New member - 1998 1.6EL

Hey,

I'm new to the site and new to car ownership. Bought a used 1998 1.6 EL Premium and so far I'm really happy with it. The only gripes I have are with the insurance cost being a little more than other cars I priced out (worth it) and the cup holders (which is solved in the thread about Drink Docker ).

Are there any recommended mods/fixes I should get on? I know it's a bit tacky but would a steering wheel lock (ie the club) be necessary since there isn't an immobilizer on the key? Lastly, anyone have any instructions on conditioning the leather on the seats?

That's it for now. Gotta keep reading up on the forum. Thanks in advance!

Hey welcome. Feel free to enter my contest.

Drink Docker rocks!

Doesn't hurt to have The Club. I have it as well as Compustar. It's good as a theft deterrent anyways. The more time a thief has to spend on a car, they'll move on to another easier target.

To condition the seats, I would reccomend Lexol, which is what I have. You can get it locally, or any sites like www.eshine.ca or www.autogeek.net. Make sure to get a separate Cleaner and conditioner as the 2in1s aren't as good.

Get some pics up.

Thanks for the warm welcome. I wanted to put pictures up for my next post but my car is still in the shop getting the timing belt and water pump changed. Hopefully I can get some pictures soon.

I saw a photo that someone posted of a modified console in their EL. I was wondering if anyone knew what the replacement part is so I can look it up. It's the part that is mismatched in colour. Thanks.

Originally Posted by ironchefff

Thanks for the warm welcome. I wanted to put pictures up for my next post but my car is still in the shop getting the timing belt and water pump changed. Hopefully I can get some pictures soon.

I saw a photo that someone posted of a modified console in their EL. I was wondering if anyone knew what the replacement part is so I can look it up. It's the part that is mismatched in colour. Thanks.

Yeah, not sure why not more people don't welcome new members. That's not very nice and welcoming Hmmm. There used to be a welcome wagon. I wonder what happened.

That is just from a 96-98 Civic. I wouldn't bother with that as the interior is light grey and not dark grey like the EL so not only will it not match, there really is no extra depth with that cup holder console, so drinks will topple over just the same. Just stick with the Drink Docker.

Originally Posted by SportEL

Yeah, not sure why not more people don't welcome new members. That's not very nice and welcoming Hmmm. There used to be a welcome wagon. I wonder what happened.

That is just from a 96-98 Civic. I wouldn't bother with that as the interior is light grey and not dark grey like the EL so not only will it not match, there really is no extra depth with that cup holder console, so drinks will topple over just the same. Just stick with the Drink Docker.

LOL. I wasn't trying to be sarcastic about the welcome. I've been to other forums where I don't get any kind of response. You've answered most of my questions so what more can I ask for. Thanks.

Drink Docker it is then.

I just found out last night that keyless entry and alarm system come standard with the car. I bought the car as-is and it didn't come with a key fob. Does anyone know how much one is from the dealer? Or if they even carry it?

As for the alarm, I'm thinking of testing it out since it should work even though I don't have the key fob. Open window, lock doors and reach in to open the door. Do I need the key fob to silence the alarm or does it stop after a certain amount of time?

Welcome!

Originally Posted by ironchefff

LOL. I wasn't trying to be sarcastic about the welcome. I've been to other forums where I don't get any kind of response. You've answered most of my questions so what more can I ask for. Thanks.

Drink Docker it is then.

I just found out last night that keyless entry and alarm system come standard with the car. I bought the car as-is and it didn't come with a key fob. Does anyone know how much one is from the dealer? Or if they even carry it?

As for the alarm, I'm thinking of testing it out since it should work even though I don't have the key fob. Open window, lock doors and reach in to open the door. Do I need the key fob to silence the alarm or does it stop after a certain amount of time?

I don't know if the dealers carry those keyfobs anymore, but it's only one call away to find out. I'd double check with another dealer though if you really want to. If you download the service manual, the part where they talk about the Keyless Entry/Security Alarm is on Page 23-125-6.

It says the system is armed 15 seconds after everything is closed and locked. The red light should flash beside the radio if it is armed. You could do what you descrived to set off the alarm, but I'm not sure how you'd silence it. Perhaps, you'd need to put your key into the ignition and turn it back and forth 5 times. That's what I have to do with my Compustar alarm.

If you thinking of getting an alarm/remote starter, then don't worry about the stock keyfob as the Compustar will do everything you need.

The seller pulled through and found the two keyfobs.

Finally took a picture of the car too. I haven't cleaned it so please don't complain.


I've also run into a lot of quirks with my car. I foresee many repairs in the future. I hope the repair manual has the info that I need.

you prob didnt have to change the water pump

Originally Posted by ironchefff

LOL. I wasn't trying to be sarcastic about the welcome. I've been to other forums where I don't get any kind of response. You've answered most of my questions so what more can I ask for. Thanks.

Drink Docker it is then.

I just found out last night that keyless entry and alarm system come standard with the car. I bought the car as-is and it didn't come with a key fob. Does anyone know how much one is from the dealer? Or if they even carry it?

As for the alarm, I'm thinking of testing it out since it should work even though I don't have the key fob. Open window, lock doors and reach in to open the door. Do I need the key fob to silence the alarm or does it stop after a certain amount of time?

Hey, Welcome!

Glad the owner found the FOBs, I just bought one a couple years ago from the downtown Toronto Acura for $99... I'm pretty sure they still sell them. It would only make sense to carry an item that costs $1 to manufacture which is pure profit. lol.

I accidentally set off the alarm before I had a FOB and it freaked me out. What happened is I locked my car using the key out of habit and my brother waited for me in the car, when I got back he unlocked it from the inside and I opened the door, off goes the alarm. Not having a clue what to do without the FOB I tried starting the car to make it stop LOL the ignition lock kicked in. I had to get out and unlock the doors with the key, relock it and unlock it again.

Enjoy your new ride!