HONDA CIVIC 2011 8.G Owners Manual
Page 301 of 388
Check the f luid level in the
windshield washer reservoir at least
monthly during normal use.When you ref ill the reservoir, clean
the edges of the windshield wiper
blades with windshield washer f luid
on a clean cloth. This will help to
condition the blade edges.
Fill the reservoir with a good-quality
windshield washer f luid. This
increases the cleaning capability and
prevents f reezing in cold weather. The low washer
level indicator comes on when the
level is low (see page ).
Check the f luid level by removing
the cap and looking at the level
gauge. 64
On Canadian models:
Windshield Washers
Maint enance
297
LEVEL GAUGELEVEL GAUGE
Except Si Si
Do not use engine antif reeze or a
vinegar/water solution in the
windshield washer reservoir. Antif reeze
can damage your vehicle’s paint, while
a vinegar/water solution can damage
the windshield washer pump. Use only
commercially-available windshield
washer f luid.
Main Menu
Page 302 of 388
Check the f luid level with the engine
at normal operating temperature.If the level is below the lower
mark, add f luid into the dipstick
hole to bring it to the level
between the upper and lower
marks.
Remove the dipstick and check
the f luid level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks.
Insert the dipstick all the way into
the transmission securely as
shown in the illustration.
Remove the dipstick (yellow loop)
f rom the transmission, and wipe it
with a clean cloth. Pour the f luid slowly and caref ully
so you do not spill any. Clean up
any spills immediately; it could
damage components in the engine
compartment.
Park the vehicle on level ground.
Start the engine, let it run until the
radiator f an comes on, then shut
of f the engine. For accurate
results, wait about 60 seconds (but
no longer than 90 seconds) bef ore
doing step 2. Always use Honda ATF DW-1
(automatic transmission f luid).
3. 4. 5.
1. 2.
T ransmission Fluid
Automatic Transmission
298
DIPSTICK
LOWER
MARK
UPPER
MARK
Main Menu
Page 303 of 388
If Honda MTF is not available, you
may use an SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40
viscosity motor oil with the API
Certif ication Seal that says ‘‘FOR
GASOLINE ENGINES’’ as a
temporary replacement. However,
motor oil does not contain the proper
additives, and continued use can
cause stif f er shif ting. Replace as
soon as it is convenient.
Check the f luid level with the
transmission at normal operating
temperature and the vehicle sitting
on level ground. Remove the
transmission f iller bolt, and caref ully
f eel inside the bolt hole with your
f inger. The f luid level should be up
to the edge of the bolt hole. If it is
not, add Honda Manual
Transmission Fluid (MTF) until it
starts to run out of the hole. Reinstall
the f iller bolt, and tighten it securely.
If you are not sure how to add f luid,
contact your dealer. Insert the dipstick all the way back
into the transmission securely as
shown in the illustration.
The transmission should be drained
and ref illed with new f luid according
to the Maintenance Minder (see
page ).
6.
281
CONT INUED
T ransmission Fluid
Manual Transmission
Maint enance
299
Correct Level Correct Level
Except Si
Si
FILLER BOLT
FILLER BOLT
TM
Use only Honda ATF DW-1 (automatic
transmission f luid). Do not mix with
other transmission f luids.
Using transmission f luid other than
Honda ATF DW-1 may cause
deterioration in transmission operation
and durability, and could result in
damage to the transmission.
Damage resulting f rom the use of
transmission f luid other than Honda
ATF DW-1 is not covered by the Honda
new vehicle warranty.
Main Menu
Page 304 of 388
The f luid level should be between
theMINandMAXmarksontheside
of the reservoir. If the level is at or
below the MIN mark, your brake
system needs attention. Have the
brake system inspected f or leaks or
worn brake pads.
Brake f luid marked DOT 5 is not
compatible with your vehicle’s
braking system and can cause
extensive damage.
Using any non-Honda brake f luid can
cause corrosion and decrease the lif e
of the system. Have the brake
system f lushed and ref illed with
Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid
DOT 3 as soon as possible.
Always use Honda Heavy Duty
Brake Fluid DOT 3. If it is not
available, you should use only DOT 3
or DOT 4 f luid, f rom a sealed
container, as a temporary
replacement.
Check the brake f luid level in the
reservoirs monthly.
The transmission should be drained
and ref illed with new f luid according
to the Maintenance Minder (see
page ).
If you are not sure how to check and
add f luid, contact your dealer. Independent of the Maintenance
Minder inf ormation, replace the
brake f luid every 3 years.
281 Brake and Clutch Fluid Brake Fluid
Transmission Fluid, Brake and Clutch Fluid
300
MAX
MINTM
Main Menu
Page 305 of 388
Manual Transmission only All models except Si and Canadian DX-Gwith manual transmission
The f luid level should be between
theMINandMAXmarksontheside
of the reservoir. If it is not, add
brake f luid to bring it up to that level.
Use the same fluid specified for the
brake system.
A low f luid level can indicate a leak
in the clutch system. Have this
system inspected as soon as possible. Pour the f luid slowly and caref ully so
you do not spill any. Clean up any
spill immediately; it could damage
components in the engine
compartment.
Always use Honda Power Steering
Fluid. You may use another power
steering f luid as an emergency
replacement, but have the power
steering system f lushed and ref illed
with Honda PSF as soon as possible.
A low power steering f luid level can
indicate a leak in the system. Check
the f luid level f requently, and have
the system inspected as soon as
possible.
Check the level on the side of the
reservoir when the engine is cold.
The f luid should be between the
UPPER LEVEL and LOWER LEVEL.
If not add power steering f luid to the
UPPER LEVEL mark.
Brake and Clutch Fluid, Power Steering Fluid
Power Steering Fluid
Clutch Fluid
Maint enance
301
LOWER LEVEL
UPPER LEVEL
MAX
MIN
T urning the steering wheel to f ull lef t
or right lock and holding it there can
damage the power steering pump.
Main Menu
Page 306 of 388
Your vehicle has halogen headlight
bulbs. When replacing a bulb, handle
it by its base, and protect the glass
f rom contact with your skin or hard
objects. If you touch the glass, clean
it with denatured alcohol and a clean
cloth.To change the headlight bulb on
the driver’s side, remove the
engine coolant reserve tank by
pulling it out of its holder.
Theheadlightswereproperlyaimed
when your vehicle was new. If you
regularly carry heavy items in the
trunk or pull a trailer, readjustment
may be required. Adjustments
should be done by your dealer or
another qualif ied technician.
1.
Headlight A iming Replacing a Headlight Bulb
High Beam Headlight
Lights
302
Halogen headlight bulbs get very hot
when lit. Oil, perspiration, or a scratch
on the glass can cause the bulb to
overheat and shatter.
Main Menu
Page 307 of 388
If youreplacedaheadlightbulbon
the driver’s side, reinstall the
engine coolant reserve tank. To change the bulb on the driver’sside, start the engine, turn the
steering wheel all the way to the
right, then turn off the engine. To
change the bulb on the passenger’s
side, turn the steering wheel to the
lef t.
Use a f lat-tip screwdriver to
remove the two holding clips f rom
the inner f ender, and pull the inner
f ender cover back.
Remove the bulb by turning it one-
quarter turn counterclockwise. Push the electrical connector back
onto the bulb. Make sure it is on
all the way.
Insert the new bulb into the hole,
and turn it one-quarter turn
clockwise to lock it in place.
Turn on the headlights to test the
new bulb.
Remove the electrical connector
f rom the bulb by pushing on the
tab and pulling the connector
down.
2. 3.
2.
4. 5.6. 7.
1.
CONT INUED
Lights
L ow Beam Headlight
Maint enance
303
TAB HOLDING CLIP
BULB
Main Menu
Page 308 of 388
To change the bulb on the driver’s
side, start the engine, turn the
steering wheel all the way to the
right, then turn off the engine. To
change the bulb on the passenger’s
side, turn the steering wheel to the
lef t.
Reinstall the inner f ender cover.
Then reinstall the holding clips,
andlocktheminplacebypushing
on their centers.
Insert the new bulb into the hole,
and turn it one-quarter turn
clockwise to lock it in place.
Push the electrical connector back
onto the bulb. Make sure it is on
all the way.
Turn on the headlights to test the
new bulb.
Remove the electrical connector
f rom the bulb by pushing on the
tab and pulling the connector
down.
Remove the bulb by turning it one-
quarter turn counterclockwise. 5. 6.
1.
7. 8.
3. 4.
Lights
Replacing the Front Side Marker/
Parking/Turn Signal Light Bulb
304
TAB HOLDING CLIP
SOCKET
Main Menu
Page 309 of 388
Open the trunk.
Remove the socket from the
headlight assembly by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
Use a f lat-tip screwdriver to
remove the two holding clips f rom
the inner f ender, and pull the inner
f ender cover back. Remove the bulb f rom the socket
by pushing the bulb in and turning
it counterclockwise until it unlocks.
Remove the screw from the center
of each f astener on the side of the
trunk lining. Pull the lining back.
Determine which of the f our bulbs
is burned out: stop/taillight, back-
up light, turn signal, or side
marker.
Install the new bulb in the socket.
Turn it clockwise to lock it in place.
Insert the socket back into the
headlight assembly. Turn it
clockwise to lock it in place.
Test the lights to make sure the
new bulb is working.
Reinstall the inner f ender cover.
Then reinstall the holding clips,
andlocktheminplacebypushing
on their centers.
1.
4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
3.
2.
2.
CONT INUED
Replacing Rear Bulbs
(In Fenders)
Lights
Maint enance
305
FASTENERFASTENER
Main Menu
Page 310 of 388
Open the trunk.
Remove the socket by turning it
one-quarter turn counterclockwise.
Pull the bulb straight out of its
socket. Push the new bulb straight
into the socket until it bottoms.
Reinstall the socket into the light
assembly by turning it clockwise
until it locks. Put the f asteners into the holes on
the side of the trunk lining.
Reinstall the screws.
Reinstall the trunk lining. Make
sure it is installed under the edge
of the trunk seal.
Test the lights to make sure the
new bulb is working.
Remove the screw from the center
of each f astener on the trunk lid
trim. Pull the trim back.
1. 2.
4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
3.
OnallEX-L,CanadianSE,andSi
models
Lights
Replacing Rear Bulbs
(in T runk L id)
306
BULBS
SOCKETS SOCKETS
BULB
FASTENERS
BULB
Main Menu