2004 HONDA CIVIC steering

Your Honda is 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.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.
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.
Braking System
Driving
Braking System
Braking System DesignBrake Wear Indicators
132
Front
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The Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
helps prevent the brakes f rom
locking up and helps you retain
steering control by pumping the
brakes rapidly; much f aster than a
person.
Let the ABS work f or you by always
keeping f irm, steady pressure on the
brake pedal. This is sometimes
ref erred to as ‘‘stomp and steer.’’such as trying to take a
corner too f ast or making a sudden
lane change.
Always steer moderately
when you are braking hard. Severe
or sharp steering wheel movement
can still cause your vehicle to veer
into oncoming traffic or off the road.
If the ABS indicator comes on, the
anti-lock f unction of the braking
system has shut down. The brakes
still work like a conventional system,
but without anti-lock. You should
have the dealer inspect your vehicle
as soon as possible. It only helps with steering
control during braking.
on loose or
uneven surf aces, such as gravel or
snow, than a vehicle without anti-
lock.
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
pumpingthebrakes.Ondry
pavement, you will need to press on
thebrakepedalveryhardbeforethe
ABS activates. However, you may
feel the ABS activate immediately if
you are trying to stop on snow or ice.
You should never pump the brake pedal.
On U.S. EX and Canadian LX and Si
models
ABS Indicator Important Saf ety Reminders
A BS will not prevent a skid that
results f rom changing direction
abruptly,
A BS cannot prevent a loss of
stability.
Anti-lock Brakes
A BS does not reduce the time or
distance it takes to stop the
vehicle;
A vehicle with A BS may require a
longer distance to stop
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)
Driving133
ABS INDICATOR
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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.
This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to f ollow basic
maintenance saf ety precautions.
......................
Maintenance Saf ety . 136
.................
Maintenance Schedule . 137
....................
Maintenance Record . 141
..............................
Fluid Locations . 143
........................
Adding Engine Oil . 144
.........
Changing the Oil and Filter . 145
..............................
Engine Coolant . 147
....................
Windshield Washers . 148
.....
Automatic Transmission Fluid .149
........
Manual Transmission Fluid . 150
....................................
Timing Belt . 150
................
Brake and Clutch Fluid . 151
....................
Power Steering Fluid . 152
....................................
Hood Latch . 152
.............................................
Lights . 153
.......................................
Seat Belts . 159
.....................................
Floor Mats . 159
..................
Dust and Pollen Filter . 159
.................................
Wiper Blades . 160
...............................................
Tires . 161
................
Checking Your Battery . 167
.............................
Vehicle Storage . 168
211
Maintenance
Maint enance135
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Follow the Normal Maintenance
Schedule if the severe driving
conditions specif ied in the Severe
Conditions Maintenance Schedule on
the next page do not apply.
NOT E: If you only OCCASIONALLY
drive under a ‘‘severe’’ condition, you
should f ollow the Normal Conditions
Maintenance Schedule.
Maint enance
139
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
Service the items listed at the indicated distance (or time, if given).
120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years, then every60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years
Every 3 years (independent of mileage)
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Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km)((OOrreevveerryy11yyeeaarr,,wwhhiicchheevveerrccoommeessffiirrsstt))
Check inflation and condition once a month Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop
10 16
2032304840645080 609670
112 80
128 100160
90
144
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110 176 120192130208 140224150240
Replace at 120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 6 years, then every 90,000 miles (144,000 km) or 5 years.
Check engine oil and coolant
Check tires
Replace engine oil
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page164)
Replace engine oil filter
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 fluids
Exhaust system
Fuel lines and connections
Inspect and adjust drive belts
Replace dust and pollen filter
Replace air cleaner element
Replace spark plugs
Inspect valve clearance
Replace automatic transmission fluid
Replace manual transmission fluid
Inspect idle speed
Replace timing belt, and inspect auto-tensioner and
water pump
Replace engine coolant
Replace brake fluid
See information on maintenance and emission warranty on page .
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1:: 138
1
Maintenance Schedule for Normal Conditions
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Follow the Severe Maintenance
Schedule if you drive your vehicle
MAINLY under one or more of the
f ollowing conditions:
Extensive idling or long periods of
stop and go driving, such as a taxi or
a delivery vehicle.
Driving with a roof rack, or driving
in mountainous conditions.
Driving less than 5 miles (8 km) per
trip or, in f reezing temperatures,
driving less than 10 miles (16 km)
per trip.
Driving in extremely hot [over 90°F
(32°C)] conditions.
Driving on muddy, dusty, or de-iced
roads.
Follow the
Maintenance Schedule f or Severe
Conditions.
commercial
Maint enance Canadian Owners140
miles x 1,000
km x 1,000
Every 3 years (independent of mileage)
120,000 miles (192,000 km) or 10 years, then every
60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 5 years
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((OOrreevveerryy22yyeeaarrss,,wwhhiicchheevveerrccoommeessffiirrsstt))Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) (Use normal schedule except in dusty condition)
10 16
203230484064 5080 70
112 80
128 100160
Check oil and coolant at each fuel stop 110176
6096 90
144 120192130208140224150240
Service the items listed at the indicated distance (or time, if given).
Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km)
Check inflation and condition once a month
Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or every 6 months,
whichever comes first
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See information on maintenance and
emission warranty on page .
See timing belt on page for
replacement information under special
driving conditions.
Replace at 60,000 miles (96,000 km) or 3
years, then every 30,000 miles (48,000
km) or 2 years.
See dust and pollen filter on page for
replacement information under special
driving conditions.
Check engine oil and coolant
Check tires
Replace engine oil
Rotate tires (follow pattern on page164)
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 parking brake adjustment
Inspect the following items: Brake hoses and lines (including ABS)
All fluid levels and condition of fluids
Exhaust system , Fuel lines and connections
Lights and controls/vehicle underbody
Inspect and adjust drive belts
Replace dust and pollen filter
Replace air cleaner element
Replace spark plugs
Inspect valve clearance
Replace automatic transmission fluid
Replace manual transmission fluid
Inspect idle speed
Replace timing belt , inspect auto-tensioner and
water pump
Replace engine coolant
Replace brake fluid 1: 2:3:
: 159
150 138
1
2
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Maintenance Schedule for Severe Conditions
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Fluid Locations
Maint enance143
RADIATOR CAP
ENGINE
COOLANT
RESERVOIR ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK
(Orange loop)
BRAKE FLUID
(Gray cap)
ENGINE OIL
FILL CAP
CLUTCH FLUID
(Manual
Transmission only)
(Gray cap)
WASHER FLUID
(Blue cap)
POWER STEERING
FLUID (Red cap)
AUTOMATIC
TRANSMISSION
FLUID DIPSTICK
(Yellow loop)
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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.
Clean the hood latch assembly with a
mild cleaner, then lubricate it with a
multipurpose grease. Lubricate all
the moving parts (as shown),
including the pivot. Follow the time
and distance recommendations in
the Maintenance Schedule. If you
are not sure how to clean and grease
the latch, contact your Honda dealer.
Power Steering Fluid, Hood L atch
Maint enance
Power Steering Fluid Hood L atch
152
NOTICE:
UPPER LEVEL
LOWER LEVEL PIVOTS
LATCH
ASSEMBLY
T urning the steering wheel to
f ull lef t or right lock and holding it
there can damage the power steeringpump.
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Halogen headlight bulbs get
very hot when lit. Oil, perspiration, or a scratch on the glass can cause the bulbto overheat and shatter.
If you need to change a headlight
bulb on the driver’s side, remove
the power steering reservoir tank
by pulling it out of its holders.
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.
1.
Lights
Maint enance
Headlight A iming Replacing a Headlight Bulb
153
NOTE:
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