check engine HONDA CIVIC 2011 8.G Owner's Guide

If Honda MTF is not available, you
may use an SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40
viscosity motor oil with the API
Certif ication Seal that says ‘‘FOR
GASOLINE ENGINES’’ as a
temporary replacement. However,
motor oil does not contain the proper
additives, and continued use can
cause stif f er shif ting. Replace as
soon as it is convenient.
Check the f luid level with the
transmission at normal operating
temperature and the vehicle sitting
on level ground. Remove the
transmission f iller bolt, and caref ully
f eel inside the bolt hole with your
f inger. The f luid level should be up
to the edge of the bolt hole. If it is
not, add Honda Manual
Transmission Fluid (MTF) until it
starts to run out of the hole. Reinstall
the f iller bolt, and tighten it securely.
If you are not sure how to add f luid,
contact your dealer. Insert the dipstick all the way back
into the transmission securely as
shown in the illustration.
The transmission should be drained
and ref illed with new f luid according
to the Maintenance Minder (see
page ).
6.
281
CONT INUED
T ransmission Fluid
Manual Transmission
Maint enance
299
Correct Level Correct Level
Except Si
Si
FILLER BOLT
FILLER BOLT
TM
Use only Honda ATF DW-1 (automatic
transmission f luid). Do not mix with
other transmission f luids.
Using transmission f luid other than
Honda ATF DW-1 may cause
deterioration in transmission operation
and durability, and could result in
damage to the transmission.
Damage resulting f rom the use of
transmission f luid other than Honda
ATF DW-1 is not covered by the Honda
new vehicle warranty.
Main Menu

Manual Transmission only All models except Si and Canadian DX-Gwith manual transmission
The f luid level should be between
theMINandMAXmarksontheside
of the reservoir. If it is not, add
brake f luid to bring it up to that level.
Use the same fluid specified for the
brake system.
A low f luid level can indicate a leak
in the clutch system. Have this
system inspected as soon as possible. Pour the f luid slowly and caref ully so
you do not spill any. Clean up any
spill immediately; it could damage
components in the engine
compartment.
Always use Honda Power Steering
Fluid. You may use another power
steering f luid as an emergency
replacement, but have the power
steering system f lushed and ref illed
with Honda PSF as soon as possible.
A low power steering f luid level can
indicate a leak in the system. Check
the f luid level f requently, and have
the system inspected as soon as
possible.
Check the level on the side of the
reservoir when the engine is cold.
The f luid should be between the
UPPER LEVEL and LOWER LEVEL.
If not add power steering f luid to the
UPPER LEVEL mark.
Brake and Clutch Fluid, Power Steering Fluid
Power Steering Fluid
Clutch Fluid
Maint enance
301
LOWER LEVEL
UPPER LEVEL
MAX
MIN
T urning the steering wheel to f ull lef t
or right lock and holding it there can
damage the power steering pump.
Main Menu

Diagnosing why the engine won’t
start f alls into two areas, depending
on what you hear when you turn the
ignition switch to the START (III)
position:You hear nothing, or almost
nothing. The engine’s starter
motor does not operate at all, or
operates very slowly.
You can hear the starter motor
operating normally, or the starter
motor sounds like it is spinning
f aster than normal, but the engine
does not start up and run. When you turn the ignition switch to
the START (III) position, you do not
hear the normal noise of the engine
trying to start. You may hear a
clicking sound, a series of clicks, or
nothing at all.
Check these things:
Check the transmission interlock.
If you have a manual transmission,
the clutch pedal must be pushed
all the way to the f loor or the
starter will not operate. With an
automatic transmission, it must be
in Park or neutral. Turn the ignition switch to the ON
(II) position. Turn on the
headlights, and check their
brightness. If the headlights are
very dim or do not come on at all,
the battery is discharged. See
on page .
Turn the ignition switch to the
START (III) position. If the
headlights do not dim, check the
condition of the f uses. If the f uses
areOK,thereisprobably
something wrong with the
electrical circuit f or the ignition
switch or starter motor. You will
need a qualif ied technician to
determine the problem. See on page .336
349
Nothing Happens or the Starter
Motor Operates Very Slowly
Jump Starting
Emergency T owing
If theEngineWon’tStart
334
Main Menu

If youfindnothingwrong,youwill
need a qualif ied technician to f ind
the problem. Seeon page .
Do you have f uel? Check the f uel
gauge; the low f uel indicator may
not be working.
There may be an electrical
problem, such as no power to the
f uel pump. Check all the f uses
(see page ).
Are you using a properly coded
key? An improperly coded key will
cause the immobilizer system
indicator in the instrument panel
to blink rapidly (see page ).
Are you using the proper starting
procedure? Ref er to
on page .
In this case, the starter motor’s
speed sounds normal, or even f aster
than normal, when you turn the
ignition switch to the START (III)
position, but the engine does not run.
If the headlights dim noticeably or
go out when you try to start the
engine, either the battery is
discharged or the connections are
corroded. Check the condition of
the battery and terminal connec-
tions (see page ). You can
then try jump starting the vehicle
f rom a booster battery (see page
).
79
322
256
336
343
349Emergency
Towing
Starting the
Engine
T he Starter Operates Normally
If theEngineWon’tStart
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
335
Main Menu

µ
´
´ Start the vehicle. If the starter
motor still operates slowly, check
that the jumper cables have good
metal-to-metal contact.
Connect the second jumper cable
to the negative ( ) terminal on
the booster battery. Connect the
other end to the grounding strap
as shown. Do not connect this
jumper cable to any other part of
the engine.
If the booster battery is in another
vehicle, have an assistant start
that vehicle and run it at a fast idle.
Connect one jumper cable to the
positive ( ) terminal on your
battery. Connect the other end to
the positive ( ) terminal on the
booster battery.
6.
4. 5.
3.
CONT INUED
Jump Starting
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
337
Si
Except SiSi
BOOSTER BATTERY
Main Menu

Put the radiator cap back on
tightly. Run the engine, and check
the temperature gauge. If it goes
back to the red mark, the engine
needs repair (seeon page ).
If you do not see steam or spray,
leave the engine running and
watch the temperature gauge. If
the high heat is due to overloading,
the engine should start to cool
down almost immediately. If it
does, wait until the temperature
gauge comes down to the midpoint,
then continue driving.
If the temperature gauge stays at
the red mark, turn of f the engine.
If you don’t f ind an obvious leak,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank (see page
). Add coolant if the level is
below the MIN mark. Start the engine, and set the
temperature control dial to
maximum heat. Add coolant to the
radiator up to the base of the f iller
neck. If you do not have the
proper coolant mixture available,
you can add plain water.
Remember to have the cooling
system drained and ref illed with
the proper mixture as soon as you
can.
If the temperature stays normal,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. If it has
gone down, add coolant to the
MAX mark. Put the cap back on
tightly.
Using gloves or a large heavy
cloth, turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without pushing
down, to the f irst stop. Af ter the
pressure releases, push down on
the cap, and turn it until it comes
off.
If there was no coolant in the
reserve tank, you may need to add
coolant to the radiator. Let the
engine cool down until the reading
reaches the middle of the
temperature gauge or lower
bef ore checking the radiator.
Look f or any obvious coolant leaks,
such as a split radiator hose.
Everything is still extremely hot,
so use caution. If you f ind a leak, it
must be repaired bef ore you
continue driving (see on page ). 7. 8. 9.
3. 4. 5. 6. 10. 11.
243 349
349
Emergency
Towing
Emergency
Towing
If theEngineOverheats
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
339
Removing the radiator cap
while the engine is hot can
cause the coolant to spray out,
seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and
radiator cool down before
removing the radiator cap.
Main Menu

Let the vehicle sit f or a minute.
Open the hood, and check the oil
level (see page ). An engine
very low on oil can lose pressure
during cornering and other driving
maneuvers.
If necessary, add oil to bring the
level back to the full mark on the
dipstick (see page ).
Start the engine, and watch the oil
pressure indicator. If it does not go
out within 10 seconds, turn of f the
engine. There is a mechanical
problem that needs to be repaired
bef ore you can continue driving
(see on page).
Saf ely pull of f the road, and shut
of f the engine. Turn on the hazard
warning lights.
This indicator should never come on
when the engine is running. If it
starts flashing or stays on, the oil
pressure has dropped very low or
lost pressure. Serious engine
damage is possible, and you should
take immediate action. If the charging system indicator
comes on brightly when the engine
is running, the battery is not being
charged.
Immediately turn of f all electrical
accessories. Try not to use other
electrically operated controls such as
the power windows. Keep the engine
running; starting the engine will
discharge the battery rapidly.
Go to a service station or garage
where you can get technical
assistance.
1. 2. 3. 4.
241
290
349 Emergency T owing
L ow Oil Pressure
Indicator
Charging System
Indicator
L ow Oil Pressure Indicator, Charging System Indicator
340
Running the engine with low oil
pressure can cause serious mechanical
damage almost immediately. Turn of f
the engine as soon as you can saf ely get
the vehicle stopped.
Main Menu

If the indicator comes on repeatedly,
even though it may turn of f as you
continue driving, have your vehicle
checked by the dealer as soon as
possible.
Your vehicle has certain ‘‘readiness
codes’’ that are part of the on-board
diagnostics f or the emissions
systems. In some states, part of the
emissions testing is to make sure
these codes are set. If they are not
set, the test cannot be completed.
If this indicator comes on
while driving, it means one
of the engine’s emissions control
systems may have a problem. Even
though you may f eel no dif f erence in
your vehicle’s perf ormance, it can
reduce your f uel economy and cause
increased emissions. Continued
operation may cause serious damage. If your vehicle’s battery has been
disconnected or gone dead, these
codes are erased. It can take several
days of driving under various
conditions to set the codes again.
If you have recently ref ueled your
vehicle, the indicator coming on
could be due to a loose or missing
f uel f ill cap. You will also see a
‘‘CHECK FUEL CAP’’ message on
the inf ormation display. Tighten the
cap until it clicks at least once.
Tightening the cap will not turn the
indicator of f immediately; it can take
several days of normal driving. To check if they are set, turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position, without starting the engine.
The malf unction indicator lamp will
come on f or 20 seconds. If it then
goes of f , the readiness codes are set.
If it blinks f ive times, the readiness
codes are not set. If possible, do not
take your vehicle f or an emissions
test until the readiness codes are set.
Refer to for
more inf ormation (see page ).
366
Readiness Codes
Emissions T esting
Malf unct ion Indicat or L amp
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
341
If you keep driving with the
malf unction indicator lamp on, you can
damage your vehicle’s emissions
controls and engine. Those repairs may
not be covered by your vehicle’s
warranties.
Main Menu

CONT INUED
...
Accessories and Modif ications . 247
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key
.......................................
Position) . 80
.............
Accessory Power Socket . 108
..................
Active Head Restraints . 96
....................
Additives, Engine Oil . 291
...............................
Airbag (SRS) . 9, 21
...
Airbags, Additional Information . 21
...
Additional Safety Precautions . 32
..........
AdvancedAirbagSystem .26
.............................
Airbag Service . 31
How the Passenger Airbag Of f
......................
Indicator Works . 30
How the Side Airbag Of f ......................
Indicator Works . 30
..
How the SRS Indicator Works . 29
How Your Front Airbags
.........................................
Work . 24
...
How Your Side Airbags Work . 27
How Your Side Curtain Airbags
.........................................
Work . 29
........................
SRS Components . 21
..............
Air Conditioning System . 110
.......................
Air Pressure, Tires . 315 ......................................
Antif reeze . 294
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
...............................
Indicator . 60, 266
...................................
Operation . 266
..............
Anti-thef t, Audio System . 206
Anti-thef t Steering Column
..............................................
Lock . 80
............................................
Armrest . 97
................................
Audio System . 114
.....
Auto Door Locking/Unlocking . 83
.........................
Auto Door Locking . 83
.....................
Auto Door Unlocking . 85
...
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners . 19
.............
Automatic Speed Control . 209
..............
Automatic Transmission . 260
..........................
Capacity, Fluid . 355
...............
Checking Fluid Level . 298
.......................................
Shif ting . 260
Shif t Lever Position
...............................
Indicators . 260
................
Shif t Lever Positions . 261
....................
Shif t Lock Release . 263
......................
Auxiliary Input Jack . 205 Battery
Charging System ...........................
Indicator . 65, 340
............................
Jump Starting . 336
..............................
Maintenance . 322
............................
Specif ications . 356
..............................
Bef ore Driving . 237
....................................
Belts,Seat .8,18
.........................
Beverage Holders . 108
........
HandsFreeLink. 212
Brakes ...........
Anti-lock System (ABS) . 266
.............
Break-in, New Linings . 238
....................
Bulb Replacement . 305
...........................................
Fluid . 300
.................
Pad Wear Indicators . 265
.......................................
Parking . 105
.................
System Indicator . 59, 342
.............................
Braking System . 265
.................
Break-in, New Vehicle . 238
..
Brightness Control, Instruments . 75Bluetooth
Index
A B
INDEX
I
Main Menu

Î
Bulb Replacement..........................
Back-up Lights . 305
..............................
Brake Lights . 305
........
Front Side Marker Lights . 304
.........
Front Turn Signal Lights . 304
.........................
Headlights . 302, 303
.........
High-mount Brake Light . 307
..........................
Parking Lights . 304
.........
Rear Side Marker Lights . 305
..........
Rear Turn Signal Lights . 305
............................
Specif ications . 355
..............................
Bulbs, Halogen . 302 ...............
DANGER, Explanation of . iii
...................................
Dashboard . 3, 56
................
Daytime Running Lights . 74
.........
Def ects, Reporting Saf ety . 372
........................
Def og and Def rost . 113
................
Def ogger, Rear Window . 76
..............
Def rosting the Windows . 113
....................................
Dimensions . 354
...............
Dimming the Headlights . 73
Dipstick
..........
Automatic Transmission . 298
..................................
Engine Oil . 241
..........................
Directional Signals . 73
Disc Brake Pad Wear
...................................
Indicators . 265
............................
Disc Player . 125, 162
..................
Display Change Button . 66
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil . 294
.........................................
Card, PC . 171
............................
Capacities Chart . 355
.............
Carbon Monoxide Hazard . 51
.............................
Carrying Cargo . 249
.............
CAUTION, Explanation of . iii
..............................
CD Player . 125, 162
..................................
Ceiling Light . 105
........................
Certif ication Label . 352
............................................
Chains . 321
....................
Changing a Flat Tire . 329 Changing Oil
........................................
How to . 292
......................................
When to . 281
...
Charging System Indicator . 65, 340
..............
Check Fuel Cap Message . 69
............
Checklist, Bef ore Driving . 255
.....................................
Child Saf ety . 33
Child Seats
.............
LATCH Anchor System . 42
...........................
Lower Anchors . 42
................
Tether Anchor Points . 45
..................
Childproof Door Locks . 82
.........................
Clock, Setting the . 207
...................................
Clutch Fluid . 301
........................
CO in the Exhaust . 363
............
Cold Weather, Starting in . 256
..............................
Compact Spare . 328
.................
Console Compartment . 108
.................
Consumer Inf ormation . 370
.............
Controls, Instruments and . 55
Coolant
........................................
Adding . 294
....................................
Checking . 243
.........................
Proper Solution . 294
...................
Temperature Gauge . 70 Crankcase Emissions Control
........................................
System . 363
............
Cruise Control Operation . 209
....
Customer Service Inf ormation . 370
Index
C D
II
Main Menu