economy. The fuel efficient, low-viscosity 0W-20 oil recommended for your Insight is formulated to help the engine use less fuel. This oil is available at your Honda dealer.

In winter, the build-up of snow on your car's underside adds weight and rolling resistance. Frequent cleaning helps your fuel mileage and reduces the chance of corrosion.

Driving Habits

You can improve fuel economy by driving moderately. Rapid acceleration, abrupt cornering, and hard braking use more fuel. To get the best fuel mileage, drive in the highest gear that is practical for the speed you are driving, and always accelerate slowly. You may find that your Insight's unique combination of an engine and an electric motor has driving characteristics that are somewhat different from what you are used to. Shift Up and Shift Down indicators on the instrument panel show when to shift to a higher or lower gear. By shifting as soon as the indicator comes on, you will keep the engine operating in its most economical range.

Depending on traffic conditions, try to maintain a constant speed. Every time you slow down and speed up, your car uses extra fuel.

Wind resistance causes vehicles to use more fuel at higher speeds. Driving at moderate speeds on the highway reduces wind resistance and conserves fuel.

A cold engine uses more fuel than a warm engine. It is not necessary to "warm-up" a cold engine by letting it idle for a long time. You can drive away in about a minute, no matter how cold it is outside. The engine will warm up faster, and you get better fuel economy. To cut down on the number of "cold starts," try to combine several short trips into one.

The air conditioning puts an extra load on the engine which makes it use more fuel. Turn off the A/C to cut down on air conditioning use. Use the flow-through ventilation when the outside air temperature is moderate.

If air conditioning is needed, you can save some fuel by using the A/C in "Econ" mode. This mode allows the Auto Idle Stop function to shut off the engine when the vehicle is stopped, resulting in fuel savings.

You may notice that using the A/C causes a greater drop in fuel economy than you are used to in other vehicles. Although the amount of extra fuel used by the A/C load on the engine is no greater than other vehicles, it is more noticeable because of your Insight's excellent fuel mileage. Using the A/C in hot weather may result in fuel economy that is lower than expected.

Load Limit (Page 129)

The maximum load for your vehicle is 365 lbs (170 kg). This figure includes the total weight of all occupants, cargo, and accessories. To figure out how much cargo you can carry:

The final number is the total weight of cargo you can carry.

Air Intake (Page 130)

The air intake for the battery is located behind the passenger's seat. Do not block this air intake with any cargo.

Auto Idle Stop (Page 134)

To maximize fuel economy, your Insight has an Auto Idle Stop function. Under certain conditions, the engine will shut off when you come to a stop. Those conditions are:

When these conditions are met, the engine will shut off as you come to a stop. It will start again automatically when you depress the clutch pedal and move the shift lever to first gear. There is no need to start the engine with the ignition switch.

It is recommended that you move the shift lever to Neutral and remove your foot from the clutch pedal while you are stopped. Sitting with the clutch pedal depressed and the shift lever in gear will cause the engine to continue running, defeating the fuel economy benefits of the Auto Idle Stop function.

During Auto Stop, the IMA charge and power brake vacuum reserve is monitored by the system. If either drops below a desired level, and the shift lever is in Neutral, the engine will restart so it can recharge the IMA battery or replenish the vacuum supply.

Auto Idle Stop Indicator (Page 135)

This indicator comes on as a reminder that the engine has stopped because of the Auto Stop function. You cannot restart the engine with the ignition switch when this light is blinking.

This indicator will blink, and you will hear a chime , if you open the door when Auto Stop is active.

Always turn the ignition switch to LOCK and remove the key if you are getting out of the vehicle.

Towing a Trailer (Page 143)

Your vehicle is not designed to tow a trailer. Attempting to do so can void your warranties.

Recommended Tire Pressures for Normal Driving (Page 183)

The following chart shows the recommended tire pressures for most normal driving conditions and speeds.

Tire size Cold Tire Pressure
for Normal Driving
P165/65R14 78S Front: 38 psi (260 kPa)
Rear: 35 psi (240 kPa)

Roof Antenna (Page 198)

Before using an automatic car wash, remove the radio antenna so it does not get damaged. Remove the antenna by unscrewing it. When you reinstall the antenna, tighten it securely.

Rear Wheel Skirt

If an automatic car wash has tire cleaning brushes, remove the skirts covering the rear wheels so they will not be damaged. See page 208 for how to remove and install the skirts.

Purchasing Factory Authorized Manuals (Page 249)

2000 Honda Insight Service Manual $65.00
2000 Honda Insight Electrical
Troubleshooting Manual
$45.00
2000 Honda Insight Body Repair
Manual Base Book
$40.00
2000 Honda Insight Owner's Manual $30.00