steering HONDA CIVIC COUPE 1999 Owner's Manual

Steering Wheel Controls

Even with the cruise control turned
on, you can still use the accelerator
pedal to speed up for passing. After
completing the pass, take your foot
off the accelerator pedal. The car
will return to the set cruising speed.
Resting your foot on the brake or
clutch pedal will cause the cruise
control to cancel. Cancelling the Cruise Control

You can cancel the cruise control in any of these ways: Tap the brake or clutch pedal.
Press the SET/decel and RE-
SUME/accel buttons at the same

time.
Press the Cruise Control Master

Switch.

When you tap the brake or clutch pedal, or press the SET and RE-SUME buttons at the same time, the
CRUISE CONTROL light on the
instrument panel will go out and thecar will begin to slow down. You can
use the accelerator pedal in the
normal way.

The system remembers the previously-set cruising speed. To
return to that speed, accelerate toabove 25 mph (40 km/h) and press
the RESUME/accel button until the
CRUISE CONTROL light comes on.
The car will accelerate to the same cruising speed as before.
Pressing the Cruise Control Master
Switch turns the system completely off and erases the previous cruising
speed from memory. To use the
system again, refer to Using the
Cruise Control.

Instruments and ControlsMain Menu Table of Contents s t

Keys and Locks

Your car comes with two master keys and a valet key.
The master key fits all the locks on your vehicle: Ignition

Doors

Trunk
Trunk release handle Rear seat trunk access
The valet key works only in the
ignition and the door locks. You can
keep the trunk, trunk release handle,
trunk pass-through cover, rear seat
trunk access and glove box locked
when you leave your car and the
valet key at a parking facility.
You should have received a key number plate with your set of keys.
You will need this key number if you ever have to get a lost key replaced.
Keep the plate stored in a safe place.
When replacing keys, use only Honda-approved key blanks.
Remote Transmitter
On U.S. EX and Si models
Your car also comes with two remote
transmitters; see page 72 for an

explanation of the operation.
Ignition Switch
The ignition switch is on the right side of the steering column. It has
four positions:
LOCK (0)
ACCESSORY (I)
ON (II)
START (III)

CONTINUED

Instruments and Controls

Keys
KEY

NUMBER

PLATE
VALET

KEY

MASTER

KEYMain Menu Table of Contents s t

Keys and Locks

LOCK (0) — You can insert or
remove the key only in this position.
To switch from ACCESSORY to LOCK, you must push the key inslightly as you turn it. If your car has
an automatic transmission, the shift
lever must also be in Park. The anti-
theft lock will lock the steering column when you remove the key.
If the front wheels are turned, theanti-theft lock may sometimes make
it difficult to turn the key fromLOCK to ACCESSORY. Firmly turn
the steering wheel to the left or to
the right as you turn the key. ACCESSORY (I) — In this position,
you can operate the audio systemand the accessory power socket.
ON (II) — This is the normal key
position when driving. All features
and accessories on the car are usable.
Several of the lights on the instru-
ment panel come on as a test when
you turn the ignition switch from
ACCESSORY to ON.
START (III) — Use this position
only to start the engine. The switch
returns to ON (II) when you let go of
the key.
You will hear a reminder beeper if you leave the key in the ignition switch in the LOCK (0) or
ACCESSORY (I) position and open the driver's door. Remove the key toturn off the beeper.
Door Locks

Each door has a lock tab next to the
inside door handle. Push the tab in to
lock the door and pull it out to unlock.
To lock any passenger's door when getting out of the car, push the lock
tab in and close the door. To lock thedriver's door, pull the outside door
handle and push the lock tab in or
push the master switch down. Release the handle, then close the
door.

Instruments and Controls

Removing the key from the
ignition switch while driving

locks the steering. This can

cause you to lose control.

Remove the key from the
ignition switch only when

parked.Main Menu Table of Contents s t

Accessories and Modifications

Modifications Do not remove any original
equipment or modify your car in any
way that would alter its design or operation. This could make your car
unsafe and illegal to drive.
For example, do not make any
modifications that would change the
ride height of your car, or install
wheels and tires with a different overall diameter.
Such modifications can adversely
affect handling, and interfere with
the operation of the car's anti-lock
brakes and other systems. In addition, any modifications that
decrease ground clearance increase
the chance of undercarriage parts striking a curb, speed bump, or other
raised object, which could cause
your airbags to deploy.
Do not modify your steering wheelor any other part of your
Supplemental Restraint System.
Modifications could make the
system ineffective. Additional Safety Precaution
Do not attach or place objects on the
airbag covers. Any object attached to
or placed on the covers marked "SRS
AIRBAG," in the center of the steering wheel and on top of the
dashboard, could interfere with the
proper operation of the airbags. Or,
if the airbags inflate, the objects
could be propelled inside the car and
hurt someone.
Before DrivingMain Menu Table of Contents s t

Preparing to Drive

You should do the following checks and adjustments every day before
you drive your car.
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 downsecurely.
5. Check the adjustment of the seat (see page 76).
6. Check the adjustment of the inside and outside mirrors (see
page 81).
7. Check the adjustment of the steering wheel (see page 65).
8. Make sure the doors are securely closed and locked. 9. Fasten your seat belt. Check that
your passengers have fastenedtheir seat belts (see page 8).
10.Turn the ignition switch ON (II). Check the indicator lights in the
instrument panel.
11.Start the engine (see page 137).
12. Check the gauges and indicator lights in the instrument panel (see
page 53).

DrivingMain Menu Table of Contents s t

The Braking System
Brake System Design
The hydraulic system that operates the brakes has two separate circuits.Each circuit works diagonally across
the vehicle (the left-front brake is connected with the right-rear brake,
etc.). If one circuit should develop a
problem, you will still have braking at two wheels.
Anti-lock Brakes
(Optional)

ABS helps to prevent the wheels from locking up and skidding during
hard braking, allowing you to retainsteering control. When the front tires skid, you lose
steering control; the car continues
straight ahead even though you turn
the steering wheel. The ABS helps to prevent lock-up and helps you retainsteering control by pumping the
brakes rapidly; much faster than a person can do it.
You should never pump the brake pedal, this defeats the
purpose of the ABS. Let the ABS
work for you by always keeping firm,steady pressure on the brake pedal
as you steer away from the hazard.
This is sometimes referred to as
"stomp and steer."

CONTINUED

Driving

FrontMain Menu Table of Contents s t

The Braking System

You will feel a pulsation in the brakepedal when the ABS activates, and
you may hear some noise. This is normal, it is the ABS rapidly
pumping the brakes.
Activation varies with the amount of traction your tires have. On dry
pavement, you will need to press on
the brake pedal very hard before youactivate the ABS. However, you may
feel the ABS activate immediately if
you are trying to stop on snow or ice.
Important Safety Reminders

ABS does not reduce the time or distance it takes to stop the car, it
only helps with steering controlduring braking. You should always
maintain a safe following distance
from other vehicles.
ABS will not prevent a skid that results from changing direction
abruptly, such as trying to take a
corner too fast or making a sudden
lane change. Always drive at a safe, prudent speed for the road and
weather conditions.
ABS cannot prevent a loss of stability. Always steer moderately
when you are braking hard. Severe or sharp steering wheel movement
can still cause your car to veer intooncoming traffic or off the road. A vehicle with ABS may require a
longer distance to stop on loose or
uneven surfaces, such as gravel orsnow, than a vehicle without anti-
lock. Slow down and allow a greater distance between vehicles under
those conditions.
DrivingMain Menu Table of Contents s t

Driving in Bad Weather

Rain, fog, and snow conditions re-
quire a different driving technique
because of reduced traction and
visibility. Keep your car well- maintained and exercise greater
caution when you need to drive in
bad weather. The cruise control should not be used in these condi-

tions.
Driving Technique — Always drive
slower than you would in dry
weather. It takes your car longer to
react, even in conditions that may seem just barely damp. Applysmooth, even pressure to all the
controls. Abrupt steering wheel
movements or sudden, hard appli-
cation of the brakes can cause loss of
control in wet weather. Be extra
cautious for the first few miles (kilometers) of driving while you
adjust to the change in driving
conditions. This is especially true in snow. A person can forget some
snow-driving techniques during the
summer months. Practice is needed
to relearn those skills.
Exercise extra caution when driving
in rain after a long dry spell. After
months of dry weather, the first
rains bring oil to the surface of the
roadway, making it slippery. Visibility — Being able to see
clearly in all directions and being
visible to other drivers are important in all weather conditions. This ismore difficult in bad weather. To be seen more clearly during daylight
hours, turn on your headlights.
Inspect your windshield wipers and
washers frequently. Keep the wind- shield washer reservoir full of the
proper fluid. Have the windshield
wiper blades replaced if they start to streak the windshield or leave parts
unwiped. Use the defrosters and air conditioning to keep the windows
from fogging up on the inside (see
page 93).

DrivingMain Menu Table of Contents s t

Maintenance

This section explains why it is important to keep your car wellmaintained and to follow basic
maintenance safety precautions.
This section also includes Maintenance Schedules for normal
driving 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 263 for information on how to obtain a copy, or see your Honda
dealer.
Maintenance Safety....................... 158
Important Safety Precautions.. 159
Maintenance Schedule.................. 160
Maintenance Record..................... 167 Owner Maintenance Checks........ 169
Fluid Locations............................... 170

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

Recommended Oil..................... 171Synthetic Oil............................... 172

Additives..................................... 172
Changing the Oil and Filter...... 173

Cooling System.............................. 175
Adding Engine Coolant............. 175Replacing Engine Coolant........ 177
Windshield Washers..................... 180

Transmission Fluid........................ 180
Automatic
Transmission.......................... 180

5-speed Manual
Transmission.......................... 182

Brake and Clutch Fluid................. 182
Brake System............................. 183
Clutch System............................ 183

Power Steering............................... 184
Air Cleaner Element...................... 185 Hood Latch..................................... 186
Spark Plugs..................................... 187

Replacement............................... 187

Specifications............................. 188

Battery............................................ 189

Wiper Blades.................................. 191
Air Conditioning System............... 193 Drive Belts...................................... 194

Timing Belt..................................... 194

Tires................................................ 195 Inflation....................................... 195
Recommended Tire Pressures
for Normal Driving............ 196
Inspection................................... 197
Maintenance............................... 197
Tire Rotation.............................. 198
Replacing Tires and Wheels .... 199

Wheels and Tires....................... 200
Winter Driving........................... 200
Snow Tires.............................. 200

Tire Chains............................. 201
Lights.............................................. 202 Replacing Bulbs......................... 204

Storing Your Car............................ 212

MaintenanceMain Menu s t

Fluid Locations

Maintenance

COOLANT
RESERVOIR

AUTOMATIC

TRANSMISSION
FLUID DIPSTICK(Yellow loop)

(Including CVT)
BRAKE FLUID
(Gray cap)
CLUTCH FLUID (5-speed Manual
Transmission only) (Gray cap)
ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK
(Orange loop) ENGINE OIL
FILL CAP
WASHER FLUID (Blue cap)
POWER STEERING FLUID (Red cap)Main Menu Table of Contents s t