engine HONDA CIVIC COUPE 2001 7.G Owner's Guide

µµThis position is similar
to D , except only the first three
gears are selected. Use D to provide
engine braking when going down a
steep hill. D can also keep the
transmission f rom cycling between
third and f ourth gears in stop-and-go
driving.
ForfasteraccelerationwheninD or
D , you can get the transmission to
automatically downshif t by pushing
the accelerator pedal to the floor.
The transmission will shif t down one
or two gears, depending on your
speed. To shif t to Second,
pressthereleasebuttononthefront
of the shif t lever. This position locks
the transmission in second gear. It
does not downshif t to f irst gear
when you come to a stop. Second
gives you more power when climbing,
and increased engine braking when
going down steep hills. Use second
gear when starting out on a slippery
surf ace or in deep snow. It will help
reduce wheelspin. If you exceed the maximum speed
f or the gear you are in, the engine
speed will enter into the tachometer’s
red zone. If this occurs, you may f eel
the engine cut in and out. This is
caused by a limiter in the engine’s
computer controls. The engine will
run normally when you reduce the
RPM below the red zone.
If you exceed the maximum speed
f or the gear you are in, you may f eel
the engine cut in and out. This is
caused by a limiter in the engine’s
computer controls. The engine will
run normally when you reduce the
engine speed by upshif ting or
slowing down.
4
3
3
3
4OnLXandEXmodelsintheU.S.,LX andSimodelsinCanada
On DX model
Automatic Transmission
Driving
Drive (D ) Engine Speed L imiter
Second (2)3
183

This allows you to move the shif t
lever out of Park if the normal
method of pushing on the brake
pedal and pressing the release
button does not work.Set the Parking brake.
Remove the key from the ignition
switch.
Push down on the key while you
pressthereleasebuttononthe
shif t lever and move the shif t lever
out of Park to Neutral. Insert the key in the Shift Lock
Release slot.
Put a cloth on the edge of the Shif t
Lock Release slot cover next to
the shift lever.
Use a small flat-tipped screwdriver
or small metal plate (neither are
included in the tool kit) to remove
the cover. Caref ully pry of f the
edge of the cover. Remove the key from the Shift
Lock Release slot, then reinstall
thecover.Makesurethenotchon
the cover is on the lef t side.
Depress the brake pedal and
restart the engine.
If you need to use the Shif t Lock
Release, it means your car is
developing a problem. Have the car
checked by your Honda dealer.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.6.
Automatic Transmission
Driving
Shif t L ock Release
184
R RE
EL
LEE A
A S
SEE B
BUUT TT
TO
ON N
S
SH H I
IFFT T L
LOOC CKK
R
RE EL
LEE A
A S
SEE S
SLLOOT T
C
CO
OV VE
ER
R

Honda’s Continuously Variable
automatic transmission’s unique
design provides a smooth, constant
f low of power. It is electronically
controlled f or more precise operation
and better f uel economy.This indicator on the instrument
panel shows which position the shif t
lever is in.
The ‘‘D’’ indicator comes on f or a
f ew seconds when you turn the
ignition switch ON (II). If it f lashes
while driving (in any shif t position),
it indicates a possible problem in the
transmission. Avoid rapid acceler-
ation and have the transmission
checkedbyanauthorizedHonda
dealer as soon as possible.The shif t lever has six positions. It
must be in Park or Neutral to start
the engine. When you are stopped in
D, S, L, N or R, press f irmly on the
brake pedal and keep your f oot of f
the accelerator pedal.
CONT INUED
On HX model
Continuously Variable
T ransmission (CVT )
Shif t L ever Position Indicator Shif t L ever Positions
Automatic Transmission (CVT)
Driving185

µYou must also press the release
button to shift into Park. To avoid
transmission damage, come to a
complete stop bef ore shif ting into
Park. The shif t lever must be in Park
bef ore you can remove the key f rom
the ignition switch.
This position
mechanically locks the transmission.
Use Park whenever you are turning
of f or starting the engine. To shif t
outofPark,youmustpressonthe
brake pedal, have your foot off the
accelerator pedal, and press the
releasebuttononthefrontof the
shif t lever.
If you have done all of the above and
still cannot move the lever out of
Park, see Shif t Lock Release on page .
184Do this:
Press the brake pedal and
press the release button.
Press the release button.
Move the lever.
To shift from:
PtoR
RtoP
NtoR StoL
LtoS
StoD
DtoS
DtoN
NtoD RtoN
Automatic Transmission (CVT)
Driving
Park (P)
186

µ
µ µ
µ µ
To shift from Re-
verse to Park, see the explanation
under Park. To shif t to Reverse f rom
Neutral, come to a complete stop
first. Press the release button before
shifting into Reverse from Neutral.
Use Neutral if you
need to restart a stalled engine, or if
it is necessary to stop brief ly with
the engine idling. Always shif t to
Park position if you need to leave the
vehicle for any reason. Press on the
brake pedal when you are moving
the shift lever from Neutral to
another position. Use this position f or
your normal driving. The transmis-
sion automatically adjusts to keep
the engine at the best speed f or
driving conditions. To help the
engine warm up f aster, the transmis-
sion will select ratios that allow the
engine to run at higher speeds when
it is cold.
Selecting Second
shifts the transmission into a lower
range of ratios f or better accelera-
tion and increased engine braking.
Use Second when you are going
down a steep hill, or in stop-and-go
driving. ForfasteraccelerationwheninD,S
or L, the transmission will
automatically ‘‘kick down’’ to a lower
range of ratios by pushing the
accelerator pedal to the floor.
The CVT shifts automatically to
maintain proper engine speed in any
shif t position.
When the vehicle reaches the
maximum speed in any shif t position,
you may f eel the engine cut in and
out. This is caused by a limiter (112
mph, 180 km/h) in the engine’s
computer controls. The engine will
run normally when you reduce the
speed below the maximum.To shif t to Low, press
the release button on the front of the
shif t lever. Use Low to get more
power when climbing, and f or
maximum engine braking when
going down steep hills.
Automatic Transmission (CVT)
Driving
Reverse (R)
Neutral (N) Drive (D)
Second (S)
Maximum Allowable Speeds Low (L)
187

Check your brakes af ter driving
through deep water. Apply the
brakes moderately to see if they f eel
normal. If not, apply them gently and
f requently until they do. Since a
longer distance is needed to stop
with wet brakes, be extra cautious
and alert in your driving. Constant application of the brakes
when going down a long hill builds
up heat and reduces their ef f ective-
ness. Use the engine to assist the
brakes by downshif ting to a lower
gear and taking your f oot of f the
accelerator pedal.
All Civics are equipped with f ront
disc brakes. The brakes on the rear
wheels are drum. A power assist
helps reduce the ef f ort needed on
the brake pedal.
Put your f oot on the brake pedal only
when you intend to brake. Resting
your f oot 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, conf using drivers behind
you. 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 conf use this with the
brake wear indicators. They make a
very audible ‘‘screeching.’’ The f ront disc brakes on all models
have audible brake wear indicators. Brake Wear Indicators
The Braking System
Driving189

This section also includes
Maintenance Schedules f or normal
driving and severe driving conditions,
a Maintenance Record, and instruc-
tions f or simple maintenance tasks
you may want to take care of
yourself .
If you have the skills and tools to per-
f orm more complex maintenance
tasks on your Honda, you may want
to purchase the Service Manual. See
page f or inf ormation on how to
obtain a copy, or see your Honda
dealer. This section explains why it is
important to keep your car well
maintained and to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.......................
Maintenance Saf ety .196
.
Important Safety Precautions . 197
.................
Maintenance Schedule . 198
....................
Maintenance Record .205
.......
Owner Maintenance Checks . 207
..............................
Fluid Locations .208
......................................
Engine Oil .209
..................................
Adding Oil .209
....................
Recommended Oil .209
..............................
Synthetic Oil .210
....................................
Additives .210
.....
Changing the Oil and Filter . 211
.............................
Cooling System .213
............
Adding Engine Coolant . 213
.......
Replacing Engine Coolant . 215
....................
Windshield Washers .219
.......................
Transmission Fluid .220
Automatic .........................
Transmission .220
5-speed Manual .........................
Transmission .222
................
Brake and Clutch Fluid . 223
............................
Brake System .223
...........................
Clutch System .223
..............................
Power Steering .224
.....................
Air Cleaner Element .225 ....................................
Hood Latch .226
....................................
Spark Plugs .227
..............................
Replacement .227
............................
Specif ications .229
...........................................
Battery .230
.................................
Wiper Blades .232
..............
Air Conditioning System . 234
.................
Air Conditioning Filter . 235
.....................................
Drive Belts .237
....................................
Timing Belt .237
...............................................
Tires .238
......................................
Inf lation .238
Recommended Tire Pressures ...........
f or Normal Driving . 239
..................................
Inspection .240
..............................
Maintenance .240
.............................
Tire Rotation .241
...
Replacing Tires and Wheels . 242
......................
Wheels and Tires .243
..........................
Winter Driving .243
.............................
Snow Tires .243
...................
Traction Devices . 244
.............................................
Lights .245
.....................
Headlight Aiming .247
........................
Replacing Bulbs .250
...........................
Storing Your Car .254
311
Maint enance
Maintenance
195

Be sure
there is adequate ventilation
whenever you operate the engine.
Let the
engine and exhaust system cool
bef ore touching any parts.
Do
not run the engine unless in-
structed to do so. Read the instructions before you
begin, and make sure you have the
tools and skills required.
Bef ore you begin any maintenance,
make sure your car is parked on
level ground and that the parking
brake is set. Also, be sure the engine
is of f . This will help to eliminate
several potential hazards:
You should wear eye protection and
protective clothing when working
near the battery or when using
compressed air. To reduce the possibility of f ire or
explosion, be caref ul when working
around gasoline or batteries. Use a
commercially available degreaser or
parts cleaner, not gasoline, to clean
parts. Keep cigarettes, sparks, and
flames away from the battery and all
f uel-related parts.
Maintenance Saf ety
Maint enance
Important Saf ety Precautions
Carbon monoxide poisoning
f rom engine exhaust.
Burns f rom hot parts.
Injury f rom moving parts.
197

µ
The Maintenance Schedule specif ies
how of ten you should have your car
serviced and what things need
attention. It is essential that you have
your car serviced as scheduled to
retain its high level of saf ety,
dependability, and emissions control
perf ormance.
Avoidexceedingyourcar’sload
limit.Thisputsexcessstresson
the engine, brakes, and many
other parts of your car. The load
limit is shown on the label on the
driver’s doorjamb.
Operate your car on reasonable
roads within the legal speed limit.
Drive your car regularly over a
distance of several miles
(kilometers).
Always use unleaded gasoline with
the proper octane rating (see page).
The services and time or distance
intervals shown in the maintenance
schedule assume you will use your
car as normal transportation f or
passengers and their possessions.
You should also f ollow these
recommendations:
Service your car according to the
time and mileage periods on one of
the Maintenance Schedules on the
f ollowing pages.
Follow the
Maintenance Schedule f or Severe
Conditions if you drive your car
MAINLY under one or more of the
f ollowing conditions.
Driving less than 5 miles (8 km)
per trip or, in f reezing
temperatures, driving less than 10
miles (16 km) per trip.
Driving in extremely hot [over
90°F (32°C)] conditions.
Extensive idling or long periods of
stop-and-go driving.
Driving with a roof rack, or driving
in mountainous conditions.
162
Maintenance Schedule
Maint enance
Which Schedule to Follow:
U.S. Owners
198

µ
Ì
Î
Î
ÌÌ
Î
Î
Maint enance200
Service at the indicated distance or time whichever comes first. miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
months 10
16
50
8070
112 110
176
Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Replace engine oil
Rotate tires (Check tire inflation and condition at least once per month)
Replace engine oil filter
Check engine oil and coolant
Inspect front and rear brakes
Check parking brake adjustment
Visually inspect the following items:
Tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots, Suspension components
Driveshaft boots, Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluidsExhaust system, Fuel lines and connections
Replace air cleaner element
Inspect and adjust drive belts
Replace air conditioning filter
Replace transmission fluid
Replace spark plugs
Inspect valve clearance
Replace timing belt, and inspect water pump
Inspect idle speed
Replace engine coolant
Replace brake fluid At 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 120 months,
then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 60 months Every 110,000 miles (176,000 km) or 84 months
Inspect every 110,000 miles (176,000 km), otherwise adjust only if noisy Every 110,000 miles (176,000 km)
Service the following items at the recommended intervals
20
3230
4840
64 80
128 90
144 100
160 120
192
60
96
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page .
Replace at 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 72 months, then every 90,000 miles (144,000 km) or 60 months
Replace at 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 36 months, then every 40,000 miles (64,000 km) or 24 months Every 36 months (independent of mileage)24
4872
12 3660
:
1:
2: MT
AT
CVT
199
1
2
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions