Page 21 of 231

Your airbag system includes:Two SRS (Supplemental Restraint
System) f ront airbags. The driver’s
airbag is stored in the center of
the steering wheel; the f ront
passenger’sairbagisstoredinthe
dashboard. Both are marked ‘‘SRS
AIRBAG.’’
one f or the driver and one f or a
f ront passenger. The airbags are
stored in the outer edges of the
seat-backs. Both are marked
‘‘SIDE AIRBAG’’ (see page ).
Automatic front seat belt
tensioners (see page ).
Sensors that can detect a
moderate to severe frontal impact
or side impact in models equipped
with side airbags. A sophisticated electronic system
that continually monitors and
records inf ormation about the
sensors, the control unit, the
airbag activators, and driver and
frontpassengerseatbeltusewhen
the ignition is in the ON (II)
position.
If you ever have a moderate to
severe f rontal collision, sensors will
detect the vehicle’s rapid
deceleration. If the rate of
deceleration is high enough, the
control unit will instantly inf late the
driver’s and f ront passenger’s f ront
airbags, at the time and with the
f orce needed.
Emergency backup power in case
your vehicle’s electrical system is
disconnected in a crash.
An indicator on the instrument
panel that alerts you to a possible
problem with your airbags (see
page ).
an indicator on the dashboard that
alerts you that the passenger’s
side airbag has been turned of f
(see page ).
25
20 26
27
On models equipped with side airbags, On models equipped with side airbags,
Airbag System Components How Your Front Airbags Work
Additional Inf ormation About Your Airbags
Driver and Passenger Saf ety22
——y
y
(%yy
Page 50 of 231

This section gives inf ormation about
the controls and displays that
contribute to the daily operation of
your Honda. All the essential
controls are within easy reach............................
Control Locations . 52
............................
Instrument Panel . 53
..........
Instrument Panel Indicators . 56
.............................................
Gauges . 60
...............
Odometer/Trip Meter . 60
..................................
Fuel Gauge . 60
...................
Temperature Gauge . 61
..
Maintenance Required Indicator . 62
Controls Near the Steering
...........................................
Wheel . 63
.
Windshield Wipers and Washers . 64
...........
Turn Signal and Headlights . 65
........
Instrument Panel Brightness . 66
.................
Hazard Warning Button . 67
.................
Rear Window Def ogger . 67
..........
Steering Wheel Adjustment . 68
...............................
Keys and Locks . 69
........................
Immobilizer System . 70
................................
Ignition Switch . 71
......................................
Door Locks . 72
......................
Power Door Locks . 72
...........................................
Trunk . 72
........
Emergency Trunk Opener . 73
.......................
Remote Transmitter . 74
.................................................
Seats . 76
..............................
Power Windows . 81 .........................................
Moonroof . 82
.............................................
Mirrors . 83
.................................
Parking Brake . 84
.................................
Interior Lights . 85
................................
Ceiling Light . 85
...........
Individual Interior Lights . 85
...........
Interior Convenience Items . 86
.......................
Beverage Holders . 87
....................................
Globe Box . 87
...............
Console Compertment . 87
.............................
Center Pocket . 88
...........
Accessory Power Socket . 88
..............................
Vanity Mirror . 88
Instruments and Controls
Inst rument s and Cont rols51
——y
y
(%yy
Page 70 of 231

µµ
µ
µ
The ignition switch has f our
positions: LOCK (0), ACCESSORY
(I), ON (II), START (III) You will hear a reminder beeper if
you leave the key in the ignition
switch in the LOCK (0) or
ACCESSORY (I) position and open
the driver’s door. Remove the key to
turn of f the beeper. The shif t lever
must be in Park bef ore you can
remove the key from the ignition
switch.
You can insert or
remove the key only in this position.
To turn the key, you must push the
key in slightly. If your vehicle has an
automatic transmission, the shif t
lever must also be in park. If the f ront wheels are turned, the
anti-thef t lock may make it dif f icult
to turn the key. Firmly turn the
steering wheel to the lef t or right as
you turn the key.
You can
operate the audio system and the
accessory power sockets in this
position.
This is the normal key
position when driving. Several of the
lights on the instrument panel come
on as a test when you turn the
ignition switch f rom ACCESSORY
(I) to ON (II).
Use this position
only to start the engine. The switch
returns to ON (II) when you let go of
the key.
Inst rument s and Cont rols
Ignition Switch
LOCK (0) A CCESSORY (I)
ON (II)
ST A RT (III)
71
Removing the key from the
ignition switch while driving
locks the steering. This can
cause you to lose control.
Remove the key from the
ignition switch only whenparked.
——y
y
(%yy
Page 137 of 231

Check the brakes after driving
through deep water. Apply the
brakes moderately to see if they f eel
normal. If not, apply them gently and
f requently until they do. Be extra
cautious in your driving.
All Civics are equipped with f ront
disc brakes. The brakes on the rear
wheels are drum. A power assist
helps reduce the ef f ort needed on
thebrakepedal.TheABS(onsome
models) helps you retain steering
control when braking very hard.
Resting your f oot on the pedal keeps
the brakes applied lightly, builds up
heat, and reduces their ef f ectiveness.
It also keeps your brake lights on all
the time, conf using drivers behind
you.
Constant application of the brakes
when going down a long hill builds
up heat and reduces their ef f ective-
ness. Use the engine to assist the
brakes by taking your f oot of f the
accelerator and downshif ting to a
lower gear.
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.
If the brake pads need replacing, you
will hear a distinctive, metallic
screeching sound when you apply
the brake pedal. If you do not have
the brake pads replaced, they will
screech all the time. It is normal f or
the brakes to occasionally squeal or
squeak when you apply them.
Your vehicle is not designed to tow a
trailer. Attempting to do so can void
your warranties.
Braking System, Towing a Trailer
Driving
Braking System Design
Braking System
Brake Wear Indicators
Towing a Trailer
138
Front
——y
y
(%y
y
Page 140 of 231

This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.
This section also includes
Maintenance Schedules f or normal
driving and severe driving conditions,
a Maintenance Record, and instruc-
tions f or simple maintenance tasks
you may want to take care of
yourself .
If you have the skills and tools to per-
f orm more complex maintenance
tasks on your Honda, you may want
to purchase the Service Manual. See
page f or inf ormation on how to
obtain a copy, or see your Honda
dealer.......................
Maintenance Saf ety . 142
.................
Maintenance Schedule . 143
....................
Maintenance Record . 149
..............................
Fluid Locations . 151
........................
Adding Engine Oil . 152
.........
Changing the Oil and Filter . 154
....................
Windshield Washers . 156
..............................
Engine Coolant . 157
....................
Power Steering Fluid . 159
....
Automatic Transmission Fluid . 160
........
Manual Transmission Fluid . 162
....................................
Timing Belt . 162
................
Brake and Clutch Fluid . 163
.............................................
Lights . 164
.......................................
Seat Belts . 169
.....................................
Floor Mats . 169
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter . 169
.................................
Wiper Blades . 170
...............................................
Tires . 172
...................
Checking the Battery . 178
.............................
Vehicle Storage . 179
221
Maintenance
Maint enance141
——y
y
(%y
y
Page 150 of 231
Fluid Locations
Maint enance151
ENGINE OIL
FILL CAPBRAKE FLUID
(Gray cap)
CLUTCH FLUID
(Gray cap)
WASHER FLUID
(Blue cap)
POWER STEERING
FLUID (Red cap)
AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION FLUID
DIPSTICK (CVT)
(Yellow loop)
RADIATOR CAP
ENGINE
COOLANT
RESERVOIR ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK
(Orange loop)
AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
FLUID DIPSTICK
(Yellow loop)
——y
y
(%y
y
Page 158 of 231
Check the level on the side of the
reservoir when the engine is cold.
The f luid should be between the
UPPER LEVEL and LOWER LEVEL.
If not add power steering f luid to the
UPPER LEVEL mark.Always use Honda Power Steering
Fluid. You may use another power
steering f luid as an emergency
replacement, but have the power
steering system f lushed and ref illed
with Honda PSF as soon as possible.
A low power steering f luid level can
indicate a leak in the system. Check
the f luid level f requently, and have
the system inspected as soon as
possible.
Maint enance
Power Steering Fluid
Power Steering Fluid
159
NOTICE:
UPPER LEVEL
LOWER LEVEL
T urning the steering wheel to
f ull lef t or right lock and holding it
there can damage the power steeringpump.
——y
y
(%y
y
Page 163 of 231
Theheadlightswereproperlyaimed
when your vehicle was new. If you
regularly carry heavy items in the
trunk, readjustment may be required.
Adjustments should be perf ormed by
a Honda dealer or other qualif ied
mechanic.Your vehicle has halogen headlight
bulb. Handle it by its steel base and
protect the glass f rom contact with
your skin or hard objects. If you
touch the glass, clean it with
denaturedalcoholandacleancloth.
NOTE: Halogen headlight bulbs get
very hot when lit. Oil, perspiration,
or a scratch on the glass can cause
the bulb to overheat and shatter.
If you need to change the
headlight bulb on the driver’s side,
remove the power steering
reservoir tank by pulling it out of
its holder.
1.
Lights
Maint enance
Headlight A iming Replacing a Headlight Bulb
164
HOLDER
——y
y
(%y
y