check engine HONDA CIVIC COUPE 1999 User Guide

Automatic Transmission (CVT)

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 theignition switch ON (II). If it flashes
while driving (in any shift position), it indicates a possible problem in the
transmission. Avoid rapid accelera-
tion and have the transmissionchecked by an authorized Honda
dealer as soon as possible. Shift Lever Positions
The shift lever has six positions. It must be in Park or Neutral to start
the engine. When you are stopped in
D, S, L, N or R, press firmly on the
brake pedal and keep your foot off the accelerator pedal.

DrivingMain Menu Table of Contents s t

The Braking System

On
DX,
HX
and
EX in
the
U.S., DX
and

EX models in Canada

All Civics are equipped with front disc brakes. The brakes on the rear
wheels are drum. A power assist helps reduce the effort needed on
the brake pedal.

(On the Si model in the U.S., SiR model
in Canada)

Your Honda is equipped with disc brakes at all four wheels. A power assist helps reduce the effort needed
on the brake pedal.
Put your foot on the brake pedal only
when you intend to brake. Resting
your foot on the pedal keeps the brakes applied lightly, causing themto build up heat. Heat build-up can
reduce how well your brakes work. It
also keeps your brake lights on all
the time, confusing drivers behind

you.
Constant application of the brakes
when going down a long hill builds up heat and reduces their effective-ness. Use the engine to assist the
brakes by downshifting 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
frequently until they do. Since a
longer distance is needed to stop
with wet brakes, be extra cautious and alert in your driving. Brake Wear Indicators
The front disc brakes on all models have audible brake wear indicators.
When the brake pads need replacing,
you will hear a distinctive metallic "screeching" sound when you apply
the brakes. If you do not have the
brake pads replaced, they will begin screeching all the time.
Your brakes may sometimes squeal or squeak when you apply them
lightly. Do not confuse this with the
brake wear indicators. They make a
very audible "screeching."
DrivingMain Menu Table of Contents s t

The Braking System

*U.S. indicator shown

The ABS is self-checking. It also checks itself whenever you use the
brakes.
If anything goes wrong, the ABS
indicator on the instrument panelcomes on (see page 55). This means
the 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 car as soon as
possible if this light stays on after
you start the engine, or comes on
while driving.

Driving

ABS Indicator

ABS INDICATOR'Main Menu Table of Contents s t

Maintenance

This section explains why it is important to keep your car wellmaintained and to follow basic
maintenance safety precautions.
This section also includes Maintenance Schedules for normal
driving and severe driving conditions,
a Maintenance Record, and instruc-
tions for simple maintenance tasks
you may want to take care of yourself.
If you have the skills and tools to per-form more complex maintenance
tasks on your Honda, you may want
to purchase the Service Manual. See
page 263 for information on how to obtain a copy, or see your Honda
dealer.
Maintenance Safety....................... 158
Important Safety Precautions.. 159
Maintenance Schedule.................. 160
Maintenance Record..................... 167 Owner Maintenance Checks........ 169
Fluid Locations............................... 170

Engine Oil....................................... 171
Adding Oil................................... 171

Recommended Oil..................... 171Synthetic Oil............................... 172

Additives..................................... 172
Changing the Oil and Filter...... 173

Cooling System.............................. 175
Adding Engine Coolant............. 175Replacing Engine Coolant........ 177
Windshield Washers..................... 180

Transmission Fluid........................ 180
Automatic
Transmission.......................... 180

5-speed Manual
Transmission.......................... 182

Brake and Clutch Fluid................. 182
Brake System............................. 183
Clutch System............................ 183

Power Steering............................... 184
Air Cleaner Element...................... 185 Hood Latch..................................... 186
Spark Plugs..................................... 187

Replacement............................... 187

Specifications............................. 188

Battery............................................ 189

Wiper Blades.................................. 191
Air Conditioning System............... 193 Drive Belts...................................... 194

Timing Belt..................................... 194

Tires................................................ 195 Inflation....................................... 195
Recommended Tire Pressures
for Normal Driving............ 196
Inspection................................... 197
Maintenance............................... 197
Tire Rotation.............................. 198
Replacing Tires and Wheels .... 199

Wheels and Tires....................... 200
Winter Driving........................... 200
Snow Tires.............................. 200

Tire Chains............................. 201
Lights.............................................. 202 Replacing Bulbs......................... 204

Storing Your Car............................ 212

MaintenanceMain Menu s t

Owner Maintenance Checks

You should check the following items at the specified intervals. If
you are unsure of how to perform any check, turn to the page given. Engine oil level — Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See

page 111. Engine coolant level — Check the
radiator reserve tank every time

you fill the fuel tank. See page 127. 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 page 180. Automatic transmission — Check
the fluid level monthly. See page
180.
Brakes — Check the fluid level
monthly. See page 183.Tires — Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread for
wear and foreign objects. See page 196. Lights — Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
turn signals, brake lights, and
license plate lights monthly. See

page 202.

MaintenanceMain Menu Table of Contents s t

Engine Oil

Adding Oil

To add oil, unscrew and remove the engine oil fill cap on top of the valve
cover. Pour in the oil, and install the
engine oil fill cap. Tighten it securely.
Wait a few minutes and recheck the oil level. Do not fill above the upper
mark; you could damage the engine. Recommended Oil
Oil is a major contributor to your
engine's performance and longevity.
Always use a premium-grade deter- gent oil.
You can determine an oil's SAE
viscosity and Service Classification from the API Service label on the oilcontainer.
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 to help your engine use
less fuel. The API Service label also tells you
the service classification of the oil.
Always use an oil that is labeled "API Service SJ." This service rating mayinclude other classifications, such asCD. These additional classifications
are not a problem, as long as the
label also carries the SJ classification.
API SERVICE LABEL
CONTINUED

Maintenance

ENGINE OIL
FILL CAPMain Menu Table of Contents s t

Engine Oil

5. Put a new washer on the drain bolt, then reinstall the drain bolt.
Tighten it to:

(U.S.: DX and Si, Canada: DX and
SIR)

33 Ibf.ft (44 N.m, 4.5 kgf.m)
(U.S.: HX, EX, Canada: Si)
29 Ibf.ft (39 N.m, 4.0 kgf.m)
6. Refill the engine with the recom-
mended oil.

Engine oil change capacity
(including filter):
(DX) 3.8 US qt (3.6 ,3.2 Imp qt)

(U.S.: HX, EX, Canada: Si)
3.5 US qt (3.3 ,2.9 Imp qt)

(U.S.: Si, Canada: SIR)
4.2 US qt (4.0 ,3.5 Imp qt) 7. Install the engine oil fill cap. Start
the engine. The oil pressureindicator light should 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 engine, let it sit for several minutes, then check the oil
level. If necessary, add oil to bring the level to the upper mark on the
dipstick.
Improper disposal of engine oil can be
harmful to the environment. If you
change your own oil, please dispose of
the used oil properly. Put it in a sealed
container and take it to a recycling
center. Do not discard it in a trash bin or dump it on the ground.

Maintenance
NOTICEMain Menu Table of Contents s t

Cooling System

If the coolant level in the reserve
tank is at or below the MIN line, add coolant to bring it up to the MAX line.Inspect the cooling system for leaks.
This coolant should always be a mixture of 50 percent antifreeze and
50 percent water. Never add straight
antifreeze or plain water. Always use Genuine Honda
Antifreeze/Coolant. If it is not
available, you may use another
major-brand non-silicate coolant as a
temporary replacement. Make sure 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 cooling system flushed and
refilled with Honda antifreeze/
coolant as soon as possible.
If the reserve tank is completely
empty, you should also check the coolant level in the radiator.

CONTINUED

Maintenance

Adding Engine Coolant

RESERVE TANK
Removing the radiator cap

while the engine is hot can
cause the coolant to spray out,
seriously scalding you.

Always let the engine and radiator cool down before

removing the radiator cap.Main Menu Table of Contents s t

Cooling System

4. Remove the reserve tank from its
holder by pulling it straight up.Drain the coolant, then put the
tank back in its holder.
5. When the coolant stops draining, tighten the drain plug in the
bottom of the radiator. (U.S.: Si model, Canada: SiR
model)
When the coolant stops draining, apply non-hardening sealant to the
drain bolt threads, then reinstall
the bolt and tighten it securely.
6. Mix the recommended antifreeze with an equal amount of purifiedor distilled water in a clean
container. The cooling system
capacity is:

With 5-speed manual transmission:
(U.S.: DX, EX and HX, Canada: DX and
Si) 0.82 US gal (3.1 , 0.68 Imp gal)

(U.S.: Si, Canada: SiR)
1.14 US gal (4.3 , 0.95 Imp gal)

With automatic transmission:
(DX)
0.79 US gal (3.0 ,0.66 Imp gal)

(U.S.: HX, EX, Canada: Si)
0.85 US gal (3.2 ,0.70 Imp gal)7. Pour coolant into the radiator up to
the base of the filler neck. Start the
engine and let it run for about30 seconds. Then turn off the engine
8. Fill the reserve tank to the MAX mark. Install the reserve tank cap.
9. Check the level in the radiator, add coolant if needed.
10.Install the radiator cap, and
tighten it to the first stop.

Maintenance

RESERVE

TANK
RESERVE

TANK CAP

HOLDER
FILLER NECK
Fill up to hereMain Menu Table of Contents s t

Cooling System

Maintenance
11.Start the engine and let it run until
the cooling fan comes on two
times. Then stop the engine.
12. Remove the radiator cap. Fill the radiator with coolant up to the
base of the filler neck.

13.Start the engine and hold it at 1,500 rpm until the cooling fan
comes on. Turn off the engine.
Check the coolant level in the radiator and add coolant if needed.
14.Install the radiator cap, and tighten it fully.
15.If necessary, fill the reserve tank to the MAX mark. Install thereserve tank cap.Main Menu Table of Contents s t