fuel cap HONDA CIVIC COUPE 1998 Owners Manual

1998 Civic Coupe Online Reference Owner's Manual
Use these links (and links throughout this manual) to navigate through\
this reference.
For a printed owner's manual, click on authorized manuals or go to www.h\
elminc.com.

Contents

Introduction ........................................................................\
........................ .........................................
i


A Few Words About Safety........................................................................\
.........................................ii
Driver and Passenger Safety ........................................................................\
......................................3
Proper use and care of your vehicle's seat belts, and Supplemental Restr\
aint System.
Instruments and Controls........................................................................\
.........................................49
Instrume nt panel indicator and gauge, and how to use dashboard and steering colu\
mn controls.
Comfort and Convenience Features ........................................................................\
...................... 85
How to operate the climate control system, the audio system, and other c\
onvenience features.
Before Driving........................................................................\
......................................................... 107
What gasoline to use, how to break-in your new vehicle, and how to load luggage and other cargo.
Driving ........................................................................\
..................................................................... 119
The proper way to start the engine, shift the transmission, and park, pl\
us towing a trailer.
Maintenance........................................................................\
.............................................................141
The Maintenance Schedule shows you when you need to take you r vehicle to the dealer.
Appearance Care........................................................................\
......................................................199
Tips on cleaning and protecting your vehicle. Things to look for if your\
vehicle ever needs body repairs.
Taking Care of the Unexpected........................................................................\
..............................205
This section covers several problems motorists sometimes experience, an d how to handle them.
Technical Information........................................................................\
.............................................229
ID numbers, dimensions, capacities, and technical information.
Warranty and Customer Relations (U.S. and Canada)................................................................243
A summary of the warranties covering your new Acura, and how to contact \
us.
Authorized Manuals (U.S. only)........................................................................\
..............................249
How to order manuals and other technical literature.

Index........................................................................\
............................................................................. I
A summary of information you need when you pull up to the fuel pump. Service Information Summary Owner's Identification

Service Station Procedures

Filling the Fuel Tank

1. Because the fuel fill cap is on the driver's side of the vehicle, park
with that side closest to the service station pumps.
2. Open the fuel fill door by pulling on the handle to the left of the
driver's seat. 3. Remove the fuel fill cap slowly.
You may hear a hissing sound aspressure inside the tank escapes.
4. Stop filling the tank after the fuel pump automatically clicks off. Do
not try to "top off" the tank, leavesome room for the fuel to expand
with temperature changes.
5. Screw the fuel fill cap back on, tighten it until it clicks. If you donot properly tighten the cap, the
Malfunction Indicator Lamp maycome on (see page 219).
6. Push the fuel fill door closed until it latches.

Before Driving

Gasoline is highly flammable
and explosive. You can be burned or seriously injured
when handling fuel.
Stop the engine and keepheat, sparks, and flame away.
Handle fuel only outdoors. Wipe up spills immediately.
Pull
FUEL FILL CAPMain Menu Table of Contents s t

Engine Oil
Adding Oil
To add oil, unscrew and remove the engine oil fill cap on top of the valve
cover. Pour in the oil, and replace the
engine oil fill cap. Tighten it securely.
Wait a few minutes and recheck the oil level. Do not fill above the upper
mark; you could damage the engine. Recommended Oil
Oil is a major contributor to your
engine's performance and longevity.
Always use a premium-grade deter- gent oil.
You can determine an oil's SAE
viscosity and Service Classificationfrom the API Service label on the oil
container.
A fuel-efficient oil is recommended for your Honda. This is shown on the
API Service label by the words"Energy Conserving". This oil is
formulated to help your engine use less fuel. The API Service label also tells you
the service classification of the oil.
Always use an oil that is labeled "API Service SJ". This service rating may
include other classifications, such as CD. These additional classifications
are not a problem, as long as the
label also carries the SJ classification.

CONTINUED

Maintenance

ENGINE OIL
FILL CAP
API SERVICE LABELMain 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

Malfunction Indicator Lamp

This indicator comes on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition
switch ON (II). If it comes on at any
other time, it indicates one of the
engine's emissions control systems
may have a problem. Even though
you may feel no difference in your
vehicle's performance, it can reduce
your fuel economy and cause your
vehicle to put out excessive emissions. Continued operation may
cause serious damage. If you have recently refueled your
vehicle, the cause of this indicator coming on could be a loose or
missing fuel fill cap. Check the capand tighten it until it clicks. Replace
the fuel fill cap if it is missing.
Tightening the cap will not make the indicator turn off immediately; it
takes three driving trips.
If the indicator remains on past three
driving trips, or the fuel cap was not
loose or missing, have the vehicle checked by the dealer as soon as
possible. Drive moderately until thedealer has inspected the problem.
Avoid full-throttle acceleration and driving at high speed. You should also have the dealer
inspect your vehicle if this indicatorcomes on repeatedly, even though it
may turn off as you continue driving.
If you keep driving with the malfunc- tion indicator lamp on, you can damage
your vehicle's emission controls and engine. Those repairs may not be
covered by your vehicle's warranties.

Taking Care of the Unexpected

MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP

NOTICEMain Menu Table of Contents s t

Technical Information

The diagrams in this section give you the dimensions and capacities of
your Honda, and the locations of theidentification numbers. The expla-
nations of several electronic and
mechanical systems on your Hondaare for the more technically-oriented
owner. Identification Numbers................. 230
Specifications................................. 232
Tire Information............................ 235 Tire Size Designation................ 235
Wheel Size Designation............ 235
Tire Speed Ratings.................... 235
Tire Pressure Adjustment For High Speed Driving............... 236
DOT Tire Quality Grading....... 236 Treadwear.............................. 236Traction.................................. 237
Temperature.......................... 237
Oxygenated Fuels.......................... 238
Driving In Foreign Countries....... 239 Emissions Controls........................ 240
The Clean Air Act...................... 240Crankcase Emissions Control
System.....................................240

Evaporative Emissions Control
System.....................................240

Exhaust Emissions Controls.... 241 PGM-FI System..................... 241
Ignition Timing Control System................................. 241
Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) System.................... 241
Three Way Catalytic Converter............................ 241
Replacement Parts..................... 241
Three Way Catalytic Converter... 242

Technical InformationMain Menu s t

Gasoline:

Unleaded gasoline, pump octane
number of 86 or higher.
Fuel Tank Capacity:
11.9 US gal (45 l, 9.9 Imp gal)
Recommended Engine Oil:
API Service SJ "Energy
Conserving" oil, SAE 5W-30
viscosity (see page 155).

DX:

3.8 US qt (3.6 l, 3.2 lmp qt)
U.S.: HX, EX, Canada: Si
3.5 US qt (3.3 l, 2.9 lmp qt)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Honda Premium
Formula Auto-
matic Transmission Fluid (ATF)

HX model (CVT)

only:
Use Honda CVT Fluid only 5-speed Manual Transmission
Fluid:
Honda Manual Transmission
Fluid preferred, or an API service
SG, SH or SJ,
10W-30 or 10W-40
motor oil as a temporary
replacement (see page 166).
Capacity (including differential):
1.9 US qt (1.8 l, 1.6 lmp qt)
Power Steering Fluid:
Genuine Honda Power Steering
Fluid preferred, or another brand
of power steering fluid as a
temporary replacement. Do not
use ATF (see page 168).
Brake
Fluid:
Genuine Honda DOT 3 Brake Fluid
preferred, or a DOT 3 or DOT 4
brake fluid as a temporary
replacement (see page
166).
Tire Pressure (measured cold):
Front:
30 psi (210 kPa , 2.1 kgf/cm2)

Rear:

29 psi (200 kPa , 2.0
kgf/cm2
)
Spare Tire Pressure:
60 psi (420 kPa , 4.2
kgf/cm 2
)
Service

Information SummaryMain Menu s t

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