check transmission fluid HONDA CIVIC COUPE 1998 Owners Manual
[x] Cancel search | Manufacturer: HONDA, Model Year: 1998, Model line: CIVIC COUPE, Model: HONDA CIVIC COUPE 1998Pages: 251, PDF Size: 2.04 MB
Page 142 of 251
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
Page 154 of 251
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
Page 165 of 251
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
Page 166 of 251
Transmission Fluid
2. Remove the dipstick (yellow loop) from the transmission and wipe it
with a clean cloth.
3. Insert the dipstick all the way into the transmission securely asshown in the illustration.
4. Remove the dipstick and check the fluid level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks.
5. If the level is below the lower
mark, add fluid into the filler holeto bring it to the upper mark.
Always use Honda Premium Formula Automatic Transmission
Fluid (ATF). If it is not available,
you may use a DEXRON ®
III
automatic transmission fluid as a
temporary replacement. However,
continued use can affect shift quality. Have the transmissiondrained and refilled with Honda
ATF as soon as it is convenient.
HX model (CVT) only:
Use Genuine Honda CVT fluid only. Using other fluids can affect
transmission operation and may reduce transmission life. 6. Insert the dipstick all the way back
into the transmission securely asshown in the illustration.
The transmission should be drained and refilled with new fluid according
to the time and distance recommen- dations in the maintenance schedule.
HX model (CVT) only:
If you drive at high speeds in high (90° F/32°C and above)
temperatures, the transmission fluid should be changed every 15,000
miles (24,000 km). Otherwise,
change the fluid every 30,000 miles
(48,000 km).
Maintenance
DIPSTICK
UPPER
MARK
LOWER
MARKMain Menu Table of Contents s t
Page 167 of 251
Transmission Fluid, Brake and Clutch Fluid
5-speed Manual Transmission
Check the fluid level with the
transmission at normal operating
temperature and the vehicle sitting
on level ground. Remove the
transmission filler bolt and carefully
feel inside the bolt hole with your
finger. The fluid level should be up to the edge of the bolt hole. If it is
not, add Genuine Honda Manual
Transmission Fluid (MTF) until it starts to run out of the hole. Reinstall
the filler bolt and tighten it securely. If Honda MTF is not available, you
may use an API service SG, SH or SJ
grade motor oil with a viscosity of SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 as a
temporary replacement. An SG
grade is preferred, but an SH or SJ grade may be used if SG is not
available. However, motor oil does
not contain the proper additives and
continued use can cause stiffershifting. Replace as soon as
convenient.
The transmission should be drained and refilled with new fluid according
to the time and distance recommen- dations in the maintenance schedule. Brake and Clutch Fluid
Check the fluid level in the reser-
voirs monthly. There are one or two reservoirs, depending on model.
They are:
Brake fluid reservoir (all models)Clutch fluid reservoir (manual transmission only)
The brake fluid in the brake system should be replaced according to the
time and distance recommendations in the maintenance schedule.
Maintenance
FILLER BOLT
Correct levelMain Menu Table of Contents s t
Page 169 of 251
Power Steering
On DX model with automatic-
transmission, HX and EX models in the
U.S., and DX and Si models in Canada
Check the level when the engine is
cold. Look at the side of the
reservoir. The fluid should be
between the UPPER LEVEL and
LOWER LEVEL. If it is below the LOWER LEVEL, add power steering
fluid to the UPPER LEVEL.
Always use Genuine Honda PowerSteering Fluid. If it is not available,
you may use another power steering fluid as an emergency replacement.
However, continued use can causeincreased wear and poor steering in
cold weather. Have the power
steering system flushed and refilled
with Honda PSF as soon as possible. A low power steering fluid level can
indicate a leak in the system. Check
the fluid level frequently and have
the system inspected as soon as
possible.
Turning the steering wheel to full left
or right lock and holding it there can
damage the power steering pump.
Maintenance
UPPER LEVEL
LOWER LEVEL
NOTICEMain Menu Table of Contents s t
Page 247 of 251
Index
Accessories and Modifications.... 114 Accessories................................. 114
Additional Safety Precaution.... 115Modifications............................. 115
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key Position)........................................ 68
Accessory Power Socket................ 83
Adding Automatic Transmission
Fluid........................................ 164
Brake Fluid................................. 167 Clutch Fluid................................ 167
Engine Coolant........................... 159
Engine Oil................................... 155
Manual Transmission Fluid..... 166Power Steering Fluid................. 168
Windshield Washer Fluid......... 164
Additional Information About Your Seat Belts........................ 40
Lap Belt......................................... 41
Lap/Shoulder Belt....................... 40
Seat Belt Maintenance................ 42
Seat Belt System Components... 40 Additional Information About
Your SRS................................... 43
Additional Safety Precautions.... 46 How Your Airbags Work............ 43
How Your SRS Indicator
Works........................................ 45
SRS Components......................... 43
Additives, Engine Oil..................... 156
Adjustments
Headlights.................................. 188
Head Restraints........................... 75
Mirrors.......................................... 79
Seats.............................................. 74
Steering Wheel............................ 63
Airbag (SRS)...................................... 7
Air Cleaner Element...................... 169
Air Conditioning............................... 86 Maintenance............................... 177
Usage............................................. 86
Air Outlets (Vents).......................... 88
Air Pressure, Tires........................ 180 High Speed Driving................... 236
Normal Driving.......................... 180
Alcohol in Gasoline........................ 238
Antifreeze....................................... 159
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
Indicator Light.....................
53, 137
Operation.................................... 13 6
Anti-thef
t Steering Column
Lock...............................................68
Appearance Care........................... 199
Ashtrays (Optional)......................... 83
Audio System................................... 94
Automatic Speed Control................ 64
Automatic Transmission............... 124
Capacity, Fluid........................... 233
Checking Fluid Level................ 164
Shifting........................................ 125
Shift Lever Position Indicator.. 124
Shift Lever Positions................. 125
Shift Lock Release..................... 128
Battery Charging SystemIndicator............................ 53,
218
Jump Starting............................ .
213
Maintenance............................... 173
Specifications............................. 234
CONTINUEDMain Menu s t
Page 248 of 251
Index
Before Driving............................... 107
Belts, Seat........................................... 6
Beverage Holder.............................. 82
Body Repair.................................... 200
Brakes
Anti-lock System (ABS)............ 135Break-in, New Linings .............. 108
Fluid............................................ 166Light, Burned-out...................... 192
Parking..........................................80
System Indicator.......................... 53
Wear Indicators......................... 134
Brakes, ABS Operation.................................... 134
System Indicator..................
53, 13 7
Braking System............................. .
134
Break-in, New Car......................... 108
Brightness Control, Instruments... 60
Brights, Headlights......................... 59
Bulb Replacement Back-up Lights........................... 193
Brake Lights............................... 192
Front Parking Lights................. 191
Front Side Marker Lights......... 191
Headlights.................................. 189
High-mount Brake Light.......... 194 Interior Light.............................. 195
License Plate Lights.................. 194
Rear Side Marker Lights.......... 193
Specifications............................. 234
Trunk Light................................ 196
Turn Signal Lights..................... 191
Bulbs, Halogen............................... 185
Cables, Jump Starting With.......... 213
Capacities Chart............................. 233 Carbon Monoxide Hazard.............. 47
Carrying Cargo.............................. 116
Cassette Player
Care............................................. 102
Operation.................................... 100
CAUTION, Explanation of............... ii
CD Changer.................................... 103
CD Player........................................ 103
Certification Label......................... 230
Chains............................................. 185
Change Oil
How to......................................... 157
When to....................................... 146
Changing a Flat Tire..................... 207 Changing Engine Coolant............. 161
Charging System Indicator .... 53,
218
Checking
Automatic Transmissio
n
Fluid........................................ 164
Battery Condition...................... 173
Brake Fluid................................. 167
Clutch Fluid................................ 167
Drive Belts.................................. 178
Engine Coolant........................... 112
Engine Oil..............................
111
Fuses........................................... 22 2
Manua
l Transmission Fluid..... 166
Power Steering Fluid................. 168
Checklist, Before Driving............. 120
Cleaner, Air.................................... 169
Cleaning Exterior....................................... 200
Interior........................................ 202
Seat Belts.................................... 202
Vinyl............................................202
Windows..................................... 203
Clock, Setting the............................ 99
Clutch Fluid.................................... 167
CO in the Exhaust......................... 240
Cold Weather, Starting in............. 121Main Menu s t
Page 249 of 251
Index
Compact Spare............................... 206
Consumer Information*................ 244
Controls, Instruments and.............. 49
Coolant
Adding......................................... 155
Checking..................................... 112
Proper Solution.......................... 159
Replacing.................................... 161
Temperature Gauge.................... 56
Corrosion Protection..................... 203
Crankcase Emissions Control
System......................................... 240
Cruise Control Operation............... 64
Customer Relations Office........... 244
DANGER, Explanation of................. ii
Dashboard........................................ 50
Daytime Running Lights................. 59
Dead Battery, What to Do............ 213
Defects, Reporting Safety............. 248
Defog and Defrost........................... 91
Defogger, Rear Window................. 62
Defrosting the Windows................. 91
DEXRON
®
III Automatic
Transmission Fluid.................... 165
Dimensions..................................... 232
Dimming the Headlights................ 59
Dipstick Automatic Transmission........... 165
Engine Oil................................... 112
Directional Signals........................... 60
Disabled, Towing Your Car If...... 227
Disc Brake Wear Indicators......... 134
Disposal of Used Oil...................... 158
Doors
Locking and Unlocking............... 68
Power Door Locks....................... 69
DOT Tire Quality Grading........... 236
Downshifting, 5-speed Manual Transmission.............................. 122
Driver and Passeneer Safety............ 3
Drive Belts.................................... 178
Driving............................................ 119
Economy..................................... 113
In Bad Weather.......................... 138
In Foreign Countries................. 239
Economy, Fuel............................... 113
Emergencies on the Road............. 205
Battery, Jump Starting.............. 213
Brake System Indicator............ 220Changing a Flat Tire................. 207
Charging System Indicator ...... 218
Checking the Fuses................... 223
Low Oil Pressure Indicator...... 217
Malfunction Indicator Lamp .... 219
Manually Closing Moonroof.... 219Overheated Engine................... 211
Emergency Brake............................ 80 Emergency Flashers....................... 62
Emissions Controls........................ 240
Engine
Coolant Temperature Gauge ..... 56
Malfunction Indicator
Lamp.................................
54, 219
Oil Pressur e
Indicator......... 53,
217
Oil, Wha
t
Kind to Use............... 155
Overheating................................ 215
Specifications............................. 232
CONTINUEDMain Menu s t
Page 250 of 251
Index
Ethanol in Gasoline ....................... 238
Evaporative Emissions Controls.. 240
Exhaust Fumes................................ 47
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat
Belts by.........................................17
Exterior, Cleaning the................... 200
Fabric, Cleaning............................. 202
Fan, Interior...................................... 86
Features, Comfort and Convenience................................. 85
Filling the Fuel Tank..................... 109
Filters
Air................................................169
Oil................................................ 157
5-speed Manual Transmission
Checking Fluid Level................ 166
Shifting the................................. 122
Flashers, Hazard Warning.............. 62
Flat Tire, Changing a.................... 207
Fluids
Automatic Transmission........... 164
Brake...........................................167
Clutch..........................................167
Manual Transmission............... 166
Power Steering........................... 168
Windshield Washer................... 164
FM Stereo Radio
Reception...................................... 94
Folding Rear Seat............................ 76
Foreign Countries, Driving in...... 239
Four-way Flashers........................... 62
Front End, Towing by
Emergency Wrecker................. 227
Fuel..................................................108
Fill Door and Cap....................... 109
Gauge............................................ 56
Octane Requirement................. 108
Oxygenated................................ 238
Reserve Indicator......................... 54
Tank, Filling the......................... 109
Fuses, Checking the...................... 222
Gas Mileage, Improving................ 113
Gasohol........................................... 238
Gasoline.......................................... 108
Fuel Reserve Indicator................ 54
Gauge............................................ 56
Octane Requirement................. 108
Tank, Filling the......................... 109
Gas Station Procedures................. 109
Gauges
Engine Coolant Temperature .... 56
Fuel................................................ 56
Gearshift Lever Positions Automatic Transmission........... 1255-speed Manual Transmission.......................... 122
Glass Cleaning............................... 203
Glove Box......................................... 8 1
Haloge n Headligh t
Bulbs.............. 189
Hazard Warning Flashers............... 62
Headlights
Aiming......................................... 188
Daytime Running Lights............. 59
High Beam Indicator................... 54
High Beams, Turning on............ 59
Low Beams, Turning on............. 59 Reminder Beeper......................... 59
Replacing Halogen Bulbs ......... 189
Turning on....................................
59Main Menu s t