2008 HONDA CIVIC SEDAN maintenance

The U.S. instrument panel is shown. Dif f erences f or Canadian models are noted in the text.
Canadian DX-G model with M/T has the electric power steering (EPS) indicator (see page62)next to the immobilizer system indicator.
Instrument Panel
Inst rument s and Cont rols
DX, DX-G (Canada), L X, EX, EX-L
57
LOW FUEL
INDICATOR
(P.63) (P.64)
IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM
INDICATOR
LOW OIL PRESSURE
INDICATOR CRUISE CONTROL
INDICATOR CRUISE MAIN
INDICATOR SECURITY SYSTEM INDICATOR
(P.65)
(P.64)
(P.64)
(P.60)
CHARGING
SYSTEM
INDICATOR
(P.65, 277)
(P.65, 277) (P.59)
(P.61) DAYTIME
RUNNING
LIGHTS
INDICATOR
TRUNK-OPEN
INDICATOR(P.61)
SEAT BELT REMINDER
INDICATOR
DOOR-OPEN
INDICATOR (P.61)
SIDE AIRBAG
OFF INDICATOR
(P.60)
LIGHTS ON
INDICATOR
(P.61)HIGH BEAM
INDICATOR
(P.61) SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT SYSTEM
INDICATOR
(P.60)
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (P.65, 278) MAINTENANCE MINDER INDICATOR(P.65, 223)(P.63)
PARKING BRAKE AND
BRAKE SYSTEM
INDICATOR
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE
SYSTEM (ABS)
INDICATOR
(P.60)
(P.59)
LOW TIRE PRESSURE
INDICATOR
TIRE PRESSURE
MONITORING SYSTEM
(TPMS) INDICATOR
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The U.S. instrument panel is shown. Dif f erences f or Canadian models are noted in the text.
Instrument Panel
Si
58
LOW FUEL
INDICATOR
(P.64)
MAINTENANCE MINDER
INDICATOR
(P.62)
(P.61)(P.62)
(P.64)
CRUISE CONTROL
INDICATOR
(P.60)
MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP
IMMOBILIZER SYSTEM INDICATORCRUISE MAIN
INDICATOR
(P.64)
LIGHTS ON
INDICATOR
HIGH BEAM
INDICATOR
(P.61)(P.60) SUPPLEMENTAL
RESTRAINT SYSTEM
INDICATOR
(P.60)
TRUNK-OPEN INDICATOR
VSA ACTIVATION
INDICATOR
DAYTIME RUNNING
LIGHTS INDICATOR
VEHICLE STABILITY ASSIST
(VSA) SYSTEM INDICATOR
ELECTRIC POWER STEERING
(EPS) INDICATOR
LOW OIL PRESSURE
INDICATOR
CHARGING SYSTEM INDICATOR
(P.62)
(P.65, 277)
(P.65, 277) (P.65, 278)(P.65, 223) (P.61)
(P.61)
(P.63)(P.63)
(P.60) (P.61)
SECURITY SYSTEM INDICATOR (P.65)REV LIMIT INDICATOR (P.64)
SEAT BELT REMINDER
INDICATORDOOR-OPEN INDICATOR (P.59)
SIDE AIRBAG
OFF INDICATOR
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS)
INDICATOR
PARKING BRAKE AND
BRAKE SYSTEM
INDICATOR (P.59)
TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING
SYSTEM (TPMS) INDICATOR
LOW TIRE PRESSURE
INDICATOR
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See page .
The engine can be severely damaged
if this indicator f lashes or stays on
when the engine is running. For
more information, see page .
If this indicator comes on when the
engine is running, the battery is not
being charged. For more inf ormation,
see page .
This indicator comes on when the
security system is set. See page
f or more inf ormation on the
security system.
This indicator reminds you that it is
time to take your vehicle in for
scheduled maintenance. The
maintenance main items and sub
items will be displayed in the
inf ormation display. See page f or
more inf ormation on the
maintenance minder.
This indicator goes of f when your
dealer resets it after completing the
required maintenance service.
278
277
277
223
175
If equipped
Instrument Panel Indicators
Malf unction Indicator
Lamp
L ow Oil Pressure
Indicator
Charging System
Indicator
Security System Indicator
Maintenance Minder
Indicator
Inst rument s and Cont rols
65
SECURITY SYSTEM INDICATOR Si
Except Si
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To switch the information display
between the odometer, trip meter,
outside temperature (if equipped),
and engine oil lif e and maintenance
item code(s), press the SEL/RESET
button repeatedly.
Press and hold until the speedometer,
trip meter, and odometer readings
switch between miles per hour and
kilometers per hour. A beeper will
sound. This shows the total distance your
vehicle has been driven. It measures
miles or kilometers.
It is illegal under U.S. f ederal law and
Canadian provincial regulations to
disconnect, reset, or alter the
odometer with the intent to change
the number of miles or kilometers
indicated. Odometer
Display Change Button
Gauges
66
TEMPERATURE GAUGETRIP METER
SPEEDOMETER
FUEL
GAUGE
SEL/RESET BUTTON DISPLAY CHANGE BUTTON INFORMATION
DISPLAY
TACHOMETER
ODOMETER/OUTSIDE
TEMPERATURE INDICATOR INSTRUMENT PANEL BRIGHTNESS CONTROL BUTTONS
U.S. model with A/T is shown
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The inf ormation display in the
instrument panel shows you the
engine oil lif e and maintenance
service items when the ignition
switch is in the ON (II) position. This
inf ormation helps to keep you aware
of the periodic maintenance your
vehicle needs f or continued trouble-
f ree driving. Ref er to page f or
more inf ormation.
If the system still detects a leak in
your vehicle’s evaporative emissions
system, the malf unction indicator
lamp (MIL) comes on. If the f uel f ill
cap was not already tightened, turn
the engine of f , and check or
retighten the f uel f ill cap until it
clicks at least once. The MIL should
go off after several days of normal
driving once the cap is tightened or
replaced. If the MIL does not go of f ,
have your vehicle inspected by a
dealer. For more inf ormation, see
page .
278 223
Maintenance Minder
Gauges
Inst rument s and Cont rols
69
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Help assure your vehicle’s f uture
reliability and perf ormance by paying
extra attention to how you drive
during the f irst 600 miles (1,000 km).
During this period:Avoid full-throttle starts and rapid
acceleration.
Avoidhardbrakingforthefirst
200 miles (300 km). Do not change the oil until the
scheduled maintenance time. We recommend using quality
gasolines containing detergent
additives that help prevent fuel
system and engine deposits.
In addition, in order to maintain good
perf ormance, f uel economy, and
emissions control, we strongly
recommend, in areas where it is
available, the use of gasoline that
does NOT contain manganese-based
f uel additives such as MMT.
Use of gasoline with these additives
may adversely af f ect perf ormance,
and cause the malfunction indicator
lamp on your instrument panel to
come on. If this happens, contact
your authorized dealer f or service.
Your vehicle is designed to operate
on unleaded gasoline with a pump
octane number of 87 or higher. Use
of a lower octane gasoline can cause
a persistent, heavy, metallic rapping
noise that can lead to engine damage.
Your vehicle is designed to operate
on premium unleaded gasoline with a
pump octane number of 91 or higher.
Useof aloweroctanegasolinecan
cause occasional metallic knocking
noises in the engine and will result in
decreased engine perf ormance. Use
of a gasoline with a pump octane
number less than 87 can lead to
engine damage.
You should also f ollow these
recommendations with an
overhauled or exchanged engine, or
when the brakes are replaced. Do not tow a trailer.
Break-in Period Fuel Recommendation
Break-in Period, Fuel Recommendation
A ll models except Si
Si model only
180
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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, seeon page f or
inf ormation on adding the proper
coolant. Refer to
on page f or inf ormation
about checking other items on your
vehicle.
236 228
A dding
Engine Coolant Owner’s Maintenance
Checks
Engine Coolant Check
Service Station Procedure
Bef ore Driving
185
MAX
MIN
MAX
MIN
Except Si Si
RESERVE TANK
RESERVE TANK
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µµ
µ µ
µ
µµ
Aggressive driving (hard
acceleration and braking)
Excessive idling, accelerating and
braking in stop-and-go traf f ic
Cold engine operation (engines
aremoreefficientwhenwarmed
up)
Driving with a heavy load or the
air conditioner running
Improperly inf lated tires
The f ollowing f actors can lower your
vehicle’s f uel economy:
A properly maintained vehicle
maximizes f uel economy. Poor
maintenance can signif icantly reduce
f uel economy. Always maintain your
vehicle according to the maintenance
messages displayed on the
inf ormation display (see
on page ).
For example: Rapid
acceleration, abrupt cornering,
and hard braking increase fuel
consumption.
Aerodynamic drag has a big ef f ect
on f uel mileage at speeds above 45
mph (75 km/h). Reduce your
speed and you reduce the drag.
Trailers, car top carriers, roof
racks and bike racks are also big
contributors to increased drag.
If your vehicle has a
manual transmission, you can
boost your f uel economy by up
shif ting as early as possible.
Idling
results in 0 miles per gallon.
An under-inf lated tire increases
‘‘rolling resistance,’’ which reduces
f uel economy.
It puts a heavier
load on the engine, increasing f uel
consumption.
In
particular, a build-up of snow or
mud on your vehicle’s underside
adds weight and rolling resistance.
Frequent cleaning helps your f uel
economy.
228
CONT INUED
Fuel Economy
Fuel Economy Factors Use the recommended viscosity motor oil, displaying the A PI
Certif ication Seal (see page
).
Improving Fuel Economy Owner’s
Maintenance Checks Drive moderately
Observe the speed limit
Always drive in the highest gear
possible
Avoid excessive idling
Maintain proper tire inf lation
A void carrying excess weight in
your vehicle
K eep your vehicle clean
232
Vehicle Maint enance Drive Ef f icient ly
Bef ore Driving
187
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