charging HONDA CIVIC COUPE 1998 Owners Manual

Indicator Lights

The instrument panel has many indicators to give you important
information about your vehicle.
Lamp Check

These indicator lights come on when
you turn the ignition switch ON (II), allowing you to see that they are

working:
SRS Indicator
Malfunction Indicator LampCharging System Indicator
Low Oil Pressure Indicator

Anti-lock Brake System Indicator
Seat Belt Reminder Light
D4 Lamp
If an indicator does not light 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 the Canadian
model are noted in the text.

Instruments and Controls

U.S.: EX Instrument panel
CHARGING SYSTEM
INDICATOR

MALFUNCTION
INDICATOR LAMP

LOW OIL
PRESSURE
INDICATOR
SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM INDICATOR CRUISE CONTROL
INDICATOR HIGH BEAM
INDICATOR
ANTI-LOCK BRAKESYSTEM INDICATOR* SEAT BELT
REMINDER LIGHT
LOW FUEL INDICATOR
PARKING BRAKE AND
BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR*
TRUNK-OPENINDICATORMain Menu Table of Contents s t

Indicator Lights

* Differences in the indicators for Canadian models are noted in the text.
Seat Belt Reminder Light
This indicator lights when you turn the ignition switch ON (II). It is areminder to you and your passengers
to protect yourselves by fastening
the seat belts. A beeper also sounds if you have not fastened your seat
belt.
If you do not fasten your seat belt,
the beeper will stop after a few seconds but 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.

Supplemental Restraint

System Indicator

This indicator lights when you turn the ignition switch ON (II). If it
comes on at any other time, it
indicates a problem in the
supplemental restraint system. For

complete information, see page 45.

Instruments and Controls
SRS

U.S.: EX Instrument panel
PARKING BRAKE AND BRAKE

SYSTEM INDICATOR*

HIGH BEAM INDICATOR

CHARGING SYSTEM

INDICATOR

TRUNK-OPEN
INDICATOR

LOW FUEL INDICATOR

LOW OIL

PRESSURE

INDICATOR

SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT
SYSTEM INDICATOR
MALFUNCTION
INDICATOR LAMP

ANTI-LOCK BRAKE
SYSTEM INDICATOR

(Canadian indicator shown)
SEAT BELT
REMINDER LIGHTMain Menu Table of Contents s t

Indicator Lights

Parking Brake and Brake
System

Indicator

This light has two functions:
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 brake, or comes on
while driving, it can indicate a problem in the brake system. Forcomplete information, see page
220.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
See page 219.
Anti-lock Brake

System (ABS)

Indicator

Only on cars equipped with ABS (see
page 137)
This light normally comes on for a few seconds when you turn theignition switch ON (II), and when
the ignition switch is turned toSTART (III). If this light comes on at
any other time, there is a problem in
the ABS. If this happens, take the
vehicle to your dealer to have it checked. With the light on, your
vehicle still has normal braking ability but no anti-lock.
Instruments and Controls
Charging System Indicator
If this light comes on when the engine is running, the battery is not
being charged. For complete
information
,
see page 218.

Low Oil
Pressure
Indicator
The engine can be severely damaged if this light flashes or stays on when
the engine is running. For complete information, see page 217. High Beam Indicator
This light comes on with the high beam headlights. See page 59 forinformation on the headlight

controls.

On Canadian models, this indicator
comes on with reduced brightness
when the Daytime Running Lights (DRL) are on (see page 59).

ABS

U.S.

Canada

U.S.

CanadaMain Menu Table of Contents s t

Battery
If the terminals are severely cor-
roded, clean them with baking soda
and water. Then use a wrench to
loosen and remove the cables from
the terminals. Always disconnect the negative (—) cable first and recon-
nect it last. Clean the battery termi-nals with a terminal cleaning tool or
wire brush. Reconnect and tighten
the cables, then coat the terminals
with grease. If you need to connect 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 controls. Detach
the battery cables before connecting
the battery to a charger.
Maintenance
The battery gives off explosive
hydrogen gas during normal
operation.
A spark or flame can cause the battery to explode with enough
force to kill or seriously hurt you.
Wear protective clothing and a
face shield, or have a skilled mechanic do the battery
maintenance.
NOTICEMain Menu Table of Contents s t

Air Conditioning System
Standard on U.S. EX model

Your vehicle's air conditioning is a sealed system. Any major mainte-
nance, such as recharging, should be
done by a qualified mechanic. You
can do a couple of things to makesure the air conditioning works
efficiently. Periodically check the engine's
radiator and air conditioning
condenser for leaves, insects, and
dirt stuck to the front surface. These
block the air flow and reduce cooling efficiency. Use a light spray from a
hose or a soft brush to remove them.
The condenser and radiator fins bend
easily. Only use a low-pressure spray
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 engine at
normal operating temperature. This
circulates the lubricating oil con-
tained in the refrigerant. If the air conditioning does not get as
cold as before, have your dealer
check the system. Recharge the
system with Refrigerant HFC-134a
(R-134a). (See Specifications on page 234.)
Whenever you have the air conditioning

system serviced, make sure the service

facility uses a refrigerant recycling
system. This system captures the
refrigerant for reuse. Releasing
refrigerant into the atmosphere can

damage the environment.

Maintenance

NOTICE
NOTICE

AIR CONDITIONING CONDENSERMain Menu Table of Contents s t

Taking Care of the Unexpected

This section covers the more- common problems that motoristsexperience with their vehicles. It
gives you information about how to safely evaluate the problem and what
to do to correct it. If the problem has stranded you on the side of the road,
you may be able to get going again. If not, you will also find instructionson getting your vehicle towed. Compact Spare Tire....................... 206
Changing a Flat Tire..................... 207
If Your Engine Won't Start........... 212
Nothing Happens or theStarter Motor OperatesVery Slowly............................. 212
The Starter Operates
Normally.................................213

Jump Starting................................. 213
If Your Engine Overheats............. 215
Low Oil Pressure Indicator.......... 217
Charging System Indicator........... 218
Malfunction Indicator Lamp ........ 219
Brake System Indicator................ 220
Closing the Moonroof................... 221
Fuses............................................... 222
Checking and Replacing........... 223
Emergency Towing....................... 227

Taking Care of the UnexpectedMain Menu s t

Charging System Indicator

This indicator should come on when the ignition switch is ON (II), and goout after the engine starts. If it
comes on brightly when the engine
is running, it indicates that the charging system has stopped
charging the battery. Immediately turn off all electrical
accessories: radio, heater, 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 will discharge the battery
rapidly. By eliminating as much of the
electrical load as possible, you can
drive several miles (kilometers)
before the battery is too discharged
to keep the engine running. Drive to a service station or garage where
you can get technical assistance.
Taking Care of the Unexpected
CHARGING SYSTEM INDICATORMain Menu Table of Contents s t

Index

Accessories and Modifications.... 114 Accessories................................. 114
Additional Safety Precaution.... 115Modifications............................. 115
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key Position)........................................ 68
Accessory Power Socket................ 83
Adding Automatic Transmission
Fluid........................................ 164
Brake Fluid................................. 167 Clutch Fluid................................ 167
Engine Coolant........................... 159
Engine Oil................................... 155
Manual Transmission Fluid..... 166Power Steering Fluid................. 168
Windshield Washer Fluid......... 164
Additional Information About Your Seat Belts........................ 40
Lap Belt......................................... 41
Lap/Shoulder Belt....................... 40
Seat Belt Maintenance................ 42
Seat Belt System Components... 40 Additional Information About

Your SRS................................... 43

Additional Safety Precautions.... 46 How Your Airbags Work............ 43
How Your SRS Indicator
Works........................................ 45

SRS Components......................... 43

Additives, Engine Oil..................... 156

Adjustments
Headlights.................................. 188

Head Restraints........................... 75

Mirrors.......................................... 79

Seats.............................................. 74

Steering Wheel............................ 63

Airbag (SRS)...................................... 7

Air Cleaner Element...................... 169
Air Conditioning............................... 86 Maintenance............................... 177
Usage............................................. 86
Air Outlets (Vents).......................... 88
Air Pressure, Tires........................ 180 High Speed Driving................... 236
Normal Driving.......................... 180
Alcohol in Gasoline........................ 238
Antifreeze....................................... 159
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)

Indicator Light.....................
53, 137

Operation.................................... 13 6

Anti-thef
t Steering Column

Lock...............................................68

Appearance Care........................... 199
Ashtrays (Optional)......................... 83
Audio System................................... 94
Automatic Speed Control................ 64
Automatic Transmission............... 124
Capacity, Fluid........................... 233

Checking Fluid Level................ 164

Shifting........................................ 125

Shift Lever Position Indicator.. 124
Shift Lever Positions................. 125
Shift Lock Release..................... 128
Battery Charging SystemIndicator............................ 53,

218

Jump Starting............................ .
213
Maintenance............................... 173
Specifications............................. 234
CONTINUEDMain Menu s t

Index

Before Driving............................... 107

Belts, Seat........................................... 6

Beverage Holder.............................. 82
Body Repair.................................... 200

Brakes

Anti-lock System (ABS)............ 135Break-in, New Linings .............. 108
Fluid............................................ 166Light, Burned-out...................... 192

Parking..........................................80

System Indicator.......................... 53
Wear Indicators......................... 134
Brakes, ABS Operation.................................... 134
System Indicator..................
53, 13 7

Braking System............................. .
134
Break-in, New Car......................... 108
Brightness Control, Instruments... 60
Brights, Headlights......................... 59
Bulb Replacement Back-up Lights........................... 193
Brake Lights............................... 192
Front Parking Lights................. 191
Front Side Marker Lights......... 191
Headlights.................................. 189
High-mount Brake Light.......... 194 Interior Light.............................. 195
License Plate Lights.................. 194
Rear Side Marker Lights.......... 193
Specifications............................. 234
Trunk Light................................ 196
Turn Signal Lights..................... 191
Bulbs, Halogen............................... 185

Cables, Jump Starting With.......... 213

Capacities Chart............................. 233 Carbon Monoxide Hazard.............. 47

Carrying Cargo.............................. 116

Cassette Player
Care............................................. 102

Operation.................................... 100

CAUTION, Explanation of............... ii
CD Changer.................................... 103
CD Player........................................ 103

Certification Label......................... 230

Chains............................................. 185

Change Oil
How to......................................... 157

When to....................................... 146

Changing a Flat Tire..................... 207 Changing Engine Coolant............. 161
Charging System Indicator .... 53,

218

Checking
Automatic Transmissio
n

Fluid........................................ 164

Battery Condition...................... 173

Brake Fluid................................. 167
Clutch Fluid................................ 167

Drive Belts.................................. 178
Engine Coolant........................... 112

Engine Oil..............................

111

Fuses........................................... 22 2

Manua
l Transmission Fluid..... 166
Power Steering Fluid................. 168
Checklist, Before Driving............. 120
Cleaner, Air.................................... 169
Cleaning Exterior....................................... 200
Interior........................................ 202

Seat Belts.................................... 202

Vinyl............................................202

Windows..................................... 203
Clock, Setting the............................ 99

Clutch Fluid.................................... 167

CO in the Exhaust......................... 240
Cold Weather, Starting in............. 121Main Menu s t

Index

Compact Spare............................... 206

Consumer Information*................ 244

Controls, Instruments and.............. 49

Coolant
Adding......................................... 155
Checking..................................... 112

Proper Solution.......................... 159

Replacing.................................... 161

Temperature Gauge.................... 56

Corrosion Protection..................... 203

Crankcase Emissions Control
System......................................... 240

Cruise Control Operation............... 64
Customer Relations Office........... 244

DANGER, Explanation of................. ii

Dashboard........................................ 50
Daytime Running Lights................. 59

Dead Battery, What to Do............ 213

Defects, Reporting Safety............. 248

Defog and Defrost........................... 91

Defogger, Rear Window................. 62
Defrosting the Windows................. 91
DEXRON
®
III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.................... 165
Dimensions..................................... 232
Dimming the Headlights................ 59
Dipstick Automatic Transmission........... 165
Engine Oil................................... 112

Directional Signals........................... 60

Disabled, Towing Your Car If...... 227

Disc Brake Wear Indicators......... 134
Disposal of Used Oil...................... 158

Doors
Locking and Unlocking............... 68
Power Door Locks....................... 69
DOT Tire Quality Grading........... 236
Downshifting, 5-speed Manual Transmission.............................. 122
Driver and Passeneer Safety............ 3
Drive Belts.................................... 178

Driving............................................ 119
Economy..................................... 113
In Bad Weather.......................... 138
In Foreign Countries................. 239
Economy, Fuel............................... 113

Emergencies on the Road............. 205
Battery, Jump Starting.............. 213
Brake System Indicator............ 220Changing a Flat Tire................. 207
Charging System Indicator ...... 218
Checking the Fuses................... 223
Low Oil Pressure Indicator...... 217
Malfunction Indicator Lamp .... 219
Manually Closing Moonroof.... 219Overheated Engine................... 211
Emergency Brake............................ 80 Emergency Flashers....................... 62
Emissions Controls........................ 240

Engine
Coolant Temperature Gauge ..... 56
Malfunction Indicator
Lamp.................................
54, 219

Oil Pressur e
Indicator......... 53,

217

Oil, Wha
t
Kind to Use............... 155
Overheating................................ 215
Specifications............................. 232

CONTINUEDMain Menu s t