tow HONDA CIVIC HATCHBACK 2004 7.G User Guide

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Check the condition of the battery
monthlybylookingatthetest
indicator window. The label on the
battery explains the test indicator’s
colors. If additional battery maintenance is
needed, see your Honda dealer or a
qualif ied technician.
Battery posts,
terminals, and related accessories
contain lead and lead compounds.
Check the terminals f or corrosion (a
white or yellowish powder). To
remove it, cover the terminals with a
solution of baking soda and water. It
will bubble up and turn brown. When
this stops, wash it of f with plain
water. Dry off the battery with a
cloth or paper towel. Coat the
terminals with grease to help prevent
f urther corrosion.
If you need to connect the battery to
a charger, disconnect both cables to
prevent damaging your vehicle’s
electrical system. Always disconnect
the negative ( ) cable first, and
reconnect it last.
WARNING:
Wash your hands af ter handling.
Checking the Battery
Maint enance
162 TEST INDICATOR WINDOW
The battery gives off explosive
hydrogen gas during normaloperation.
A spark or flame can cause the
battery to explode with enough
force to kill or seriously hurt you.
Wear protective clothing and a
face shield, or have a skilled
mechanic do the batterymaintenance.
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If you need to park your vehicle f or
an extended period (more than one
month), there are several things you
should do to prepare it f or storage.
Proper preparation helps prevent
deterioration and makes it easier to
get your vehicle back on the road. If
possible, store your vehicle indoors.Fill the f uel tank.
Change the engine oil and f ilter. Block the rear wheels.
If the vehicle is to be stored f or a
longer period, it should be
supported on jackstands so the
tires are of f the ground.
Leave one window open slightly (if
the vehicle is being stored
indoors).
Cover the vehicle with a
‘‘breathable’’ cover, one made
f rom a porous material such as
cotton. Non-porous materials, such
as plastic sheeting, trap moisture,
which can damage the paint.
Wash and dry the exterior
completely.
Cleantheinterior.Makesurethe
carpeting, floor mats, etc., are
completely dry.
Leave the parking brake off. Put
the transmission in Reverse. Support the f ront and rear wiper
blade arms with a f olded towel or
ragsotheydonottouchthe
windshield.
Disconnect the battery.
To minimize sticking, apply a
silicone spray lubricant to all door
and hatch seals. Also, apply a
vehiclebodywaxtothepainted
surfaces that mate with the door
and hatch seals. If possible, run the engine
periodically until it reaches f ull
operating temperature (the
cooling f an cycles on and of f
twice) pref erably once a month.
If you store your vehicle f or 12
months or longer, have your Honda
dealer perf orm the inspections called
f or in the 24 months/30,000 miles
(48,000 km) maintenance schedule
(Normal Conditions) as soon as you
take it out of storage (see page ).
The replacements called f or in the
maintenance schedule are not
needed unless the vehicle has
actually reached that time or mileage. 133
Vehicle Storage
Maint enance
163
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This section covers the more
common problems that motorists
experience with their vehicles. It
gives you inf ormation about how to
safely evaluate the problem and what
to do to correct it. If the problem has
stranded you on the side of the road,
you may be able to get going again.
If not, you will also f ind instructions
on getting your vehicle towed.......................
Compact Spare Tire . 166
....................
Changing a Flat Tire . 167
.............
If the Engine Won’t Start . 171
................................
Jump Starting . 173
..............
If the Engine Overheats . 174
.........
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 177
..........
Charging System Indicator . 177
.......
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 178
...............
Brake System Indicator . 179
..................
Closing the Moonroof . 180
..............................................
Fuses . 181
..............................
Fuse Locations . 183
......................
Emergency Towing . 185
Taking Care of the Unexpected
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed 165
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In this case, the starter motor’s
speed sounds normal, or even f aster
than normal, when you turn the
ignition switch to START (III), but
the engine does not run.Do you have f uel? Check the f uel
gauge; the warning light 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 ).
Are you using a properly coded
key? An improperly coded key will
cause the immobilizer system
indicator in the dash panel to blink
rapidly(seepage ).
Are you using the proper starting
procedure? Ref er to
on page . If youfindnothingwrong,youwill
need a qualif ied technician to f ind
the problem. See
on page .
123 65 181
185
T he Starter Operates Normally
Starting the
Engine Emergency
Towing
If theEngineWon’tStart
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
172
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If you see steam and/or spray
coming f rom under the hood, turn
of f the engine. Wait until you see
no more signs of steam or spray,
then open the hood.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. Add coolant
if the level is below the MIN mark.
Saf ely pull to the side of the road.
Put the transmission in Neutral,
and set the parking brake. Turn
off all the accessories, and turn on
the hazard indicator.
1. 2. 3. 4.5. 6.
185
Emergency
Towing
If theEngineOverheats
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed 175
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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 pointer
reaches the middle of the tempera-
ture gauge, or lower, bef ore check-
ing the radiator.Using gloves or 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.
Start the engine, and set the
temperature control dial to
maximum. 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.Put the radiator cap back on
tightly. Run the engine, and watch
the temperature gauge. If it goes
back to the red mark, the engine
needs repair (see
on page ).
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.
8. 9.
10. 11.
7.
185Emergency
Towing
If theEngineOverheats
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed
176 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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However, if the brake pedal does not
f eel normal, you should take
immediate action. A problem in one
part of the system’s dual circuit
design will still give you braking at
two wheels. You will f eel the brake
pedal go down much f arther bef ore
the vehicle begins to slow down, and
you will have to press harder on the
pedal.
Slow down by shif ting to a lower
gear, and pull to the side of the road
when it is saf e. Because of the long
distance needed to stop, it is
hazardous to drive the vehicle. You
should have it towed and repaired as
soon as possible (seeon page ).
If you must drive the vehicle a short
distance in this condition, drive
slowly and caref ully.
If the brake system indicator comes
on while driving, the brake f luid level
is probably low. Press lightly on the
brake pedal to see if it f eels normal.
If it does, check the brake f luid level
thenexttimeyoustopataservice
station (see page ).
If the f luid level is low, take your
vehicle to a dealer and have the
brake system inspected f or leaks or
worn brake pads. The brake system indicator
normally comes on when
you turn the ignition switch
to ON (II), and as a
reminder to check the
parking brake. It will stay
on if you do not f ully
release the parking brake.
144 185Emergency
Towing
Brake System Indicator
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed 179
Canada
U.S.
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If your vehicle needs to be towed,
call a prof essional towing service or
organization. Never tow your vehicle
with just a rope or chain. It is very
dangerous.
The operator
loads your vehicle on the back of a
truck.
The tow
truck uses two pivoting arms that go
under the tires (f ront or rear) and lif t
them of f the ground. The other two
tires remain on the ground. With the f ront wheels on the ground,
it is best to tow the vehicle no farther
than 50 miles (80 km), and keep the
speedbelow35mph(55km/h).
If your vehicle is equipped with a
f ront spoiler, remove it bef ore
towing so it is not damaged.
Thereareonlytwowaystotowyour
vehicle.
If , due to damage, your vehicle must
be towed with the f ront wheels on
the ground, do the f ollowing:
Release the parking brake.
Shif t the transmission to Neutral.Flat -bed Equipment
Wheel-lif t Equipment
This is the best way to trans-
port your Honda.
T his is
an acceptable way to tow your
Honda.
Emergency T owing
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed 185
NOTICE: NOTICE:
Improper towing preparation
will damage the transmission. Follow
the above procedure exactly. If you
cannot shif t the transmission or start
the engine, your vehicle must be
transported with the f ront wheels of f
the ground.
Trying to lif t or tow your
vehicle by the bumpers will cause
serious damage. The bumpers are not
designed to support the vehicle’s weight.
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Your new Honda is covered by these
warranties:
covers your new vehicle, except f or
the battery, emissions control
systems, and accessories, against
def ects in materials and
workmanship.
these two
warranties cover your vehicle’s emis-
sions control systems. Time, mileage,
and coverage are conditional. Please
read the warranty manual for exact
inf ormation.
this warranty gives up
to 100 percent credit toward a
replacement battery. a seat
belt that f ails to f unction properly is
covered f or the usef ul lif e of the
vehicle.
all exterior body panels are
covered f or rust-through f rom the
inside f or the specif ied time period
with no mileage limit.
Honda Accessories are covered
under this warranty. Time and
mileage limits depend on the type of
accessory and other factors. Please
read your warranty manual f or
details.
covers all Honda
replacement parts against defects in
materials and workmanship. provides prorated
coverage f or a replacement battery
purchased f rom a Honda dealer.
provides
coverageforaslongasthepur-
chaser of the muf f ler owns the
vehicle.
Restrictions and exclusions apply to
all these warranties. Please read the
2004 Honda Warranty Inf ormation
booklet that came with your vehicle
f or precise inf ormation on warranty
coverages. Your Honda’s original
tires are covered by their
manuf acturer. Tire warranty inf or-
mation is in a separate booklet.
Please ref er to the 2004 Warranty
Manual that came with your vehicle.
Warranty Coverages
Warrant y and Cust omer Relat ions
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
New Vehicle L imit ed Warrant yEmissions Cont rol Syst ems Def ect sWarrant y and EmissionsPerf ormance Warranty
Original Equipment Bat t ery L imit edWarranty Seat Belt Limited Warranty
Rust Perf orat ion L imit ed Warrant y
Accessory Limited Warranty
Replacement Part s L imit edWarranty Replacement Bat t ery L imit ed
Warranty
Replacement Muf f ler L if et imeLimited Warranty
201
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CONT INUED
................
DANGER, Explanation of . ii
...................................
Dashboard . 2, 50
................
Daytime Running Lights . 61
Daytime Running Lights
.......................................
Indicator . 53
...........
Dead Battery, What to Do . 173
............
Def ects, Reporting Saf ety . 202
..........................
Def og and Def rost . 89
................
Def ogger, Rear Window . 62
................
Def rosting the Windows . 89
....................................
Dimensions . 190
...............
Dimming the Headlights . 61
Dipstick
..................................
Engine Oil . 113
..........................
Directional Signals . 61
Disabled, Towing Your Vehicle
..................................................
If . 185
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators . 127
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil . 140
Doors
..............
Locking and Unlocking . 67
..........
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 192
Downshif ting, 5-speed Manual
.............................
Transmission . 124 ...........
Driver and Passenger Safety . 5
...........................................
Driving . 121
....................................
Economy . 114
..............................
Economy, Fuel . 114
............
Emergencies on the Road . 165
.............
Battery, Jump Starting . 173
...........
Brake System Indicator . 179
................
Changing a Flat Tire . 167
.....
Charging System Indicator . 177
..................
Checking the Fuses . 181
.....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 177
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 178
..................
Overheated Engine . 174
...........................
Emergency Brake . 80
......................
Emergency Flashers . 62
......................
Emergency Towing . 185
.......................
Emissions Controls . 194Engine
Coolant Temperature .......................................
Gauge . 58
.............................. 171
Malf unction Indicator ................................
Lamp . 53, 178 ........
Oil Pressure Indicator . 52, 177
..............
Oil, What Kind to Use . 138
...............................
Overheating . 174
............................
Specif ications . 190
...................
Engine Speed Limiter . 125
.
Evaporative Emissions Controls . 194
...............................
Exhaust Fumes . 47
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat
........................................
Belts by . 17
.....................................
Fan, Interior . 86
Features, Comfort and
................................
Convenience . 85
....................
Filling the Fuel Tank . 111
Filter
...............................................
Oil . 139
5-speed Manual Transmission ...............
Checking Fluid Level . 143
................................
Shif ting the . 124
.............
Flashers, Hazard Warning . 62
...................
Flat Tire, Changing a . 167
If it won’t start
Index
E
F
D
III
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