2003 HONDA CIVIC COUPE steering

Make sure all windows, mirrors,
and outside lights are clean and
unobstructed. Remove f rost, snow,
or ice.
Check that the hood and trunk are
f ully closed.Make sure the doors are securely
closed and locked.
Check that any items you may be
carrying with you inside are stored
properly or f astened down
securely.
Visually check the tires. If a tire
looks low, use a gauge to check its
pressure. Check the adjustment of the seat
(see page ).
Check the adjustment of the
inside and outside mirrors (see
page ).
Check the adjustment of the
steering wheel (see page ).Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
Check the indicator lights in the
instrument panel.
Start the engine (see page ).
Check the gauges and indicator
lights in the instrument panel (see
page ).
Fasten your seat belt. Check that
your passengers have f astened
their seat belts (see page ).
Youshoulddothefollowingchecks
and adjustments every day bef ore
you drive your car. 1. 2. 3. 4.
9.
10.
8.
7.
6.
5.
11.
12. 16
90
99 79 171
61
Preparing to Drive
Driving170
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The hydraulic system that operates
the brakes has two separate circuits.
Each circuit works diagonally across
the vehicle (the lef t-f ront brake is
connected with the right-rear brake,
etc.). If one circuit should develop a
problem, you will still have braking
at two wheels.this defeats the
purpose of the ABS. Let the ABS
work f or you by always keeping f irm,
steady pressure on the brake pedal
as you steer away from the hazard.
This is sometimes ref erred to as
You will f eel a pulsation in the brake
pedal when the ABS activates, and
you may hear some noise. This is
normal; it is the ABS rapidly
pumping the brakes.
The U.S. EX model and Canadian
Si-G model have an Anti-lock Brake
System (ABS) as standard
equipment.
When the f ront tires skid, you lose
steering control; the car continues
straightaheadeventhoughyouturn
the steering wheel. The ABS helps to
prevent lock-up and helps you retain
steering control by pumping the
brakes rapidly; much f aster than a
person can do it.
ABS helps to prevent the wheels
f rom locking up and skidding during
hard braking, allowing you to retain
steering control.
‘‘stomp and steer.’’
Brake System Design A nti-lock Brakes You should never pump the
brake pedal;
The Braking System
Driving184
Front
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on loose or
uneven surf aces, such as gravel or
snow, than a vehicle without anti-
lock. Slow down and allow a greater
distance between vehicles under
those conditions.
it
only helps with steering control
during braking. You should always
maintain a saf e f ollowing distance
f rom other vehicles.
such as trying to take a
corner too f ast or making a sudden
lane change. Always drive at a safe,
prudent speed f or the road and
weather conditions.
Always steer moderately
when you are braking hard. Severe
or sharp steering wheel movement
can still cause your car to veer into
oncoming traffic or off the road.
Activation varies with the amount of
traction your tires have. On dry
pavement, you will need to press on
thebrakepedalveryhardbeforeyou
activate the ABS. However, you may
feel the ABS activate immediately if
you are trying to stop on snow or ice.
CONT INUED
A vehicle with A BS may require a
longer distance to stop
A BS does not reduce the time or
distance it takes to stop the car;
A BS will not prevent a skid that
results f rom changing direction
abruptly,
A BS cannot prevent a loss of
stability.Import ant Saf et y Reminders
The Braking System
Driving185
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µ
µ Being able to see
clearly in all directions and being
visible to other drivers are important
in all weather conditions. This is
more dif f icult in bad weather. To be
seen more clearly during daylight
hours, turn on your headlights.
Inspect your windshield wipers and
washers f requently. Keep the wind-
shield washer reservoir f ull of the
proper f luid. Have the windshield
wiper blades replaced if they start to
streak the windshield or leave parts
unwiped. Use the def rosters and air
conditioning to keep the windows
f rom f ogging up on the inside (see
page ).
Exercise extra caution when driving
in rain af ter a long dry spell. Af ter
months of dry weather, the f irst
rains bring oil to the surf ace of the
roadway, making it slippery.
Rain, f og, and snow conditions
require a dif f erent driving technique
because of reduced traction and
visibility. Keep your car well-
maintained and exercise greater
caution when you need to drive in
bad weather. The cruise control
should not be used in these
conditions. Always drive
slower than you would in dry
weather. It takes your car longer to
react, even in conditions that may
seem just barely damp. Apply
smooth, even pressure to all the
controls. Abrupt steering wheel
movements or sudden, hard appli-
cation of the brakes can cause loss of
control in wet weather. Be extra
cautious f or the f irst f ew miles
(kilometers) of driving while you
adjust to the change in driving
conditions. This is especially true in
snow. A person can f orget some
snow-driving techniques during the
summer months. Practice is needed
to relearn those skills. 115
CONT INUED
Visibility
Driving T echnique
Driving in Bad Weather
Driving187
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Maint enance194
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
months
Service at the indicated distance or time whichever comes first. 10
16
Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
2032
40645080 70
112 80
128 110176
Every 110,000 miles (176,000 km)
Inspect every 110,000 miles (176,000 km), otherwise adjust only if noisy Every 110,000 miles (176,000 km) or 7 years
At 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years,
then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years Every 3 years (independent of mileage)
Replace engine oil
Rotate tires (Check tire inflation and condition at least once per month)
Replace engine oil filter
Check engine oil and coolant
Inspect front and rear brakes
Check parking brake adjustment
Visually inspect the following items:
Tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots, Suspension components
Driveshaft boots, Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluidsExhaust system, Fuel lines and connections
Inspect and adjust drive belts
Replace dust and pollen filter
Replace transmission fluid
Replace air cleaner element
Replace spark plugs
Inspect valve clearance
Replace timing belt, inspect auto-tensioner, and water pump
Inspect idle speed
Replace engine coolant
Replace brake fluid
Service the following items at the recommended intervals.Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
30 48
609690
144 100160 120192
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page .
Replace at 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 6 years, then every 90,000 miles (144,000 km) or 5 years.
See dust and pollen filter on page for replacement information under special driving conditions. 24 48 72
12 36 60
:
1:2: M/T
A/TCVT
193
229
1
2
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions
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Maint enance195
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners A B C D
Refer to page to determine which schedule to use.
Use the Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions.
Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first.
10,000 mi/16,000 km/1 yr
20,000 mi/32,000 km/1 yr
30,000 mi/48,000 km
30,000 mi/48,000 km/2 yrs
40,000 mi/64,000 km/2 yrs
3yrs
50,000 mi/80,000 km/3 yrs
60,000 mi/96,000 km
60,000 mi/96,000 km/3 yrs
70,000 mi/112,000 km/4 yrs
80,000 mi/128,000 km/4 yrs
90,000 mi/144,000 km
90,000 mi/144,000 km/5 yrs
100,000 mi/160,000 km/5 yrs
110,000 mi/176,000 km
6yrs
110,000 mi/176,000 km/6 yrs
110,000 mi/176,000 km/7 yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km
120,000 mi/192,000 km/6 yrs
120,000 mi/192,000 km/10 yrs Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do item in D.
Do items in A, C.
Do items in A, B.
Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage)
Do items in A.
Do item in D.
DoitemsinA,B,C. Replace transmission fluid (CVT).
Do items in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do item in D.
Do items in A, C.
Do items in A, B. Replace transmission fluid (CVT).
Inspect valve clearance, cold engine.
Replace spark plugs.
Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage)
Do items in A.
Replace timing belt, inspect auto-tensioner,
and water pump.
Inspect idle speed.
Do item in D. Replace transmission fluid (M/T, A/T ).
DoitemsinA,B,C. Replace engine coolant, then replace every
60,000 mi/96,000 km/5 yrs. Replace engine oil.
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page 235 ).
Replace engine oil filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Check parking brake adjustment.
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS).
Check all fluid levels, condition of fluids, and check
for leaks.
Inspect exhaust system.
Inspect fuel lines and connections.
Inspect and adjust drive belts.
Replace dust and pollen filter .
Replace air cleaner element every 30,000 mi/48,000
km (independent of time).
192
1: 2::
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last
column, page .
Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop.
Check and adjust valve clearance, cold engine, only if noisy. See dust and pollen filter on page for replacement information
under special driving conditions.
Replace at 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 6 years, then every 90,000
miles (144,000 km) or 5 years.
NOTE: 193 229
2 1
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions (listed by distance/time)
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Maint enance196
See dust and pollen filter on page for replacement information under special driving conditions.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last column, page .
See timing belt on page for replacement information under special driving conditions. miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
months
Replace every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months
Service at the indicated distance or time whichever comes first.
Service the following items at the recommended intervals.Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) in dusty conditions,
otherwise use normal schedule
Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
At 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 3 years, then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 2 years
1016
203230484064 5080609670
112 80
128 90
144 100160110176120192
Every 110,000 miles (176,000 km)
Inspect every 110,000 miles (176,000 km), otherwise adjust only if noisy Every 110,000 miles (176,000 km) or 7 years
At 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years,
then every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years Every 3 years (independent of mileage)
Replace engine oil
Rotate tires (Check tire inflation and condition at least once per month)
Replace engine oil filter
Inspect front and rear brakes
Lubricate all hinges, locks and latches
Visually inspect the following items:
Tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots, Suspension components
Driveshaft boots
Check engine oil and coolant
Visually inspect the following items: Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluidsExhaust system, Fuel lines and connections
Lights and controls, Vehicle underbody
Check parking brake adjustment
Inspect and adjust drive belts
Replace dust and pollen filter
Replace transmission fluid
Replace air cleaner element
Replace spark plugs
Inspect valve clearance
Replace timing belt , inspect auto-tensioner, and water pump
Inspect idle speed
Replace engine coolant
Replace brake fluid 24 48 72
12 36 60
1: 2: : 193
M/T
A/T CVT
229
231 1
2
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions
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CONT INUED
Maint enance197
U.S. Owners
Canadian Owners AB
C D E
Refer to page to determine which schedule to use.
Use the Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions.
Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first.
5,000 mi/8,000 km/6 mos
10,000 mi/16,000 km/1 yr
15,000 mi/24,000 km
15,000 mi/24,000 km/1-½ yrs
20,000 mi/32,000 km/1 yr
25,000 mi/40,000 km/2 yrs
30,000 mi/48,000 km
30,000 mi/48,000 km/2 yrs
35,000 mi/56,000 km/2-½ yrs
40,000 mi/64,000 km/2 yrs
3yrs
45,000 mi/72,000 km
45,000 mi/72,000 km/3 yrs
50,000 mi/80,000 km/3 yrs
55,000 mi/88,000 km/3-½ yrs
60,000 mi/96,000 km
60,000 mi/96,000 km/3 yrs
65,000 mi/104,000 km/4 yrs
70,000 mi/112,000 km/4 yrs
75,000 mi/120,000 km
75,000 mi/120,000 km/4-½ yrs
80,000 mi/128,000 km/4 yrs
85,000 mi/136,000 km/5 yrs
90,000 mi/144,000 km
90,000 mi/144,000 km/5 yrs
95,000 mi/152,000 km/5-½ yrs
100,000 mi/160,000 km/5 yrs Do item in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do item in E.
Do item in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do item in A.
Do item in E.
DoitemsinA,B,D.
Do item in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Replace brake fluid (independent of mileage)
Do item in E.
Do item in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do item in A.
Do item in E. Replace transmission fluid (M/T, A/T, CVT).
DoitemsinA,B,C,D.
Do item in A.
Do items in A, B.
Do item in E.
Do item in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C.
Do item in A.
Do item in E.
Replace transmission fluid (A/T).
DoitemsinA,B,D.
Do item in A.
DoitemsinA,B,C. Replace transmission fluid (CVT). Replace engine oil.
Replace engine oil filter.
Inspect front and rear brakes.
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page 235 ).
Lubricate all hinges, locks, and latches.
Inspect tie rod ends, steering gear box and boots.
Inspect suspension components.
Inspect driveshaft boots.
Check parking brake adjustment.
Inspect brake hoses and lines (including ABS).
Check all fluid levels, condition of fluids, and check
for leaks.
Inspect exhaust system.
Inspect fuel lines and connections.
Check all lights.
Inspect the underbody.
Inspect and adjust drive belts.
Replace dust and pollen filter .
Replace air cleaner element.Every 15,000mi/24,000
km (independent of time) under dusty conditions,
otherwise use Normal Conditions schedule.
192
See dust and pollen filter on page for replacement information
under special driving conditions.
See timing belt on page for replacement information under
special driving conditions.
See information on maintenance and emissions warranty, last
column, page .
Check engine oil and coolant at each fuel stop.
Check and adjust valve clearance, cold engine, only if noisy.
NOTE: 1: 2:
: 193 229
231
1
Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions (listed by distance/time)
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