2002 HONDA CIVIC checking oil

Remove the dipstick again and
check the level. It should be
between the upper and lower
marks.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
on page f or
inf ormation on adding the proper
coolant.
If it is near or below the lower mark,
see on page . Refer to
on page f or inf ormation
on checking other items in your
Honda.
4. 209 213207
A dding
Engine Coolant
A dding Oil Owner Maintenance
Checks
Engine Coolant Check
Service Station Procedures
Bef ore Driving169
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MMIINN

Some of the most important saf ety
precautions are given here. However,
we cannot warn you of every
conceivable hazard that can arise in
perf orming maintenance. Only you
can decide whether or not you
should perf orm a given task.
This section includes instructions f or
simple maintenance tasks, such as
checking and adding oil. Any service
items not detailed in this section
should be perf ormed by a Honda
technician or other qualif ied
mechanic.
Regularly maintaining your car is the
best way to protect your investment.
Proper maintenance is essential to
your saf ety and the saf ety of your
passengers. It will also reward you
with more economical, trouble-f ree
driving and help reduce air pollution.
Maint enance
Maintenance Saf ety
196
Failure to properly follow
maintenance instructions and
precautions can cause you to
be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the procedures
and precautions in this owner’smanual.
Improperly maintaining this car
or failing to correct a problem
before driving can cause a
crash in which you can be
seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the inspection
and maintenance
recommendations and
schedules in this owner’smanual.

This section covers the more-
common problems that motorists
experience with their vehicles. It
gives you inf ormation about how to
safely evaluate the problem and what
to do to correct it. If the problem has
stranded you on the side of the road,
you may be able to get going again.
If not, you will also f ind instructions
on getting your car towed.......................
Compact Spare Tire . 266
....................
Changing a Flat Tire . 267
..........
If Your Engine Won’t Start . 272
Nothing Happens or the StarterMotor Operates Very .....................................
Slowly . 272
The Starter Operates ................................
Normally . 273
................................
Jump Starting . 274
............
If Your Engine Overheats . 276
.........
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 279
..........
Charging System Indicator . 280
.......
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 281
.......................
Readiness Codes . 282
...............
Brake System Indicator . 283
..................
Closing the Moonroof . 284
..............................................
Fuses . 285
..........
Checking and Replacing . 286
......................
Emergency Towing . 290
Taking Care of the Unexpected
T aking Care of t he Unexpect ed265

CONT INUED
BatteryCharging System ...........................
Indicator . 62, 280
............................
Jump Starting . 274
..............................
Maintenance . 230
............................
Specif ications . 297
..............................
Bef ore Driving . 163
....................................
Belts,Seat .8,45
.............................
Beverage Holder . 99
.................................
Body Repairs . 264 Brakes
...........
Anti-lock System (ABS) . 189
.............
Break-in, New Linings . 164
....................
Bulb Replacement . 250
...........................................
Fluid . 222
.........................................
Parking . 97
.................
System Indicator . 62, 283
........................
Wear Indicators . 188
.............................
Braking System . 188
........................
Break-in, New Car . 164
..
Brightness Control, Instruments . 71
........................
Brights, Headlights . 70
Bulb Replacement
..........................
Back-up Lights . 251
..............................
Brake Lights . 250
..............................
Ceiling Light . 254
................
Front Parking Lights . 248
........
Front Side Marker Lights . 248
.................................
Headlights . 247
.........
High-mount Brake Light . 251
.................
License Plate Lights . 252
.........
Rear Side Marker Lights . 250
............................
Specif ications . 297
...................................
Spotlights . 255
...............................
Trunk Light . 253
...
Accessories and Modif ications . 171
................................
Accessories . 171
.
Additional Safety Precautions . 172
............................
Modif ications . 172
ACCESSORY (Ignition Key .......................................
Position) . 81
.............
Accessory Power Socket . 101
....................
Additives, Engine Oil . 210
.............................
Airbag (SRS) . 10, 48
.....................
Air Cleaner Element . 225
..............
Air Conditioning System . 106
..............................
Maintenance . 234
.........................................
Usage . 106
.......................
Air Outlets (Vents) . 108
.......................
Air Pressure, Tires . 238
..................
High Speed Driving . 239
.........................
Normal Driving . 239
.......................
Alcohol in Gasoline . 300
......................................
Antif reeze . 213
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
...............................
Indicator . 62, 191
...................................
Operation . 189
..............
Anti-thef t, Audio System . 157 Anti-thef t Steering Column
..............................................
Lock . 80
..........................
Appearance Care . 257
................
Audio System . 114, 126, 138
...
Automatic Seat Belt Tensioners . 46
.............
Automatic Speed Control . 159
..............
Automatic Transmission . 182
..........................
Capacity, Fluid . 296
...............
Checking Fluid Level . 220
.......................................
Shif ting . 183
.
Shif t Lever Position Indicator . 182
................
Shif t Lever Positions . 183
....................
Shif t Lock Release . 186
Index
A
B
I

Î
................
DANGER, Explanation of . ii
...................................
Dashboard . 2, 58
................
Daytime Running Lights . 71
............
Def ects, Reporting Saf ety . 310
........................
Def og and Def rost . 111
................
Def ogger, Rear Window . 75
..............
Def rosting the Windows . 111
....................................
Dimensions . 296
...............
Dimming the Headlights . 70
Dipstick
..........
Automatic Transmission . 220
..................................
Engine Oil . 168
..........................
Directional Signals . 72
........
Disc Brake Wear Indicators . 188
.....................
Disposal of Used Oil . 212
Doors
..............
Locking and Unlocking . 81
......................
Power Door Locks . 82
..........
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 298
............................
Capacities Chart . 296
.............
Carbon Monoxide Hazard . 54
.............................
Carrying Cargo . 173
Cassette Player
............................................
Care . 156
...................
Operation . 120, 132, 153
..............
CAUTION, Explanation of . ii
..................
CD Changer . 123, 135, 149
......................
CD Player . 123, 135, 147
..................................
Ceiling Light . 102
........................
Certif ication Label . 294
............................................
Chains . 244
....................
Changing a Flat Tire . 267
............
Changing Engine Coolant . 215
Changing Oil
........................................
How to . 211
......................................
When to . 200
...
Charging System Indicator . 62, 280
............
Checklist, Bef ore Driving . 178
.....................................
Child Saf ety . 22 Child Seats
......
LATCH Anchorage System . 43
...........................
Lower Anchors . 43
..........
Tether Anchorage Points . 42
..................
Childproof Door Locks . 86
....................
Cleaner Element, Air . 225
Cleaning
......................................
Exterior . 258
.......................................
Interior . 260
...................................
Seat Belts . 261
...........................................
Vinyl . 261
....................................
Windows . 262
.........
Clock, Setting the . 119, 131, 143
...................................
Clutch Fluid . 223
........................
CO in the Exhaust . 302
............
Cold Weather, Starting in . 179
..............................
Compact Spare . 266
...............
Consumer Inf ormation . 308
.............
Controls, Instruments and . 57
Coolant
........................................
Adding . 213
....................................
Checking . 169
.........................
Proper Solution . 213
...................................
Replacing . 215
...................
Temperature Gauge . 68
....................
Corrosion Protection . 263 Crankcase Emissions Control
........................................
System . 302
............
Cruise Control Operation . 159
..........
Customer Relations Of f ice . 308
Bulb Replacement
....................
Turn Signal Lights . 248
..............................
Bulbs, Halogen . 247
Index
C
D
II

CONT INUED
Downshif ting, 5-speed Manual.............................
Transmission . 180
.....................................
Drive Belts . 237
...........
Driver and Passenger Safety . 5
...........................................
Driving . 177
....................................
Economy . 170
.........................
In Bad Weather . 192
................
In Foreign Countries . 301
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter . 235
..............................
Economy, Fuel . 170
............
Emergencies on the Road . 265
.............
Battery, Jump Starting . 274
...........
Brake System Indicator . 283
................
Changing a Flat Tire . 267
.....
Charging System Indicator . 280
..................
Checking the Fuses . 286
.....
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 279
...
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 281
...
Manually Closing Moonroof . 284
..................
Overheated Engine . 276
...........................
Emergency Brake . 97
......................
Emergency Flashers . 74
......................
Emergency Towing . 290 ............
Emergency Trunk Opener . 87
.......................
Emissions Controls . 302
.............
Emissions Testing, State . 305 Engine
....
Coolant Temperature Gauge . 68
.................................
Drive Belts . 237
......
Engine Speed Limiter . 181, 185
Malf unction Indicator
................................
Lamp . 63, 281
........
Oil Pressure Indicator . 62, 279
..............
Oil, What Kind to Use . 209
...............................
Overheating . 276
............................
Specif ications . 296
.......................................
Starting . 179
......................
Ethanol in Gasoline . 300
.
Evaporative Emissions Controls . 302
...............................
Exhaust Fumes . 54
Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat
........................................
Belts by . 20
..................
Exterior, Cleaning the . 258
............................
Fabric, Cleaning . 261
...................................
Fan, Interior . 106
Features, Comfort and ..............................
Convenience . 105
....................
Filling the Fuel Tank . 165
Filters
................................
Air Cleaner . 225
.........................
Dust and pollen . 235
...............................................
Oil . 211
5-speed Manual Transmission ...............
Checking Fluid Level . 221
................................
Shif ting the . 180
.............
Flashers, Hazard Warning . 74
...................
Flat Tire, Changing a . 267
Fluids
..........
Automatic Transmission . 220
..........................................
Brake . 222
.........................................
Clutch . 223
..............
Manual Transmission . 221
..........................
Power Steering . 224
..................
Windshield Washer . 219
FM Stereo Radio ...................................
Reception . 145
...........................
Folding Rear Seat . 91
.....
Foreign Countries, Driving in . 301
..........................
Four-way Flashers . 74
............................
Front Airbags . 10, 48
Index
E
F
III

CONT INUED
..................................................
Keys . 77 ........................
Jacking up the Car . 268
.......................................
Jack, Tire . 267
................................
Jump Starting . 274
..................................
Maintenance . 195
...
Owner Maintenance Checks . 207
.................................
Record . 205-206
......................
Required Indicator . 64
..........................................
Saf ety . 196
.............................
Schedule . 198-204
.
Malf unction Indicator Lamp . 63, 281
...................
Manual Transmission . 180
........
Manual Transmission Fluid . 221
...............................
Meters, Gauges . 66
...................
Methanol in Gasoline . 300
..........................
Mirrors, Adjusting . 96
.........................................
Moonroof . 95
......................
Closing Manually . 284 .....................................
Operation . 95
...
Octane Requirement, Gasoline . 164
.........................................
Odometer . 66
...............................
Odometer, Trip . 67
Oil
........................
Change, How to . 211
......................
Change, When to . 200
......................
Checking Engine . 168
..............
Pressure Indicator . 62, 279
Selecting Proper Viscosity
......................................
Chart . 210
...........
ON (Ignition Key Position) . 81
Onboard Ref ueling Vapor
....................................
Recovery . 302 ...................
Neutral Gear Position . 184
..................
New Vehicle Break-in . 164
.....................
Normal Shif t Speeds . 181
...................
NOTICE, Explanation of . i
...............
Numbers, Identif ication . 294
.......................
Label, Certif ication . 294
.................
Lane Change, Signaling . 72
..................
Lap/Shoulder Belts . 16, 45
...........
LATCH Anchorage System . 43
Lights
....................
Bulb Replacement . 247
.......................................
Indicator . 59
.........................................
Parking . 70
..................................
Turn Signal . 72
.....................................
Load Limit . 174
......
LOCK (Ignition Key Position) . 80
Locks
.......
Anti-thef t Steering Column . 80
............................
Fuel Fill Door . 165 .................................
Power Door . 82
...........................................
Trunk . 86
........................
Low Coolant Level . 169
.........................
Low Fuel Indicator . 63
................................
Lower Anchors . 43
...
Lower Gear, Downshif ting to a . 181
...
Low Oil Pressure Indicator . 62, 279
...
Lubricant Specif ications Chart . 296
.........................................
Luggage . 173
Index
LM N O
J K
V

Î
.................
Vehicle Capacity Load . 174
......................
Vehicle Dimensions . 296
....
Vehicle Identif ication Number . 294
.............................
Vehicle Storage . 256
.....................................
Ventilation . 109
.................................................
VIN . 294
...............................
Vinyl Cleaning . 261
..................................
Viscosity, Oil . 210
.............
WARNING, Explanation of . ii
.........
Warning Labels, Location of . 55
..................
Warranty Coverages . 309
Washer, Windshield
........
Checking the Fluid Level . 219
.......................................
Indicator . 63
Technical Descriptions
......
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 298
.....
Emissions Control Systems . 302
.....................
Oxygenated Fuels . 300
Three Way Catalytic
...............................
Converter . 304
.......................
Temperature Gauge . 68
..............
Tether Anchorage Points . 42
............................
Thef t Protection . 157
..
Three Way Catalytic Converter . 304
..........
Time, Setting the . 119, 131, 143
....................................
Timing Belt . 237
....................................
Tire Chains . 244
.........
Tire, How to Change a Flat . 267
...............................................
Tires . 238
..............................
Air Pressure . 238
.........................
Checking Wear . 240
..........................
Compact Spare . 266
......
DOT Tire Quality Grading . 298
......................................
Inf lation . 238
..................................
Inspection . 240
..............................
Maintenance . 240
...................................
Replacing . 242
......................................
Rotating . 241
...........................................
Snow . 243
............................
Specif ications . 297 ................................
Tire Chains . 244
...................
Tools, Tire Changing . 267
Towing
.....................................
A Trailer . 193
..................
Emergency Towing . 290
...........................
Traction Devices . 244
Transmission
Checking Fluid Level, ..............................
Automatic . 220
Checking Fluid Level, ...................................
Manual . 221
..................
Fluid Selection . 220, 221
..............
Identif ication Number . 295
.............
Shif ting the Automatic . 183
..................
Shif ting the Manual . 180
.....................................
Treadwear . 298
.......................................
Trip Meter . 67
................................................
Trunk . 86
........................................
Opening . 86
...................
Open Monitor Light . 63
....................................
Turn Signals . 72
.....................
Underside, Cleaning . 263 Unexpected, Taking Care
..........................................
of the . 265
....
Unif orm Tire Quality Grading . 298
........................
Unleaded Gasoline . 164
.....................
Upholstery Cleaning . 260
.......
Used Oil, How to Dispose of . 212
Index
U W
V
VIII