air conditioning HONDA CIVIC COUPE 1999 User Guide

Air Conditioning System
Standard on EX and Si models in U. S.,
SiR model in Canada

Your car's air conditioning is a sealed system. Any major maintenance,
such as recharging, should be done
by a qualified mechanic. You can do a couple of things to make sure the
air conditioning works efficiently. Periodically check the engine's
radiator and air conditioning
condenser for leaves, insects, and
dirt stuck to the front surface. These
block the air flow and reduce cooling efficiency. Use a light spray from a
hose or a soft brush to remove them.
The condenser and radiator fins bend
easily. Only use a low-pressure spray
or soft-bristle brush to clean them.
Run the air conditioning at least once
a week during the cold weather
months. Run it for at least ten minutes while you are driving at asteady speed with the engine at
normal operating temperature. This
circulates the lubricating oil con-
tained in the refrigerant.
If the air conditioning does not get as

cold as before, have your dealer

check the system. Recharge the

system with Refrigerant HFC-134a
(R-134a). (See Specifications on page 248.)

Whenever you have the air conditioning

system serviced, make sure the service

facility uses a refrigerant recycling
system. This system captures the
refrigerant for reuse. Releasing

refrigerant into the atmosphere can

damage the environment.

Maintenance

NOTICE
NOTICE

AIR CONDITIONING
CONDENSERMain Menu Table of Contents s t

Drive Belts, Timing Belt

Check the condition of the two or
three drive belts. Examine the edges
of each belt for cracks or fraying. Check the tension of each belt by
pushing on it with your thumb midway between the pulleys.
The belts should have the following

"play" or deflection.
Alternator belt:

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

0.31 — 0.41 in (8.0 — 10.5 mm)
(U.S.: Si, Canada: SiR)

0.28 — 0.41 in (7.0 — 10.5 mm)

Power steering belt: (U.S.: DX, HX, EX, Canada: DX, EX)

0.41 — 0.55 in (10.5 — 14.0 mm)
(U.S.: Si, Canada: SiR)

0.30 — 0.43 in (7.5 — 11.0 mm)
On vehicles with Air Conditioning
System

Compressor belt: (U.S.: DX, HX, EX, Canada: DX,
EX)

0.30 — 0.37 in (7.5 — 9.5 mm)
(U.S.: Si, Canada: SiR)

0.24 — 0.37 in (6.0 — 9.5 mm)
If you see signs of wear or looseness,
have your dealer adjust or replace
the belts.

Timing Belt
The timing belt should normally be replaced at the intervals shown in
the maintenance schedule.
Replace this belt at 60,000 miles (U.S.)
or 100,000 km (Canada) if you
regularly drive your car in one or
more of these conditions:
In very high temperatures
(over 110°F,43°C).

In very low temperatures
(under — 20°F, — 29°C).

Maintenance

Drive Belts
POWER STEERING
BELT ALTERNATOR

BELT

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Index

Accessories and Modifications.... 130 Accessories................................. 130Additional Safety Precaution.... 131 Modifications............................. 131
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key Position)........................................ 70
Accessory Power Socket................ 85
Adding Automatic Transmission

Fluid........................................ 180

Brake Fluid................................. 183 Clutch Fluid................................ 183
Engine Coolant........................... 175

Engine Oil................................... 171

Manual Transmission Fluid..... 182
Power Steering Fluid................. 184
Windshield Washer Fluid......... 180
Additional Information About Your Seat Belts........................ 42
Lap Belt......................................... 43
Lap/Shoulder Belt....................... 42
Seat Belt Maintenance................ 44
Seat Belt System Components... 42 Additional Information About
Your SRS................................... 45
Additional Safety Precautions.... 48 How Your Airbags Work............ 45
How Your SRS Indicator
Works........................................ 47

SRS Components......................... 45

Additives, Engine Oil..................... 171

Adjustments
Head Restraints........................... 77

Mirrors.......................................... 81

Seats.............................................. 76

Steering Wheel............................ 65

Airbag (SRS)...................................... 9
Air Cleaner Element...................... 185 Air Conditioning............................... 88 Maintenance............................... 193
Usage............................................. 90
Air Outlets (Vents).......................... 90
Air Pressure, Tires........................ 196 High Speed Driving................... 250
Normal Driving.......................... 196
Alcohol in Gasoline........................ 252
Antifreeze....................................... 175
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) Indicator Light.................... 55, 153
Operation.................................... 152

Anti-theft Steering Column
Lock............................................... 70

Appearance Care........................... 213
Ashtrays (Optional)......................... 85

Audio System................................... 96

Automatic Speed Control................ 66
Automatic Transmission............... 140

Capacity, Fluid........................... 247

Checking Fluid Level................ 180

Shifting........................................ 141
Shift Lever Position Indicator.. 140
Shift Lever Positions................. 141
Shift Lock Release..................... 144
Battery Charging SystemIndicator............................ 55, 232
Jump Starting............................. 227 Maintenance............................... 189
Specifications............................. 248
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