trunk HONDA CIVIC 1991 Owners Manual

Keys and Locks

Keys (Hatchback)

Your car is supplied with two identical keys that fit the ignition and
all locks. You should keep one of them in a safe place, away from the car, as a spare.

(Sedan)

Your car is supplied with a master key that fits the ignition and all locks, and a valet key that fits the ignition and doors but not the
trunk or trunk remote release.
The valet key is provided for times when you must leave the key
with a parking attendant or repair person, but still want to keep
valuables safely locked-up.
Write down the numbers stamped on your keys and keep the information in your wallet or purse in case you ever need to have
duplicates made. The keys are double edged, so you can insert them in the locks with either edge up.
Door Locks
(Hatchback)

You can lock the doors by pushing the tabs forward.

(Sedan)

You can lock the doors by pushing the tabs down.
The doors must be unlocked before you can open them. The passenger doors can be locked when open, and will stay locked
when you close them; the driver's door cannot be locked when open unless you hold the door handle open. The front doors can be
locked and unlocked from the outside with the key.

(cont'd)

Sedan

Hatchback

Unlock

Lock
Lock
Unlock
lock
UnlockProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t

Hatch/Trunk Lid Lock
(Hatchback)
To open the hatch from outside, put the ignition key in the lock and

turn clockwise.
The hatch can be opened by pulling up the lever at the left side of

the driver's seat.

(Sedan) The trunk can be opened by pulling up the lever at the left side of

the driver's seat.

To open the trunk lid from the outside, put the master key in thelock and turn clockwise. The trunk lid opener lever is lockable with
the master key.
Keep the hatch/trunk lid closed while driving, to keep poisonous
carbon monoxide exhaust fumes out of the interior; prolonged
exposure can cause unconsciousness that may lead to death.
Child Proof Door Locks (Sedan)
The child proof door locks are designed to prevent accidental open- ing of the rear doors. To activate the locks, push down the lock tabs
located on each door, then close the doors. When the doors are
locked in this way, they can only be opened from the outside. Open
Unlock
LOCK
TAB

Lock
MASTER KEY
Pull upProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t

Seats (cont'd)
Rear Seat (Hatchback)
If you need more luggage space,
the rear seat-back can be folded down. Pull the release on the topof the seat-back and fold the

seat-back down.

Trunk Access from Rear Seat (Sedan) The rear seat-back can be released by turning the lock on the rear
shelf with the master key and pulling down the top of the seat-back.
This allows you access to the trunk and makes it possible to carry long objects inside the car.
The rear seat-back can also be released from inside the trunk by pulling the release.

Passengers or pets must not sit on the folded portion of the rear

seat.
Make sure any luggage or cargo within the trunk, or extending
through the rear seat trunk access is secured.
Make sure the seat-back latches engage securely when the
seat-back is returned to its normal position.
When closing the rear seat trunk access, push the seat-back firmly into place, then pull on the top of the seat-back to make sure it is
secure.

CAUTION:

Make sure both rear shoulder belts are positioned in front of the
rear seat-backs whenever the seat-backs are in their upright
position.
MASTER KEY

Open

RELEASE

Pull

RELEASEProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t

Luggage Cover (DX/Si Hatchback)
You can reach the luggage compartment from either the outside or
inside of the vehicle. To open the front part of the cover, pull the
cover up. The rear part of the cover can be also opened merely by

lifting up on it.If you need more luggage height with the seat-back upright, fold therear section of the cover forward or slide the latches on both sides
to the rear and lift the cover out.

LATCH

Weight limits shown on the label located in the glove box must be observed. The total weight of passengers and cargo must
not exceed the total weight limit on the label.
(Except STD Hatchback) Do not store any items on the shelf behind the rear seat; theymay become dangerous projectiles in a collision.
(Hatchback only) Make sure the seat-back latches engage securely when theseat-back is returned to its normal position.
When transporting luggage or other cargo, do not pile it higher than the front seats. This precaution will help prevent such
items from becoming dangerous projectiles in an accident. Cargo weight should be distributed as far forward as possible
for better vehicle handling.
(Sedan only)
Store any luggage or cargo in the trunk. If you are carrying moreitems than will fit in the trunk, use the floor space between the
front and rear seats.ProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t

LX/EX Sedan

Si Hatchback

Check Engine Warning Light
This light comes on for a couple of seconds each time the ignition is
turned on. It will also come on, and remain on, if there is a malfunction in the emission control system. If the light comes on
while driving, avoid driving at high speed, and have the system
checked by a Honda dealer as soon as possible.
Parking Brake/Brake Failure Warning Light
Check the brake warning light every time you start the car.
With the parking brake set, the warning light should go on when the ignition switch is turned to II or III. With the parking brake released,
the light should go on when the ignition switch is turned to III. If the light goes on at any other time, it means the brake fluid level in themaster cylinder reservoir is too low; add fluid and have your dealer
check for leaks and brake pad wear immediately. (See page 84 )

(Hatchback) /
Seat Belt Reminder Light
The seat belt reminder light comes on when the ignition switch is

turned on (see pages 14 and 17 ).

Hatch/Trunk-open Indicator Light

This light will go on when you turn on the ignition switch if the hatch/trunk is not fully closed.
When the cruise control system is on, this indicator light is on (see
page 39 ).

If a door is open when the ignition is switched on, this light will go
on and stay on until the door is closed.
BRAKE

CRUISE

CONTROL

DOOR
Cruise Control Indicator Light (LX/EX Sedan)
Door Warning Light (Sedan)ProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t

Lights (cont'd)
Luggage Area Light (Except for STD Hatchback)
(Hatchback)

The luggage area light has a two-position switch. In the first position it is OFF all the time, in the second position it goes ON only when
the hatch or trunk lid is opened.

(Sedan)

The trunk compartment light goes on when the trunk lid is opened.

Hatchback

OFF
ONProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t

Engine Exhaust Gas Warning
A properly maintained car is your best protection against exhaust
gas entering the passenger compartment.
The exhaust system should be thoroughly inspected by a compe-

tent mechanic whenever:
The car is raised for oil change.You notice a change in the sound of the exhaust. The exhaust system or the rear or underside of the car is

damaged.
Avoid breathing exhaust gases. They contain carbon monoxide,
which is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause loss of con-
sciousness and eventual death. If you suspect that exhaust gas is entering the passenger compartment, have the cause deter-mined and corrected as soon as possible. If you must driveunder these conditions, drive only with all windows fully open. Do not drive with the hatch/trunk lid open. An open hatch/trunk
may draw exhaust gases into the passenger compartment. If
you must drive with the hatch/trunk open, drive only with all the
windows wide open. Do not run the engine in confined areas, such as garages, any
longer than necessary to move the car in or out.
If you must sit in a parked car with the engine running for more
than a short time, adjust the heating/ventilation system as
follows:
1.Set the function lever to the position.
2.Set the temperature control dial for best comfort. 3.Set the recirculation lever to the position.
4.Turn the fan to the highest speed.

NOTE:

To insure proper operation of the car's ventilation system, keep the

front air inlet clear of snow, mud, leaves or other obstructions.ProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t

Index (cont'd)

Specification (Sedan)............ 119
Engine Exhaust Gas Warning........ 60
Evaporative Emission Control
System.................................... 125

Exterior Care.................................. 99
Filters

Air.............................................. 86
Engine Oil.................................. 76

Fuel........................................... .86

Fluid..................................... See "Oil"
Foreign Countries, Operation in.... 55
Front Seat
Adjustment................................. 6

Fuel
Filler Door and Cap................... 55
Fitter..........................................86
Gasohol..................................... 54

Gasoline .................................... 54

Gauge........................................ 28

Requirement............................. 54

Fuse
Checking and Replacing .......... 91Specification (Hatchback).... 116
Specification (Sedan)............ 119

Hatch................................................. 5

Hatch/Trunk-open Indicator Light
...................................................31

Hazard Warning System............... 37

Headlights
Flasher...................................... 36
High Beam Indicator................. 29High Beam/Low Beam Switch ...............................................36

Switch...................................... 36

Headlight High Beam Indicator Light
...................................................29

Head Restraints................................ 7
Heating............................................. 50 High Beam
Indicator Light.......................... 29

Switch...................................... 36

Hood Latch..................................... 41
Identification Numbers................ 121
Ignition Keys............................................ 3

Switch....................................... 57

Indicator Lights.............................. 29
Inflation Pressures, Tire................ 94 Instrument Panel............................ 26
Instrument Panel Brightness Control ................................................... 37

Interior Light................................... 37

Interior Trim Care .......................... 99
Keys
Door Locks................................. 3
Hatch/Trunk Lid Lock................ 5

Ignition....................................... 57
Keys............................................ 3
Lap/Shoulder Belts .......................... See "Seat Belts"
Light Bulb Replacement.................... 92
Fuse Replacement................... 90
Operation.................................. 36
Warning and Indicator Lights.. 29
Locks
Anti-theft Steering Column Lock...............................................57
Child Proo f
Door Locks ............. 5

Doors........................................... 3

Fuel Filler Door.......................... 55 Hatch/Trunk Lid......................... 5
Power Doors.............................. 4
Luggage Area Light........................ 38
Luggage Cover................................. 9
Gasoline............................ See "Fuel"
Gas Station Information. back cover

Gauges............................................ 28

Glove Box....................................... 42 Jack.............................................. 106
Jump Starting.............................. 110ProCarManuals.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