1991 HONDA CIVIC parking brake

LX/EX Sedan

Si Hatchback

Check Engine Warning Light
This light comes on for a couple of seconds each time the ignition is
turned on. It will also come on, and remain on, if there is a malfunction in the emission control system. If the light comes on
while driving, avoid driving at high speed, and have the system
checked by a Honda dealer as soon as possible.
Parking Brake/Brake Failure Warning Light
Check the brake warning light every time you start the car.
With the parking brake set, the warning light should go on when the ignition switch is turned to II or III. With the parking brake released,
the light should go on when the ignition switch is turned to III. If the light goes on at any other time, it means the brake fluid level in themaster cylinder reservoir is too low; add fluid and have your dealer
check for leaks and brake pad wear immediately. (See page 84 )

(Hatchback) /
Seat Belt Reminder Light
The seat belt reminder light comes on when the ignition switch is

turned on (see pages 14 and 17 ).

Hatch/Trunk-open Indicator Light

This light will go on when you turn on the ignition switch if the hatch/trunk is not fully closed.
When the cruise control system is on, this indicator light is on (see
page 39 ).

If a door is open when the ignition is switched on, this light will go
on and stay on until the door is closed.
BRAKE

CRUISE

CONTROL

DOOR
Cruise Control Indicator Light (LX/EX Sedan)
Door Warning Light (Sedan)ProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t

Digital Clock (Si Hatchback and LX/EX Sedan)
The time is displayed continuously when the ignition is on. At all other times, push in on the lid to display the time.
To adjust the time: 1. Lower the lid.
2. Push the minute button (MIN.) and hold it until the numbers advance
to the desired minutes.
3. Push the hour button (HOUR) and hold it until the numbers advance
to the desired hour.
4. The RESET button allows you to synchronize your clock to the closest hour. If the time on the clock is before the half hour,pressing the RESET button will return the time to the previous
hour. If the time is beyond the half hour, the RESET button will
change the time to the next hour.

NOTE:

Be careful not to push the HOUR, MIN. or RESET buttons acciden- tally. Pushing any of them will change the clock's time setting.

Glove Box
Open by pushing the knob as shown.
Close with a firm push.

Parking Brake

To apply the parking brake, pull up on the lever. To release it, pull up
slightly, push the button, and lower
the lever; when fully released, the BRAKE warning light will go out.
Pull up

Do not drive the car with the glove
box door open; it could cause injury

in an accident.
LID

Clock, Glove Box and Parking Brake

PushProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t

Gasoline (cont'd)
Fuel vapor is extremely hazardous under certain conditions.
Always stop the engine before refueling, and never refuel near
sparks or open flames. CAUTION:
When reinstalling the fuel cap, be sure both tabs on the cap are
engaged in the slots of the filler neck and turn the cap until it stops. If you replace the cap, use only a genuine Honda replacement part
or its equivalent. Failure to use the proper part could cause serious
fuel system problems.
How to Improve Your Gas Mileage: Drive at a smooth, steady pace to avoid unnecessary decele-
rations and stops — accelerating back to speed uses more fuel.Plan trips to avoid rush hour traffic if possible. Make sure the parking brake is completely released.
Consolidate trips whenever possible.
Keep vehicle weight to a minimum by removing unnecessary
items from the luggage area.
Whenever possible, use fresh air from the dash vents to keep
cool when driving; open windows, or use of the optional air
conditioning both affect fuel economy.
Keep the tires adjusted to the recommended pressure.
Tire Pressure (measured cold): STD Hatchback front 240 kPa (35 psi)
rear 220 kPa (32 psi)
DX Hatchback front 220 kPa (32 psi)

rear 220 kPa (32 psi)

Si Hatchback front 195 kPa (28 psi)

rear 195 kPa (28 psi)

DX Sedan front 220 kPa (32 psi)

rear 220 kPa (32 psi)

LX Sedan front 180 kPa (26 psi)
rear 180 kPa (26 psi)
EX Sedan front 180 kPa (26 psi)

rear 180 kPa (26 psi)

Condition of Your Car You can only get maximum fuel economy if your car is in toprunning condition. Have all required maintenance done at the proper
intervals. Check tire pressures and tire wear frequently. If tire wear is uneven, have the alignment checked by your Honda dealer.
Proper alignment saves gasoline and prolongs tire life.ProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t

Starting the Engine
Before Starting

Manual Transmission:
1. Apply the parking brake.
2. Push the clutch pedal all the way in (see NOTE below). 3. Shift the transmission to neutral.

NOTE:

On cars equipped with manual transmissions, the engine will not
crank unless the clutch pedal is fully depressed.

Automatic Transmission:
1. Make sure the shift lever is in Park (P).
2. Apply the parking brake and the foot brake.

NOTE:
When starting in cold weather, keep all unnecessary electrical

circuits off (lights, defogger, etc.) for the best battery output.
Do not crank the engine for more than 15 seconds at a time. Wait
10 seconds before going to the next step.
Starting the Engine 1. With your foot off the accelerator start the engine by turning the key to the III position.
2. If the engine won't start within 15 seconds or starts but fails to continue to run, push the accelerator pedal halfway, and hold it
there while cranking the engine. Once the engine starts, release
the accelerator gradually as the engine speeds up.
3. If it doesn't start within 15 seconds, push the accelerator pedal down to the floor and hold it there while cranking in order to clearflooding. Try step 2 again.
Cold Weather at High Altitude Starting 1. When starting in cold weather at high altitude (above 8,000 feet), push the accelerator pedal about halfway and hold it there while
cranking the engine. Once the engine starts, release the accelerator gradually as the engine speeds up.
2. If it doesn't start within 15 seconds, push the accelerator pedal down to the floor and hold it there while cranking in order to clearflooding. Try step 1 again.

NOTE:
If the outside temperature is below freezing, or if your car has not
been driven for several days, warm up the engine for a few minutes
before driving.ProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t

Safety Items

Before driving away, check that: The doors are closed properly.
The mirrors are properly adjusted, and the windows clean.
The driver and passengers are wearing properly adjusted seat

belts.
The head restraints are properly adjusted.
The warning and indicator lights are operating properly. The brake pedal feels normal.

All luggage and cargo is secured.
Nothing is interfering with the driver's feet or blocking vision to

the rear.

While driving remember to: Always drive defensively; expect the unexpected.Reduce your speed during night hours and bad weather.Follow at a safe distance; don't tailgate. Get off the highway when you are tired; stop and take a rest.
When stopping for repairs: Park the car well off the road.
Turn on the hazard warning flasher. Use flares or other warning devices to warn other motorists.
After parking your car: Apply the parking brake and shift to first gear if equipped with
manual transmission, or PARK on automatic transmission equip-ped cars.
Make sure the sunroof and windows are closed and the doors are
locked.
If parked on a hill:

1. Turn the front wheels away from the curb if facing uphill.
2. Turn the front wheels toward the curb if facing downhill.
Never leave children unattended in a parked car. Take your keys.ProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t

Operating Tips
For smoother operation, apply the brakes when shifting from
Neutral or Park to a forward or reverse gear.
When parking: bring the car to a stop with the foot brake, hold the brake on and shift into Park, set the hand brake and then turn off
the engine.

NOTE:

Your 4 speed automatic transmission is equipped with a torque
converter lock-up clutch. Because of this, you may notice what
feels like an extra shift as the clutch engages.

CAUTION:
Shift into P only after the car has come to a complete stop.
Shift into or out of R only after the car has come to a complete
stop.

Do not "rev-up" the engine when the brake is on and the shift
lever is in D4, D3, 2 or R.
When stopped on a hill, use the brakes to hold your position, not
the accelerator pedal.
Do not shift from N or P into D4, D3, 2 or R when the engine is
above idle speed. Before shifting into gear, make sure your foot is firmly on the brake pedal. Do not rest your hand on the shift lever or push the shift button
while driving.

(cont'd)ProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t

Changing a Flat Tire
Do not attempt to change a tire unless the car is on firm, level
ground and well out of the flow of traffic.
Park the car on a firm, level surface, apply the parking brake, turn
on the hazard warning switch and put the transmission in gear (Park

for automatic).

1. Remove the jack, lug wrench/jack handle and jack handle extension (in the tool bag) from the location shown.

NOTE:

To remove the jack, release its tension against the mount by turning

the screw counterclockwise.

JACK TOOL BAG
Follow tire changing preparations and procedures carefully to reduce the possibility of injury. The jack is designed for changing
tires only. STAND CLEAR, DO NOT get under the car and DO NOT run the engine when the car is supported only by the jack.
5. Place the jack under the jack point nearest the wheel you are removing; align the jack head so the car frame will fit in the recess
as you raise the jack.

Hatchback

SPARE TIRE COVER
Sedan

TOOL BAG SPARE TIRE COVER
JACK
COMPACT SPARE COMPACT SPARE
2. Remove the spare tire.
3. Place blocks in front and back of the wheel diagonally opposite the tire you are changing.
4. Use the lug wrench/jack handle to loosen the wheel lug nuts counterclockwise one-half turn.ProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t

Jump Starting

To start a car with a dead battery, use another battery of the samevoltage, and the proper jumper cables.
Procedures other than those below could cause injury or
damage from battery acid spray, explosion or charging system

overload.

Never connect the jumper cable directly to the negative post of
the "dead" battery.
Never allow the two cars to touch each other. Never allow the jumper cable clamps to touch each other.
Never lean over the battery when making connections.
Never attempt to jump start a vehicle with a frozen battery. The
battery could rupture and explode. If you suspect a frozenbattery, remove the vent caps and check the fluid. If there
seems to be no fluid, or if you see ice, do not attempt a jump
start until the fluid thaws.

CAUTION:

If jumper cables are connected backwards, the car's main fuse
may blow.
1.Turn off all lights, heater and other electrical loads, set parking brake, and shift the transmission to Neutral or Park.
2. Use one cable to connect the positive terminal of the booster
battery to the positive terminal of the "dead" battery.

3. Use the other cable to connect
the negative terminal of the

booster battery to the engine at
the ground cable as shown.
4. To remove the cables, reverse the above procedures exactly.
DO NOT push or tow a car to start
it. The forward surge when the en- gine starts could cause a collision.
Also, under some conditions, the catalytic converter could be dam- aged. A car equipped with an auto-matic transmission cannot be
started by pushing or towing.
DEAD

BATTERY
Negative to the
engine at the

ground cable, not

to the battery

Do not attach

cable here
Positive to

positive
BOOSTER

BATTERYProCarManuals.comMain Menu s t