engine coolant HONDA CIVIC 1991 Owners Manual

Speedometer

The speed is indicated in miles per hour (outside scale) and kilometers per hour (inside).

Odometer

The numbers on the odometer indicate miles.
The odometer registers total distance traveled, and serves as your guide for determining when periodic maintenance is due. Federal lawmakes it illegal to alter the odometer of any motor vehicle with the
intent to change the number of miles indicated.
Trip Meter The numbers on the trip meter indicate miles.
The trip meter can be returned to zero by pushing in the reset button. Use it for checking fuel consumption or distance traveled
per trip.

Tachometer (Si Hatchback and LX/EX Sedan) The tachometer indicates engine speed in revolutions per minute.
The beginning of the RED ZONE indicates the maximum allowableengine R.P.M. Do not run the engine with the tachometer indicator
needle in the RED ZONE.

Fuel Gauge
FUEL TANK CAPACITY: 45 (11.9 US gal ,9.9 Imp gal)
As a convenience, the gauge continues to show the same fuel level
as when the ignition was last on. After refueling, the gauge will
slowly change to the new fuel level when the ignition is switched on.
When the needle first indicates E (empty), you have a usable

reserve left in the tank of about:
4 (1.1 US gal, 0.9 Imp gal)
Coolant Temperature Gauge
CAUTION:
The needle should stay within the white range. If the needle reaches the red line at "H" (Hot), pull safely off the road, stop theengine and check the coolant level in the reserve tank on the
driver's side of the radiator under the hood.
Do not remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot. The
coolant is under pressure and may blow out and scald you.

GaugesProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t

To Cool (with optional air conditioner)

To cool the car down quickly, slide the recirculation lever to the
position, start the engine, turn the temperature control dial
counterclockwise all the way, switch the fan to high ( 4 ), push the
A/C button in, and open the window briefly.
Then close the windows and corner vents, slide the function lever to the position and the recirculation lever to the po-
sition so inside air will recirculate to the air conditioner for maximum

cooling.

When the interior has cooled sufficiently, switch the fan to the desired speed, then slide the recirculation lever to to direct
fresh (outside) air to the air conditioner.
When using the air conditioner in heavy traffic, or while driving up long hills, watch the coolant temperature gauge: if the needle movesnear the "H" end of the scale, turn the air conditioner off bypushing the A/C button; leave it off until the needle goes back into
the middle of the scale.

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Check the following items at each fuel stop:

1. Engine oil level.

2. Radiator coolant level.
Check the following items periodically: 1. Brakes: for braking efficiency, brake pedal travel and hydraulic
fluid level.

2. Lights: for operation of headlights, taillights, side marker lights, stoplights, turn signals and back-up lights.
3. Tires: for correct pressures (including spare); inspect for cuts and uneven or excessive wear. Rotate every 7,500 miles (12,000 km)
in the pattern shown on page 97.
4. Steering: for excessive play or vibration while driving. 5. Exhaust system: for leaks or loose mounts.
6. Wipers: for operation of windshield wipers and washer, and condition of wiper blades.
7. Seat belts: for condition of fabric and buckles, and operation of the restraint mechanism.

8. Battery condition.

9. Clutch adjustment (clutch pedal free travel).

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Cooling System
The engine in your Honda contains a number of aluminum parts. Therefore, it requires an antifreeze/coolant specifically formulated
to protect the aluminum parts from corrosion. Failure to use asuitable antifreeze/coolant may seriously shorten the life of the
engine as the result of rapid corrosion damage. Some antifreeze/
coolants, although labelled for use in engines containing aluminum,may not provide adequate protection for your engine.
Therefore, use only a Honda RECOMMENDED antifreeze/coolant.
CHECK WITH YOUR AUTHORIZED HONDA DEALER.

For best corrosion protection, the mixture of coolant and water
must be maintained year-round at 50/50. Concentrations less than 50% coolant may not provide sufficient protection against
corrosion and freezing. Concentrations of greater than 60% coolant
will impair cooling efficiency and are not recommended. Low- mineral drinking water or distilled water should be mixed with the
antifreeze/coolant. Coolant loss should be replenished by a mixture
containing the proper concentration of antifreeze and water.Do not mix different antifreeze/coolants.
Do not use additional rust inhibitors or anti-rust products, as they
may not be compatible with the radiator coolant.
ENGINE DAMAGE CAUSED BY IMPROPER COOLANT USAGE IS

NOT COVERED BY THE NEW CAR WARRANTY.

Checking Coolant
Check the coolant level in the reserve tank when the engine is at
normal operating temperature.
Do not remove the radiator cap when the engine is hot; the
coolant is under pressure and could severely scald you.ProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t

RESERVE TANKIf the level is below the MAX
mark, but still visible, add a 50/50
solution of antifreeze and water
to bring it up to MAX. If there is no coolant in the re-
serve tank, the cooling system should be checked for leaks and
repaired if necessary. Coolant

must then be added to the radi-

ator.

CAUTION:

Radiator coolant will damage paint. Quickly rinse any spilled
coolant from painted surfaces.
Wait until the engine is cool, then turn the radiator cap counterclock- wise until it stops. DO NOT PRESS DOWN WHILE TURNING THECAP. After any remaining pressure has been relieved, remove the
cap by pressing down and again turning it counterclockwise. Add
enough coolant to fill the radiator, and reinstall the cap. Be sure to
tighten it securely. Fill the reserve tank up to the MAX mark with
the engine cold.

Maintenance
1. Check the freeze protection level of the coolant with a hydrome- ter.
2. Keep the front of the radiator free of dirt and debris.
3. Check hoses and hose clamps regularly.
Replacing Coolant Replace coolant at 36 months or 45,000 miles (72,000 km), which-
ever comes first. Thereafter, replace every 2 years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km), whichever comes first.

(cont'd)

MAX
MIN

RADIATOR COOLANT

REFILL CAPACITY:
(excluding reserve tank) 0.4 (0.11 US gal, 0.09 Imp gal)
Manual transmission 4.0 (1.06 US gal ,0.88 Imp gal)

4.1 (1.08 US gal,0.90 Imp gal)*

Automatic transmission 4.0 (1.06 US gal,0.88 Imp gal)*
4.5 (1.19 US gal,0.99 Imp gal)

* : DX Hatchback and DX/LX Sedan
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Cooling System (cont'd)
1. Set the heater temperature control dial to maximum heat.
2. Remove the radiator cap, splash shield and drain plug when the radiator is cool, and drain the radiator.
3. Remove the drain bolt from the front side of the cylinder block,and drain the engine and heater.
4. Apply non-hardening sealant to the drain bolt threads, then rein-stall the bolt and tighten it se-

curely.

5. Tighten the radiator drain plug se-
curely.

6. Mix the recommended antifreeze with an equal amount of low-mineral or distilled water and fill
the reservoir to maximum, as illustrated.
7. Loosen the air bleed bolt in the thermostat housing, then fill the radiator to the filler neck with the coolant mixture. Tighten the
bleed bolt as soon as coolant starts to run out in a steady stream

without bubbles.

8. With the radiator cap off, start the engine and let it run until warmed up (fan goes on at least twice). Then, if necessary, addmore coolant mix to bring the level back up to the filler neck.
9. Put the radiator cap on, then run the engine again and check for
leaks.
RADIATOR

CAP

BLEED BOLT

DRAIN BOLT
DRAIN PLUG
Fill to

here
FILLER
NECK
Fill to here

MAXProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t

Specifications(Hatchback)*1 Excluding the coolant in the reserve tank and that remaining in the en\
gine:

0.4 (0.11 US gal, 0.09 Imp gal)

*
2
Excluding the oil remaining in the engine but including that remaining \
in the oil filter.
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Specifications (Sedan)
*
1
Excluding the coolant in the reserve tank and that remaining in the eng\
ine:

0.4 (0.11 US gal, 0.09 Imp gal)

*
2
Excluding the oil remaining in the engine but including that remaining \
in the oil filter.
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Evaporative Emission Control System
The Evaporative Emission Control System is designed to prevent
fuel vapors from escaping into the atmosphere. Fuel vapors from the fuel tank are directed into the charcoal
canister where they are adsorbed and stored while the engine is stopped or idling. When the coolant temperature rises to a certain
value, the vapors are drawn into the engine through the throttlebody and the intake manifold during normal engine operation.
Engine Exhaust Emission Controls
The engine exhaust emission control systems are designed to control combustion during idle, acceleration, cruise, and deceleration.
These systems are entirely separate from the crankcase and evaporative emission control systems described previously.
HONDA PGM-FI System
The PGM-FI system consists of three independent sub-systems; Air Intake, Electronic Control and Fuel Control, thus allowing moreaccurate control of air/fuel ratios under all operating conditions.
The Electronic Control Unit (ECU) detects the amount of air
drawn into the cylinders and determines the amount of fuel to be injected to provide the optimum air/fuel ratio for all engine needs.
Ignition Timing Control System
This system automatically controls the ignition timing to reduce
the amount of HC and NOx.
Catalytic Converter
Three Way Catalyst
The catalyst is used to convert hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) in the exhaust gas,

to carbon dioxide (CO 2
), dinitrogen (N 2
) and water vapor.

Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) (California automatic models except EX Sedan)
The EGR system is designed to control the formation of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) caused when fuel mixture burns at high
temperature. It works by recirculating exhaust gas through the EGR valve and intake manifold into the combustion chambers
where it reduces peak temperature by diluting the air/fuel mixture.ProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t

Index

Battery
Charging System Warning Light.............................................. 30
Jump Starting ........................ 110
Maintenance............................. 89
Specification (Hatchback).... 116
Specification (Sedan)............ 119
Beeper System Fasten Seat Belt Beeper(Sedan).................................. 11

(Hatcback)............................ 15

Belts, Seat............. See "Seat Belts"
Body Repair.................................. 102
Brake Warning Light...................... 31 Brakes
Brake Failure Warning Light.... 31

Brake Fluid................................ 84

Brake System Design.............. 83
Brake Wear Indicators............. 84
Parking Brake........................... 42
Parking Brake Warning Light.. 31
Break-in Period................................. 2

Bulb
Replacement............................
92

Specification (Hatchback)....
117
Specification (Sedan)............

120
Buzzer........... See
"Beeper System"
Capacities (Hatchback)............... 115 Capacities (Sedan)....................... 118
Care and Cleaning.......................... 99
Catalytic Converter..................... 126 Certification Label....................... 121
Chains, Tires...................................

95
Check Engine
Warning Light......... 31
Child Proof Door Locks...................

5

Child Restraint
System................. 21
Cigarette Lighter............................ 44

Clock............................................... 42
Clutch Pedal Adjustment.............. 61
Compact Spare Tire.................... 104
Coolant Temperature Gauge ........

28
Cooling (with
A/C).........................

49

Cooling System..............................

80

Crankcase Emission Control
System................................... 124
Cruise Control Operation.................................. 39
Indicator.................................... 31

Defogger........................................ 34
Defroster........................................ 51

Doors
Child Proof Door Locks............. 5

Locks........................................... 3

Power Locks.............................. 4

Emergency
Changing a Flat Tire............... 105
Hazard Warning System ......... 37If Your Car Gets Stuck.......... 112
Jump Starting........................ 110

Shoulder Belt Buckle............. 113

Towing.................................... 111
Warning and Indicator Lights.. 29
Emission Controls........................ 124

Engine
Coolant...................................... 80

Coolant Temperature Gauge... 28
Exhaust Controls................... 125Identification Number............ 12

1
Oil and
Filter.............................. 76
OH Pressure Warning Light..... 30
Specification (Hatchback).... 116
Air Conditioner
Operation.................................. 47

Service...................................... 98

Air Filter.......................................... 86

Air Pressure, Tires......................... 94
Antifreeze.. See "Radiator Coolant" Anti-theft Steering Column Lock System ..................................... 57
Appearance Care........................ 100

Ashtrays......................................... 44

Automatic Seat Belt...................... 10

Automatic Transmission
Driving Technique.................... 66

Fluid........................................... 79

Operation.................................. 64

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