2003 HONDA CIVIC Timing

Fuel and Emissions Systems
Symptom Troubleshooting Index
When the vehicle has one of these symptoms, check the diagnostic trouble code (DTC) with the scan tool. lf there is no
DTC, do the diagnostic procedure for the symptom, in the sequence listed, until you find the cause.
SvmotomDiaqnostic procedureAlso check lor
Engine will not sta rt
(MlL works OK, no DTCS set)
1. Test the battery {see page 22-50).
2. Test the starter (see page 4-8).
3. Troubleshoot the fuel pump circult (see page 11
141).
Low compressron
No ignition spark
lntake air leaks
Locked up engine
Broken timing chain
Contaminated fuel
Engine will not start (MlL
comes on and stays on, or
never comes on at all, no
DTCS set)
Troubleshoot the l\4lL circuit (see page 1 '1-97).
Engine will not start
(immobilizer indicator stays
on or flashs)
Troubleshoot the immobilizer system (see page 22-165).
Hard starting(MlL works OK, no DTCS set)
1. Testthe battery (see page 22-50).
2. Checkthe fuel pressure (see page 11-145).
Low compression
Intake air leaks
Contaminated fuel
Cold fast idle too low(MlL works OK. no DTCS set)
1. Do the ECM idle learn procedure (see page 11-139).
2. Checkthe idle sDeed (see paqe 11-138).
Cold fast idle too high
(MlL works OK, no DTCS set)
Do the ECI\4 idle learn procedure (see page 1 1- 139).
Checkthe idle speed {see page 11-138).
Inspect/adjust the throttle cable (see page 1 '1-'163).
Inspect and test the throttle body {see page 1 1-160}.
']
2.
3.
ldle speed fluctuates
(MlL works OK, no DTCS set)
1. Dothe ECM idle learn procedure (see page 11-'139).
2. Check the idle speed (see page 11-138).
3, Inspecvadjust th e throttle cable (see page 11''163).
4. Insoect and test the throttle bodv (see paqe 11- 160)
Intake air leaks
After warming up, idle speed
is below specifications with
no load
{MlL works OK, no DTCS set)
1. Do the ECIVI idle learn procedure (see page 1 1- 139).
2. Troubleshootthe alternator FR signal circuit (see
page 11-'134).
3. InsDect and test the throttle bodv {see paqe 1 1-160).
Vacuum hose clogged/
cracked/poor
connectron
After warming up, idle speed
is above specifications with
no toao(MlL works OK. no DTCS set)
1. Do the ECM idle learn procedure {see page 1'j-139).
2. Troubleshoot the alternator FR signal circuit(see
page 11-134).
Low power
(MlL works OK, no DTCS set)
1. Check the fuel pressure(seepagell-145).
2. Inspect and test the th roftle body (see page 11-160).
3. Inspecvadjust the throttle cable (see page 11-'163).
Low compressron
Camshaft timing
problem
Engine oil levelprootem
Engine stalls(MlL works OK. no DTCS set)
1. Do the ECM idle learn procedure (see page 1'l'139).
2. Check the fuel pressure{seepagell-145).
3. Check the idle speed (see page I 1-138).
4. Troubleshootthe brake pedal position switch signal
circuit (see paqe 11-137).
lntake air leaks
Faulty harness and
sensor connections
\
\-
11-10
\-

Fuel and Emissions Systems
System Descriptions (cont'd)
ECM Data (cont'd)
w
DataDescriptionOpera'ting ValueFreeze Data
Fuel System
Status
Fuel system status is indicated as "open" or "closed".
Closed: Based on the A,/F Sensor output, the ECM
determines the airlfuel ratio and controls the amount of
injected fuel.
Open: lgnoring Ay'F Sensor output, the ECM refers to
signals from the throttle position {TP), manifold absolute
pressure (MAP), intake air temperature (lAT), barometric
pressure (BARO), and engine coolant temperature (ECT))
sensors to control the amount of iniected fuel.
At idle speed: closedYES
Short Term
FuelTrim
The airlfuel ratio correction coefficient for correcting the
amount of injected fuel when the fuel system status
is "closed." When the ratio is leaner than the
sloichiometric ratio, the ECM increases short term fuel
trim gradually, and the amount of iniected fuel increases.
The airlfuel ratio gradually gets richer, causing a lower
oxygen content in the exhaust gas. Consequently, the
short term fuel trim is lowered, and the ECM reduces the
amount of injected fuel.
This cvcle keeps the airlfuel ratio close to the
stoichiometric ratio when in closed loop status.
o.7 1.5YES
Long Term
Fuel Trim
Long term fuel trim is computed from short term fuel trim
and indicates changes occurring in the fuel supply system
over a long period.
lf long term fuel trlm is higher than 1.00, the amounl of
injected fuel must be increased. lf it is lower than 1.00, the
amount of injected fuel must be reduced.
0.8 1.2YES
Intake Air
Temperature
{IAT)
The IAT sensor converts intake air temperature into
voltage and signals the ECM. When intake air
temperature is low, the internal resistance ofthe sensor
increases, and the voltage signal is higher.
With cold engine:
Same as ambient
temperature and ECT
YES
Throttle
Position
Based on the accelerator pedal position, the opening
anole of the throttle valve is indicated.
At idle speed:
about 10 %
YES
lgnition
Timing
lgnition timing is the ignition advance angle set by the
ECM. The ECM matches ignition timing to driving
conditions.
At idle speed: 8" t 5"
|' tuL wnen rne >L)
service signal line is
jumped with the Honda
PGM Tester
NO
Calculated
Load Value
(cLV)
cLV is the enoine load calculated from IMAP data.At idle speed:
12 34%
At 2.500 rpm with no
toao:'t4- 34%
YES
11-14
\.,
ra

Fuel and Emissions Systems
System Descriptions (cont'd)
PGM-FI System
The Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-Fl) system is a
sequential multiport fuel injection system.
Air Conditioning {A/C) Compressor Glutch Relay
When the ECfM receives a demand for cooling from the
Ay'C system, it delays the compressor from being
energized, and enriches the mixture to assure smooth
transition to the AVC mode.
Air Fuel Ratio lA/Fl Sensor
The Ay'F Sensor operates over a wide airlfuel range. The
Ay'F Sensor is installed upstream of the TWC, and sends
signals to the ECM which varies the duration of fuel
injection accordingly.
SENSORTERMINALS
HEATERTERMINALS
Barometric Pressure {BAROI Sensor
The BARO sensor is inside the ECM. lt convens
atmospheric pressure into a voltage signal that the ECM
uses to modify the basic duration of the fuel injection
discharge.
ztRcoNtaELEMENT
HEATER
11-26
\,
Camshaft Position (CMPI Sensor B (Top Dead Center(TDCI Sensor)
The CMP sensor B (TDC sensor) detects the position of
the No. 1 cylinder as a reference for sequential fuel
injection to each cylinder.
Crankshaft Position (CKPI Sensor
The CKP sensor detects crankshaft soeed and
determines ignition timing and timing for fuel injection
of each cylinder as well as detecting engine misfire.
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor
The ECT sensor is a temperature dependent resistor(thermistor). The resistance of the thermistor decreases
as the engine coolant temperature increases.
MAGNET
TERMINAL

lgnition Timing Control
The ECM contains the memory for basic ignition timing
at various engine speeds and manifold absolute
pressure. lt also adjusts the timing according to engine
coolant temperature.
Iniector Timing and Duration
The ECM contains the memory for basic discharge
duration at various engine speeds and manifold
pressures. The basic discharge duration, after being
read out from the memory, is further modified by
signals sent from various sensors to obtain the final
discharge duration.
By monitoring long term fuel trim, the ECM detects long
term malfunctions in the fuel system and sets a
Diagnostic Trouble Code {DTC).
Intake Air Temperature (lAT) Sensor
The IAT sensor is a temperature dependent resistor
{thermistor). The resistance of the thermistor decreases
as the intake air temDerature increases.
Knock Sensor
The knock control system adjusts the ignition timing to
minimize knock.
PIEZOCERAMIC
Malfunction Indicator Lamp lMlLl Indication {ln relation
to Readiness Codes)
The vehicle has certain "readiness codes" that are part
of the on-board diagnostics for the emissions systems.
lf the vehicle's baftery has been disconnected or gone
dead. if the DTCS have been cleared, or if the ECM has
been reset. these codes are set to incomplete. In some
states, part of the emissions testing is to make sure
these codes are set to comDlete. lf all of them are not
set to complete, the vehicle may fail the test and the
test cannot be finished.
To check if the readiness codes are set to complete,
turn the ignition switch ON (ll). but do not start the
engine.TheMILwill comeonforlS 20seconds. lf it
then goes off, the readiness codes are set to complete,
lf it blinks severaltimes, one or more readiness codes
are not set to comolete. To set each code, drive the
vehicle or run the engine as described in the
procedures to set them in this section (see page 1 1-46).
Manifold Absolute Pressure {MAP) Senso]
The MAP sensor converts manifold absolute pressure
into electrical signals to the ECM.
SENSOR UNIT
(cont'd)
11-27

wEc/wc
The i-WEC has a VTC (Variable Valve Timing Control) mechanism on the intake camshaft in addition to the usual
VTEC.
This mechanism improves fuel efficiency and reduces exhaust emissions at all Ievels of engine speed, vehicle speed.
and engine load.
The VTEC mechanism changes the valve lift and timing by using more than one cam profile.
The VTC changes the phase of the intake camshaft via oil pressure. lt changes the intake valve timing continuously.
HIGH
i
LOW <-ENGINE SPEED
Drivino ConditionVTC ControlDescriDtion
Qr Light-loadBase PositionCam angle is retarded to reduce the entry of exhaust
gas into the intake port and to achieve stable fuel
consumDtion durinq lean bu rn.
?l M ed iu m/h ig h-loadAdvance ControlCam angle is advanced for EGR effect and to reduce
this pumping loss. The intake valve is closed quickly
to help reduce the entry of airlfuel mixture into the
intake port and improve the charging effect.
€) High speedAdvance-Base PositionCam phase angle is controlled for optimum valve
timinq and maximum enoine oower.
{cont'd)
11-29

Fuel and Emissions Systems
(System Descriptions (cont'dl
VTC system. The VTC system makes continuous intake valve timing changes based on operating conditions.. Intake valve timing is optimized to allow the engine to produce maximum power.'CamangleisadvancedtoobtaintheEGReffectandreducethepumpingloss.Theintakevalveisclosedquicklyto
reduce the entry of the airlfuel mixture into the intake port and improve the charging effect.. Cam angle is reduced at idle to stabilize combustion and reduces engine speed.'lfamalfunctionoccurs,theVTCsystemcontrol is disabled and the valve timing is fixed at the fully retarded position.
MAXIMUM VTC ADVANCE 50'
i l(-4 sHoRT oVERLAP
'+-|l LoNG oVERLAP
VTEC system' The VTEC system changes the cam profile to correspond to engine speed. lt maximizes torque at low engine speedand output at high engine speed.. The low lift cam is used at low engine speeds, and the high lift cam is used at high engine speeds.
LOW SPEED VALVE TIMINGHIGH SPEED VALVE TIMING
TDC
MAXIMUM VTC ADVANCE 50'
11-30

ldle Control System
ldle Speed lnspection
NOTE:' Leave the idle air control (lAC) valve connecled.. Before checking the idle speed, check these items:- The malfunction indicator lamp (MlL) has not been
reported on.- lgnition timing- Spark plugs- Air cleaner- PCV system. Pullthe parking brake lever up. Start the engine, and
make sure the headlights are off.
1. Disconnect the evaporative emission (EVAP)
canister purge valve 2P connector.
2. Connect a tachometer (A)to the test tachometer
connector (B), or connect the Honda PGM Tester (C)
or an OBD ll scan tool to the data link connector(DLC) (D) located under the driver's side of the
dashboard.
11-138
4.
3.
5.
6.
Start the engine. Hold the engine at 3,000 rpm with
no load (in neutral) until the radiator fan comes on,
then let it idle.
Check the idle speed with no-load conditions;
headlights, blower fan, radiator fan, and air
conditioner off.
ldle speed should be: 750 t 50 rpm
Let the engine idle for 1 minute with the heater fan
switch on Hl and air conditioner on, then check the
idle speed.
ldle speed should be: 750 t 50 rpm
NOTE: lf the idle speed is not wilhin specification,
go to the Symptom Troubleshooting Index,
Reconnect the EVAP canister purge valve 2P
connector.

SuspensionAdjustment................-............................184 VComponent Location Index................. 20-17
Windshield GlessReplacement............-..............-............. 20 19
Synchro Ring, Triple-coneInspection...............-..........................1339 ValveGuides
Synchro SleeveInspectaon/Reassemb1y ....................... 13 39
Inspection ............-.-................................ 6 32Beplacement ..........-................................ 6 33 Wiper Intermittent Control Unit,Rear WindowInput Test
T
Valve SeatsRepair ...................................................... 6 35.....22-134
WiDer Motor, Rear WindowRep1acement....................................... 22-1 46Adjustment .-.-.......Removal ...-...-......................................-... 6-31 WiDer Motor, windshield6-9
.....6-32 Test.......-..........-.....-.............................22-143Taillight
ThermostaiTest ........................
Inspec!on
Vehicle Speed Signal Circuit
VTC System
Wiper/WasheI
Wi.ing System
10 4 Troubleshooting .....-... ..........................22-65 Component Location In dex ..............22-134Replacement.....-...-....... ...................... 10 IvssThrottle BodyTest ..................Removal/lnstallation .. . . . . . .. ... 11-'165 VTC ActuatorDisassembly/Feassemb|y................-11-166 Inspection
Circuit Diagram .......................... 22-136, 131
Replacement -.............. ............ .............22 61 Wiper/Washor SwitchTesVReplacement .............................. 22-1 40
.................68 WireHarnesses
11-160
Replacement ........................................... 6 24 (Seefirstpageofthislndex)Throttle CableAdjustment ...... ...-.................... 11163 VTC Oil ConlrolSolenoid ValveRemoval/1nsta11ation..........................11164 Removal....-...-... |1-127 HowtoIn{ormation ...............................223Belay and Control UnitLocations .-....-.............. -.-.-....- 22-7, 4, 1 1, 12Beplacement.........-............................... 1767 ComponentLocationlndex.............. 11-117Tie-rod Ball Joint Boots
lnstallation
Replacement
Turn Signal/Hazard Relay
tsTiming/Cam ChainVTEC Solenoid Valve...612 Femoval/lnspection....-......................11-128................ 6 15
Timing/Cam Chain Auto-tensionelRemoval/1nsta11ation..............................6-19 W
Troubleshooting{See first page ot this Index)
Turn Signal Light
Timing/Cam Chain CaseOil SealInstallation......................-......................6,21 Washer Fluid Level SwitchTesVReplacement .............................. 22 1 44Trailing ArmsRemoval/lnstallation .............. . . . . ..... 18 33 Washer Fluid ReservoirReplacement ....................................... 22-1 46tnmComponent Location lndex ................- 20 49 Washer Motor, WindshieldRemoval/lnstallation ..-.......20 50,51,52,53 Test -..............-.............. ........................22 144
Washer Tube, WindshieldReplacement......-...-............................ 22 1 47
W.ter Outlet.........22 A4 Installation ..................-........................... '10-9
InputTest........22-87 lnstallation................ 10IWeter Passage
Wheels andTires
Turn Signal/Hazard Warning Lights Water PumpComponent Location In dex .................22 85 Inspection ........................... .. . . . ....... 10 5Circu it Diagram ................-................... 22-86 Replacement .-......................................... 10 5
U
WheelBearingsInspec|ion ....................................... ....... 18 8
Wheel Speed SensorsInspection ..-..,.,.,,.,,,,,.,.,,,...................... 19-59Replac€ment ........-....... . . . . . . .. -.... 19-59UndeFdash Fuse/R€lay BoxRemoval/lnstaf lation ............................ 22-49
Upper ArmsRemoval/|nsta11ation................. ... 18-32
],sInspect|on