low oil pressure HONDA CIVIC 1996 6.G Owner's Manual

A/C Service Tips and Precautions
The air conditioner system uses HFC-134a (R-134a) refrigerant and polyalkyleneglycol (PAG) refrigerant oil*, which are not
compatible with CFC-12 (R-12) refrigerant and mineral oil. Do not use R-12 refrigerant or mineral oil in this system, and do
not attempt to use R-12 servicing equipmenU damage to the air conditioner system or your servicing equipment will result.*Sanden SP-10:
. P/N 38897 - P13 - A0lAH: 120 ml 14ll.oz, 4.2lmp.oz)
. P/N 38899 - P13 - A0l | 40 mf 11 1/3ll.oz,1.4 lmp'oz)
Use only service equipment that is U.L. listed and is certified to meet the requirements of SAE J2210 to remove R 134a
from the air conditioner system.
CAUTION: Exposure to air conditioner ref;ige;ant and lubricant vapol or mist can irritate syes, nose and throat, Avoid
breathing the air conditioner refrigerant and lubricant vapor or misl.
lf accidental system discharge occurs, ventilate work area before resuming service.
R-'134a service equipment or vehicle air conditioner systems should not be pressure tested or leak tested with compressed
ai.
!@@ some mixtures of air and R-t3ila have been shown to be combustible at elevated pressures and can result
in tire or explosion causing iniury or property damage. Never use compressed air lo pressure tesl R-134a service equip-
ment or vehicle 8ir conditioner systoms.
Additional health and safety information may be obtained from the refrigerant and Iubricant manufacturers.
L Always disconnect the negative cable from the battery whenever replacing air conditioning pans.
2. Keep moisture and dust out of the system. When disconnecting any lines, plug or cap the fittings immediately; don't
remove the caps or plugs until just before you reconnect each line.
3. Before connecting any hose or line, apply a few drops of refrigerant oilto the O-ring.
4, When tightening o. loosening a fitting, use a second wrench to support the matching fitting.
5. When discharging the system, use a R-134a refrigerant recovery/recycling/charging station; don't release refrigerant
into the atmosphere,
6. Add refrigerant oil after replacing the following parts:
NOTE:
. To avoid contamination, do not return the oil to the container once dispensed, and never mix it with other refriger-
ant oils.
. lmmediately after using the oil, replace the cap on the container, and seal it to avoid moisture absorption.
. Do not spill the refrigerant oil on the vehicle; it may damage the paint; if the refrigerant oil contacts the paint, wash
it off immediately.
Condenser .......2o ml (2/3 fl.oz, 0.7 lmp.ozl
Evaporator .,.,.,. i[5 m{ 11 213 tl.oz,1,6lmp.ozl
Line or hose ..... 10 mf (1/3 fl.oz, 0.4 lmp.ozl
Receiver/Dryer 10 m{ (1/3 fl.oz,0.'l lmp.ozl
Leakage repair 25 m{ (5/6 fl.oz, 0.9 lmp.ozl
Comptessor ... For compressor replacement. subtract the volume of oil drained trom the
removed compressor from A, and drain the calculated volume of oilfrom the new
compressor: A - Volume of removed compressor: Volume to drain from new
comoressor.
A: SANDEN 130 mf l/t 113 ll.oz, 4.6 lmp'ozl; DENSO 140 mf {4 213 ll'oz, 1.9
lmp.oz),
NOTE: Even if no oil is drained from the removed compressor, don't drain more
than S0 m{ 112Ell.oz,1.8 lmp.oz) fromthe new compressor.
REMOVED NEW
COMPRESSORCOMPRESSOR
*DENSO ND-OlL 8l
. P/N 38897 - PR7 - A01AH: 120 ml (4 fl.oz)
. P/N 38899 PR7-A01:40mf (1 1/3fl'oz)
rereW W0000
22-22
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A/C System Service
Pressure Test Chart
NOTE: Performance Test is on page 22-24,
Test resultsRelated symptomsProbabl€ causeRemedy
Discharge (high)
pressure aDnor-
mally high
After stopping compressor. pres-
sure drops to about 200 kPa
{2.0 kgflcm,,28 psi) quickly, and
then falls gradually.
Air in systemRecover, evacuate, and
recharge with specified amount.
Evacuation: see page 22-45
Charging: see page 22-46
Reduced or no air flow through
condenser
. Clogged condenser fins. Condenser fan not work-
ing properly
Clean.
Check voltage and fan rpm.
Check fan direction.
Line to condenser is excessively
hot.
Restricted flow of refriger-
ant in system
Restricted lines
Discharge pres-
sure abnormally
High and low pressures are bal-
anced soon after stopping compres-
sor, Low side is higher than normal.
. Faulty compressor dis-
charge valve. Faulty compressor seal
Replace the compressor.
Outlet of expansion valve is not
frosted, low pressure gauge indi-
cales vacuum.
. Faulty expansion valve. Moisture in system
. Replace,. Recover, evacuate, and
recharge with specified
amount.
Suction (low)
pressure abnor-
mally low
Expansion valve is not frosted, and
low oressure line is not cold. Low
pressure gauge indicates vacuum.
. Frozen expansion valve. Faulty expansion valve
ReDlace the exoansion valve.
Discharge temperature is low. and
the air flow from vents is restricted.
Frozen evaporatorRun the fan with compressor
off. then check A,/C thermostat.
Exoansion valve is frosted.Clogged expansion valveClean or replace.
Receiver/dryer outlet is cool, and
inlet is warm (should be warm
during operation).
Clogged receiver/dryerReplace.
Suction pres-
sure abnormally
hig h
Low pressure hose and check
joint are cooler than the tempera-
ture around evaporator.
. Expansion valve open too
long. Loose expansion capillary
tube
Repair or replace.
Suction oressure is lowered when
condenser is cooled bv water.
Excessive refrigerant in sys-
tem
Recover. evacuate, and
recharge with specified amount.
High and low pressure are equal-
ized as soon as the compressor is
stopped, and both gauges fluctu-
ate while running.
Faulty gasket
Faulty high pressure valve
Foreign particle stuck in
high pressure valve
Replace the compressor.
Suction and dis-
charge pres-
sures abnormally
h igh
Reduced air flow through con-
denser.
. Clogged condenser fins. Condenser fan not work-
ing properly
Clean condenser.
Check voltage and fan rpm.
Check fan direction.
Suction and dis-
charge pressure
abnormally low
Low pressure hose and metal end
areas are cooler than evaporator.
Clogged or kinked low pres-
sure hose parts
Repair or replace.
Temperature around expansion
valve is too low compared with
that around receiver/dryer.
Clogged high pressure lineRepair or replace.
Refrigerant leaksCompressor clutch is diny,Compressor shaft seal leakingReplace the compressor.
Compressor bolt{s) are diny.Leaking around bolt(s)Tighten bolt(s) or replace com-
pressor.
Compressor gasket is wet with oil.Gasket leakingReplace the compressor.
22-26

Recovery
Use only service equipment that is U.L.-listed and is cer-
tified to meet the requirements of SAE J2210 to remove
HFC-134a (R-134a) from the air conditioner system
CAUTION: Exposure to air conditioner relrigerant and
lubricant vapor or mist can illitate eyes, noss and
throat. Avoid breathing the ail conditioner refrigerant
and lubricant vapor or mist.
lf accidental system discharge occurs, ventilate work
area before resuming service.
R-134a service equipment or vehicle air conditioner sys-
tems should not be pressure tested or leak tested with
compressed air.
!@@ some mixtures ot air and R'13'[a havo been
strown to be combustiblg at elevated pressures and Gan
resuh in fire or explosion causing iniury or property dam-
age, Never use compressed air to pressure test R-134a
service equipment or vehicle air conditioner systems.
Additional health and safetv information may be obtained
from the refrigerant and lubricant manufacturers.
1, Connect a R-'134a refrigerant recove rylrecycling/
charging station to the vehicle, as shown. tollowing
the equipment manufacturer's instluctions.
2. Measure the amount of refrigerant oil removed from
the A/C svstem after the recovery process is com-
pleted.
NOTE: Be sure to install the same amount of new
refrigerant oil back into the Iy'C system before charg-
tno.
R€covery/Recyclin g/Cha19ing Station
22-27

Compressor (DENSOI
Clutch Inspection
Check the plated parts of the pressure plate for colo.changes, peeling or other damage. lf there is dam-age, replace the clutch set.
Check the pulley bearing play and drag by rotatingthe pulley by hand, Replace the clutch set with a newone if it is noisy or has excessive play/drag.
Measure the clearance between the pullev and thepressure plate all the way around. lf the clearance isnot within specified limits, the pressure plate must beremoved and shim(s) added or removed as required,
following the procedure on page 22-41.
Clearanca:0.5 t 0.15 mm {0.020 r 0.006 in}
NOTE: The shims are availabte in three thicknesses:0.1 mm,0.3 mm and 0.5 mm.
22-40
. Check resistance of the field coil. lf resistance is notwithin specifications, replace the field coil.
Fiald Coil Resistanc€: 3.it to 3.8 O at 20.C l68.Fl

A/C System Service
Charging
Use only service equipment that is U.L.-listed and is cer-
tified to meet the requirements of SAE J2210 to remove
HFC-134a (R-134a) from the air conditioner system.
CAUTION: Exposure to air conditioner refrigerant and
lubricant vapor or mist can irritale eyes, nose and
throat. Avoid breathing the air conditioner retrigerant
and lubricant vaoor or mist,
lf accidental system discharge occurs, ventilate workarea before resuming service, Additional health and
safety information may be obtained from the refrigerant
and lubricant manufacturers.
Refrigerant capacityt 600 - 650 g 121.1 - 22.9 ozl
CAUnON: Do not overcharg€ the system; the comprcssor
will be damaged.
Connect a R-134a refrigerant recovery/recycling/charging
station to the vehicle, as shown, following the equipment
manufacturer's instructions.
Recovery/Recycling/Charging Station
22-46
Leak Test
Use only service equipment that is U.L,-listed and is cer-
tified to meet the requirements of SAE J2210 to remove
HFC-134a (R-134a) from the air conditioner system.
CAUTION: Exposure io air conditioner refrigerant and
lubricant vapot or mist can itritats eyes, no36 and thtoat.
Avoid breathing the air conditioner refrigeranl and lubri-
cant vapor or mist,
lf accidental system discharge occurs, ventilate workarea betore resuming service.
R-134a service equipment or vehicle air conditioner sys-
tems should not be pressure tested or leak tested with
comoressed air.
@ some mixtures of air and R-134a have
been shown to be combugtibls at elevatgd prossures
and can result in tire or explosion causing iniuly orplopgrty damage. Nev€r usc compre33od air to pressure
test R-13'la servica oquipment or yohiclo air conditionor
systems.
Additional health and safety information may be obtained
from the refrigerant and lubricant manufacturers.
1. Connect a R-134a refrigerant recove rylrecycling/
charging station to the vehicle, as shown in the pre-
vious column, following the equipment manufactur-
er's instructions.
NOTE; Be sure to install the same amount of new
refrigerant oil back into the A,/C system before charg-In9.
Open the high-pressure valve to charge the system
to the specified capacity, then close the supply
valve, and remove the charging system couplers.
Rofrigerant capacity: 600 - 650 g (21.1 - 22.9 oz)
Check the system for leaks using a R-134a refriger-
ant leak detector with an accuracy of 14 9 10.5 ozlper yea. or better.
lf you find leaks that require the system to be opened(to repair or replace hoses. fittings. etc.), recover the
system according to the Recovery Procedure on page
22-27.
After checking and repairing leaks. the system must
be evacuated (see System Evacuation on page 22-451.

Gauge Assembly
Bulb Locations (With Tachometer)
GAUGE LIGHT II.' WI
SEAT BELTREMINDER LIGHT I1.4 WI
LOW FUELLIGHT 13 W)
RIGHT TURN SIGNALINDICATOR LIGHT I1.4 WI
A/T GEARGAUGE LIGHTS 13 W)
CI{ARGING SYSTEM LIGHT (1.,1W)
GAUGE I-IGHT {1,4 WI
LOW ENGINE OIL PRESSUREINDICATOR LIGHT (1,' W}
HIGH EEAMINDICATOR LIGHT(1.4 W)
GAUGE LIGHT l3.il Wl
MALFUNCTIONINDICATORLAMP {MIL}BULE (1.{ Wl
WASHER I.'C VELINDICATOR LIGHT{1.4 Wl (Canada)
LEFT TURN SIGNALINDICATOR LIGHT {1.4 WI
sRsTOB (1.4 Wl
{On the printed circuit board)INDICATOR (1.12 x 6l(On the printed
circuit board)
ABS |ND|CATOR (1.. Wl{On the printed circuit board)CRUISE or SHIFT-UP INDICATOR 11.12 11.{On the orinted circuit board)
23-136

Contents
How to Use This Manual ICircuit Schematics (see Circuit Index)Fuse/Relaylnformation 6Ground-to-Componentslndex 6-6ComponentLocationPhotooraohs 201Conriector Views 202
Circuit Index
Accessory power socket 155Air conditionerAir delivery'96198 models 61'99-'00 models 61-2Blower controls'96198 models 60'99100 models 60-1Compressor controls 62Fans 63Anti-lock brake system (ABS) 44A/T gear position indicatorCVT 89All except CVT 89-1Automatic transmission controlsAll '96-'98 models except CVT and GX 39All '99100 models except CVT 39-8All GX models 39-8'96-'98 CVT 39-4'99100 cw 39-12Back-up lightsCoupe and Sedan 110Hatchback l'10-1Brake lightsAll Coupes and'96-'98 Sedans 110-15'99-'00 Sedans 110-16Hatchback 110-17Brake system indicator light'96198 models 7'1'99100 models 71-1Ceiling light 114-3Charging system 22Condenser fan 63Console lights 114Cruise control 34Dash lights 114Daytime running lights 110- 13Engine coolant temperature gauge 81-1Fog lights 110-10Front parking lights 110-2Fuel gauge 81-1Fuse/relay boxUnder-dash 6Under-hood 6-4Underhood ABS 6-3Gauges 81Ground distribution 14Ground-to-Componentslndex 6-6Hazard warning lightsAll except '99100 Sedans 110-6'99100 Sedans 110-8Headlights 110-12Headlight switch 100Heater - See Air ConditionerHorn'96197 models 40'98 model 40-1'99100 models 40-2lgnition key reminder 73lgnition systemAll '96198 models except Dl685 20All '99100 models except D16Y5 with Mn 2O-2All D1685 engines 20-2'99-'00 D 16Y5 with M/T 20
lndicators 80Integrated control unit 70lnterlock systemAll except'96J98 CVT 138'96198CVT 138-1License plate lightsAll Coupes and '96-'98 Sedans I l0-3'99100 Sedans 1 10-4Hatchback 110-5Low fuel indicator light 74Moonrool'96197 models |22'98-'00 models 122-1Odometer 81Oil pressure indicator light 80-3Power distributionBattery to ignition switch, fuses, and relaysFuses to relays and components 10-2Power door locksAll models without keyless entry 130'96-'98 models with keyless entry 130-2'99100 models with keyless entry 130-12Power mirrorsWithout detogger 141With defogger '141-2
Power windows 120Programmed fuel injection system (PGNr-Fl)All '96-98 models except D1685 23All '99-'00 models except D16Y5with M/T and D1685 24All D1685 engines 25'99100 D16Y5 with M/T 23Radiator fan 63Rear window defogger'96-,98 models 64'99100 models 64-1Seat belt reminder 73Security system'96.'98 USA HX, LX, EX 133'96-'98 Canada EX, Si 133'99TOO USA HX, LX, EX, DX.V Si 133-4'99100 Canada EX, Si 133-4All CX and DX models 133-8Speedometer 81Starting systemA./T (All except Dl685) 21A"/r (D16Bs) 21-1Manualtransmission 21-2Slereo sound system 150Supplemental rastraint system (SRS) 47Tachometer 81TailliqhtsAllboupes and'96-'98 Sedans 110-3'99100 Sedans 1 10-4Hatchback 110-5Trunk light 114-3Turn signal lightsAll except'99100 Sedans 110-6'99-'00 Sedans 1 10-8Vehicle speed sensor (VSS) 33Wiper/washerFront 91Rear 92
10

- How the Circuit Works
Battery voltage is supplied through tuse 56 to the
A,/C compressor clutch r€lay contacts at all times.
With the ignition switch in ON (ll), vollage is applied
to the coil of the A,/C compressor clutch relay
through fuse 17. When you push the A,/C switch
ON, and the heater fan switch is in position | , 2, 3,
or 4, a "ground" input is provided to the engine
control module (ECM) or powertrain control module
(PCM) through the l'lC thermostat and the l'lC
pressure switch.
The A,/C compressor clutch relay is grounded by the
engine control module (ECM) or powertrain control
module (PCM). When energized, the A'lC
compressor clutch relay allows battery voltage to
turn on the A,/C comDressor clutch.
The A,/C ON indicator light comes on when the A,/C
system is requested.
A,/C Thermostat
The A'lC thermostat is located on the evaoorator
housing. The A,/C thermostat turns off the A,/C
compressor clutch if the temperature at the
evaporator goes below 3'C (37'F). This prevents
condensation from freezing on the evaporator fins
and blocking the air delivery into the passenger
compartment. The blower motor will keep running
when the sensor turns off the comDressor.
A,/C Pressure Switch
The fuC oressure switch is located in the condenser
outlet line where refrigerant is in a high
temperature/high pressure liquid state. The switch
will sense abnormally high or low pressure, and
open the circuit. This removes ground, and the
compressor will stop running.
Thermal Protectot
The thermal protector, located on the A,/C
compressor, opens and turns the compressor off if it
senses high temperature. Once the compressor
cools, the switch will close and the compressor will
begin running again.
Refer to the Service Manual (Section 22,
Air Conditioning) for specific tests or
troubleshooting procedures.
62-3

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Gauges (cont'd)
- How the Gircuit Works
When the ignition switch is in ON (ll) or START (lll),
battery voltage is supplied through fuse 25 to the
gauges in the gauge assembly.
Speedometer and Odometer
The odometer and soeedometer drive circuits
receive pulses from the vehicle speed sensor
(VSS). The pulse rate increases as the car
accelerates. The frequency and duration of these
input pulses are measured and displayed by the
speedometer, odometer and tripmeter.
Tachometer
The tachometer drive circuit receives pulses from
the ignition control module (lCM) in the distributor
assembly or the ECM/PCM. The solid-state
lachometer then displays these pulses as engine
speed. For each 200 pulses per minute from the
ignition control modul€ (lCM) or the ECM/PCM, the
tachometer displays 100 RPM.
Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge
The engine coolant temperature gauge has two
intersecting coils wound around a permanent
magnet rotor. Voltage applied to the coils, through
fuse 25, generates a magnetic lield. The magnetic
field, controlled by the coolant temperature sending
unit, causes the rotor to rotate and the gauge
needle to move. As the resistance in the sending
unit varies, current through the gauge coils
changes. The gauge needle moves toward the coil
with the strongest magnetic field.
The 6ngine coolant temperature sending unit's
resistance varies from about 137 ohms at low
engine temperature to between 3H6 ohms at high
temperature (radiator fan running).
Refer to the Service Manual (Section 23, Electrical)
for specific tests or troubleshooting procedures.
81-2
(
Fuel Gauge (All except cX)
The fuel gauge has two intersecting coils wound
around a permanent magnet rotor. Voltage applied
to the coils, through tuse 25, generates a magnetic
field. The magnetic field, controlled by the fuel
gauge sending unit, causes the rotor to rotate and
the gauge needle to move. As the resislance in the
sending unit varies, current through the gauge coils
changes. The gauge needle moves toward the coil
with the strongest magnetic field.
The fuel gauge sending unit's resistance varies
from about 2-5 ohms at full, to about 110 ohms at
empty. When you turn the ignition switch off, the
gauge remains at the last reading until you turn the
ignition switch to ON (ll) or START (lll) again,
Refer to the Service Manual (Section 23, Electrical)
for specific tests or troubleshooting procedures.
Fuel Gauge (GX)
The fuel gauge has two intersecting coils wound
around a permanent magnet rotor. Voltage applied
to the coils, through fuse 25, generates a magnetic
field. The magnetic field, controlled by the PCM,
causes the rotor to rotate and the gauge needle to
move. The PCM calculates the gas quantity in the
fuel tank by using the fuel pressure value detected
by the tuel tank pressure sensor and the fuel
temperature value detected by the fuel tank
temperalure sensor, and outputs the signal to the
gauge assembly. The gauge needle moves toward
the coil with the strongest magnetic field.
When you turn the ignition switch off , the gauge
remains at the last reading until you turn the ignition
switch to ON (ll) or START (lll) again. When the
PCM detects a malfunction with the fuel pressure or
temperature, or detects a gas leak, the PCM
reduces the fuel meter to 0.
Refer to the Service Manual GX Supplement
(Section 11 , Fuel and Emissions) for specific tests
or troubleshooting procedures.
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