light HONDA CIVIC HATCHBACK 2004 7.G Owner's Guide
Page 111 of 215
Screw the fuel fill cap back on
until it clicks at least three times.
If you do not properly tighten the
cap, the Malf unction Indicator
Lampmaycomeon(seepage).
Push the f uel f ill door closed until
it latches.
Park the vehicle, and set the
parking brake. Pull the hood
release handle located under the
lower lef t corner of the dashboard.
The hood will pop up slightly.
Put your fingers between the front
edge of the hood and the f ront
grille. The hood latch handle is
above the ‘‘H’’ logo. Push this
handle up until it releases the
hood. Lif t the hood.If the hood latch handle moves
stif f ly, or if you can open the hood
without lifting the handle, the
mechanism should be cleaned and
lubricated.
Pull the support rod out of its clip,
and insert the end into the hole on
the f ront lef t side of the hood.
2.
3.
5. 6.
1.
178
Service Station Procedures
Bef ore Driving Opening the Hood
112 LATCH
HOOD RELEASE HANDLE
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Page 112 of 215
Lif t it up slightly to remove the
support rod f rom the hole. Put the
support rod back into its holding clip.
Lower the hood to about a f oot (30
cm) above the f ender, then let it
drop. Make sure it is securely
latched.Wait a f ew minutes af ter turning the
engine of f bef ore you check the oil.
Remove the dipstick (orange loop).
Wipe the dipstick with a clean
cloth or paper towel.
Insert it all the way back in its tube. Remove the dipstick again and
check the level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks.
If it is near or below the lower mark,
see on page .
3.
1. 2. 4.
138
Service Station Procedures
Bef ore Driving
A dding Oil
Closing the Hood Oil Check
113
UPPER MARK
LOWER MARK
GRIP
SUPPORT ROD
CLIP DIPSTICK
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Page 114 of 215
Modif ying your vehicle, or installing
some non-Honda accessories, can
make your vehicle unsaf e. Bef ore
you make any modif ications or add
anyaccessories,besuretoreadthe
f ollowing inf ormation.
Your dealer has Honda accessories
that allow you to personalize your
vehicle. These accessories have
been designed and approved f or your
vehicle, and are covered by warranty.When properly installed, cellular
phones, alarms, two-way radios, and
low-powered audio systems should
not interf ere with your vehicle’s
computer controlled systems, such
as the SRS and anti-lock brake
system.Bef ore installing any accessory:
Make sure the accessory does not
obscure any lights, or interf ere
with proper vehicle operation or
perf ormance.
Be sure electronic accessories do
not overload electrical circuits
(see page ) or interf ere with
proper operation.
Have the installer contact your
Honda dealer f or assistance bef ore
installing any electronic accessory.
Although aftermarket accessories
may f it on your vehicle, they may not
meet f actory specif ications, and
could adversely af f ect your vehicle’s
handling and stability (see
‘‘Modif ications’’ on page f or
additional information). 116 181
Bef ore Driving
A ccessories
A ccessories and Modif ications
115
Improper accessories or
modifications can affect your
vehicle’s handling, stability, and
performance, and cause a
crash in which you can be hurt
or killed.
Follow all instructions in this
owner’s manual regarding
accessories and modifications.
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Page 121 of 215
Youshoulddothefollowingchecks
and adjustments every day bef ore
you drive your vehicle.Make sure all windows, mirrors,
and outside lights are clean and
unobstructed. Remove f rost, snow,
or ice.
Check that the hood and hatch are
f ully closed.
Visually check the tires. If a tire
looks low, use a gauge to check its
pressure.
Check that any items you may be
carrying are stored properly or
f astened down securely. Check the seat adjustment (see
page ).
Check the adjustment of the
inside and outside mirrors (see
page ).
Check the steering wheel
adjustment (see page ).
Make sure the doors and the
hatch are securely closed and
locked.
When you start the engine, check
the gauges and indicator lights in the
instrument panel (see page ).
Fasten your seat belt. Check that
your passengers have f astened
their seat belts (see page ).
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
71
63
14 51
79
Preparing to Drive
Driving
122
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Page 125 of 215
Always use the parking brake when
you park your vehicle. Make sure
the parking brake is set f irmly or
your vehicle may roll if it is parked
on an incline.If the vehicle is f acing uphill, turn
the f ront wheels away f rom the
curb, and put the transmission in
f irst gear.
If the vehicle is f acing downhill,
turn the front wheels toward the
curb, and put the transmission in
reverse gear.
Make sure the parking brake is
f ully released bef ore driving away.
Driving with the parking brake
partially set can overheat or
damage the rear brakes.Your vehicle is not designed to tow a
trailer. Attempting to do so can void
your warranties.
Make sure the moonroof and the
windows are closed.
Turn of f the lights.
Place any packages, valuables, etc.
in the cargo area, or take them
with you.
Lock the doors.
Never park over dry leaves, tall
grass, or other f lammable
materials. The hot three-way
catalytic converter could cause
these materials to catch on fire.
Driving
Parking Brake
Towing a Trailer
Parking, Towing a Trailer
126
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Your Honda is equipped with disc
brakes at all f our wheels. A power
assist helps reduce the ef f ort needed
on the brake pedal. The ABS helps
you retain steering control when
braking very hard.
Resting your f oot on the pedal keeps
the brakes applied lightly, builds up
heat, and reduces their ef f ectiveness.
It also keeps your brake lights on all
the time, conf using drivers behind
you.
Constant application of the brakes
when going down a long hill builds
up heat and reduces their ef f ective-
ness. Use the engine to assist the
brakes by taking your f oot of f the
accelerator and downshif ting to a
lower gear.Check the brakes after driving
through deep water. Apply the
brakes moderately to see if they f eel
normal. If not, apply them gently and
f requently until they do. Be extra
cautious in your driving.
If the brake pads need replacing, you
will hear a distinctive, metallic
screeching sound when you apply
the brake pedal. If you do not have
the brake pads replaced, they will
screech all the time. It is normal f or
the brakes to occasionally squeal or
squeak when you apply them.
Braking System
Driving
Brake Wear Indicators
127
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Page 128 of 215
This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.
This section also includes
Maintenance Schedules f or normal
driving and severe driving conditions,
a Maintenance Record, and instruc-
tions f or simple maintenance tasks
you may want to take care of
yourself .
If you have the skills and tools to per-
f orm more complex maintenance
tasks on your Honda, you may want
to purchase the Service Manual. See
page f or inf ormation on how to
obtain a copy, or see your Honda
dealer.......................
Maintenance Saf ety . 130
.................
Maintenance Schedule . 131
....................
Maintenance Record . 135
..............................
Fluid Locations . 137
........................
Adding Engine Oil . 138
.........
Changing the Oil and Filter . 139
..............................
Engine Coolant . 141
....................
Windshield Washers . 142
.......................
Transmission Fluid . 143
....................................
Brake Fluid . 144
...................................
Clutch Fluid . 144
....................................
Hood Latch . 145
.............................................
Lights . 145
................
Cleaning the Seat Belts . 153
.....................................
Floor Mats . 153
.................................
Wiper Blades . 154
...............................................
Tires . 157
...................
Checking the Battery . 162
.............................
Vehicle Storage . 163
203
Maintenance
Maint enance
129
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Page 131 of 215
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Your authorized Honda dealer
knows your vehicle best and can
provide competent, ef f icient service.
However, service at a dealer is not
mandatory to keep your warranties
in effect. Maintenance may be done
by any qualif ied service f acility or
skilled person to keep your
warranties in ef f ect. Keep all the
receipts as proof of completion, and
have the person who does the work
f ill out the Maintenance Record.
Check your warranty booklet f or
more inf ormation.
We recommend the use of Honda
parts and f luids whenever you have
maintenance done. U.S. Vehicles:
According to state and federal
regulations, f ailure to perf orm
maintenance on the items marked
with will not void your emissions
warranties. However, Honda
recommends that all maintenance
services be perf ormed at the
recommended time or mileage
period to ensure long-term reliability.
Youshouldcheckthefollowing
items at the specif ied intervals. If
you are unsure of how to perf orm
any check, turn to the appropriate
page listed.
Engine oil level Check every
time you f ill the f uel tank. See
page .
Engine coolant level Check the
radiator reserve tank every time
you f ill the f uel tank. See page .
Brakes Check the f luid level
monthly. See page .
Tires Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread f or
wear and foreign objects. See page .
Lights Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
turn signals, and license plate
lights monthly. See page . 113
145114
144
157
Maintenance Schedule
Maint enance
Servicing Your Vehicle
Maintenance, replacement, or
repair of emissions control
devices and systems may be done
by any automotive repair
establishment or individual using
parts that are ‘‘certif ied’’ to EPA
standards.Owner’s Maintenance Checks
132
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ÌÌ Follow the Severe Maintenance
Schedule if you drive your vehicle
MAINLY under one or more of the
f ollowing conditions:
Extensive idling or long periods of
stop and go driving, such as a taxi or
a commercial delivery vehicle.
Driving with a roof rack, or driving
in mountainous conditions.
Driving less than 5 miles (8 km) per
trip or, in f reezing temperatures,
driving less than 10 miles (16 km)
per trip.
Driving in extremely hot [over 90°F
(32°C)] conditions.
Driving on muddy, dusty, or de-iced
roads.
Follow the
Maintenance Schedule f or Severe
Conditions.
Maint enance Canadian Owners
134 miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
((OOtthheerrwwiisseeaaddjjuussttoonnllyyiiffnnooiissyy))
((OOrreevveerryy22yyeeaarrss,,wwhhiicchheevveerrccoommeessffiirrsstt))Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) (Use normal schedule
except in dusty conditions)
10 16
2032 304840645080 70
112 80
128 100160
Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop 130208
140224
Service the items listed at the indicated distance (or time, if given).
Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km)
Check inflation and condition once a month
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or every 6 months, whichever comes first
((OOrreevveerryy11yyeeaarr,,wwhhiicchheevveerrccoommeessffiirrsstt))
((OOrreevveerryy11yyeeaarr,,wwhhiicchheevveerrccoommeessffiirrsstt))
60 96 90
144 120192150240
((OOrreevveerryy33yyeeaarrss,,wwhhiicchheevveerrccoommeessffiirrsstt))Every 160,000 miles (256,000 km) 110 176
120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years, then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years
Every 3 years (independent of mileage) See information on maintenance and
emission warranty on page .
Check engine oil and coolant
Check tires
Replace engine oil
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page 160)
Replace engine oil filter
Inspect front and rear brake wear
Lubricate all hinges, locks, and latches
Visually inspect the following items:
Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots
Suspension components, Driveshaft boots
Check parking brake adjustment
Inspect the following items: Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Exhaust system , Fuel lines and connections
Lights and controls/vehicle underbody
Inspect drive belts
Replace dust and pollen filter
Replace air cleaner element
Replace spark plugs
Inspect valve clearance
Replace manual transmission fluid
Inspect idle speed
Replace engine coolant
Replace brake fluid :
132Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions
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Page 141 of 215
When the radiator and engine are
cool, relieve any pressure in the
cooling system by turning the
radiator cap counterclockwise,
without pressing down.
Remove the radiator cap by
pushing down and turning
counterclockwise.The coolant level should be up to
the base of the f iller neck. Add
coolant if it is low.
Pourthecoolantslowlyand
caref ully so you do not spill. Clean
up any spill immediately; it could
damage components in the engine
compartment.
Put the radiator cap back on and
tighten it.
Pour coolant into the reserve tank.
Fill it to half way between the MAX
and MIN marks. Put the cap back
on the reserve tank.
Do not add any rust inhibitors or
other additives to your vehicle’s
cooling system. They may not be
compatible with the coolant or
engine components. Check the f luid level in the
windshield washer reservoir at least
monthly during normal use.
The low washer
level indicator will light when the
level is low.
Fill the reservoir with a good-quality
windshield washer f luid. This
increases the cleaning capability and
prevents f reezing in cold weather.
When you ref ill the reservoir, clean
the edges of the windshield wiper
blades with windshield washer fluid
on a clean cloth. This will help to
condition them.
2. 3. 4. 5.
1.
On Canadian models:
Engine Coolant, Windshield Washers
Maint enance Windshield Washers
142 NOTICE:
RADIATOR CAP
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.
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