1996 HONDA CIVIC check engine

Symptom-to-Component Chart
Hydraulic System
*1: Some gear noise is normal in the Lll position due to planetary gear action.
14-294
SYMPTOMCheck these items on the PBOBABLE CAUSE List
Engine runs, but vehicle does not move in any position.'t,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9, 10, 20, 34, 35, 36, 38, 41
Vehicle does not move in @, [. p positions.10,11, 12, 20, 41
Vehicle does not move in E position.5, 'to, 11, 12, 17, 1A, 19, 20,39, 41
No shift to higher ratio,9, 13, 14. 15, 16,35,37,40
Poor acceleration.9, 13,'t4,'t5,16. 20, 35, 37, 38, 40
Flares on moving.9,'t0, 20, 2't, 35, 36, 38, 40, 42
Excessive shock when depressing and releasing.^^alA/.r^r ^A.1. I9, 10, 20, 2'1, 35, 36, 3A, 42
No engine braking.9,20,21,35,36,38
Vehicle does not accelerate in lll position.9, 17, 18, 19, 20. 35, 36, 38
Vehicle moves in E position.
(Shift cable adjustment is proper).10, 22,23
Late shift from N position to E position, and from Eposition to E position.'10,11, 12,22, 41
Late shift from E position to E position. and from Eposition to N position.1l,'t2, 17, 18,22, 41
Engine stops when shifted to E position from E position.9, 10,20,35,37,34, 42
Engine stops when shifted to E position from I position.9, 18, 19,20,25,26,35,37,38, 42
Noise from transmission in @ position.rl5, 17, 18, 't9,25,26
Excessive idle vibration.2,3,4,21,24
Noise from transmission in @ and @ positions.2,3, 19,24,25,2A
Hunting engine speed.16, 35, 37, 38
Vibration in all position.8, 2a
Shift lever does not operate smoothly.11,29, 4'l
Transmission will not shift into lll position or transmis-
sion cannot be removed from E position.11 , 29, 30, 31, 32,33
Vehicle does not accelerate to more than a certain speed.9, 10, 14, 15,'t6,20,35,37
Excessive shock on starting off.38, 42
Flares on accelerating at low speed.20, 21 ,38, 42
Excessive vibration in E, E, tr, E positions.20,21,38, 42
Low engine speed in E. E. tr. E positions.20,21,38,42
Stall speed high.10,20,38
Stall speed low.9, 20, 27 ,37 , 38
Judder on starting off.20, 43

Road Test
NOTE: Warm up the engine to normal operating temperature (the radiator fan com6s on).
1. Apply the parking brake and block the wheels. Start the engine, then shift to the E position while depressing the
brake pedal. Depress the accelerator pedal and release it suddenly. The engine should not stall.
2. Test in E position
Park the vehicle in a slope (approx. 16'). apply the parking brake, and shift into E position. Release the brake; the
vehicle should not move.
3. Test-drive the vehicle on a flat road in the position shown in the table. Check that the engine speeds meet the approx-imate vehicle speeds shown in the table.
NOTE: Throttle position sensor voltage represents the throttle opening. To monitor the throttle position sensor volt-age, use one of the following methods:
A. Connect the Honda PGM Tester, and go to the PGM-FI Data List.
A1For road testing on '96 - 98 models, remove the drive/s side kick panel to expose the TCM; on '99 - OO models,remove the passenger's side kick panel to expose the PCM (see page l,[-236),
Set the digital multimeter to check throttle position sensor voltage between terminals:. '96 - 98 modols: TCM 84 {+} and Aa (-) or A17 (-1.. '99 - 0O models: FCM C27 {+l and 820 (-l ot 822 l-1.
DIGITAL MULTIMETER(Commerci.lly rvrilabl.lKS-AHM-32-003or oquivalant
BACKPROBE ADAPTER
BRN/BLK
A {26P1
TPS {BED/BLK}
'96 - 98 Models:
BRN/BLK
14-296
OBD ll SCAN TOOL orHONOA PGM TESTER
D{16Pt
Ware side ot female terminals
Wire side of female terminals

Fluid Level
l.Checking/Changing
CAUTION: while chscking and changing, be sure not to
allow dust and other toreign particles to ent€l inlo the
transmission.
Checking
NOTE: Check the fluid level with the engine at normal
operating temperature (the radiator fan comes on).
'1. Park the vehicle on the level ground. Turn oft the
engrne.
2. Remove the dipstick (yellow loop) from the trans-
mission, and wipe lt with a clean cloth.
NOTE: Check the transmission fluid 50 to 90 sec-
onds after shutting off the engine.
3. Insert the diDstick into the transmission.
DIPSTICK (YELLOW LOOPI
Remove the dipstick and check the fluid level.
should be between the uDDer and lower mark.DIPSTICK
5. lf the level is below the lower mark, add fluid into
the filler hole to bring it to the upper mark. Use
Genuine Honda CW Fluid only.
6. Insert the dipstick into the transmission.
14-299
Changing
1. Bring the transmission up to normal operating tem-
perature (the radiator fan comes on) by driving the
vehicle. Park the vehicle on the level ground, and
turn off the engine.
2. Bemove the drain plug, and drain the CVT fluid.
NOTE| lf a cooler flusher is to be used, see page 14-
352 and 14-353.
Reinstall the drain plug with a new sealing washer,
then refill the transmission with Genuine Honda
CVT Fluid to the upper mark on the dipstick.
Automatic Transmission Fluid CaPacity:
3.9 i (4.r US qt. 3.4 lmp qt) 8t chlnging
6.4 I (6.8 US qt, 5.6 lmp qt) 8t ov€lhaul
Rscommended Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Genuine Honda CVT Fluid-
Use Genuine Honda CW fluid only. Using other flu-
ids can affect transmission operation and may
reduce transmission liJe.
Change Interval:
Normal Condition: 30, 000 miles 148,000 km)
Severe Condition: 30,000 miles (48,000 km), but it
you drive at high sPeeds in high
t90"F (32'C) and abovol temper-
atures, the ttansmission fluid
should be changed evsrY 15,000
miles 124,000 km).
{-]lr
ORAIN PLUG18 x 1.5 mma9 N.7n (5.0 kgl.m, 36 lb{'ftl
SEALING WASHERReplace.

Transmission
Removal (cont'd)
10. Remove the cotte. pins and castle nuts, then separatethe ball joints from the lower arm (see section 1g).
SELF-LOCKING -=V,
NUT \Replace. oitupea rOax
Remove the right damper fork bolt, then separateright damper fork and damper.
Pry the right and left driveshafts out of the differen-tial.
Pull on the inboard joint to remove the right and leftdriveshafts (see section 16).
Tie plastic bags over the driveshaft ends.
NOTE: Coat all precision finished surfaces with cleanengine oil.
Remove the exhaust pipe A.
/\<,\CASTLE I{UT COTTERReplac6.
't 1.
't2.
tJ.
14.
q.
SELF.LOCKINGNUTReplace.
SELF.LOCKING NUTReplace.
14-306
EXHAUST PIPE A
19.
'16, Remove the right front mounvbracket,
ATF COOLER HOSE
17. Remove the ATF cooler hoses at the ATF coolerlines. Turn the ends of the ATF cooler hoses uo toprevent CVT fluid from flowing out, then plug theATF cooler hoses and lines,
NOTE: Check for any sign of leakage at the hosejoints.
18. Remove the engine stiffeners and the flywheel cover.
Remove the eight drive plate bolts one at time whilerotating the crankshaft pullev.
ENGINE STIFFENER

l.
9. Install the remaining transmission housing mount-
ing bolts.
PRIMARY OXYGEN SENSOR
Remove the transmission jack and the hoist. then
remove the hoist bracket from the engine'
Attach the flvwheel to the drive plate with eight
bolts and torque as follows:
Rotate the crankshaft pulley as necessary to tighten
rhe bolts to half of the specified torque, then to the
final torque, in a crisscross pattern.
After tightening the last bolt. check that the
crankshaft rotates freelY.
10.
11.
12. Install the flywheel cover and the engine stiffeners
DRIVE
6xl.0mm12 N.m
- l12 kgf'm'rE 8.7 tbf.ftl
ENGINESTIFfENEB10 x 1.25 mmart N.m la.s kgt.m,33 tbtftt
8 x 1.25 mm24 N.m(2.1 kgf'm,17 tbt.ftt
DRIVE PI.ATE BOLT
6x1.0x14mm12 N.m {1.2 kgt m.
8.7 lbf,ftl8 x 1.25 mm26 N.m
12.7 kqfin,20 rbt'ftlFLYUTHEEL
ENGINE STIFFENER
8 x 1.25 mm10 x 1.25 mmr,a N.m {4,5 kgf m,
33 tbf.ftl
TRANSMISSION HOUSING
MOUNNNG BOLT
6il N.m {6.5 kgf.m, 47 lbf'ftl
24 N.m (2.4 kgt'm, '17 lbf'ftl
22 N.m t2.2 kgl m, 16lbf'ftl
14-349
13.
14.
Tighten the crankshaft pulley bolt, if necessary (see
section 6).
Connect the ATF cooler hoses to the ATF cooler lines
(see page 14-357).
CAUTION: Whilo connecting the ATF cooltr hGes,
b€ sure not lo allow dust and other loreign parti-
cles to entg. into the transmission.
15. Installthe right front mounvbracket'
10 x 1.25 mm
a,r N.m {4.5 kgf'm,33 lbt ftl
RIGHT FRONTMOUNT/BRACKET
ATF COOLER LINE
10 x 1 .25 mm54 N.m {5.5 kgt'm,
4{) tbl.ftt
ATF COOI,TR HOSE
16. Installthe exhaust PiPe A.
EXHAUST PIPE A
GASKETReplace.
@
\SELF.LOCKING NUTReplace.10 x 1.25 mm5/a N.m {5.5 kgt m,irc lbf.ft)
(cont'dl
*s$o
oor*rr-@Replace.
SELF.LOCKINGReplace.8 x 1.25 mmSELF.LOCKING NUT
Replace.8 x 1.25 mm16 N.m {1.6 kgl'm,12 tbl.ftt

22. Install the shift cable end on the control lever, and
install the shift cable on the shift cable bracket'
CAUTION: Take care not to bend the shift cable'
23. lnstall the clip in the direction shown.
LOCKNUT
SHIFI CABLE 29 N m {3.0 kg{ m, 22lblftl
SHIFT CABLEERACKET
WASHERIPLASTIC)
CONTROL LEVER
24, Connect the solenoid harness connector. the drive
pulley speed sensor connector. and the ground
cable terminals.
6x1.0mm12 N.m {1.2 kgf.m.8,7 rbtft)
GROUND CABLETERMINAL 6x1.0mm
GROUNDTERMINAL
12 N.m {1.2 kgf'm,8.7lbtfrl
DRIVE PULLEYSPEED SENSORCONNECTOR
SOLENOID HARNESS
CONNECTOR
25. Connect the starter motor cable on the starter motor.
and install the cable holder.
NOTE: When installing the staner motor cable. make
sure that the crimped side of the ring terminal is
facing out (see section 23).
STARTEB
BMOUNTING NUT
9 N.m (0.9 kgf m,7 lbf ft)
26. Install all removed connectors and clamps'
27. Install the distributor.
28. Install the intake air duct and air cleaner housing
29.
assemDly.
Refill the transmission with the recommended
Genuine Honda CVT Fluid (see page 14-2991
CAUTION: While filling the CvT Fluid, bs surs not io
allow dust and other fotoign particles to entor into
the transmission.
Connect the battery positive (+) terminal first, then
the negative (-l terminal to the battery'
Check the ignition timing (see section 23).
Start the engine. Set the parking brake, and shift the
transmission through all gears three times Check
shift cable adjustment (see page 14-355).
Check the front wheel alignment (see section 18)
Let the engine reach operating temperature (the
radiator fan comes on) with the transmission in lXl
or E position, then turn it off and check fluid level'
Perform the start clutch calibration procedure on
page 14-293.
Road test as described on pages 14-296 and 14-297
30.
31.
34.
36.
STARTER MOTOR
14-351

t
Adjustment
!@ Make sure lifts, jacks and safety stands are
placed properly (see section 1).
l. Remove the front console (see section 20).
2. Shift to I posirion, then remove the lock pin from
the adjuster.
SHIFT CAELE
l,
,l
{0.7 kgf.m, 5lbf'ltl
3. Check that the hole in the adiuster is perfectly aligned
with the hole in the shift cable. There are two holes in
the adjuster. They are positioned 90" apart to allow
cable adjustment in 1/4 turn increments.
lf the hole is not perfectly aligned, loosen the lock-
nut on the adjuster and adjust as required.
Tighten rhe locknut to 7 N.m (0.7 kgim,5 lbf'ft).
Install the lock pin on the adjuster' lf you feel the
lock pin binding as you reinstall it. the cable is still
out of adjustment and must be readjusted
Make sure the lock pin is seated in the adiuster
securery.
lMove the shift lever to each position, and verify that
the shift position indicator follows the automatlc
transaxle gear position switch.
Start the engine, and check the shift lever in all
positions. lf any gear does not work properly, refer
to troubleshooting (see page 14-294 and 14-295).
Insert the ignition key into the key cylinder on the
Aff gear position indicator panel, and verify that the
shift lock lever is released.
7.
10.
14-355

J)
4. lnsert the driveshaft into the outboard joint until the
stop ring is close on the ioint.
DRIVESHAFT
To completely seat the outboard joint, pick up the
driveshaft and joint, and drop them from about 10
cm (4 to 5 inches) onto a hard surface. Do not use a
hammer as excessive force may damage the drive-
shaft.
16-15
J
6. Check the alignment of the paint mark with the out-
board joint end.
Pack the outboard joint with the joint grease includsd
in th€ new ioint boot set.
Gleaso quanlity
U.S., canada, and Brazil'Ploducod:
115 - 135 g {4.0 - 4.8 oz}
Japan-Producod:
161X, DOHC VTEC angino:
Rubbor boot: 90 - 100 g 13.2 - 3.5 oz)
TPE boot: 1tl6 - 115 I {3'7 - tl'l oz}
Excapt 1000 DOHC VTEC engine:
Rubbel boot: 70 - 80 g l.2.5 - 2.8 ozl
TPE boot: 95 - 105 g {3.4- 3.7 oz}
7.
DRIVESHAFT
(cont'd)