check engine light HONDA CIVIC COUPE 1998 Owners Manual

Additional Information About Your SRS
How Your SRS Indicator Light
Works The purpose of the SRSindicator light is to alert
you to a potential problem with your Supplemental Restraint System.
When you turn the ignition ON (II), this indicator will light up briefly
then go out. This tells you that thesystem is working properly.
However, if the light comes on at any
other time, you should have yoursystem checked by your dealer. For

example:
If the SRS indicator light does not
come on after you turn the ignition
ON (II). If the light stays on after the

engine starts. If the light comes on or flashes on
and off while you drive.
If you see any of these indications,
your airbags may not deploy when you need them. See your Honda dealer as soon as possible. SRS Service
Your Supplemental Restraint System is virtually maintenance-free, and
there are no parts you can safelyservice. However, you must have
your vehicle serviced if:
Your airbags ever inflate. The

airbags and

the control unit must
be replaced. Do not try to remove or replace the airbags yourself.
This must be done by a Honda dealer or a knowledgeable body
shop.
The SRS indicator light alerts you

to a problem. Take your vehicle to
an authorized Honda dealer as soon as possible. If you ignore this
indication, the airbags might not
inflate when you need them.

Driver and Passenger Safety

SRS

Ignoring the SRS indicator light
can result in serious injury or death if the airbags do notinflate when needed.
Have your vehicle checked by a
dealer as soon as possible if
the SRS light alerts you to a potential problem.Main Menu Table of Contents s t

Indicator Lights

Parking Brake and Brake
System

Indicator

This light has two functions:
1. It lights as a reminder that you have not released the parking
brake. Driving with the parking
brake applied can damage the brakes and tires.
2. If it remains lit after you release the parking brake, or comes on
while driving, it can indicate a problem in the brake system. Forcomplete information, see page
220.
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
See page 219.
Anti-lock Brake

System (ABS)

Indicator

Only on cars equipped with ABS (see
page 137)
This light normally comes on for a few seconds when you turn theignition switch ON (II), and when
the ignition switch is turned toSTART (III). If this light comes on at
any other time, there is a problem in
the ABS. If this happens, take the
vehicle to your dealer to have it checked. With the light on, your
vehicle still has normal braking ability but no anti-lock.
Instruments and Controls
Charging System Indicator
If this light comes on when the engine is running, the battery is not
being charged. For complete
information
,
see page 218.

Low Oil
Pressure
Indicator
The engine can be severely damaged if this light flashes or stays on when
the engine is running. For complete information, see page 217. High Beam Indicator
This light comes on with the high beam headlights. See page 59 forinformation on the headlight

controls.

On Canadian models, this indicator
comes on with reduced brightness
when the Daytime Running Lights (DRL) are on (see page 59).

ABS

U.S.

Canada

U.S.

CanadaMain Menu Table of Contents s t

Gauges

U.S.: EX Instrument panel
Fuel Gauge
This shows how much fuel you have. It is most accurate when the vehicle
is on level ground. It may show slightly more or less than the actual
amount when you are driving on
curvy or hilly roads. The gauge stays at the same fuel
level reading after you turn off the
ignition. When you add fuel, the
gauge slowly changes to the new
reading after you turn the ignitionswitch back ON (II). Temperature Gauge
This shows the temperature of the engine's coolant. During normaloperation, the pointer should rise
from the bottom white mark to about the middle of the gauge. In severedriving conditions, such as very hot
weather or a long period of uphill driving, the pointer may rise to the
upper blue zone. If it reaches the red (Hot) mark, pull safely to the side of
the road. Turn to page 215 for instructions and precautions on
checking the engine's cooling
system.

Instruments and Controls

TEMPERATURE
GAUGE TRIP METER

SPEEDOMETER
FUEL GAUGE
ODOMETER
MAINTENANCE
REQUIRED INDICATOR
TRIP METER
RESET BUTTONMain Menu Table of Contents s t

Preparing to Drive

You should do the following checks and adjustments every day before
you drive your vehicle.
1. Make sure all windows, mirrors, and outside lights are clean and
unobstructed. Remove frost, snow, or ice.
2. Check that the hood and trunk are fully closed.
3. Visually check the tires. If a tire looks low, use a gauge to check its

pressure.
4. Check that any items you may be
carrying with you inside are stored
properly or fastened down
securely.

5. Check the adjustment of the seat (see page 74).
6. Check the adjustment of the inside and outside mirrors (see
page 79).
7. Check the adjustment of the steering wheel (see page 63).
8. Make sure the doors are securely closed and locked. 9. Fasten your seat belt. Check that
your passengers have fastened
their seat belts (see page 7).
10. Turn the ignition switch ON (II). Check the indicator lights in the
instrument panel.
11. Start the engine (see page 121).
12. Check the gauges and indicator lights in the instrument panel (see
page 33).

DrivingMain Menu Table of Contents s t

The Braking System

All Civics are equipped with front disc brakes. The brakes on the rear
wheels are drum. A power assist
helps reduce the effort needed on
the brake pedal.
Put your foot on the brake pedal only
when you intend to brake. Resting
your foot on the pedal keeps the
brakes applied lightly, causing them to build up heat. Heat build-up can
reduce how well your brakes work. It
also keeps your brake lights on all
the time, confusing drivers behind

you.
Constant application of the brakes
when going down a long hill builds up heat and reduces their effective-
ness. Use the engine to assist the
brakes by downshifting to a lower
gear and taking your foot off the accelerator pedal.
Check your brakes after driving
through deep water. Apply the
brakes moderately to see if they feel normal. If not, apply them gently and
frequently until they do. Since a
longer distance is needed to stop
with wet brakes, be extra cautious and alert in your driving. Brake Wear Indicators
The front disc brakes on all vehicles have audible brake wear indicators.
When the brake pads need replacing, you will hear a distinctive metallic "screeching" sound when you apply
the brakes. If you do not have the
brake pads replaced, they will begin screeching all the time.
Your brakes may sometimes squeal or squeak when you apply them
lightly. Do not confuse this with the
brake wear indicators. They make a
very audible "screeching".

DrivingMain Menu Table of Contents s t

The Braking System

ABS Indicator

The ABS is self-checking. It also checks itself whenever you use the
brakes.
If anything goes wrong, the ABS
indicator on the instrument panel comes on (see page 53). This means
the anti-lock function of the braking system has shut down. The brakesstill work like a conventional system
without anti-lock, providing normal stopping ability. You should have the dealer inspect your vehicle as soon
as possible if this light stays on after
you start the engine, or comes on
while driving.

Driving

ABS INDICATOR*

*U.S. indicator shownMain Menu Table of Contents s t

Maintenance

This section explains why it is important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and to follow basic
maintenance safety precautions.
This section also includes Maintenance Schedules for normaldriving and severe driving conditions,
a Maintenance Record, and instruc-
tions for simple maintenance tasks
you may want to take care of yourself.
If you have the skills and tools to per-
form more complex maintenance tasks on your Honda, you may want
to purchase the Service Manual. See
page 219 for information on how to obtain a copy, or see your Honda

dealer.
Maintenance Safety....................... 142
Important Safety Precautions.. 143

Maintenance Schedule.................. 144

Maintenance Record..................... 151
Owner Maintenance Checks........ 153

Fluid Locations............................... 154

Engine Oil....................................... 155 Adding Oil................................... 155Recommended Oil..................... 155Synthetic Oil............................... 156

Additives..................................... 156
Changing the Oil and Filter...... 157

Cooling System.............................. 159
Adding Engine Coolant............. 159Replacing Engine Coolant........ 161

Windshield Washers..................... 164

Transmission Fluid........................ 164
Automatic
Transmission.......................... 164

5-speed Manual
Transmission.......................... 166

Brake and Clutch Fluid................. 166
Brake System............................. 167Clutch System............................ 167

Power Steering............................... 168

Air Cleaner Element...................... 169 Spark Plugs..................................... 171

Replacement............................... 171

Specifications............................. 172

Battery............................................ 173

Wiper Blades.................................. 175
Air Conditioning System............... 177 Drive Belts...................................... 178

Timing Belt..................................... 178

Tires................................................ 179 Inflation....................................... 179
Recommended Tire Pressures
for Normal Driving............ 180
Inspection................................... 181
Maintenance............................... 181
Tire Rotation.............................. 182
Replacing Tires and Wheels ....
183

Wheels an d
Tires....................... 184
Winter Driving........................... 184 Snow Tires.............................. 184
Tire Chains............................. 185
Lights.............................................. 186 Headlight Aiming...................... 188
Replacing Bulbs......................... 189

Storing Your Vehicle..................... 197

MaintenanceMain Menu s t

Owner Maintenance Checks
You should check the following
items at the specified intervals.


If
you are
unsure of how to perform
any check, turn to the
page given.
Engine oil level

— Check every
time you
fill the fuel tank. See

page 111.

Engine coolant level

— Check the
radiator reserve
tank every time
you fill the fuel tank. See page 112.
Windshield washer fluid

— Check
the level
in the reservoir monthly.
If weather conditions cause you to
use the washers frequently, check
the reservoir each time you stop
for fuel. See page 164.
Automatic transmission

— Check
the flui d
level monthly. See page

164.

Brakes — Check the fluid level
monthly. Se e
page 167.
Tires
— Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examin e
the tread for
wear and foreign objects. See page 180.
Lights — Check the operation of
the headlights ,
parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
turn signals, brake lights, and
license plate lights monthly. See
page 187.

MaintenanceMain Menu Table of Contents s t

Engine Oil

5. Put a new washer on the drain bolt,
then reinstall the drain bolt.

Tighten it to:

(DX)

33 lbf.ft (44 N.m, 4.5 kgf.m)

(U.S.: HX, EX, Canada: Si)

29 Ibf.ft (39 N.m , 4.0 kgf.m)

6. Refill the engine with the recom-
mended oil.

Engine oil change capacity
(including filter):

(DX)
3.8 US qt (3.6 ,3.2 Imp qt)

(U.S.: HX, EX, Canada: Si)
3.5 US qt (3.3 ,2.9 Imp qt) 7. Replace the engine oil fill cap.
Start the engine. The oil pressure
indicator light should go out within
five seconds. If it does not, turn off the engine and reinspect your

work.

8. Let the engine run for several minutes and check the drain bolt
and oil filter for leaks.
9. Turn off the engine, let it sit for several minutes, then check the oil
level. If necessary, add oil to bring
the level to the upper mark on the
dipstick.
Improper disposal of engine oil can be
harmful to the environment. If you
change your own oil, please dispose of
the used oil properly. Put it in a sealed
container and take it to a recycling
center. Do not discard it in a trash bin

or dump it on the ground.

Maintenance
NOTICEMain Menu Table of Contents s t

Windshield Washers, Transmission Fluid

Check the level in the windshield
washer reservoir at least monthly during normal usage. In bad weather,
when you use the washers often, check the level every time you stop

for fuel.

The windshield washer reservoir is located behind the driver's sideheadlight. Check the reservoir's fluid
level by removing the cap and
looking at the level gauge attached
to the cap.
Fill the reservoir with a good-quality
windshield washer fluid. This increases the cleaning capability andprevents freezing in cold weather. Do not use engine antifreeze or a
vinegar/water solution in the

windshield washer reservoir.

Antifreeze can damage your vehicle's

paint, while a vinegar/water solution
can damage the windshield washer

pump.

Use only commercially-available

windshield washer fluid.
Automatic Transmission
The engine and transmission must
be at normal operating temperature
before checking the fluid level. Drivethe vehicle at least 10 miles (16
kilometers) before checking.
1. Park the vehicle on level ground. Shut off the engine. For accurate
results, wait at least 60 seconds, and no more than 90 seconds,
after shutting off the engine to
check the fluid level.

Maintenance
WINDSHIELD WASHER RESERVOIR

NOTICE
DIPSTICK (AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION)

DIPSTICK (CVT)Main Menu Table of Contents s t