maintenance HONDA CIVIC HYBRID 2003 7.G User Guide

Remove the dipstick again and
check the level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks.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
inf ormation on adding the proper
coolant.
If it is near or below the lower mark,
see
on page . Refer to
on page f or inf ormation
on checking other items in your
Honda.
4. 195 199193
A dding
Engine Coolant
A dding Oil Owner Maintenance
Checks
Engine Coolant Check
Service Station Procedures
Bef ore Driving149
UPPER MARK
LOWER MARK RESERVE TANK MAX
MIN

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.
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. You can improve f uel economy by
driving moderately. Rapid acceler-
ation, abrupt cornering, and hard
braking use more f uel.
To get the best f uel mileage, drive in
the highest gear that is practical for
the speed you are driving, and
always accelerate slowly.
Engine oil also af f ects f uel economy.
The f uel ef f icient, low-viscosity
0W-20 oil recommended f or your
Civic Hybrid is f ormulated to help
the engine use less f uel. This oil is
available at your Honda dealer.
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
the chance of corrosion.
You may f ind that your Civic Hybrid’s
unique combination of an engine and
an electric motor has driving
characteristics that are somewhat
dif f erent f rom what you are used to.
Shif t Up and Shif t Down indicators
(5-speed manual transmission only)
on the instrument panel show when
to shif t to a higher or lower gear. By
shifting as soon as the indicator
comes on, you will keep the engine
operating in its most economical
range.
193
Vehicle Condition
Owner Maintenance
Checks Driving Habits
Bef ore Driving
Fuel Economy
150

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 .182
.
Important Safety Precautions . 183
.................
Maintenance Schedule . 184
...
Required Maintenance Record . 191
.......
Owner Maintenance Checks . 193
..............................
Fluid Locations .194
......................................
Engine Oil .195
..................................
Adding Oil .195
....................
Recommended Oil .195
..............................
Synthetic Oil .196
....................................
Additives .196
.....
Changing the Oil and Filter . 197
.............................
Cooling System .199
............
Adding Engine Coolant . 199
.......
Replacing Engine Coolant . 201
....................
Windshield Washers .205
.......................
Transmission Fluid .206
Continuously Variable ............
Transmission (CVT) . 206
5-speed Manual .........................
Transmission .208
................
Brake and Clutch Fluid . 209
............................
Brake System .209
...........................
Clutch System .210
.....................
Air Cleaner Element .211
....................................
Hood Latch .212 ....................................
Spark Plugs .213
..............................
Replacement .213
............................
Specif ications .215
...........................................
Battery .216
.................................
Wiper Blades .219
..............
Air Conditioning System . 221
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter . 222
.......................................
Drive Belt .224
...............................................
Tires .225
......................................
Inf lation .225
Recommended Tire Pressures ...........
f or Normal Driving . 226
Tire Pressure Adjustment f or ..........
High Speed Driving . 226
..................................
Inspection .227
..............................
Maintenance .227
.............................
Tire Rotation .228
...
Replacing Tires and Wheels . 229
......................
Wheels and Tires .230
..........................
Winter Driving .230
.............................
Snow Tires .230
............................
Tire Chains .231
.............................................
Lights .232
.....................
Headlight Aiming .234
........................
Replacing Bulbs .234
...........................
Storing Your Car .243
303
Maintenance
Maint enance181

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
182
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’s
manual.
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’s
manual.

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.
183

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
theproperoctanerating(seepage).
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, such as a taxi
or a commercial delivery vehicle.
144
Maintenance Schedule
Maint enance
Which Schedule to Follow:
U.S. Owners
184

Ì
µ 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.
Driving on muddy, dusty, or de-
iced roads. Driving with a roof rack, or driving
in mountainous conditions.
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.
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.
We recommend the use of 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.
U.S. Vehicles:
Maint enance
Maintenance Schedule
Canadian Owners
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.
185

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Maint enance186
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
Service the following items at the recommended intervals.
Every 110,000 miles (176,000 km) or 7 years
Inspect every 110,000 miles (176,000 km), otherwise adjust only if noisy Every 110,000 miles (176,000 km)Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
20
32
30
4840
64 60
9680
128 90
144 100
160 120
192
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years
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 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)
Replace every 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 6 years.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page . 24
4872
12 3660
M/T
CVT
:
: 185
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions

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Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
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Ø
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Maint enance187
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners
A, B, C, D, E
A
B
C
D
E
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 228).
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).
Replace brake fluid every 3 years (independent of
mileage).
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do item in D.
Replace transmission fluid (CVT).
Do items in A, C.
Do items in A, B.
Do item in E.
Do items in A.
Do item in D.
DoitemsinA,B,C. Replace transmission fluid (CVT).
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do item in D.
Do items in A, C. Replace transmission fluid (CVT).
Do items in A, B. Inspect valve clearance, cold engine.
Replace spark plugs.
Do item in E.
Do items in A. Inspect idle speed.
Do item in D. Replace transmission fluid (M/T).
DoitemsinA,B,C. Replace transmission fluid (CVT).
Replace engine coolant, then replace every
60,000mi/96,000km/5yrs.
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
60,000 mi/96,000 km/4 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
90,000 mi/144,000 km/6 yrs
100,000 mi/160,000 km/5 yrs
110,000 mi/176,000 km
6yrs
110,000 mi/176,000 km/6 yrs
110,000 mi/176,000 km/7 yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km
120,000 mi/192,000 km/6 yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km/8 yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km/10 yrs 184
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: :
185
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions (listed by distance/time)

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Maint enance188
Service at the indicated distance or time whichever comes first. miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
months
Replace every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 monthsCheck oil and coolant at each fuel stop
10
16
50
8070
112 110
176
20
32 30
4840
64 60
9680
128 90
144 100
160 120
192
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years
Service the following items at the recommended intervals.Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) in dusty conditions, otherwise use normal schedule
Every 110,000 miles (176,000 km)
Inspect every 110,000 miles (176,000 km), otherwise adjust only if noisy Every 110,000 miles (176,000 km) or 7 years
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 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 . 24
4872
12 3660
M/T
CVT
: : 185
222
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions