1999 HONDA CIVIC COUPE coolant level

Gauges

Fuel Gauge
This shows how much fuel you have. It is most accurate when the car is on
level ground. It may show slightlymore or less than the actual amount
when you are driving on curvy or hilly roads. The gauge stays at the same fuel
level reading after you turn off the
ignition. When you add fuel, the
gauge slowly changes to the new
reading after you turn the ignitionswitch back ON (II). Temperature Gauge
This shows the temperature of the
engine's coolant. During normal
operation, the pointer should rise
from the bottom white mark to about
the middle of the gauge. In severe driving conditions, such as very hot
weather or a long period of uphill driving, the pointer may rise to the
upper blue zone. If it reaches the red (Hot) mark, pull safely to the side of
the road. Turn to page 229 for
instructions and precautions on checking the engine's cooling

system.

Instruments and Controls

U.S.: DX Instrument Panel
TEMPERATUREGAUGE TRIP METER

SPEEDOMETER
FUEL GAUGE
ODOMETER MAINTENANCE
REQUIRED INDICATOR
(U.S. Cars only)
TRIP METER
RESET BUTTONMain Menu Table of Contents s t

Before Driving

Before you begin driving your Honda,
you should know what gasoline to use, and how to check the levels of
important fluids. You also need to
know how to properly store luggage or packages. The information in this
section will help you. If you plan to
add any accessories to your car,
please read the information in this section first. Break-in Period.............................. 124
Gasoline.......................................... 124
Service Station Procedures .......... 125 Filling the Fuel Tank................. 125Opening the Hood..................... 126 Oil Check................................127
Engine Coolant Check.......... 128
Fuel Economy................................ 129
Vehicle Condition...................... 129Driving Habits............................ 129
Accessories and Modifications.... 130 Carrying Cargo.............................. 132

Before DrivingMain Menu s t

Service Station Procedures

4. Remove the dipstick again andcheck the level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks.
If it is near or below the lower mark,
see Adding Oil on page 171. Engine Coolant Check
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 Adding
Engine Coolant on page 175 for information on adding the proper
coolant.
Refer to Owner Maintenance
Checks on page 169 for information
on checking other items in your

Honda.

Before Driving

3. Insert it all the way back in its tube.
UPPER MARK
LOWER MARKRESERVE
TANK

MAX
MINMain Menu Table of Contents s t

Owner Maintenance Checks

You should check the following items at the specified intervals. If
you are unsure of how to perform any check, turn to the page given. Engine oil level — Check every
time you fill the fuel tank. See

page 111. Engine coolant level — Check the
radiator reserve tank every time

you fill the fuel tank. See page 127. Windshield washer fluid — Check
the level in the reservoir monthly.If weather conditions cause you to
use the washers frequently, check
the reservoir each time you stop
for fuel. See page 180. Automatic transmission — Check
the fluid level monthly. See page
180.
Brakes — Check the fluid level
monthly. See page 183.Tires — Check the tire pressure
monthly. Examine the tread for
wear and foreign objects. See page 196. Lights — Check the operation of
the headlights, parking lights,
taillights, high-mount brake light,
turn signals, brake lights, and
license plate lights monthly. See

page 202.

MaintenanceMain Menu Table of Contents s t

Cooling System

If the coolant level in the reserve
tank is at or below the MIN line, add coolant to bring it up to the MAX line.Inspect the cooling system for leaks.
This coolant should always be a mixture of 50 percent antifreeze and
50 percent water. Never add straight
antifreeze or plain water. Always use Genuine Honda
Antifreeze/Coolant. If it is not
available, you may use another
major-brand non-silicate coolant as a
temporary replacement. Make sure it
is a high-quality coolant
recommended for aluminum engines.However, continued use of any non-
Honda coolant can result in
corrosion, causing the cooling system to malfunction or fail. Have
the cooling system flushed and
refilled with Honda antifreeze/
coolant as soon as possible.
If the reserve tank is completely
empty, you should also check the coolant level in the radiator.

CONTINUED

Maintenance

Adding Engine Coolant

RESERVE TANK
Removing the radiator cap

while the engine is hot can
cause the coolant to spray out,
seriously scalding you.

Always let the engine and radiator cool down before

removing the radiator cap.Main Menu Table of Contents s t

Cooling System

1. Make sure the engine and radiator are cool.
2. Turn the radiator cap counter- clockwise, without pressing downon it, until it stops. This relieves
any pressure remaining in the
cooling system.
3. Remove the radiator cap by pushing down and turningcounterclockwise.
4. The coolant level should be up to
the base of the filler neck. Addcoolant if it is low.
5. Put the radiator cap back on. Tighten it fully.
6. Pour coolant into the reserve tank. Fill it to halfway between the MAX
and MIN marks. Put the cap back
on the reserve tank.
Do not add any rust inhibitors or
other additives to your car's cooling
system. They may not be compatible
with the coolant or engine compo-
nents.

Maintenance
RADIATOR CAP

RESERVE TANKMain Menu Table of Contents s t

Cooling System

4. Remove the reserve tank from its
holder by pulling it straight up.Drain the coolant, then put the
tank back in its holder.
5. When the coolant stops draining, tighten the drain plug in the
bottom of the radiator. (U.S.: Si model, Canada: SiR
model)
When the coolant stops draining, apply non-hardening sealant to the
drain bolt threads, then reinstall
the bolt and tighten it securely.
6. Mix the recommended antifreeze with an equal amount of purifiedor distilled water in a clean
container. The cooling system
capacity is:

With 5-speed manual transmission:
(U.S.: DX, EX and HX, Canada: DX and
Si) 0.82 US gal (3.1 , 0.68 Imp gal)

(U.S.: Si, Canada: SiR)
1.14 US gal (4.3 , 0.95 Imp gal)

With automatic transmission:
(DX)
0.79 US gal (3.0 ,0.66 Imp gal)

(U.S.: HX, EX, Canada: Si)
0.85 US gal (3.2 ,0.70 Imp gal)7. Pour coolant into the radiator up to
the base of the filler neck. Start the
engine and let it run for about30 seconds. Then turn off the engine
8. Fill the reserve tank to the MAX mark. Install the reserve tank cap.
9. Check the level in the radiator, add coolant if needed.
10.Install the radiator cap, and
tighten it to the first stop.

Maintenance

RESERVE

TANK
RESERVE

TANK CAP

HOLDER
FILLER NECK
Fill up to hereMain Menu Table of Contents s t

Cooling System

Maintenance
11.Start the engine and let it run until
the cooling fan comes on two
times. Then stop the engine.
12. Remove the radiator cap. Fill the radiator with coolant up to the
base of the filler neck.

13.Start the engine and hold it at 1,500 rpm until the cooling fan
comes on. Turn off the engine.
Check the coolant level in the radiator and add coolant if needed.
14.Install the radiator cap, and tighten it fully.
15.If necessary, fill the reserve tank to the MAX mark. Install thereserve tank cap.Main Menu Table of Contents s t