Honda 1998 Civic Manual Download Page 124

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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

This indicator on the instrument

panel shows which position the shift
lever is in.

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

UNLEADED

FUEL ONLY

Main Menu

Table of Contents

▲

▼

Summary of Contents for 1998 Civic

Page 1: ...dicator Works 45 SRS Components 43 Additives Engine Oil 152 Adjustments Headlights 184 Head Restraints 75 Mirrors 79 Seats 74 Steering Wheel 63 Airbag SRS 7 Air Cleaner Element 165 Air Conditioning 86...

Page 2: ...2 Turn Signal Lights 187 Bulbs Halogen 185 Cables Jump Starting With 210 Capacities Chart 228 Carbon Monoxide Hazard 47 Carrying Cargo 116 Cassette Player Care 102 Operation 100 CAUTION Explanation of...

Page 3: ...60 Disabled Towing Your Car If 223 Disc Brake Wear Indicators 130 Disposal of Used Oil 154 Doors Locking and Unlocking 68 Power Door Locks 69 DOT Tire Quality Grading 231 Downshifting 5 speed Manual T...

Page 4: ...iving in 234 Four way Flashers 62 Front End Towing by Emergency Wrecker 223 Fuel 108 Fill Door and Cap 109 Gauge 56 Octane Requirement 108 Oxygenated 233 Reserve Indicator 54 Tank Filling the 109 Fuse...

Page 5: ...Indicator 51 Parking 59 Turn Signal 60 LOCK Ignition Key Position 68 Locks Anti theft Steering Column 68 Fuel Fill Door 109 Power Door 69 Trunk 73 Low Coolant Level 112 Low Fuel Indicator 54 Lower Ge...

Page 6: ...ng Position 16 Advice for Pregnant Women 17 Additional Safety Precautions 17 Pretecting Children 19 All Children Must Be Restrained 19 Children Should Sit in the Back Seat 20 The Passenger s Airbag Po...

Page 7: ...ine to use how to break in your new car and how to load luggage and other cargo Driving 119 The proper way to start the engine shift the transmission and park plus towing a trailer Maintenance 137 The...

Page 8: ...to them or are not properly restrained Infants young children and short adults are at the greatest risk Be sure to follow all instructions and warnings in this manual See page 5 Don t Drink and Drive...

Page 9: ...during a crash and a collapsible steering column These safety features are designed to reduce the severity of injuries in a crash However you and your passengers can t take full advantage of these sa...

Page 10: ...e s built in safety features Help protect you in almost every type of crash including side and rear impacts and rollovers Your airbags can only be helpful in severe frontal collisions Help keep you fr...

Page 11: ...minor or moderate collisions Airbags are designed to deploy only during a severe frontal collision such as a 25 mph 40 km h crash into a parked car of similar size and weight Airbags can pose serious...

Page 12: ...g the inside of the vehicle or being injured by an inflating airbag Reclining a seat back too far makes your seat belt less effective and increases your chance of sliding under the seat belt and being...

Page 13: ...d wearing them properly see page 13 Any infant or small child is properly restrained in a child seat in the back seat see page 19 Front seat occupants are sitting as far back as possible from the stee...

Page 14: ...t It also reduces the chance of someone being thrown out of the vehicle during a crash For security locked doors can prevent an outsider from unexpectedly opening a door when you come to a stop See pa...

Page 15: ...hould also adjust the seat back to an upright position but not too close to the dashboard If the passenger sits too close to the dashboard they could be injured if the airbag inflates Reclining a seat...

Page 16: ...estraint A taller person should adjust the restraint as high as possible Properly adjusted head restraints will help protect you from whiplash and other crash injuries See page 75 for how to adjust th...

Page 17: ...lt so the lap part fits snugly This lets your strong pelvic bones take the force of a crash and reduces the chance of internal injuries If necessary pull up on the belt again to remove any slack from...

Page 18: ...chor squeeze the two release buttons and slide the anchor up or down as needed it has four positions Never place the shoulder portion of a lap shoulder belt under your arm or behind your back This cou...

Page 19: ...Doesn t Work Properly If your seat belt does not seem to work as it should it may not protect you in a crash Anyone using an inoperative seat belt can be seriously injured or killed No one should sit...

Page 20: ...g improperly can increase the chance of injury during a crash For example if an occupant slouches lies down turns sideways sits forward leans forward or puts one or both feet up their chance of injury...

Page 21: ...s will reduce the risk of injuries to both the mother and her unborn child that can be caused by a crash or an inflating airbag Each time you have a checkup ask your doctor if it s okay for you to dri...

Page 22: ...r other sharp object in your mouth can result in injuries if your airbags inflate Keep your hands and arms away from the airbag covers If your hands or arms are close to the SRS covers in the center o...

Page 23: ...e the number one cause of death of children age 12 and under To reduce the number of child deaths and injuries every state and Canadian province requires that infants and children be restrained whenev...

Page 24: ...ith tremendous speed Infants Never put a rear facing child seat in the front seat of a vehicle equipped with a passenger s airbag If the airbag inflates it can hit the back of the child seat with enou...

Page 25: ...y restrained If you ever have to carry more than three children in your vehicle Place the largest child in the front seat provided the child is large enough to wear a seat belt properly see page 35 Mo...

Page 26: ...cautions Use childproof door locks to prevent children from opening the doors Using this feature will prevent children from opening the doors and accidentally falling out see page 73 Use the main powe...

Page 27: ...s statement of compliance on the box and seat 2 The child seat should be of the proper type and size to fit the child Infants Children up to about one year old should be restrained in a rear facing r...

Page 28: ...confident that one or more child seat models can fit and be properly installed in all recommended seating positions in your vehicle Whenever possible we recommend that parents test a child seat in th...

Page 29: ...s Recommended positions Secure a rear facing child seat with the seat belt see page 28 Small children Recommended positions Secure a front facing child seat with the seat belt see page 32 CONTINUED Dr...

Page 30: ...at does not need to be rock solid In some vehicles or seating positions it may be difficult to install a child seat so that it does not move at all Some side to side or forward and backward movement c...

Page 31: ...an be placed in any seating position in the back seat but not in the front seat Never put a rear facing child seat in the front seat If the passenger s airbag inflates it can hit the back of the child...

Page 32: ...ng child seat with this type of seat belt See page 30 for how to secure a rear facing child seat in the center back seat with the lap belt See page 30 for tips on installing an infant seat with either...

Page 33: ...pull up to remove any slack from the lap part of the belt Remember if the lap part of the belt is not tight the child seat will not be secure To remove slack it may help to put weight on the child se...

Page 34: ...ning angle check with the baby s doctor or follow the seat maker s recommendations To achieve the desired reclining angle it may help to put a rolled up towel under the toe of the child seat as shown...

Page 35: ...trained in a forward facing upright child seat Of the different seats available we recommend those that have a five point harness system as shown We also recommend that a small child stay in the child...

Page 36: ...ide instructions on how to secure a forward facing child seat with this type of seat belt See page 34 for how to secure a forward facing child seat in the center back seat with the lap belt 1 With the...

Page 37: ...that the belt is locked grab the shoulder part of the belt near the buckle and pull up to remove any slack from the lap part of the belt Remember if the lap part of the belt is not tight the child sea...

Page 38: ...ow instruction number 5 on page 33 to verify that the child seat is secure Additional Precautions for Small Children Never hold a small Child on your lap If you are not wearing a seat belt in a crash...

Page 39: ...lowing pages give instructions on how to check proper seat belt fit what kind of booster seat to use if one is needed and important precautions for children who must sit in the front seat Checking Sea...

Page 40: ...oulder part of a seat belt behind their back or under their arm This could cause very serious injuries during a crash It also increases the chance of a child sliding under the belt and being injured i...

Page 41: ...he National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Transport Canada recommends that all children age 12 and under ride in the back seat properly restrained The back seat is the safest place for a c...

Page 42: ...ehicle seat to the rear most position Have the child sit up straight with their back against the seat and their feet on or near the floor Check that the child s seat belt is properly positioned and se...

Page 43: ...For Canadian models the hardware is supplied with the vehicle When installing tether hardware make sure the toothed washer is on the bottom of the bolt Tighten the bolt to 16 lbf ft 22 N m 2 2 kgf m...

Page 44: ...e the buckle is latched To unlock the belt push the red PRESS button on the buckle Guide the belt across your body to the door pillar After exiting the vehicle be sure the belt is out of the way and w...

Page 45: ...the lap shoulder belt properly Lap Belt The lap belt has one manually adjusted belt that fits across the hips To fasten the belt insert the latch plate into the buckle marked CENTER then tug on the be...

Page 46: ...fails to function properly during normal use Please see your Honda Warranty Information booklet for details If a seat belt is worn during a crash you should have your dealer inspect the belt and repla...

Page 47: ...l related wiring when the ignition is ON II An indicator light on the instrument panel to alert you to a possible problem with the system see page 45 Emergency backup power in case your vehicle s elec...

Page 48: ...sibility or the ability to steer or operate other controls The total time for inflation and deflation is approximately one tenth of a second so fast that most occupants are not aware that the airbags...

Page 49: ...ed them See your Honda dealer as soon as possible SRS Service Your Supplemental Restraint System is virtually maintenance free and there are no parts you can safely service However you must have your...

Page 50: ...belts provide the best protection in a severe frontal collision Do not tamper with SRS components or wiring for any reason Tampering could cause the airbags to deploy possibly causing very serious in...

Page 51: ...ngine only long enough to move the vehicle out of the garage With the trunk lid open air flow can pull exhaust gas into your vehicle s interior and create a hazardous condition If you must drive with...

Page 52: ...locations shown They warn you of potential hazards that could cause serious injury Read these labels carefully If a label comes off or becomes hard to read contact your Honda dealer for a replacement...

Page 53: ...O SYSTEM DIGITAL CLOCK P 94 99 HEATING COOLING CONTROL P 86 DOOR LOCK SWITCH P 69 POWER WINDOW SWITCHES P 77 FUEL FILL DOOR RELEASE P 109 TRUNK RELEASE HANDLE P 73 HOOD RELEASE HANDLE P 110 Instrument...

Page 54: ...ight during this test it cannot alert you if that system develops a problem Have the dealer check your vehicle for burned out bulbs or other problems The U S instrument panel is shown Differences for...

Page 55: ...ut the light stays on until you do Both the light and the beeper stay off if you fasten your seat belt before turning on the ignition Differences in the indicators for Canadian models are noted in the...

Page 56: ...ctions 1 It lights as a reminder that you have not released the parking brake Driving with the parking brake applied can damage the brakes and tires 2 If it remains lit after you release the parking b...

Page 57: ...outside of the vehicle should flash High Beam Indicator This light comes on with the high beam headlights See page 59 for information on the headlight controls On Canadian models this indicator comes...

Page 58: ...le in the red zone Odometer The odometer shows the total dis tance your vehicle has been driven It measures miles in U S models and kilometers in Canadian models It is illegal under federal law in the...

Page 59: ...ure Gauge This shows the temperature of the engine s coolant During normal operation the pointer should rise from the bottom white mark to about the middle of the gauge In severe driving conditions su...

Page 60: ...hen the distance driven since the last scheduled maintenance nears 7 500 miles 12 000 km the indicator will turn yellow If you exceed 7 500 miles 12 000 km the indicator will turn red Your dealer will...

Page 61: ...ard to the right of the center air vents The controls under the left air vent are for the moonroof mirrors cruise control and instrument panel brightness The tilt adjustment lever on the underside of...

Page 62: ...u hear a click then let go The blue high beam indicator will light see page 54 To flash the high beams pull the turn signal lever back lightly then release it The high beams will come on and go off Th...

Page 63: ...r Push down on the lever to signal a left turn and up to signal a right turn If you push it up or down all the way the turn signal continues to blink even when you release the lever It shuts off autom...

Page 64: ...ers run continu ously To operate the wipers in mist mode push the control lever down The wipers run at high speed until you release the lever This gives you a quick way to clear the windshield Windshi...

Page 65: ...will clear fog frost and thin ice from the window Push the defogger button to turn it on and off The light in the button lights to show the defogger is on If you do not turn it off the defogger will s...

Page 66: ...ed position making sure the wheel points toward your chest not toward your face Make sure you can see the instrument panel gauges and the indicator lights 3 Push the lever up to lock the steering whee...

Page 67: ...of the vehicle under those conditions The cruise control as it operates moves the accelerator pedal You can damage your vehicle s accelerator mechanism by resting your foot under the pedal and blocki...

Page 68: ...he desired cruising speed release the button Push on the accelerator pedal Ac celerate to the desired cruising speed and press the SET decel button You can decrease the set cruising speed in either of...

Page 69: ...panel will go out and the car will begin to slow down You can use the accelerator pedal in the normal way If you use the brake or clutch pedal to cancel cruise control the system remembers the previou...

Page 70: ...number plate with your set of keys You will need this key number if you ever have to get a lost key replaced Keep the plate stored in a safe place When replacing keys use only Honda approved key blan...

Page 71: ...rument panel come on as a test when you turn the ignition switch from ACCESSORY to ON see page 51 START III Use this position only to start the engine The switch returns to ON II when you let go of th...

Page 72: ...iver s door Push the switch down to lock all doors and up to unlock them All doors lock when you push down the lock tab on the driver s door or lock the driver s door from the outside with the key Onl...

Page 73: ...Honda radio in your vehicle the keyless entry system and the interior light will no longer work You cannot lock or unlock the doors with the remote transmitter if any door is not fully closed or the...

Page 74: ...in ACCESSORY I or ON II Replacing the Battery When the remote transmitter s battery begins to get weak it may take several pushes on the button to lock or unlock the doors and the LED will get dim Rep...

Page 75: ...perly Use the ring on the transmitter to attach it to your main key ring You could damage the transmitter if you try to use its ring as a key ring If you lose a transmitter you will need to have the r...

Page 76: ...door handle Trunk You can open the trunk in two ways Pull the trunk release handle to the left of the driver s seat Use the master key to open the trunk lock The valet key does not work in this lock T...

Page 77: ...es 10 11 for important safety information and warnings about how to properly position seats and seat backs Adjust the seat before you start driving To adjust the seat forward and backward pull up on t...

Page 78: ...hey are most effective when you adjust them so the back of the occupant s head rests against the center of the restraint A taller person should adjust the restraint as high as possible The front head...

Page 79: ...down the driver s side turn the key clockwise fold down the seat back then release the key To fold down the passenger s side turn the key counterclockwise and perform the same procedure To release th...

Page 80: ...controls its window To open the window push the switch down and hold it Release the switch when you want the window to stop Close the window by pulling back on the switch and holding it The driver s d...

Page 81: ...dow will stop as soon as you release the switch The AUTO function only works to lower the driver s window To raise the window you must pull back on the window switch and hold it until the window reach...

Page 82: ...emperatures or when it is covered with snow or ice you can damage the moonroof panel or motor Mirrors Keep the inside and outside mirrors clean and adjusted for best visibility Be sure to adjust the m...

Page 83: ...r right left up or down 4 When you finish move the selector switch to the center off position This turns off the adjustment switch so you can t move a mirror out of position by accidentally bumping th...

Page 84: ...Glove Box Open the glove box by pulling the handle Close it with a firm push Instruments and Controls GLOVE BOX NOTICE An open glove box can cause serious injury to your passenger in a crash even if t...

Page 85: ...vehicle is parked If you place cups in the holder while driving the liquid may spill when you go over bumps or around corners Be careful when you are using the beverage holder A spilled liquid that is...

Page 86: ...ont and rear ashtrays are available as options The front ashtray fits in the beverage holder The rear ashtray fits in the rear of the center armrest Open the rear ashtray by swinging the upper edge do...

Page 87: ...remote transmitter The interior light with the switch in the center position also comes on when you unlock the door with the remote transmitter see page 70 If you installed a non Honda radio in your v...

Page 88: ...speed which increases air flow Temperature Control Lever Sliding this lever to the right increases the temperature of the air flow Air Conditioning A C Button This button turns the air condi tioning...

Page 89: ...ir flow is divided between the vents in the dashboard and the floor vents Air flows from the floor vents Air flow is divided between the floor vents and the defroster vents at the base of the windshie...

Page 90: ...ers how to set up the system controls for ventilation heating cooling dehumidifying and defrosting The engine must be running for the heater and air conditioning to generate hot and cold air The heate...

Page 91: ...ting and cooling system are at the base of the windshield Keep these clear of leaves and other debris Ventilation The flow through ventilation system draws in outside air circulates it through the int...

Page 92: ...button Make sure the tempera ture control lever is all the way to the left 3 Set the fan to maximum speed 4 Open the windows partially Select and Fresh Air mode When the interior has cooled down to a...

Page 93: ...re control lever so the mixture of heated and cooled air feels comfortable This setting is suitable for all driving conditions whenever the outside temperature is above 32 F 0 C To Defog and Defrost T...

Page 94: ...de and turns on the A C 3 Switch the fan and temperature controls to maximum To rapidly remove exterior frost or ice from the windshield on very cold days first select the Recirculation mode Once the...

Page 95: ...roster vents For safety make sure you have a clear view through all the windows before driving away To Turn Everything Off To shut off the system temporarily slide the fan speed and temperature contro...

Page 96: ...to find radio stations on the selected band TUNE SEEK or the Preset buttons TUNE Use the TUNE SEEK bar to tune the radio to a desired frequency Press the right side to tune to a higher frequency or t...

Page 97: ...utton and hold it until you hear a beep 4 Repeat steps 1 to 3 to store a total of six stations on AM and twelve on FM Once a station s frequency is stored simply press and release the proper Preset bu...

Page 98: ...g the MODE button Adjust the Balance or Fader to your liking by turning the PWR VOL knob The indicator bars on the display show you the range Treble Bass Use these modes to adjust the tone to your lik...

Page 99: ...ny factors such as the distance from the station s transmitter nearby large objects and atmos pheric conditions A radio station s signal gets weaker as you get farther away from its transmitter If you...

Page 100: ...s is a main cause of poor radio reception in city driving Radio reception can be affected by atmospheric conditions such as thunderstorms high humidity and even sunspots You may be able to receive a d...

Page 101: ...up Press the CLOCK button again and the minutes numbers will begin blinking Use the Preset 5 or Preset 6 button to change the minutes to the correct value After you have set the clock press the CLOCK...

Page 102: ...R button When the system reaches the end of the tape it will automatically reverse direction and play the other side If you want to remove the cassette from the drive press the EJECT button If you tur...

Page 103: ...age currently playing it will automatically go into rewind When it senses the beginning of the same song or passage the system returns to PLAY mode It will continue to repeat this same program until y...

Page 104: ...e cassette to jam in the player Never try to insert a warped or damaged cassette in the player When they are not in use store cassettes in their cases to protect them from dust and moisture Never plac...

Page 105: ...nition must be in ACCESSORY I or ON II CD Player Insert the disc into the CD slot Push the disc in halfway the drive will pull it in the rest of the way Push the CD TAPE button and the disc will start...

Page 106: ...D to load and play CD Player and Changer You can use the TUNE SEEK bar to select tracks within a disc If you press and release the TUNE SEEK bar the system will move to the beginning of a track Press...

Page 107: ...ut of direct sunlight and extreme heat To clean a disc use a clean soft cloth Wipe across the disc from the center to the outside edge A new CD may be rough on the inner and outer edges The small plas...

Page 108: ...ee an error indication in the display while operating the CD changer find the cause in the chart to the right If you cannot clear the error indication take the vehicle to your Honda dealer Comfort and...

Page 109: ...ne with a pump octane number of 86 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...

Page 110: ...pump automatically clicks off Do not try to top off the tank leave some room for the fuel to expand with temperature changes 5 Screw the fuel fill cap back on tighten it until it clicks If you do not...

Page 111: ...insert the end into the hole on the left side of the hood To close the hood lift it up slightly to remove the support rod from the hole Put the support rod back into its holding clip Lower the hood to...

Page 112: ...ll the vehicle with fuel Wait a few minutes after turning the engine off before you check the oil 1 Remove the dipstick orange handle 2 Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth or paper towel 3 Insert it...

Page 113: ...heck Look at the coolant level in the radiator reserve tank Make sure it is between the MAX and MIN lines If it is below the MIN line see Adding Engine Coolant on page 155 for information on adding th...

Page 114: ...cceler ation abrupt cornering and hard braking use more fuel Always drive in the highest gear that allows the engine to run and acceler ate smoothly Depending on traffic conditions try to maintain a c...

Page 115: ...stems should not interfere with your vehicle s computer controlled systems such as the SRS and anti lock brake system However if electronic accessories are improperly installed or exceed your vehicle...

Page 116: ...y modifications that decrease ground clearance increase the chance of undercarriage parts striking a curb speed bump or other raised object which could cause your airbags to deploy Do not modify your...

Page 117: ...er heavier items In addition the back seat can be folded down to allow you to carry more cargo or longer items However carrying too much cargo or improperly storing it can affect your vehicle s handli...

Page 118: ...o not put any items on top of the rear shelf They can block your view and be thrown around the vehicle during a crash Be sure items placed on the floor behind the front seats cannot roll under the sea...

Page 119: ...ut the vehicle during a crash or sudden stop If you carry large items that prevent you from closing the hatch exhaust gas can enter the passenger area To avoid the possibility of carbon monoxide poiso...

Page 120: ...de are stored properly or fastened down securely 5 Check the adjustment of the seat see page 74 6 Check the adjustment of the inside and outside mirrors see page 79 7 Check the adjustment of the steer...

Page 121: ...e way down and hold it there while starting in order to clear flooding As before keep the ignition key in the START III position for no more than 15 seconds Return to step 5 if the engine does not sta...

Page 122: ...nto 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 y...

Page 123: ...ter 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 zo...

Page 124: ...ift Lever Position Indicator This indicator on the instrument panel shows which position the shift lever is in The D4 indicator comes on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition switch ON II If it...

Page 125: ...pedal and keep your foot off the accelerator pedal 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...

Page 126: ...i tion if you need to leave the vehicle for any reason Press on the brake pe dal when you are moving the shift lever from Neutral to another gear Drive D4 Use this position for your normal driving The...

Page 127: ...e second gear when starting out on a slippery surface or in deep snow It will help reduce wheelspin Maximum Speeds The speeds in this table are the maximums for the given position If you exceed these...

Page 128: ...key in the Shift Lock Release slot next to the shift lever 4 Push down on the key while you press the release button and move the shift lever out of Park to Neutral 5 Remove the key from the Shift Loc...

Page 129: ...vehicle is facing uphill turn the front wheels away from the curb If you have a manual transmission put it in first gear If the vehicle is facing downhill turn the front wheels toward the curb If you...

Page 130: ...ng 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...

Page 131: ...ven 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 th...

Page 132: ...d 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 vehicle to v...

Page 133: ...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 vehi...

Page 134: ...itions This is especially true in snow A person can forget some snow driving techniques during the summer months Practice is needed to relearn those skills Exercise extra caution when driving in rain...

Page 135: ...n be very hazardous when the outside temperature is near freezing The road surface can become covered with areas of water puddles mixed with areas of ice so your traction can change without warning Be...

Page 136: ...ome of the most important safety precautions are given here However we cannot warn you of every conceivable hazard that can arise in performing maintenance Only you can decide whether or not you shoul...

Page 137: ...exhaust system cool before touching any parts Injury from moving parts Do not run the engine unless in structed to do so Read the instructions before you begin and make sure you have the tools and ski...

Page 138: ...d limit This puts excess stress on the engine brakes and many other parts of your vehicle The load limit is shown on the label on the driver s doorjamb Operate your vehicle on reasonable roads within...

Page 139: ...parts and fluids whenever you have maintenance done These are manufactured to the same high quality standards as the original components so you can be confident of their performance and durability U S...

Page 140: ...hedule if the severe driving conditions specified in the Severe Conditions Maintenance Schedule do not apply NOTE If you only OCCASIONALLY drive under a severe condition you should follow the Normal C...

Page 141: ...e time interval Follow this schedule if the severe driving conditions described in the Severe Conditions Schedule on the next page do not apply Canadian owners follow the schedule for Severe Condition...

Page 142: ...ess than 10 miles 16 km per trip Driving in hot over 90 F 32 C conditions Extensive idling or long periods of stop and go driving Driving with a vehicle top carrier or driving in mountainous condition...

Page 143: ...is MAINLY driven in any of the following Severe Conditions or normally driven in Canada otherwise use the Normal Schedule Service at the indicated distance or time whichever comes first Do the items i...

Page 144: ...le for Severe Conditions listed by distance time Maintenance See info on maintenance and emissions warranty last column page 141 See Timing Belt on page 174 to determine need for replacement Main Menu...

Page 145: ...u or the servcing dealer can record all completed maintenance here whether you follow the schedule for normal conditions page 142 or severe conditions page 144 Keep the receipts for all work done on y...

Page 146: ...Required Maintenance Record for Normal and Severe Schedules Maintenance Main Menu Table of Contents...

Page 147: ...tank See page 112 Windshield washer fluid Check the level in the reservoir monthly If weather conditions cause you to use the washers frequently check the reservoir each time you stop for fuel See pag...

Page 148: ...CK Yellow loop COOLANT RESERVOIR BRAKE FLUID Gray cap CLUTCH FLUID 5 speed Manual Transmission only Gray cap ENGINE OIL FILL CAP POWER STEERING FLUID Red cap WASHER FLUID Blue cap ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK...

Page 149: ...cation from the API Service label on the oil container A fuel efficient oil is recommended for your Honda This is shown on the API Service label by the words Energy Conserving This oil is formulated t...

Page 150: ...Synthetic Oil You may use a synthetic motor oil if it meets the same requirements given for conventional motor oil energy conserving a service classification of SJ and the proper weight as shown on th...

Page 151: ...e Unless you have the knowledge and proper equipment you should have this maintenance done by a skilled mechanic 1 Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature then shut it off 2 Open...

Page 152: ...uld go out within five seconds If it does not turn off the engine and reinspect your work 8 Let the engine run for several minutes and check the drain bolt and oil filter for leaks 9 Turn off the engi...

Page 153: ...re it is a high quality coolant recommended for aluminum engines However continued use of any non Honda coolant can result in corrosion causing the cooling system to malfunction or fail Have the cooli...

Page 154: ...ould be up to the base of the filler neck Add coolant if it is low 5 Put the radiator cap back on Tighten it fully 6 Pour coolant into the reserve tank Fill it to halfway between the MAX and MIN marks...

Page 155: ...access to the underside of the car Unless you have the tools and knowledge you should have this maintenance done by a skilled mechanic 1 Slide the heater temperature control lever to maximum heat Open...

Page 156: ...e with an equal amount of purified or distilled water in a clean container The cooling system capacity is With 5 speed manual transmission 0 82 US gal 3 1 0 68 Imp gal With automatic transmission U S...

Page 157: ...cooling fan comes on at least twice 9 Turn off the engine Check the level in the radiator add coolant if needed Install the radiator cap and tighten it fully 10 Fill the reserve tank to the MAX mark I...

Page 158: ...g the cap and looking at the level gauge attached to the cap Fill the reservoir with a good quality windshield washer fluid This increases the cleaning capability and prevents freezing in cold weather...

Page 159: ...rk add fluid into the filler hole to bring it to the upper mark Always use Honda Premium Formula Automatic Transmission Fluid ATF If it is not available you may use a DEXRON III automatic transmission...

Page 160: ...r 10W 40 as a temporary replacement An SG grade is preferred but an SH or SJ grade may be used if SG is not available However motor oil does not contain the proper additives and continued use can caus...

Page 161: ...ing system and can cause extensive damage Brake System The fluid level should be between the MIN and MAX marks on the side of the reservoir If the level is at or below the MIN mark your brake system n...

Page 162: ...uid as an emergency replacement However continued use can cause increased wear and poor steering in cold weather Have the power steering system flushed and refilled with Honda PSF as soon as possible...

Page 163: ...side the air cleaner housing in the engine compartment To replace it 1 Unsnap the four clips and remove the air cleaner housing cover 2 Remove the old air cleaner element 3 Clean the inside of the air...

Page 164: ...nap the two clips and remove the air cleaner housing cover 2 Remove the old air cleaner element 3 Clean the inside of the air cleaner housing with a damp rag 4 Place the new air cleaner element in the...

Page 165: ...dirt and oil around the spark plug caps 2 Remove the spark plug cap by pulling it straight out 3 Remove the spark plug with a five eighths inch 16 mm spark plug socket 4 Put the new spark plug into t...

Page 166: ...1 8 kgf m Tighten the spark plugs carefully A spark plug that is too loose can overheat and damage the engine Overtightening can cause damage to the threads in the cylinder head 6 Install the spark p...

Page 167: ...battery explains the test indicator s colors Check the batteiy terminals for corrosion a white or yellowish powder To remove it cover the terminals with a solution of baking soda and water It will bu...

Page 168: ...the battery to a charger disconnect both cables to prevent damage to the vehicle s electrical system Charging the battery with the cables connected can seriously damage your vehicle s electronic cont...

Page 169: ...blades if you find these signs or they leave streaks and unwiped areas when used To replace the blade 1 Raise the wiper arm off the windshield 2 Disconnect the blade assembly from the wiper arm by pus...

Page 170: ...ement along the back edge remove the metal reinforcement strips from the old wiper blade and install them in the slots along the edge of the new blade 5 Slide the new wiper blade into the holder until...

Page 171: ...pray or soft bristle brush to clean them Run the air conditioning at least once a week during the cold weather months Run it for at least ten minutes while you are driving at a steady speed with the e...

Page 172: ...mm On cars with Air Conditioning Compressor belt 0 30 0 37 in 7 5 9 5 mm If you see signs of wear or looseness have your dealer adjust or replace the belts Timing Belt The timing belt should normally...

Page 173: ...e recommend that you visually check your tires every day If you think a tire might be low check it immediately with a tire gauge Use a gauge to measure the air pressure at least once a month Even tire...

Page 174: ...due to a tire problem and not due to a variation between gauges Recommended Tire Pressures for Normal Driving The following chart shows the recommended cold tire pressures for most normal driving con...

Page 175: ...6 inch 1 6 mm of tread left on the tire A tire that is this worn gives very little traction on wet roads You should replace the tire if you can see the tread wear indicator in three or more places aro...

Page 176: ...and distribute wear more evenly you should have the tires rotated every 7 500 miles 12 000 km Move the tires to the positions shown in the chart each time they are rotated When shopping for replacemen...

Page 177: ...wo front tires or the two rear tires as a pair Replacing just one tire can seriously affect your vehicle s han dling The ABS works by comparing the speed of the wheels When replacing tires use the sam...

Page 178: ...rmance in winter driving For the best performance in snowy or icy conditions you should install snow tires or tire chains They may be required by local laws under certain conditions Snow Tires If you...

Page 179: ...ns and mount them as tightly as you can Drive slowly with chains installed If you hear the chains contacting the body or chassis stop and investigate them Make sure the chains are installed tightly an...

Page 180: ...s at least once a month A burned out bulb can create an unsafe condition by reducing your vehicle s visibility and the ability to signal your intentions to other drivers Maintenance HEADLIGHT TURN SIG...

Page 181: ...ht function License plate light Side marker lights Daytime running lights Canadian models If you find any bulbs are burned out replace them as soon as possible Refer to the chart on page 229 to determ...

Page 182: ...fuel tank is full Park the vehicle on level ground 2 The driver or someone who weighs the same should be sitting in the driver s seat for all checks and adjustments Load the trunk with the items you...

Page 183: ...blems Replacing a Headlight Bulb Your vehicle has halogen headlight bulbs one on each side When replacing a bulb handle it by its steel base and protect the glass from contact with your skin or hard o...

Page 184: ...om its slot Pivot it out of the way and remove the bulb 5 Insert the new bulb into the hole making sure the tabs are in their slots Pivot the hold down wire back in place and clip the end into the slo...

Page 185: ...the inner fender cover off 4 Remove the socket from the headlight assembly by turning it one quarter turn counterclockwise 5 Remove the burned out bulb from the socket by pushing it in and turning co...

Page 186: ...d out stop taillight side marker light or turn signal 3 Remove the socket by turning it one quarter turn counterclockwise 4 Pull the bulb straight out of its socket Push the new bulb straight into the...

Page 187: ...the center is flush with the head Replacing Rear Bulbs in Trunk Lid 1 Open the trunk 2 Use a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the screw from the bulb holder Remove the holder from the taillight ass...

Page 188: ...stall the bulb holder assembly Install the screw and tighten it securely Replacing a High mount Brake Light Bulb 1 Open the trunk and remove the socket from the light assembly by turning it one quarte...

Page 189: ...he parking lights and check that the new bulb is working 5 Reinstall the socket Turn it clock wise until it locks 6 Put the license light assembly in place Reinstall the two screws and tighten them se...

Page 190: ...cing the Trunk Light Bulb The trunk light is available on LX and EX models in the U S and all models in Canada 1 Remove the lens by carefully prying on the edge of the lens in the middle with a finger...

Page 191: ...2 Remove the bulb by pulling it straight out of its metal tabs 3 Push the new bulb into the metal tabs Snap the lens back in place Lights Maintenance Main Menu Table of Contents...

Page 192: ...red indoors Disconnect the battery Support the front wiper blade arms with a folded towel or rag so they do not touch the windshield To minimize sticking apply a silicone spray lubricant to all door a...

Page 193: ...ild detergent such as dishwashing liquid or a product made especially for vehicle washing Wash the vehicle using the water and detergent solution and a soft bristle brush sponge or soft cloth Start at...

Page 194: ...rmally contain mild abrasives and solvents that remove the top layer of the finish You should use a polish on your Honda if the finish does not have its original shine after using a wax Cleaning tar i...

Page 195: ...sure it does not bleach or stain the fabric Follow the instructions that come with the cleaner Vinyl Remove dirt and dust with a vacuum cleaner Wipe the vinyl with a soft cloth dampened in a solution...

Page 196: ...to use a solid type Some liquid air fresheners contain chemicals that may cause parts of the interior trim and fabric to crack or discolor If you use a liquid air freshener make sure you fasten it sec...

Page 197: ...ds repairs after a collision pay close attention to the parts used in the repair and the quality of the work Make sure the repair facility uses Genuine Honda replacement body parts Some companies make...

Page 198: ...some road sur faces than the regular tire Use greater caution while driving on this tire Do not mount snow chains on the compact spare The wheel of the compact spare tire is designed especially to fit...

Page 199: ...nsmission in Park automatic or Reverse manual Apply the parking brake Have all of the passengers get out of the vehicle while you change the tire 3 Open the trunk Raise the trunk floor by lifting up o...

Page 200: ...point nearest the tire you need to change It is pointed to by an arrow molded into the underside of the body Place the jack under the jacking point Turn the end bracket clockwise until the top of the...

Page 201: ...uld scratch the wheel if you put it face down Do not attempt to forcibly pry the wheel cover off with a screwdriver or other tool The wheel cover cannot be removed without first removing the wheel nut...

Page 202: ...is firmly against the hub Do not try to tighten them fully 13 Lower the vehicle to the ground and remove the jack 14 Tighten the wheel nuts securely in the same crisscross pattern Have the wheel nut t...

Page 203: ...ack in the trunk with the end bracket on the left side Turn the jack s end bracket to lock it in place Store the tool kit 19 Store the wheel cover in the trunk Make sure it does not get scratched or d...

Page 204: ...the way to the floor or the starter will not operate With an automatic transmission it must be in Park or Neutral Turn the ignition switch to ON II Turn on the headlights and check their brightness If...

Page 205: ...gine by using a booster battery Although this seems like a simple procedure you should take several precautions You cannot start a Honda with an automatic transmission by pushing or pulling it To jump...

Page 206: ...her part of the engine 5 If the booster battery is in another vehicle have an assistant start that vehicle and run it at a fast idle 6 Start your vehicle If the starter motor still operates slowly che...

Page 207: ...action 1 Safely pull to the side of the road Put the transmission in Neutral or Park and set the parking brake Turn off the heating and cooling system and all other accessories Turn on the hazard warn...

Page 208: ...ithout pushing down to the first stop This releases any remaining pressure in the cooling system After the pressure releases push down on the cap and turn it until it comes off 10 Start the engine and...

Page 209: ...n safely get the car stopped 1 Safely pull off the road and shut off the engine Turn on the hazard warning indicators 2 Let the vehicle sit for a minute Open the hood and check the oil level see page...

Page 210: ...ater A C rear defogger cruise control etc Try not to use other electrically operated controls such as the power windows Keep the engine running and take extra care not to stall it Starting the engine...

Page 211: ...s missing Tightening the cap will not make the indicator turn off immediately it takes three driving trips If the indicator remains on past three driving trips or the fuel cap was not loose or missing...

Page 212: ...edal does not feel normal you should take immediate action Because of the brake system s dual circuit design a problem in one part of the system will still give you braking at two wheels You will feel...

Page 213: ...diately or the moonroof motor still does not operate you can close the moonroof manually 3 Get the moonroof wrench out of the tool kit in the trunk 4 Use a screwdriver or coin to remove the round plug...

Page 214: ...s The interior fuse box is underneath the dashboard on the driver s side Remove the fuse box lid by swinging the lid down and pulling it straight out of its hinges The under hood fuse box is located i...

Page 215: ...ol that component Check those fuses first but check all the fuses before deciding that a blown fuse is not the cause Replace any blown fuses and check the component s operation 1 Turn the ignition swi...

Page 216: ...ory socket or radio If you replace the blown fuse with a spare fuse that has a lower rating it might blow out again This does not indicate anything wrong Replace the fuse with one of the correct ratin...

Page 217: ...Fuses INTERIOR FUSE BOX On Canadian models CONTINUED Taking Care of the Unexpected Main Menu Table of Contents...

Page 218: ...Fuses UNDER HOOD FUSE BOX ABS FUSE BOX Taking Care of the Unexpected Main Menu Table of Contents...

Page 219: ...a cannot be transported by flat bed it should be towed by wheel lift equipment with the front wheels off the ground If due to damage your vehicle must be towed with the front wheels on the ground do t...

Page 220: ...he steering wheel is locked Leave the ignition switch in Accessory I and make sure the steering wheel turns freely before you begin towing Trying to lift or tow your vehicle by the bumpers will cause...

Page 221: ...insuring your vehicle The easiest place to find the VIN is on a plate fastened to the top of the dashboard You can see it by looking through the windshield on the driver s side It is also on the Certi...

Page 222: ...ion Numbers The Engine Number is stamped into the engine block The Transmission Number is on a label on top of the transmission TRANSMISSION NUMBER ENGINE NUMBER Technical Information Main Menu Table...

Page 223: ...the reserve tank and that remaining in the engine Reserve tank capacity 0 11 US gal 0 4 0 09 Imp gal 2 U S DX LX Canada LX EX 3 U S EX 4 Excluding the oil remaining in the engine Technical Informatio...

Page 224: ...ations 1 Without moonroof 2 With moonroof 1 U S DX LX Canada L X without ABS 2 Canada EX without ABS 3 U S EX Canada LX with ABS EX with ABS Technical Information page 221 page 222 Main Menu Table of...

Page 225: ...Index a numerical code associated with the maximum load the tire can carry S Speed Symbol See the speed rating chart in this section for additional information Wheel Size Designation Wheels are also...

Page 226: ...ral Safety Requirements All tires are also graded for treadwear traction and temperature perform ance according to Department of Transportation DOT standards The following explains these gradings Trea...

Page 227: ...hen tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life and excessive temper...

Page 228: ...Gasoline containing ethanol may be marketed under the name Gasohol MTBE Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether You may use gasoline containing up to 15 percent MTBE by volume METHANOL methyl or wood alcohol You...

Page 229: ...that using leaded gasoline in your Honda will affect perfor mance and fuel mileage and damage its emissions controls It will no longer comply with U S and Canadian emissions regulations and will be il...

Page 230: ...tion summarizes how the emissions controls work Scheduled maintenance is on page 142 In Canada Honda vehicles comply with the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards CMVSS for Emissions valid at the t...

Page 231: ...ect under all operat ing conditions Ignition Timing Control System This system constantly adjusts the ignition timing reducing the amount of HC CO and NOx produced Three Way Catalytic Converter The th...

Page 232: ...that come near it Park your vehicle away from high grass dry leaves or other flamma bles U S EX A defective three way catalytic converter contributes to air pollution and can impair your engine s per...

Page 233: ...dissatisfied with the decision made by the dealership s management contact your Honda Customer Relations Zone Office Refer to the U S and Canadian Zone Office maps on the following pages When you cal...

Page 234: ...time period with no mileage limit Accessory Limited Warranty Genuine Honda Accessories are covered under this warranty Time and mileage limits depend on the type of accessory and other factors Please...

Page 235: ...finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles it may order a recall and remedy campaign However NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you your dealer or American Hond...

Page 236: ...tand the coverages and are aware of your rights and responsibilities Maintaining your vehicle according to the schedules given in this manual helps to keep your driving trouble free while it preserves...

Page 237: ...gement You will find this important safety information in a variety of forms including Safety Labels on the vehicle Safety Messages preceded by a safety alert symbol and one of three signal words DANG...

Page 238: ...EXRON III ATF as temporary replacement see page 161 5 speed Manual Transmission Fluid Honda Manual Transmission Fluid preferred or an API service SG SH or SJ 10W 30 or 10W 40 motor oil as a temporary...

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Summary of Contents for 1998 Civic

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Honda 1998 Civic, Manual

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Summary of Contents for 1998 Civic

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