1996 HONDA CIVIC Automatic

Troubleshooting
Noise and Vibration
NOTE; Pump noise in first 2 - 3 minutes after starting in cold weather is normal.
Humming
Rattle or chattering
Humming due to pulsation of fluid is normal, particularlv when the wheel isturned with the vehicle stooDed.
lf equipped with automatic trans-mission, the hum could be thetorque conveater or pump noise.
Confirm by temporarily removingthe pump belt.
High-pressure line touching theframe.Reposition the line.
Loose steering shaft connector,tie-rod. or balljoint.Check and tighten, or replacepaats as necessary.
Column shaft wobbling.Replace the column assembly.
Check the rack guide tor properadjustment (see page 17,33).Adiusi, if necess€ry.
Rattling sound and feeling when turning the steering wheel raght and left with theengine OFF is normal.
Pump noise, though not loud. trom the valve body unit can be heard whon turn-ing the steering wheel right or left. This is normat.
CAUTION: When imp€sting, do not hold the steering wheet a[ the way tothe right or the left.
17-26

IRack Guide Adjustment
NOTE: Perform rack guide adjustment with the wheels
in the straight ahead Position.
1. Loosen the rack guide screw locknut with the
cialtool.
'96 - '97 models:
Loosen the rack guide screw
'98 - '00 models:
Remove the rack guide screw and remove the old
sealant off of the threaded section.
Apply new sealant all around the threads. Loosely
installthe rack guide screw
Tighten the rack guide screw to 25 N'm (2.5 kgf'm.
18 lbf.ft), then loosen it.
Retighten the rack guide screw to 3 9 N'm (0.4 kgim,
2.9 lbf.ft), then back it off to specified angle.
Specified Return Angle: 20" max.
Tighten the locknut while holding the rack guide
screw.
Check for tight or loose steering through the com-
plete turning travel.
Perform following insPections:
. Steering operation (see page 17-30).
. Power assist with vehicle parked.
4.
LOCKNUT WRENCH, 40 mm
lr
17-33
Fluid Replacement
Check the reservoir at regular intervals, and add fluid as
necessary.
CAUTION: Always us€ Genuine Honda Power Stearing
Fluid-V or S. Using any other type of power sto€ring
tluid or automatic transmission lluid can cause
increased wear and poor steering in cold weathor.
SYSTEM CAPACITY:
0.85 liter 10.90 US' qt,0.75 lmp'qt)
at disassembly
RESERVOIR CAPACITY:
0.4 liter (0.42 US. qt, 0.35 lmP.qt)
LEVEL LINE
LOWER LEVEL LINE
1. Raise the reservoir, then disconnect the return nose.
2. Connect a hose of suitable diameter to the discon-
nected return hose, and put the hose end in a suit-
able container.
CAUTION: Take care not to spill tho fluid on the
body and parts. Wipe off any spill€d fluid at oncs'
3. Start the engine, let it run at idle, and turn the steer-
ing wheel from lock-to-lock several times When
fluid stops running out of the hose, shut off the
engine, Discard the fluid.
4. Reinstall the return hose on the reservoir'
5. Fill the reservoir to the upper level line.
6. Start the engine and run it at fast idle, then turn the
steering trom lock-to-lock several times to bleed air
trom the system.
7. Recheck the fluid level and add some it necessary.
CAUTION: Do not fill the reservoir beYond the
upper l€vel line.
HOSE

Brake Booster InsPection
FunctionalTest
1. With the engine stopped, depress the brake pedal
several times to deplete the vacuum reservoir, then
depress the pedal hard and hold it for 15 seconds lf
the pedal sinks' either the master cYlinder is
bypassing internally, or the brake system (master
cylinder. lines. modulator, proportioning control
valve, or caliPer) is ieaking.
2. Start the engine with the pedal depressed lf the
pedal sinks slightly, the vacuum booster is operating
normally. lf the pedal height does not vary, the
booster or check valve is faultY.
3. With the engine running. depress the brake pedal
lightly. Apply just enough pressure to hold back
automatic transmission creep. lf the brake pedal
sinks more than 25 mm (1.0 in.) in three minutes,
the master cvlinder is faulty. A slight change in
pedal height when the A'lC compressor cycles on
and off if normal. (The A/C compressor load
changes the vacuum available to the booster')
Leak Test
1. Depress the brake pedal with the engine running.
then stop the engine. lf the pedal height does not
vary while depressed for 30 seconds, the vacuum
booster is OK. lf the pedal rises. the booster is
faulty.
2, With the engine stopped, depress the brake pedal
several times using normal pressure When the
Dedal is first depressed, it should be low On con-
secutive applications, the pedal height should grad-
uallv rise. lf the pedal position does not vary, checK
the booster check valve.
l./
19-23
Booster Check Valve Test
1. Disconnect the brake booster vacuum hose at the
booster.
2. Stan the engine and let it idle. There should be vac-
uum. lf no vacuum is available, the check valve is
not working properly. Replace the brake booster
vacuum hose and check valve, and retest.
BRAKE BOOSTERVACUUM HOSE(Check valve
built-in)

t-Operation
t
ABS Control Unit
Main Control
The ABS control unit detects the wheel speed based on the wheel sensor signal it received, then it calculates the vehicle
speed based on the detected wheel speed. The control unit detects the vehicle speed during deceleration based on the
rate of deceleration.
The ABS control unit calculates the slip rate of each wheel. and it transmits the control signal to the modulator unit
solenoid valve when the slip rate is high.
The pressure reduction control is a three-mode system, that is pressure reduction, pressure retaining and pressure intensi-
fying modes.
Self -diagnosis Funqtion
The ABS control unit is equipped with a main CPU and a sub CPU, and the CPUS check each other'
The CPUs check the circuit of the svstem.
When the CPUS detect failure, they shift to the "system down mode" or the "control inhibition mode"
The self-diagnosis can be classifield into these four categories:
O: Initial diagnosis
@: Except ABS control
@: During ABS control
@: During warning
On-board Diagnosis Funstion
The ABS control unit is connected to the data link connector {16P).
The ABS system can be diagnosed with the Honda PGM Tester.
(cont'd)
MODEABS INDICATOR LIGHTMAIN
RELAY
SOLENOID
VALVECPURestart conditionDTC
SYSTE IV
DOWNONNo
operation
Drive
inhibitionOperation*rlgnition
switchOFF + ONMemory
CONTROL
INHIBITIONONNo
operalron
Drive
inhibitionOperationAutomaticMemory
*1: Except CPU failure
/
19-47

Troubleshooting Precautions
ABS Indicator Light
I The ABS indicator light comes on when the ABS control unit detects a problem in the system. However, even thoughthe system is normal, the ABs indicator light can come on, too, under the following conditions. To determine theactual cause of the problem, question the customer about the problem, taking the following conditions into consider-ation.
. Signal disturbance
. Wheel soin
. Only drive wheels rotate. Battery voltage fluctuates
2. When a problem is detected and the ABS indicator light comes on, the indicator light can stay on untat the ignitionswitch is turned off, or it can automatically go off, depending on the mode.. Lightstayson until the ignition switch isturned off;When the system is inthesvstem down mode.o Light automatically goes off:When the system is in the control inhibition mode.(refer to symptom-to-system chart)3 The ABS indicator light stays on when the system is reactivated without erasing the DTC, but it goes off after startingthe car.
when the wheel sensor system is faulty and the ABS indicator light comes on, the algorithm of the system automaticallyturns off the ABS indicator light after the wheel speed signal returns to the normal speed. while, when the DTC is erased,the CPU is reset and the ABS indicator light goes off when the system check€d out normal by the initial diagnosis.Therefore, test-drive the car after servicing the wheel sensor system, and be sure that the ABS indicator light does notcome on.
4. When the ABS control unit outputs battery voltage to the gauge assembty, the ABS indicator light goes off.
Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC)
1. The diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is memorized when a problem is detected and the ABS indicator light does not gooff, or when the ABS indicator light comes on.The DTC is not memorized when the ABs indicator right comes on unress the cpU is activated.2. The memory can hold any number of DTCs. However, when the same DTc is detected twice or more, the later one iswritten over the old one.
Therefore. when the same problem is detected repeatedly, it is recorded as one DTC.3. The DTCS are indicated in the order of ascending number, not in the order thev occur.4. The DTCS are memorized in the EEpROM {non-volatile memorv}.Therefore, the memorized DTCS cannot be canceled by disconnecting the battery. perform the specified orocedures toerase.
Solf-diagnosis
1. The self-diagnosis can be classifield into these four categories:' Initial diagnosis; Performed right after the engine sta rts and untiltheABs indicator light goes off.o Except ABS control: Performed when the ABS is not functioning,. During ABS control: Performed when the ABS is functioning.. During warning: Performed when the ABS indicator light is ON.2 The system performs the following controls when a problem is detected by the self-diagnosis:. ABS indicator light ON. Memory of DTC
. Mode change to the "system down mode,, or the "control inhibition mode,,.
MODEABS INDICATOR LIGHTMAIN
RELAY
SOLENOID
VALVECPURestart conditionDTC
SYSTEM
DOWNONNo
operal|on
Drive
inhibitionOperation+rlgnition
switchOFF - ONMemory
CONTROL
INHIBITIONONNo
operat|on
Orive
inhibitionOperationAutomaticMemory
*1: Except CPU failure
19-54

Seat Belts
Inspection
t.
Retractor InsDection
Before installing the retractor, check that the seat belt
can be pulled out freely.
Make sure that the seat belt does not lock when the
retractor is leaned slowly up to 15'from the mounted
position. The seat belt should lock when the retractor
is leaned over 40'.
CAUTION: Do not attempt to disassemble the retrac-
tor.
Front:
*: Mounted Position
Inside
4D:
Forward
2D l3D.
Rear:
2D l4Di
* 10-
15 15'
i-Tl
I ],f
ForwaJdlnside
7.
20-91
3D:
ao"40'- -+ 40...'' 15' 15' --
(. .-j- ,)\,
RETRACTOR
3. Replace the seat belt with a new one if there is any
abnormality.
On-lhe-Car Seat Belt Inspeqtion
2.
3.
1.
5.
6.
4.
Check that the seat belt is not twisted or caught on
anyrn I ng.
After installing the anchors, check for free move
ment on the anchor bolts. lf necessary, remove the
anchor bolts and check that the washers and other
parts are not damaged or improperly installed
Check the seat belts for damage or discoloration.
Clean with a shop towel il necessary
CAUTION: Use only soap and water to clean.
NOTE: Dirt build-up in the metal loops of the upper
anchors can cause the seat belts to retract slowly.
Wipe the inside ot the loops with a clean cloth damF
ened in isopropyl alcohol.
Check that the seat belt does not lock when pulled
out slowly. The seat belt is designed to lock only
during a sudden stop or impact.
Make sure that the seat belt will retract automatically
when released.
For each passenger's seat belt, make sure that the
locking mechanism in the seat belt retractor will
engage when the seat belt is pulled all the way out.
Replace the seat belt with a new one il there is any
abnormality.

l'f .
Electrical
Special Toofs .,....................,23-2
Troubleshooting
Tips and Precautions ..............,.................... . 23-3
Five-step Troubleshooting .............. ......... . . 23-5
wire color codes ..........,23-5
Schematic Symbols ........,................... . . .. .... 23-6
Relay and Control Unit Locations
Engine Compartment ...,..................... ... .. . 23'7
Dashboard ......................23-8
Dashboard/Door ......... 23-12*Airbags ................. ....... Section 24
Air Conditioning ......... Section 21
Aftelnator ..........."""" """ 23-112
Anti-lock Brake System {ABS) Section 19*A/T Gear Position Indicator .....................,. .... ... 23-149
Automatic Transmission Svstem .... . ....... Section 14
Batterv ......... . . . ... ...... .......23-91
Blower controls .. . ... Section 2l
Charging System ....'...........23'112
Connector ldentilication and Wire Harness
Routing .................. ......23'13
Cruise Control ............,........23-240
Dash Lights Brightness Controller ............. ....... 23-180
Fan controfs "" 23'126
Fuel PumD ........ . ........ section 11
Fuses/Refay ...............,..,,.. 23'62
PGM-FI Control System ......................,....... Section 1 1
*Gauges
Circuit Diagram ....,.,.......23-131
Fuef Gauge ...........'.'.......23-142
Gauge/lndicator .. . .. 23-129
Ground Distribution .. . 23-75
Heatei controls .. . ..... Section 21*Horn................. ...............23-196
*tgnition Switch ....................23-89
lgnition System .......,.... 23-102
*lntegrated Control Unit ....................................... 23-156
fnterlock System ,........ . . , ,23-144
Lighting System . . . .. ......... 23-161
Lights, Exterior
Back-up Lights ..'............23'171
Brake Lights .................. 23'174
Daytime Bunning Lights (Canadal ............... 23'166
Front Parking Lights ......,................ .'. .......... 23-167
Front Turn Signal Lights .......... . . ............ ..,.23-167
Headtights ....".'....-... ..... 23'167
High Mount Brake Light ...................... ... .23'179
License Plate Lights ...... 23'176
Taitfights ................ .......23'171
lnterior Lights ..-.......,, . 23-142
Moonroof ..,.................,........ 23-235
Power Distribution ....... . . .23-61
Power Door Locks .......,,,. .23'251
Power Mirrors ,..............,.,...23'206
Power Relays ....... . ...... . . .. 23-86
Power Windows ............,,....23-220
Rear Window Defogger .......................... . . ... . . 23-2OO
Spark Plugs . ..... . ........ .....23-111
Slarting System ................23-93*stereo Sound Svstem ,................. ..... ... . ... ,.,.,,23'147'Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) ... . Section 24
Turn Signal/Hazard Flasher System .......'.'....-... 23-173
*Undel-dash Fuse/Relay Box ............,.................. 23-85
vehicfe soeed sensor (VSSI """" ""' 23-140+Wipers/Washers .........,.,.,...23-214
NOTE: Unless otherwise specified, references to auto-
matic transmission (Mf) in this section include the CVT.

Power Door Locks
Component Location Index
NOTE (With keyless entry systeml:
. It the doors unlock or lock with the transmitter, but the LED on the transmitter does not come on, the LED is faulty;
replace the transmitter'
. when vou unlock the doors with the transmitter, the ceiling light (middle position) comes on for 30 seconds. (However,
if the audio unit is not installed, the light does not come on )
. lf any door is open, you cannot lock or unlockthe doors with the transmitter'
. The horn sounds only the first time you press a transmitter button. (Pressing repeatedly does not activate the horn
again.)
o lf vou unlocked the doors with the transmitter, but do not open any of the doors within 30 seconds, the doors relock
automatically.
. The doors do not lock or unlock with the transmitter if the ignition key is inserted in the ignition switch
. lf you press the PANIC button for more than two seconds, the horn sounds for about 30 seconds, and the transm'fer
LED comes on. (The panic mode will not be activated iJ the ignition key is in the ignition switch ) The panic mode is
cancelled by pressing any of the transmitter buttons'
o After replacing the transmitter battery, press the lock and unlock buttons five or six times to activate the transmitter'
Replacement, section 20
FRONT PASSENGER'S DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR
RIGHT REAR DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR
Test, page 23-263
I.IFT REAR DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR
Test, page 23 263Replacement, section 20
LOCK ACTUATORTest, page 23-263Replacement, section 20
ORIVER'S DOOR LOCK SWITCH
Test, page 23'262
DOOR L@XCONTROL UN]TInput Test, page 23 255
23-251
Test, page 23-263Replacement, section 20
AUDIO UNIT(STER€O RADIO TUNER)
{'96 - 98 models)
lHas built-in keylessl
eceiver circuit IReplacement, page 23-189
Input Test, page 23-260
Terminals, page 23-262
KEYLESS DOOR LOCKCONTROL UNIT l'99 - 00 modelsl
Input Test, Page 23-257
l-l
TRANSMITTER99 - 0O transmitter shown;'96 -98 transmifter
also has an OPTION buttonTest, page 23-264Transmitter Programming, page 23_265
Qi,,a/
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