HONDA CIVIC 1991 Workshop Manual

Heating and Cooling (cont'd)
To Heat
Switch the fan on, turn the temperature control dial clockwise, slide the function lever to the position and the recirculation lever
to the position, and warmed (outside) air will begin flowing

from the floor outlets.

To warm up the interior quickly, slide the recirculation lever to the
position so inside air will recirculate to the heater.

The windows may become fogged if the system is in the po-

sition for an extended period of time. As soon as the interior is
warmed, slide the lever to the position.

To Dehumidify (with optional air conditioner)
Because an air conditioner dehumidifies as it works, you can use it
in cool or cold weather to help defog the windows. Just switch the
fan on, push the A/C button, select the desired function and adjust
the temperature control dial to a comfortable setting.
NOTE:
This setting is desirable for most operating conditions in ambient temperatures above approximately 32°F (0°C).ProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t

To Defrost

To defrost or defog the windshield and door windows, turn the

temoerature control dial clockwise, slide the function lever to the
(defrost) position, and switch the fan on.
If there is actual frost on the windows, first select the posi-

tion.
If the windows are fogged, select the position. Warmed air
will then flow from the windshield and side defroster vents.

To Turn Everything OFF
Slide all levers to the left, turn the temperature control dial
counterclockwise all the way, and push the A/C switch off.
NOTE:
This setting should only be used in cold weather for the first fewminutes of driving to prevent cold air from blowing into the cabin.
Under normal operating conditions, the fan should always be kept
ON to prevent the accumulation of stale air in the system.ProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t

Sunroof (Si Hatchback)

Sunroof
To open the sunroof, push and hold the switch. To close
the sunroof, push and hold the switch. Release the switch

when the roof gets to the position you want.
Do not hold the switch on after the sunroof has fully opened or
closed, or you may damage the sunroof motor.
Do not allow any part of your body to extend through the

sunroof while the vehicle is in motion. In the event of a collision
or sudden application of the brakes, severe personal injury could

result.
To avoid the possibility of injury while closing the sunroof,
never allow any part of your body to extend through the

opening.

CAUTION:

Operating the sunroof in severe cold or when it is covered with
snow or ice may cause damage to the sunroof.

Sunshade

As well as the sunroof, there is a sliding sunshade which you can
adjust to let in light with the roof closed, or to block out light
entirely. The sunshade automatically opens as you open the sunroof. POP-UP WIND

DEFLECTOR

Close
Open

SLIDING GLASS

SUNSHADE
ProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t

If the Sunroof Won't Close
The sunroof can be closed manually, if the control switch will not close it.
1. Remove the round plug near the rear center of the headliner.
2. Insert the sunroof wrench (from.
the tool kit) into the socket.

SUNROOF

WRENCH

3. Turn the wrench counterclockwise until the roof closes and seats into its locked position (about ten turns).

4. Replace the plug.

Maintenance
Periodically pour a little water down the drain holes to make sure
they are not plugged. If they are free, water should drop on the
ground behind each front wheel.

CAUTION:

Do not put weight on the sunroof or force it open or closed, you
may damage the mechanism.
DRAIN HOLESSOCKET

Remove

plugProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t

For proper operation of your car's emission controls, your engine is

designed to use unleaded fuel only.

CAUTION:
Using leaded or even low-lead gasoline could damage some of your
emission controls, and also void their coverage under the emission
controls warranty.
Use gasoline from pumps labeled unleaded, with a pump octane
number of 86 or higher. The pump octane number is an average of
the Research (R) octane and Motor (M) octane numbers. Use of a lower octane gasoline can cause persistent, heavy "spark knock" (ametallic rapping noise), which can lead to engine damage if severe.
CAUTION:
If you notice steady spark knock while holding a steady speed on a
level road, try changing brands of gasoline. If the spark knock persists, consult your Honda dealer. Failure to do so is considered
misuse, and misuse is not covered under the New Car Warranty.
Occasionally you may notice light spark knock while accelerating or
driving up hills. This is no cause for concern, it simply means your
engine is running at its most economical.
Gasoline Containing AlcoholIf you decide to use a gasoline containing alcohol ("gasohol"), be
sure its octane rating is at least as high as that recommended for
unleaded gasoline. There are two types of "gasohol": that
containing ethanol, and that containing methanol. Do not use
gasohol that contains more than 10% ethanol. Do not use gasoline
containing methanol (methyl or wood alcohol) that does not also contain cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors for methanol. Never use
gasoline containing more than 5% methanol, even if it has cosolvents and corrosion inhibitors.

NOTE.
Fuel system damage or vehicle performance problems resulting
from the use of such fuels is not covered under the new car warranties. Honda cannot endorse the use of fuels containing methanol since evidence of their suitability is as yet incomplete. Before purchasing fuel from an unfamiliar station, try to confirm
whether the fuel contains alcohol, of what kind, and how much. If
you notice any undesirable operating symptoms after using a
gasoline that contains alcohol; or one that you think contains alcohol, switch to an unleaded gasoline, as recommended above.
GasolineProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t

Operation In Foreign Countries
In order to comply with U.S. Federal Emissions Regulations, you
must use unleaded fuels of the recommended octane rating. These
fuels may not be available in other countries. If you intend taking
your car outside the U.S. or Canada, write to American Honda Consumer Affairs (stating the year and model of your car) at the
address below for information regarding modifications you may need to have done.
American Honda Motor Co., Inc.
Consumer Affairs

1919 Torrance Blvd.

Torrance, CA 90501-2722
Fuel Filler Door and Cap
Gasoline is extremely flammable and is explosive under certain
conditions. Perform this operation in a wel-ventilated area with
the engine stopped. Do not smoke or allow open flames or sparks in the area or where gasoline is stored.
The fuel filler door is opened by pulling up on the lever at the left
side of the driver's seat.
The door will lock automatically when closed; push it until it clicks.

CAUTION:

You may hear a hiss when you open the filler cap. This sound is residual pressure escaping from the fuel tank. Open the cap slowly
and remove the cap after the hissing stops. Fuel spray may cause
injury. Do not overfill the tank; fill only until the gas pump clicks off
automatically and never top off.

(cont'd)

Pull up

Close

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Gasoline (cont'd)
Fuel vapor is extremely hazardous under certain conditions.
Always stop the engine before refueling, and never refuel near
sparks or open flames. CAUTION:
When reinstalling the fuel cap, be sure both tabs on the cap are
engaged in the slots of the filler neck and turn the cap until it stops. If you replace the cap, use only a genuine Honda replacement part
or its equivalent. Failure to use the proper part could cause serious
fuel system problems.
How to Improve Your Gas Mileage: Drive at a smooth, steady pace to avoid unnecessary decele-
rations and stops — accelerating back to speed uses more fuel.Plan trips to avoid rush hour traffic if possible. Make sure the parking brake is completely released.
Consolidate trips whenever possible.
Keep vehicle weight to a minimum by removing unnecessary
items from the luggage area.
Whenever possible, use fresh air from the dash vents to keep
cool when driving; open windows, or use of the optional air
conditioning both affect fuel economy.
Keep the tires adjusted to the recommended pressure.
Tire Pressure (measured cold): STD Hatchback front 240 kPa (35 psi)
rear 220 kPa (32 psi)
DX Hatchback front 220 kPa (32 psi)

rear 220 kPa (32 psi)

Si Hatchback front 195 kPa (28 psi)

rear 195 kPa (28 psi)

DX Sedan front 220 kPa (32 psi)

rear 220 kPa (32 psi)

LX Sedan front 180 kPa (26 psi)
rear 180 kPa (26 psi)
EX Sedan front 180 kPa (26 psi)

rear 180 kPa (26 psi)

Condition of Your Car You can only get maximum fuel economy if your car is in toprunning condition. Have all required maintenance done at the proper
intervals. Check tire pressures and tire wear frequently. If tire wear is uneven, have the alignment checked by your Honda dealer.
Proper alignment saves gasoline and prolongs tire life.ProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t

Ignition Switch

The combined ignition switch/anti-theft lock is located on the right side of the steering column and has four positions: 0-LOCK position: The key can be removed or inserted in this
position. To remove the key, push it in at position I, then turn it to
0 and pull it out. When the key is removed, the steering column
will lock.

NOTE:

On cars equipped with automatic transmissions, the transmission
must be in Park before pushing and turning the key to the 0-LOCK
position.
Never turn the ignition switch to the lock position or remove the
key while the car is in motion; the steering wheel can lock causing
a loss of directional control, and an accident could result. I-ACCESSORY position: In this position, the accessory circuit is

on, but the ignition circuit is off.

If the key is difficult to turn from the 0 to the I position, turn the

steering wheel slightly to relieve pressure on the lock. II-ON position: This is the normal running position.
III-START position: The starter will engage when the key is
turned to this position.
To remind you to remove the ignition key when leaving your car, a beeper will sound if the key is still in the ignition when you open the
driver's door. The beeper system is deactivated when you turn the ignition to 0 (Lock) and fully remove the key.ProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t

Starting the Engine
Before Starting

Manual Transmission:
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Push the clutch pedal all the way in (see NOTE below). 3. Shift the transmission to neutral.

NOTE:

On cars equipped with manual transmissions, the engine will not
crank unless the clutch pedal is fully depressed.

Automatic Transmission:
1. Make sure the shift lever is in Park (P).
2. Apply the parking brake and the foot brake.

NOTE:
When starting in cold weather, keep all unnecessary electrical

circuits off (lights, defogger, etc.) for the best battery output.
Do not crank the engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. Wait
10 seconds before going to the next step.
Starting the Engine 1. With your foot off the accelerator start the engine by turning the key to the III position.
2. If the engine won't start within 15 seconds or starts but fails to continue to run, push the accelerator pedal halfway, and hold it
there while cranking the engine. Once the engine starts, release
the accelerator gradually as the engine speeds up.
3. If it doesn't start within 15 seconds, push the accelerator pedal down to the floor and hold it there while cranking in order to clearflooding. Try step 2 again.
Cold Weather at High Altitude Starting 1. When starting in cold weather at high altitude (above 8,000 feet), push the accelerator pedal about halfway and hold it there while
cranking the engine. Once the engine starts, release the accelerator gradually as the engine speeds up.
2. If it doesn't start within 15 seconds, push the accelerator pedal down to the floor and hold it there while cranking in order to clearflooding. Try step 1 again.

NOTE:
If the outside temperature is below freezing, or if your car has not
been driven for several days, warm up the engine for a few minutes
before driving.ProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t

Safety Items

Before driving away, check that: The doors are closed properly.
The mirrors are properly adjusted, and the windows clean.
The driver and passengers are wearing properly adjusted seat

belts.
The head restraints are properly adjusted.
The warning and indicator lights are operating properly. The brake pedal feels normal.

All luggage and cargo is secured.
Nothing is interfering with the driver's feet or blocking vision to

the rear.

While driving remember to: Always drive defensively; expect the unexpected.Reduce your speed during night hours and bad weather.Follow at a safe distance; don't tailgate. Get off the highway when you are tired; stop and take a rest.
When stopping for repairs: Park the car well off the road.
Turn on the hazard warning flasher. Use flares or other warning devices to warn other motorists.
After parking your car: Apply the parking brake and shift to first gear if equipped with
manual transmission, or PARK on automatic transmission equip-ped cars.
Make sure the sunroof and windows are closed and the doors are
locked.
If parked on a hill:

1. Turn the front wheels away from the curb if facing uphill.
2. Turn the front wheels toward the curb if facing downhill.
Never leave children unattended in a parked car. Take your keys.ProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t