maintenance HONDA CIVIC HATCHBACK 2003 7.G User Guide

Refer toon page f or inf ormation
on checking other items in your
Honda.
Look at the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. Make sure it is
between the MAX and MIN lines. If
it is below the MIN line, see
on page f or
informationonaddingtheproper
coolant.
Remove the dipstick again and
check the level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks.
If it is near or below the lower mark,
see on page .
Insert it all the way back in its tube. 4.
3.
167171
165
Service Station Procedures
Bef ore Driving
Owner Maintenance
Checks A dding
Engine Coolant
A dding Oil
Engine Coolant Check
133
UPPER MARK
LOWER MARK MAX
RESERVE
TANK
MIN

You can improve f uel economy by
driving moderately. Rapid acceler-
ation, abrupt cornering, and hard
braking use more f uel.A cold engine uses more f uel than a
warm engine. It is not necessary to
‘‘warm-up’’ a cold engine by letting it
idle f or a long time. You can drive
away in about a minute, no matter
how cold it is outside. The engine
will warm up f aster, and you get
better f uel economy. To cut down on
the number of ‘‘cold starts,’’ try to
combine several short trips into one.
The air conditioning puts an extra
load on the engine which makes it
usemorefuel.Turnoff theA/Cto
cutdownonairconditioninguse.
Use the f low-through ventilation
when the outside air temperature is
moderate.
Always drive in the highest gear that
allows the engine to run and acceler-
ate smoothly.
The condition of your car and your
driving habits are the two most
important things that affect the fuel
mileage you get.
Always maintain your car according
to the maintenance schedule. This
will keep it in top operating condition.
Depending on traf f ic conditions, try
to maintain a constant speed. Every
time you slow down and speed up,
your car uses extra f uel.
An important part of that mainte-
nance is the
(see page ). For
example, an underinf lated tire
causes more ‘‘rolling resistance,’’
which uses f uel. It also wears out
f aster, so check the tire pressure at
least monthly.
In winter, the build-up of snow on
your car’s underside adds weight and
rolling resistance. Frequent cleaning
helps your f uel mileage and reduces
thechanceof corrosion. 165
Vehicle Condition
Driving Habits
Owner Maintenance
Checks
Fuel Economy
Bef ore Driving
134

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 how to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.
......................
Maintenance Saf ety . 154
.
Important Safety Precautions . 155
.................
Maintenance Schedule . 156
...
Required Maintenance Record . 163
.......
Owner Maintenance Checks . 165
..............................
Fluid Locations . 166
......................................
Engine Oil . 167
..................................
Adding Oil . 167
....................
Recommended Oil . 167
..............................
Synthetic Oil . 168
....................................
Additives . 168
.....
Changing the Oil and Filter . 169
.............................
Cooling System . 171
............
Adding Engine Coolant . 171
.......
Replacing Engine Coolant . 173
....................
Windshield Washers . 176
.......................
Transmission Fluid . 177
................
Brake and Clutch Fluid . 177
............................
Brake System . 178
...........................
Clutch System . 178
.....................
Air Cleaner Element . 179
....................................
Hood Latch . 181
....................................
Spark Plugs . 181
..............................
Replacement . 181
............................
Specif ications . 183
...........................................
Battery . 184 .................................
Wiper Blades . 186
..............
Air Conditioning System . 189
..................
DustandPollenFilter .190
.....................................
Drive Belts . 192
...............................................
Tires . 193
......................................
Inf lation . 193
Recommended TirePressures f or Normal ...........................
Driving . 194
Tire Pressure Adjustment ....
f or High Speed Driving . 194
..................................
Inspection . 195
..............................
Maintenance . 195
.............................
Tire Rotation . 196
...
Replacing Tires and Wheels . 197
......................
Wheels and Tires . 198
..........................
Winter Driving . 198
.............................
Snow Tires . 199
............................
Tire Chains . 199
.............................................
Lights . 200
.....................
Headlight Aiming . 202
........................
Replacing Bulbs . 202
...........................
Storing Your Car . 212
265
Maintenance
Maint enance
153

Some of the most important saf ety
precautions are given here. However,
we cannot warn you of every
conceivable hazard that can arise in
perf orming maintenance. Only you
can decide whether or not you
should perf orm a given task.
This section includes instructions f or
simple maintenance tasks, such as
checking and adding oil. Any service
items not detailed in this section
should be perf ormed by a Honda
technician or other qualif ied
mechanic.
Regularly maintaining your car is the
best way to protect your investment.
Proper maintenance is essential to
your saf ety and the saf ety of your
passengers. It will also reward you
with more economical, trouble-f ree
driving and help reduce air pollution.
Maint enance
Maintenance Saf ety
154 Failure to properly follow
maintenance instructions and
precautions can cause you to
be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the procedures
and precautions in this owner’smanual.
Improperly maintaining this car
or failing to correct a problem
before driving can cause a
crash in which you can be
seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the inspection
and maintenance
recommendations and
schedules in this owner’smanual.

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.
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.
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.When adding or replacing f luids
within the engine compartment, such
as oil and coolant, be caref ul of
spillage.
This may lead to damage parts in the
engine compartment.
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.
155

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.
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:
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. Service your car according to the
time and mileage periods on one of
the Maintenance Schedules on the
f ollowing pages. Select the schedule
f or ‘‘Severe Conditions’’ if most of
your driving is done under one or
more of the conditions listed on that
page. Otherwise, f ollow the schedule
f or ‘‘Normal Conditions.’’
Drive your car regularly over a
distance of several miles
(kilometers).
Always use unleaded gasoline with
the proper octane rating (see page ). 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.
128
Maintenance Schedule
Maint enance Which Schedule to Follow:
U.S. Owners
156

Ì
µ U.S. Vehicles:
According to state and federal
regulations, f ailure to perf orm
maintenance on the items marked
with will not void your emissions
warranties. However, Honda
recommends that all maintenance
services be perf ormed at the
recommended time or mileage
period to ensure long-term reliability.
We recommend the use of genuine
Honda parts and f luids whenever you
have maintenance done. These are
manuf actured to the same high-
quality standards as the original
components, so you can be conf ident
of their perf ormance and durability.
Your authorized Honda dealer
knows your car best and can provide
competent, ef f icient service.
However, service at a dealer is not
mandatory to keep your warranties
in effect. Maintenance may be done
by any qualif ied service f acility or
person who is skilled in this type of
automotive service. Keep all the
receipts as proof of completion, and
have the person who does the work
f ill out the Maintenance Record.
Check your warranty booklet f or
more inf ormation.
Extensive idling or long periods of
stop-and-go driving, such as a taxi
or a commercial delivery vehicle.
Driving with a roof rack, or driving
in mountainous conditions.
Driving on muddy, dusty, or de-
iced roads.
NOTE: If you only OCCASIONALLY
or NEVER, drive under a ‘‘severe’’
condition, you should f ollow the
Maintenance Schedule f or Normal
Conditions. Follow the
Maintenance Schedule f or Severe
Conditions.
Maint enance
Maintenance Schedule
Maintenance, replacement or
repair of emissions control
devices and systems may be done
by any automotive repair
establishment or individual using
parts that are ‘‘certif ied’’ to EPA
standards.
Canadian Owners
157

µ
ÌÌ Ì
Maint enance
158 Service at the indicated distance or time whichever comes first. miles x
1,000
km x 1,000
months Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
Service the following items at the recommended intervals.Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Every 110,000 miles (176,000 km)
Inspect every 110,000 miles (176,000 km), otherwise adjust only if noisy
At 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years,
then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years Every 3 years (independent of mileage)
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page . 1016
2032304840645080 609670
112 80
128 90
144 100160110176120192
Check engine oil and coolant
Replace engine oil
Rotate tires (Check tire inflation and condition at least once per month)
Replace engine oil filter
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
Inspect and adjust drive belts
Replace dust and pollen filter
Replace transmission fluid
Replace air cleaner element
Replace spark plugs
Inspect valve clearance
Inspect idle speed
Replace engine coolant
Replace brake fluid Every 160,000 miles (256,000 km) or 8 years24 48 72
12 36 60
: 157
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions

µµ
Ø ØØØØØØØØØ Ø ØØØØ
Ø Ø ØØ Ø ØØ
ÌÌ Ì
Maint enance159
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
A, B, C, D
A B C D
Refer to page to determine which schedule to use.
Use the Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions.
Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the items in as required for each distance/time.
Replace engine oil.
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page 196 ).
Replace engine oil filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Check parking brake adjustment.
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS).
Check all fluid levels, condition of fluids, and check
for leaks.Inspect exhaust system.
Inspect fuel lines and connections.
Inspect and adjust drive belts.
Replace dust and pollen filter.
Replace air cleaner element every 30,000 mi/48,000
km (independent of time).
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do item in D.
Do items in A, C.
Do items in A, B.
Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage).
Do items in A.
Do item in D.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do item in D.
Do items in A, C.
Do items in A, B. Inspect valve clearance, cold engine.
Replace spark plugs.
Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage).
Do items in A.
Do item in D.
Replace transmission fluid.
DoitemsinA,B,C. Replace engine coolant, then replace every
60,000mi/96,000km/5yrs. Inspect idle speed.
10,000 mi/16,000 km/1 yr
20,000 mi/32,000 km/1 yr
30,000 mi/48,000 km
30,000 mi/48,000 km/2 yrs
40,000 mi/64,000 km/2 yrs
3yrs
50,000 mi/80,000 km/3 yrs
60,000 mi/96,000 km
60,000 mi/96,000 km/3 yrs
70,000 mi/112,000 km/4 yrs
80,000 mi/128,000 km/4 yrs
90,000 mi/144,000 km
90,000 mi/144,000 km/5 yrs
100,000 mi/160,000 km/5 yrs
110,000 mi/176,000 km
6yrs
110,000 mi/176,000 km/6 yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km
120,000 mi/192,000 km/6 yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km/10 yrs
160,000 mi/256,000 km/8 yrs
:
156
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last
column, page .
Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop.
Check and adjust valve clearance, cold engine, only if noisy.
NOTE: 157Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions (listed by distance/time)

µ
Î ÌÌÌ
ÃŽ
Maint enance
160 Service at the indicated distance or time whichever comes first. miles x
1,000
km x 1,000
months
Service the following items at the recommended intervals.
Every 110,000 miles (176,000 km)
Inspect every 110,000 miles (176,000 km), otherwise adjust only if noisy
At 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years,
then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years Every 3 years (independent of mileage)
See dust and pollen filter on page for replacement information under special driving conditions.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page . Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) in dusty conditions, otherwise use normal schedule
Replace every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months
Check engine oil and coolant
Replace engine oil
Rotate tires (Check tire inflation and condition at least once per month)
Replace engine oil filter
Inspect front and rear brakes
Lubricate all hinges, locks, and latches
Visually inspect the following items:
Tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots
Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Check parking brake adjustment
Visually inspect the following items: Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluidsExhaust system, Fuel lines and connections
Lights and controls, Vehicle underbody
Inspect and adjust drive belts
Replace dust and pollen filter
Replace transmission fluid
Replace air cleaner element
Replace spark plugs
Inspect valve clearance
Inspect idle speed
Replace engine coolant
Replace brake fluid 10 16
203230484064 5080609670
112 80
128 90
144 100160110176120192
Every 160,000 miles (256,000 km) or 8 years 24 48 72
12 36 60
:: 157
190
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions