check engine HONDA CIVIC COUPE 2008 8.G Owner's Guide

Are you using the proper starting
procedure? Ref er toon page .
Are you using a properly coded
key? An improperly coded key will
cause the immobilizer system
indicator in the instrument panel
to blink rapidly (see page ).
Turn the ignition switch to the
START (III) position. If the
headlights do not dim, check the
condition of the f uses. If the f uses
areOK,thereisprobably
something wrong with the
electrical circuit for the ignition
switch or starter motor. You will
need a qualif ied technician to
determine the problem. See
on page .
If the headlights dim noticeably or
go out when you try to start the
engine, either the battery is
discharged or the connections are
corroded. Check the condition of
the battery and terminal connec-
tions (see page ). You can
then try jump starting the vehicle
f rom a booster battery (see page ).
In this case, the starter motor’s
speed sounds normal, or even f aster than normal, when you turn the
ignition switch to the START (III)
position, but the engine does not run.
Do you have f uel? Check the f uel
gauge; the low f uel indicator may
not be working.
There may be an electrical
problem, such as no power to the
f uel pump. Check all the f uses
(see page ).
If youfindnothingwrong,youwill
need a qualif ied technician to f ind
the problem. See on page .
When you turn the ignition switch to
the START (III) position, you do not
hear the normal noise of the engine
trying to start. You may hear a
clicking sound, a series of clicks, or
nothing at all.
Check these things:
Check the transmission interlock.
If you have a manual transmission,
the clutch pedal must be pushed
all the way to the f loor or the
starter will not operate. With an
automatic transmission, it must be
in Park or neutral.
Turn the ignition switch to the ON
(II) position. Turn on the
headlights, and check their
brightness. If the headlights are
very dim or do not come on at all,
the battery is discharged. See on page .277 290
265
277 77
204
284 290
If theEngineWon’tStart
Starting the
Engine
Emergency T owing
T he Starter Operates Normally Emergency
Towing
Nothing Happens or the Starter
Motor Operates Very Slowly
Jump Starting
276
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Start the vehicle. If the starter
motor still operates slowly, check
that the jumper cables have good
metal-to-metal contact.
Connect the second jumper cable
to the negative ( ) terminal on
the booster battery. Connect the
other end to the grounding strap
as shown. Do not connect this
jumper cable to any other part of
the engine.
If the booster battery is in another
vehicle, have an assistant start
that vehicle and run it at a fast idle.
Connect one jumper cable to the
positive ( ) terminal on your
battery. Connect the other end to
the positive ( ) terminal on the
booster battery.
6.
4. 5.
3.
Jump Starting
278
Si
Si
BOOSTER BATTERY DX, Canadian DX-G, LX, EX, EX-L
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Put the radiator cap back on
tightly. Run the engine, and check
the temperature gauge. If it goes
back to the red mark, the engine
needs repair (seeon page ).
If you do not see steam or spray,
leave the engine running and
watch the temperature gauge. If
the high heat is due to overloading,
the engine should start to cool
down almost immediately. If it
does, wait until the temperature
gauge comes down to the midpoint,
then continue driving.
If the temperature gauge stays at
the red mark, turn of f the engine.
Look f or any obvious coolant leaks,
such as a split radiator hose.
Everything is still extremely hot,
so use caution. If you f ind a leak, it
must be repaired bef ore you
continue driving (see
on page ).
If you don’t f ind an obvious leak,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank (see page ). Add coolant if the level is
below the MIN mark. Start the engine, and set the
temperature control dial to
maximum heat. Add coolant to the
radiator up to the base of the f iller
neck. If you do not have the
proper coolant mixture available,
you can add plain water.
Remember to have the cooling
system drained and ref illed with
the proper mixture as soon as you
can.
If the temperature stays normal,
check the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. If it has
gone down, add coolant to the
MAX mark. Put the cap back on
tightly.
Using gloves or a large heavy
cloth, turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise, without pushing
down, to the f irst stop. Af ter the
pressure releases, push down on
the cap, and turn it until it comes
off.
If there was no coolant in the
reserve tank, you may need to add
coolant to the radiator. Let the
engine cool down until the reading
reaches the middle of the
temperature gauge, or lower,
bef ore checking the radiator.
7. 8. 9.
3. 4. 5. 6. 290
191 290
10. 11.
Emergency
Towing
Emergency
Towing
If theEngineOverheats
280
Removing the radiator cap
while the engine is hot can
cause the coolant to spray out,
seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and
radiator cool down before
removing the radiator cap.
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Saf ely pull of f the road, and shut
of f the engine. Turn on the hazard
warning indicators.
If necessary, add oil to bring the
level back to the full mark on the
dipstick (see page ).
Let the vehicle sit f or a minute.
Open the hood, and check the oil
level (see page ). An engine
very low on oil can lose pressure
during cornering and other driving
maneuvers.
Start the engine, and watch the oil
pressure indicator. If it does not go
out within 10 seconds, turn of f the
engine. There is a mechanical
problem that needs to be repaired
bef ore you can continue driving
(see on page
).
This indicator should never
come on when the engine is
running. If it starts f lashing or stays
on, the oil pressure has dropped very
low or lost pressure. Serious engine
damage is possible, and you should
take immediate action. If the charging system
indicator comes on brightly
when the engine is running, the
battery is not being charged.
Immediately turn of f all electrical
accessories. Try not to use other
electrically operated controls such as
the power windows. Keep the engine
running; starting the engine will
discharge the battery rapidly.
Go to a service station or garage
where you can get technical
assistance.
1. 2. 3. 4.
189
234
290 Emergency T owing
L ow Oil Pressure Indicator
Charging System Indicator
L ow Oil Pressure Indicator, Charging System Indicator
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
281
Running the engine with low oil
pressure can cause serious mechanical
damage almost immediately. Turn of f
the engine as soon as you can saf ely get
the vehicle stopped.
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If the indicator comes on
while driving, it means one
of the engine’s emissions control
systems may have a problem. Even
though you may f eel no dif f erence in
your vehicle’s perf ormance, it can
reduce your f uel economy and cause
increased emissions. Continued
operation may cause serious damage. If the indicator comes on repeatedly,
even though it may turn of f as you
continue driving, have your vehicle
checked by the dealer as soon as
possible.
If your vehicle has an automatic
transmission, the malf unction
indicator lamp may also come on
with the ‘‘D’’ indicator.
Your vehicle has certain ‘‘readiness
codes’’ that are part of the on-board
diagnostics f or the emissions
systems. In some states, part of the
emissions testing is to make surethese codes are set. If they are not
set, the test cannot be completed.
If you have recently ref ueled your
vehicle, the indicator coming on
could be due to a loose or missing
f uel f ill cap. You will also see a
‘‘CHECK FUEL CAP’’ message on
the inf ormation display. Tighten the
cap until it clicks at least once.
Tightening the cap will not turn the
indicator of f immediately; it can take
several days of normal driving. If the battery in your vehicle has
been disconnected or gone dead,
thesecodesmaybeerased.Itcan
take several days of driving under
various conditions to set the codes
again.
To check if they are set, turn the
ignition switch to the ON (II)
position, without starting the engine.
The malf unction indicator lamp will
come on f or 20 seconds. If it then
goes of f , the readiness codes are set.
If it blinks f ive times, the readiness
codes are not set. If possible, do not
take your vehicle f or an emissions
test until the readiness codes are set.
Refer to for
more inf ormation (see page ).
308
Malf unct ion Indicat or L amp
Readiness Codes Emissions T esting
282
If you keep driving with the
malf unction indicator lamp on, you can
damage your vehicle’s emissions
controls and engine. Those repairs may
not be covered by your vehicle’s
warranties.
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The vehicle’s f uses are contained in
two f use boxes.If something electrical in your
vehicle stops working, check f or a
blown f use f irst. Determine f rom the
chart on pages and , or the
diagram on the f use box lid, which
f use or f uses control that device.
Check those f uses f irst, but check all
the f uses bef ore deciding that a
blown f use is the cause. Replace any
blown f uses, and check if the device
works.
The interior f use box is on the
driver’s lower lef t side. The under-hood f use box is in the
engine compartment on the driver’s
side, next to the brake f luid reservoir.
To open it, push the tabs as shown. 288 289
Fuses
Checking and Replacing Fuses
284
UNDER-HOOD
INTERIOR
TAB
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CONT INUED
...
Accessories and Modif ications . 195
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key
.......................................
Position) . 78
............
Accessory Power Sockets . 108
................
Adding Engine Coolant . 238
....................
Additives, Engine Oil . 235
.......
Adjusting the Steering Wheel . 75
.........
Advice f or Pregnant Women . 16
...............................
Airbag (SRS) . 9, 21
..............
Air Conditioning System . 114
.........................................
Usage . 117
...............
Air Pressure, Tires . 255, 257
.......................
Alcohol in Gasoline . 187
......................................
Antif reeze . 238
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
...............................
Indicator . 59, 214
...................................
Operation . 214
..............
Anti-thef t, Audio System . 179
Anti-thef t Steering Column
..............................................
Lock . 78
................................
Audio System . 119
.....
Auto Door Locking/Unlocking . 81
...
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners . 19
.............
Automatic Speed Control . 182 ..............
Automatic Transmission . 208
..........................
Capacity, Fluid . 297
...............
Checking Fluid Level . 242
.......................................
Shif ting . 208
Shif t Lever Position
...............................
Indicators . 208
................
Shif t Lever Positions . 209
....................
Shif t Lock Release . 211
Battery Charging System ...........................
Indicator . 57, 281
............................
Jump Starting . 277
..............................
Maintenance . 265
............................
Specif ications . 298
..............................
Bef ore Driving . 185
....................................
Belts,Seat .8,18
.........................
Beverage Holders . 107
..................................
Booster Seats . 47
Brakes
...........
Anti-lock System (ABS) . 214
.............
Break-in, New Linings . 186
....................
Bulb Replacement . 250
...........................................
Fluid . 244 .......................................
Parking . 105
..........................
System Design . 213
.................
System Indicator . 58, 283
........................
Wear Indicators . 213
.............................
Braking System . 213
.................
Break-in, New Vehicle . 186
..
Brightness Control, Instruments . 73
........................
Brights, Headlights . 72
Bulb Replacement
..........................
Back-up Lights . 250
..............................
Brake Lights . 250
................
Front Parking Lights . 249
........
Front Side Marker Lights . 249
.................................
Headlights . 246
.........
High-mount Brake Light . 251
............................
Specif ications . 297
....................
Turn Signal Lights . 249
..............................
Bulbs, Halogen . 246
............................
Capacities Chart . 297
.............
Carbon Monoxide Hazard . 50
.............................
Carrying Cargo . 197
Index
A
B
C
INDEX
I
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..............
CAUTION, Explanation of . ii
.........................................
CD Care . 174
..........................
CD Changer . 135, 157
.....
CD Changer Error Messages . 137
..............................
CD Player . 130, 150
.
CD Player Error Messages . 136, 158
..................................
Ceiling Light . 111
........................
Certif ication Label . 294
.................................
Chains, Tires . 263
....................
Changing a Flat Tire . 271
Changing Oil
........................................
How to . 236
......................................
When to . 225
...
Charging System Indicator . 57, 281
..............
Check Fuel Cap Message . 68
............
Checklist, Bef ore Driving . 203
.....................................
Child Saf ety . 32
..............................
Booster Seats . 47
...................................
Child Seats . 39
Important Saf ety
.........................
Reminders . 32, 35
..........................................
Inf ants . 37
............................
Large Children . 46
.........................................
LATCH . 41
......................
Risks with Airbags . 33
.............................
Small Children . 38 .........................................
Tethers . 45
...........................
Warning Labels . 51
.........
Where Should a Child Sit? . 33
Child Seats ......................................
Installing . 40
...........................
Lower Anchors . 41
......................................
Selecting . 39
................
Tether Anchor Points . 45
Cleaning ...................................
Seat Belts . 251
..............................................
Clock . 180
...................................
Clutch Fluid . 245
........................
CO in the Exhaust . 305
......................................
Coat Hook . 108
............
Cold Weather, Starting in . 204
......................
Compact Spare Tire . 270
.................
Console Compartment . 107
.................
Consumer Inf ormation . 312
.............
Controls, Instruments and . 53
Coolant
........................................
Adding . 238
....................................
Checking . 191
.........................
Proper Solution . 238
...................
Temperature Gauge . 68
Crankcase Emissions Control ........................................
System . 305 ................
Cruise Control Indicator . 62
............
Cruise Control Operation . 182
...................................
Cup Holders . 107
....
Customer Service Inf ormation . 312
................
DANGER, Explanation of . ii
...................................
Dashboard . 3, 54
................
Daytime Running Lights . 73
Daytime Running Lights
.......................................
Indicator . 63
.................................
Dead Battery . 277
............
Def ects, Reporting Saf ety . 314
................
Def ogger, Rear Window . 74
..............
Def rosting the Windows . 118
....................................
Dimensions . 296
...............
Dimming the Headlights . 72
Dipstick
..........
Automatic Transmission . 242
..................................
Engine Oil . 189
..........................
Directional Signals . 72
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators . 213
.......................................
Disc Care . 174
............................
Disc Player . 130, 150
..................
Display Change Button . 66
Index
D
II
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Î
CONT INUED
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil . 238
Doors
.
Auto Door Locking/Unlocking . 81
..............
Locking and Unlocking . 79
......................
Power Door Locks . 80
........
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 299
Downshif ting, Manual
.............................
Transmission . 205
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety . 5
...........................................
Driving . 201
....................................
Economy . 192
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter . 253
..............................
Economy, Fuel . 192
..................................
Emergencies . 269
.............
Battery, Jump Starting . 277
...........
Brake System Indicator . 283
................
Changing a Flat Tire . 271
.....
Charging System Indicator . 281
..................
Checking the Fuses . 284
.........
Hazard Warning Flashers . 74
............................
Jump Starting . 277
.....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 281
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 282 ..................
Overheated Engine . 279
.......................................
Towing . 290
.........................
Emergency Brake . 105
......................
Emergency Flashers . 74
......................
Emergency Towing . 290
............
Emergency Trunk Opener . 91
.......................
Emissions Controls . 305
........................
Emissions Testing . 308Engine
............
Adding Engine Coolant . 238
....
Coolant Temperature Gauge . 68
.........................
If It Won’t Start . 275
Malf unction Indicator
................................
Lamp . 57, 282
.......................
Oil Lif e Indicator . 225
........
Oil Pressure Indicator . 57, 281
.............................
Oil, Synthetic . 235
..............
Oil, What Kind to Use . 234
...............................
Overheating . 279
............................
Specif ications . 296
....................
Speed Limiter . 207, 210
.......................................
Starting . 204
......................
Ethanol in Gasoline . 187
.
Evaporative Emissions Controls . 305
...............................
Exhaust Fumes . 50 Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat
........................................
Belts by . 16
....................................
Fan Control . 115
.........................................
Features . 113
....................
Filling the Fuel Tank . 187
Filters
.........................
Dust and Pollen . 253
...............................................
Oil . 236
.............
Flashers, Hazard Warning . 74
...................
Flat Tire, Changing a . 271
Fluids
..........
Automatic Transmission . 242
..........................................
Brake . 244
.........................................
Clutch . 245
..............
Manual Transmission . 243
..........................
Power Steering . 245
..................
Windshield Washer . 241
FM Stereo Radio ...................................
Reception . 172
...........................
Folding Rear Seat . 98
..........................
Four-way Flashers . 74
Index
E F
INDEX
III
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..............................
Front Airbags . 9, 23
Front Seat
......................................
Adjusting . 92
.....................................
Airbags . 9, 23
.................................................
Fuel . 186
..........
Check Fuel Cap Message . 68
....................................
Economy . 192
......................
Fill Door and Cap . 187
...........................................
Gauge . 68
.....................
Low Fuel Indicator . 64
................
Octane Requirement . 186
...............................
Oxygenated . 187
........................
Tank, Ref ueling . 187
..............................
Fuse Locations . 288
.....................
Fuses, Checking the . 284
...............
Gas Mileage, Improving . 192
.........................................
Gasoline . 186
...........................................
Gauge . 68
.....................
Low Fuel Indicator . 64
................
Octane Requirement . 186
........................
Tank, Ref ueling . 187
................
Gas Station Procedures . 187 Gauges
...
Engine Coolant Temperature . 68
...............................................
Fuel . 68
Gearshif t Lever Positions ..........
Automatic Transmission . 208
..............
Manual Transmission . 206
......................................
Glove Box . 107
Gross Axle Weight Rating
.....................................
(GAWR) . 199
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating .....................................
(GVWR) . 199
.............
Halogen Headlight Bulbs . 246
..............
Hazard Warning Flashers . 74
Headlights
........................................
Aiming . 246
............
Daytime Running Lights . 73
..................
High Beam Indicator . 63
........................
Reminder Beeper . 72
........
Replacing Halogen Bulbs . 246
...................................
Turning on . 72
..............................
Head Restraints . 95
.............................
Heated Mirrors . 105
.....................
Heating and Cooling . 114 .............
High Altitude, Starting at . 204
............................
High Beam Lever . 72
..............
High-mount Brake Light . 251
..
Hood, Opening and Closing the . 188
..............................................
Horn .4,70
...........................
Hydraulic Clutch . 244
...
Identif ication Number, Vehicle . 294
..............
If the Engine Overheats . 279
..............
If the Engine Wont Start . 275
Ignition
..............................................
Keys . 76
...........................................
Switch . 78
............
Timing Control System . 306
........................
Immobilizer System . 77
.........
Important Safety Precautions . 6
Indicators
..............
ABS (Anti-Lock Brake) . 59
Brake (Parking and Brake
....................................
System) . 58
................
Charging System . 57, 281
.............................
Cruise Control . 62
DRL (Daytime Running
......................................
Lights) . 63
Index
G H I
IV
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