spark HONDA CIVIC 1991 Owners Manual

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

Spark Plugs
Spark plugs should be replaced every 24 months or 30,000 miles (48,000 km), whichever comes first.

Recommended spark plugs:

CAUTION:
Never use spark plugs with an improper heat range; they will adversely affect engine performance and durability.
Spark Plug Replacement
Replace plugs one at a time, so you don't get the wires mixed up.1. Clean any dirt from around the spark plug base.
2. Disconnect the plug cap, then remove and discard the old plug.
3. Check the gap of the new spark plug before installation.
Plug gap should be:
1.1 mm (0.04 in)
4. Thread the new spark plug in by hand to prevent cross-threading. 5. After the plug seats against the cylinder head, tighten 1/2 turn with a spark plug wrench to compress the washer.
6. Reinstall the spark plug cap.
CAUTION:
The spark plugs must be securely tightened, but not overtightened. A plug that's too loose can get very hot and possibly damage the
engine; one that's too tight could damage the threads in the
cylinder head. PLUG CAPProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t

Battery

The condition of the battery can be determined by checking the
test indicator. Service as required according to the label on the
battery.

Any corrosion around the positive and negative terminals should be washed off with a solution of baking soda and warm water. Dry the
terminals and then coat them with grease.

TERMINAL
UPPER
LOWER
TEST INDICATOR

TERMINAL

The battery gives off explosive gases; keep sparks, flames and cigarettes away. Provide adequate ventilation when charging orusing the battery in an enclosed space.
The battery contains surfuric acid (electrolyte). Contact with skin or eyes may cause severe burns. Wear protective clothing
and a face shield.
— If electrolyte gets on your skin, flush with water.—If electrolyte gets in your eyes, flush with water for at least 15 minutes and call a physician immediately.
Electrolyte is poisonous. — If swallowed, drink large quantities of water or milk and follow with milk of magnesia or vegetable oil and get immediate
medical assistance.
KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.ProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t

Catalytic Converter

A catalytic converter is installed in the exhaust system to help
clean-up the harmful exhaust gases that can cause air pollution.
To be effective, the converter must work at high temperature, so don't park your car over dry grass, leaves or anything else that

could burn easily.

To stay effective, the converter must not be contaminated by

leaded gasoline; use only unleaded gas as explained on page 54.

CAUTION:
The converter can be overheated and damaged if it's fed too much
unburned fuel mixture from the engine, so:
— Don't push or tow the car to start it; if the battery is dead, jump start the car as shown on page 110.
— Don't turn the key off while the engine is running above idle
speed.

— Don't change the ignition timing, or remove any emission control
parts.

— Use only the spark plugs specified in this manual. — Don't keep driving your car if it isn't running properly, or if its CHARGE warning light comes on; have it checked by your
Honda dealer.
CATALYTIC CONVERTERProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t

Maintenance
Non-Scheduled MaintenanceRecord................................... 72
Scheduled Maintenance Record................................... 71

Schedule................................... 68

Severe Driving Conditions...... 72
Manual Transmission Clutch Pedal Adjustment........ 61
Maximum Allowable Speeds.. 63
Oil...............................................
78

Recommended Shift
Speeds.. 62

Shifting......................................

61

Meters, Gauges..........
See "Gauges"
Mirrors Power Mirrors.......................... 35

Rearview Mirrors..................... 35

Octane Rating, Gasoline. See "Fuel"
Odometer........................................ 28
Oil
Engine Oil.................................. 75

Fluid Locations......................... 74
Oil Pressure Warning Light..... 30
Power Steering Fluid................ 85
Transmission Oil/Fluid.............. 78
Operation In Foreign Countries..... 55
Panel Brightness Control............... 37
Parking Brake................................. 42
Passive Belt.................................... 10
PGM-FI
System.................................... 125
Power Door Locks................................. 4
Mirrors...................................... 35
Steering..................................... 85

Windows.................................. 43

Pregnant Women........................... 25
Pressures, Tire Inflation................ 94
Preventive Service...................... 102 Radiator Coolant............................ 80

Rear Seat.......................................... 8

Rearview Mirrors........................... 35
Rear Window Defogger................ 34Rear Window Wiper...................... 34Reminder Lights .................. See "Warning Lights"
Replacement
Air Filter.................................... 86

Bulb............................................ 92
Engine Oil.................................. 76

Fuel Filter.................................. 86

Fuse...........................................90
Oil Filter..................................... 76
Radiator Coolant...................... 82
Spark Plugs............................... 87

Tire............................................ 94
Wiper Blades............................. 88
Rust Prevention........................... 101
Safety Defects, Reporting.......... 128

Safety Items................................... 59

Seats
Adjustment................................. 6
Head Restraints.......................... 7
Seat Belt Reminder Light
and Beeper (Sedan).................. 14

Seat Belt Reminder Light and Beeper (Hatchback).......... 17
Seat Belts Anchor Points (Hatchback)..... 22
Anchor Points (Sedan)............ 24

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

Buckling the Front Seat Belts (Sedan)............... 11
Buckling the Front Seat Belts (Hatchback)....... 15
Buckling the Rear Seat Belts .. 19
Child Restraint.......................... 21
Cleaning..................................... 25

Fasten Seat Belt Reminder Light and Beeper (Sedan).............. 14
Fasten Seat Belt Reminder Light and Beeper (Hatchback)...... 17

(cont'd)

Numbers, Identification............... 121ProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t

Index (cont'd)

Inspection................................. 25

Passive Belt.............................. 10
Pregnant Women..................... 25
Rear Center Seat Belt.............. 20
Replacement............................. 25 Shoulder Belt Buckle............. 113

Seats
Front Seat................................... 6
Head Restraints.......................... 7

Rear Seat.................................... 8

Shifting
Automatic................................ 64

Manual....................................... 61

Spare Tire Changing a Flat Tire............... 106
COMPACT Spara Tire........... 104
Spark Plugs Replacement............................. 87
Specifications (Hatchback) ..116Specifications (Sedan).......... 119
Speedometer.................................. 28
Starting the Engine......................... 58
Steering Anti-theft Column Lock .......... 57Power Steering......................... 85

Tilt Steering.............................. 32

Stuck Car..................................... 112

Sunroof........................................... 52
If the Sunroof Won't Close..... 53
Maintenance............................. 53
Operation.................................. 52

Sunshade.................................. 52

Tachometer.................................... 28
Temperature Gauge, Coolant....... 28 Tilt Steering.................................... 32
Tire Air Pressure............................. 94
Balancing................................... 97

Chains....................................... 95

Changing a Flat Tire............... 106COMPACT Spare.................. 104
DOT Tire Quality Grades....... 122
Inflation Pressures................... 94 Requirement............................. 96
Rotation.................................... 97
Snow Tire................................. 95
Spare Tire............................... 104
Specification (Hatchback).... 116 Specification (Sedan)............ 119
Tools............................................. 105
Towing.......................................... 111

Transmission
Capacity.................................... 79
Identification Number............ 121

Oil/Fluid..................................... 78

Shifting the Automatic............ 64

Shifting the Manual.................. 61
Transmission............................ 78
Treadwear.................................... 122

Trip Meter....................................... 28
Trunk Access From Rear Seat....... 8

Trunk Lid........................................... 5

Turn Signals.................................... 36
Warning Lights............................... 29
Warranty Service........................ 127Washer Rear Window Washer............. 34Reservoir Capacity.................. 33
Windshield Washer.................. 33
Washing........................................ 100

Waxing......................................... 101

Windows
Appearance Care................... 100
Power Windows...................... 43

Windshield Defogger..................... 51 Windshield Washer....................... 33
Windshield Wipers........................ 33
Wiper Blades ..................................
88
Wipers Rear Windo
w Wiper................ 34
Windshield Wipers................... 33
Vehicle Identification Number.... 121
Ventilation...................................... 45ProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t