1998 HONDA CIVIC COUPE Owners Manual

Power Steering

On DX model with automatic-

transmission, HX and EX models in the
U.S., and DX and Si models in Canada

Check the level when the engine is
cold. Look at the side of the
reservoir. The fluid should be
between the UPPER LEVEL and
LOWER LEVEL. If it is below the LOWER LEVEL, add power steering
fluid to the UPPER LEVEL.
Always use Genuine Honda PowerSteering Fluid. If it is not available,
you may use another power steering fluid as an emergency replacement.
However, continued use can causeincreased wear and poor steering in
cold weather. Have the power
steering system flushed and refilled
with Honda PSF as soon as possible. A low power steering fluid level can
indicate a leak in the system. Check
the fluid level frequently and have
the system inspected as soon as

possible.

Turning the steering wheel to full left
or right lock and holding it there can
damage the power steering pump.

Maintenance
UPPER LEVEL
LOWER LEVEL
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Air Cleaner Element

The air cleaner element should be replaced according to the time anddistance recommendations in the

maintenance schedule.
Replacement

On DX model

The air cleaner element is inside the air cleaner housing in the engine
compartment.
To replace it:
1. Unsnap the four clips and remove the air cleaner housing cover.
2. Remove the old air cleaner element. 3. Clean the inside of the air cleaner
housing with a damp rag.
4. Place the new air cleaner element in the air cleaner housing.
5. Reinstall the air cleaner housing cover, snap the four clips back into

place.

Maintenance

CLIPS

AIR CLEANER ELEMENTMain Menu Table of Contents s t

Air Cleaner Element
Replacement
On HX and EX models in the U.S., and Si
model in Canada
The air cleaner element is inside the air cleaner housing on the passenger's
side of the engine compartment.
To replace it:
1. Unsnap the two clips and remove the air cleaner housing cover. 2. Remove the old air cleaner
element.
Clean the inside of the air cleaner
housing with a damp rag.
3. Place the new air cleaner element in the air cleaner housing. 4. Align the tabs and reinstall the air
cleaner housing cover, snap the
two clips back into place.

Maintenance
CLIPS
AIR CLEANER
ELEMENTMain Menu Table of Contents s t

Spark Plugs

The spark plugs in your vehicle need to be replaced every 2 years or30,000 miles (48,000 km), whichever
comes first.
Replacement

1. Clean up any dirt and oil around the spark plug caps.
2. Remove the spark plug cap by pulling it straight out.
3. Remove the spark plug with a five-eighths inch (16 mm) spark
plug socket. 4. Put the new spark plug into the
socket; then screw it into the hole.
Screw it in by hand so you do not
crossthread it.

CONTINUED

Maintenance

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Spark Plugs

5. Torque the spark plug. (If you do
not have a torque wrench, tighten

the spark plug two-thirds of a turn
after it contacts the cylinder head.)

Tightening torque:
13 lbf.ft (18 N.m,1.8kgf.m)
Tighten the spark plugs carefully. A
spark plug that is too loose can
overheat and damage the engine. Overtightening can cause damage to
the threads in the cylinder head.

6. Install the spark plug cap.

7. Repeat this procedure for the other three spark plugs.
Specifications:

(U.S.: HX) NGK:

DENSO:
ZFR4F-11
KJ14CR-L11

(U.S.: DX, EX, Canada: DX, Si) NGK: ZFR5F-11
DENSO: KJ16CR-L11
Spark Plug Gap: 0.04 in (1.1 mm)
Maintenance
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Battery

Check the condition of your vehicle's
battery monthly. You should check
the color of the test indicator window, and for corrosion on the terminals.
Check the battery condition by
looking at the test indicator window on the battery.
The label on the battery explains the test indicator's colors. Check the battery terminals for
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 off with plain water. Dry off the
battery with a cloth or paper towel. Coat the terminals with grease to
help prevent future corrosion.

CONTINUED

Maintenance
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Battery
If the terminals are severely cor-
roded, clean them with baking soda
and water. Then use a wrench to
loosen and remove the cables from
the terminals. Always disconnect the negative (—) cable first and recon-
nect it last. Clean the battery termi-nals with a terminal cleaning tool or
wire brush. Reconnect and tighten
the cables, then coat the terminals
with grease. If you need to connect the battery to
a charger, disconnect both cables to
prevent damage to the vehicle's
electrical system.
Charging the battery with the cables
connected can seriously damage your vehicle's electronic controls. Detach
the battery cables before connecting
the battery to a charger.
Maintenance
The battery gives off explosive
hydrogen gas during normal
operation.
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 battery
maintenance.
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Wiper Blades
Check the condition of the wiper
blades at least every six months. Look for signs of cracking in the
rubber, or areas that are getting
hard. Replace the blades if you find these signs, or they leave streaks
and unwiped areas when used.
To replace the blade:1. Raise the wiper arm off the windshield. 2. Disconnect the blade assembly
from the wiper arm by pushing inthe lock tab. Hold it in while youpush the blade assembly toward
the base of the arm.
CONTINUED

Maintenance

WIPER ARMS
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