2012 HONDA CIVIC engine coolant

uuMaintenance Under the HooduEngine Coolant
262
Maintenance
1. Make sure the engine and radiator are cool.
2. Turn the radiator cap counterclockwise and
relieve any pressure in the coolant system.
Do not push the cap down when turning.
3. Push down and turn the radiator cap
counterclockwise to remove it.
4. The coolant level should be up to the base
of the filler neck. Add coolant if it is low.
5. Put the radiator cap back on, and tighten it
fully.
6. Pour coolant into the reserve tank until it
reaches the MAX mark. Put the cap back on the reserve tank.
■Radiator1Radiator
NOTICE
Pour the fluid slowly and carefully so you do not spill
any. Clean up any spills immediately; they can
damage components in the engine compartment.
3WARNING
Removing the radiator cap while the
engine is hot can cause the coolant to spray
out, seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and radiator cool
down before removing the radiator cap.Radiator Cap
1.8  engine models
2.4  engine models
Radiator Cap

295
uuCleaninguExterior Care
Maintenance
A good coat of automotive body wax helps protect your vehicle’s paint from the
elements. Wax will wear off over time and expose your vehicle’s paint to the
elements, so reapply as necessary.
If you get gasoline, oil, engine coolant, or battery fluid on resin coated parts, they
may be stained or the coating may peel. Promptly wipe it away using a soft cloth and
clean water.
Wipe using a glass cleaner.
Aluminum is susceptible to deterioration caused by salt and other road
contaminants. Use a sponge and mild detergent to wipe away promptly.
Be careful not to use harsh chemicals (including some commercial wheel cleaners) or
a stiff brush. They can damage the clear coat of the aluminum alloy wheels that
helps keep the aluminum from corroding and tarnishing.
■Applying Wax
■Maintaining the Bumpe rs and Other Resin Coated Parts
■Cleaning the Window
■Maintaining Aluminum Wheels *
1Applying Wax
NOTICE
Chemical solvents and strong cleaners can damage
the paint, metal, and plastic on your vehicle. Wipe up
spills immediately.
1Maintaining the Bumpers and Other Resin Coated Parts
Ask a dealer about the correct coating material when
you want to repair the painted surface of the parts
made of resin.
1Cleaning the Window
Wires are mounted to the inside of the rear window.
Wipe along the same direction as the wires with a
soft cloth so as not to damage them.
* Not available on all models

uuOverheatinguHow to Handle Overheating
312
Handling the Unexpected
■ Next thing to do
1.Check that the cooling fan is operating and
stop the engine once the high temperature
indicator goes off.
uIf the cooling fan is not operating,
immediately stop the engine.
2. Once the engine has cooled down, inspect
the coolant level and check the cooling
system components for leaks.
uIf the coolant level in the reserve tank is
low, add coolant until it reaches the MAX mark.
uIf there is no coolant in the reserve tank,
check that the radiator is cool. Cover the
radiator cap with a heavy cloth and open
the cap. If necessary, add coolant up to
the base of the filler neck, and put the
cap back on.
■ Last thing to do
Once the engine has cooled sufficiently, restart it and check the high temperature indicator.
If the high temperature indicator is off, resume driving. If it stays on, contact a dealer for repairs.
1How to Handle Overheating
If the coolant is leaking, contact a dealer for repairs.
Use water as an emergency/temporary measure only.
Have a dealer flush the system with proper antifreeze
as soon as possible.
3WARNING
Removing the radiator cap while the
engine is hot can cause the coolant to spray
out, seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and radiator cool
down before removing the radiator cap.
MAX
Reserve Tank
MIN

325
uuSpecificationsu
Continued
Information
■Brake/Clutch Fluid
■Automatic Transmission Fluid
■Manual Transmission Fluid
SpecifiedHonda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3
SpecifiedHonda ATF DW-1
(automatic transmission fluid)
Capacity Change 2.5 US qt (2.4 ℓ)
SpecifiedHonda Manual Transmission Fluid
Capacity Change 1.5 US qt (1.4 ℓ)
■Engine Oil
■Engine Coolant
Recommended·Genuine Honda Motor Oil 0W-20
·API Premium-grade 0W-20 detergent oil
Capacity Change 3.7 US qt (3.5 ℓ)
Change
including
filter
3.9 US qt (3.7 ℓ)
SpecifiedHonda Long-Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type2
Ratio 50/50 with distilled water
Capacity1.48 US gal (5.59 ℓ)
(change including the remaining
0.125 US gal (0.475 ℓ) in the reserve tank)
■Tire
*1: DX and LX models
*2: HF model
*3: EX and EX-L models
Regular
SizeP195/65R15 89H *1
P195/65R15 89S *2
P205/55R16 89H *3
Pressure
psi(kPa[kgf/cm
2
])30 (210 [2.1]) *1
32 (220 [2.2]) *2, *3
Compact
Spare Size T135/80D15 99M
Pressure
psi(kPa[kgf/cm
2
]) 60 (420 [4.2])
Wheel SizeRegular15 x 6J
*1, *2
16 x 6 1/2J *3
Compact Spare15 x 4T

327
uuSpecificationsu
Information
■Brake/Clutch Fluid
■Manual Transmission Fluid
SpecifiedHonda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3
SpecifiedHonda Manual Transmission Fluid
Capacity Change 2.0 US qt (1.9 ℓ)
■Engine Oil
■Engine Coolant
Recommended·Genuine Honda Motor Oil 0W-20
·API Premium-grade 0W-20 detergent oil
Capacity Change 4.2 US qt (4.0 ℓ)
Change
including
filter
4.4 US qt (4.2 ℓ)
SpecifiedHonda Long-Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type2
Ratio 50/50 with distilled water
Capacity1.45 US gal (5.5 ℓ)
(change including the remaining
0.125 US gal (0.475 ℓ) in the reserve tank)
■Tire
*1: Optional for U.S. models (summer tires)
Regular
SizeP215/45R17 87V
215/45ZR17 91W *1
Pressure
psi(kPa[kgf/cm
2
])32 (220 [2.2])
Compact
Spare Size T135/80D16 101M
Pressure
psi(kPa[kgf/cm
2
]) 60 (420 [4.2])
Wheel SizeRegular17 x 7J
Compact Spare16 x 4T

INDEX
337
INDEX
INDEX
A
ABS (Anti-lock Brake System).................. 231
Accessories and Modifications ................ 238
Accessory Power Sockets ......................... 137
Additives Coolant .................................................. 261
Engine Oil ............................................... 254
Washer ................................................... 267
Additives, Engine Oil ............................... 254
Adjusting
Armrest .................................................. 133
Front Seats.............................................. 126
Head Restraints ....................................... 129
Mirrors.................................................... 125
Rear Seats ............................................... 132
Steering Wheel ....................................... 124
Temperature ............................................. 85
Air Conditioning System (Heating and Cooling System) ...................................... 140
Cooling................................................... 142
Defrosting the Windshield and Windows .............................................. 142
Dust and Pollen Filter .............................. 291
Heating................................................... 141
Air Pressure .............................. 281, 325, 327
Airbags ....................................................... 35
Advanced Airbags ..................................... 41
After a Collision ........................................ 39
Airbag Care .............................................. 49
Event Data Recorder ................................. 21
Front Airbags (SRS) ................................... 38 Indicator ........................................ 46, 69, 73
Passenger Airbag Off Indicator .................. 47
Sensors...................................................... 35
Side Airbag Cutoff System ......................... 44
Side Airbag Off Indicator ........................... 48
Side Airbags .............................................. 42
Side Curtain Airbags .................................. 45
AM/FM Radio .................................... 149, 158
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) .................. 231
Indicator .................................................... 69
Armrest ..................................................... 133
Audio Remote Controls ............................ 156
Audio System ............................................ 144
Adjusting the Sound ........................ 148, 157
Auxiliary Input Jack .................................. 145
Error Messages ........................................ 172
General Information ................................ 174
MP3/WMA/AAC ...................................... 167
Reactivating............................................. 146
Recommended CDs ................................. 174
Recommended Devices ............................ 176
Remote Controls ..................................... 156
Security Code .......................................... 146
Theft Protection....................................... 146
USB Adapter Cable .................................. 145
USB Flash Drives ...................................... 176
Authorized Manuals ................................. 335
Auto Door Locking/Unlocking ................. 105
Customize ................................... 88, 92, 106
Automatic Lighting .................................. 119
Automatic Transmission ........................... 214 Creeping ................................................. 214
Fluid ........................................................ 263
Kickdown ................................................ 214
Operating the Shift Lever................... 15, 216
Shift Lever Does Not Move ...................... 310
Shifting ................................................... 215
Auxiliary Input Jack .................................. 145
Average Fuel Economy ........................ 81, 84
Average Speed ........................................... 84
B
Battery ...................................................... 289
Charging System Indicator................. 67, 313
Jump Starting .......................................... 307
Maintenance (Checking the Battery) ........ 289
Maintenance (Replacing) ......................... 290
Belts (Seat) .................................................. 28
Beverage Holders ..................................... 136
Bluetooth ®
Audio ..................................... 170
Bluetooth ®
HandsFreeLink ®
..................... 177
Booster Seats (For Children) ...................... 61
Brake System ............................................ 229
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)................... 231
Brake Assist System ................................. 232
Fluid ........................................................ 266
Foot Brake............................................... 230
Indicator............................................ 66, 315
Parking Brake .......................................... 229
Brightness Control (Instrument Panel) .... 122

338
INDEX
Bulb Replacement..................................... 268
Brake Light, Taillight, Back-Up Light, Rear Turn Signal Light and Rear Side Marker
Lights..................................................... 275
Fog Lights ................................................ 272
Front Turn Signal/Parking/Side Marker Lights..................................................... 273
Headlights ............................................... 268
High-Mount Brake Light .......................... 277
Rear License Plate Light............................ 276
Bulb Specifications ............................ 324, 326
C
Carbon Monoxide Gas ................................ 62
Carrying Cargo .................................. 203, 205
CD Player ........................................... 151, 161
Certification Label .................................... 328
Changing Bulbs ......................................... 268
Charging System Indicator ................. 67, 313
Child Safety ................................................. 50
Childproof Door Locks ............................. 104
Emergency Trunk Opener ........................ 111
Child Seat .................................................... 50
Booster Seats ............................................. 61
Child Seat for Infants ................................. 52
Child Seat for Small Children ..................... 53
Installing a Child Seat with a Lap/
Shoulder Seat Belt.................................... 57
Larger Children .......................................... 60
Rear-facing Child Seat ............................... 52 Selecting a Child Seat ................................ 54
Using a Tether ........................................... 59
Childproof Door Locks ............................. 104
Cleaning the Exterior ............................... 294
Cleaning the Interior ................................ 292
Clock ............................................................ 98
Clutch Fluid ............................................... 266
Coat Hook ................................................. 138
Compact Spare Tire .................. 299, 325, 327
Console Compartment ............................. 135
Controls ....................................................... 97
Coolant (Engine) ...................................... 261
Adding to the Radiator ......... ............... .... 262
Adding to the Reserve Tank..................... 261
High Temperature Indicator ....................... 69
Low Temperature Indicator........................ 74
Overheating ............................................ 311
Creeping (Automatic Transmission) ........ 214
Cruise Control ........................................... 220
Indicator.................................................... 75
Cup Holders .............................................. 136
Customer Service Information ................. 336
Customized Features .................................. 86
D
Daytime Running Lights .......................... 120
Dead Battery ............................................. 307
Defrosting the Windshield and
Windows ................................................. 142
Devices that Emit Radio Waves ............... 329Dimming
Headlights .............................................. 118
Rearview Mirror ...................................... 125
Dipstick (Engine Oil) ................................ 255
Directional Signals (Turn Signal) ............. 118
Display/Information Button ...................... 82
Door Mirrors ............................................. 125
Doors .......................................................... 99
Auto Door Locking.................................. 105
Auto Door Unlocking .............................. 105
Door Open Indicator ........................... 27, 70
Keys.......................................................... 99
Locking/Unlocking the Doors
from the Inside...................................... 103
Locking/Unlocking the Doors from the Outside................................... 101
Lockout Prevention System ..................... 102
DOT Tire Quality Grading ........................ 283
Driving ...................................................... 201
Automatic Transmission .......................... 214
Braking ................................................... 229
Cruise Control ........................................ 220
Shifting Gear ...... ............................ 215, 217
Starting the Engine ................................. 211
Dust and Pollen Filter .............................. 291
E
Eco Assist System .......................................... 7
ECON Button ............................................ 123
Elapsed Time .............................................. 84

339
INDEX
Electric Power Steering System (EPS)Indicator ........................................... 71, 315
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) ............ 223
Emergency ................................................ 321
Emergency Trunk Opener ....................... 111
Emissions Testing (Readiness Codes) ...... 331
Engine ....................................................... 328
Coolant .................................................. 261
Jump Starting ......................................... 307
Oil .......................................................... 254
Starting................................................... 211
Switch Buzzer ......................................... 117
Engine Coolant ........................................ 261
Adding to the Radiator ........................... 262
Adding to the Reserve Tank .................... 261
High Temperature Indicator ....... ............... 69
Low Temperature Indicator ....................... 74
Overheating ............................................ 311
Engine Oil ................................................. 254
Adding ................................................... 257
Checking ................................................ 255
Displaying Oil Life ........................... 243, 247
Low Oil Pressure Indicator ................. 66, 313
Recommended Engine Oil ....................... 254
EPS (Electric Power Steering
System) .............................................. 71, 315
Exhaust Gas Hazard
(Carbon Monoxide) .................................. 62
Exterior Care (Cleaning) .......................... 294
Exterior Mirrors ........................................ 125 F Features
..................................................... 143
Filters
Dust and Pollen ....................................... 291
Oil ........................................................... 258
Flat Tire ..................................................... 299
Floor Mats ................................................. 293
Fluids Automatic Transmission........................... 263
Brake/Clutch............................................ 266
Engine Coolant........................................ 261
Manual Transmission ............................... 264
Windshield Washer.................................. 267
Fog Light Indicator ..................................... 73
Folding Down the Rear Seats .................. 132
Foot Brake ................................................. 230
Front Airbags (SRS) ..................................... 38
Front Seats ................................................ 126
Adjusting................................................. 126
Fuel ...................................................... 16, 234
Economy ................................................. 237
Gauge ....................................................... 78
Instant Fuel Economy........................... 78, 85
Low Fuel Indicator ..................................... 68
Range.................................................. 81, 84
Recommendation .................................... 234
Refueling ................................................. 234
Fuel Economy ............................................ 237
Fuel Fill Cap ......................................... 16, 236
Message .................................................. 314
Fuel Fill Door ....................................... 16, 235 Fuses
.......................................................... 318
Inspecting and Changing........ ................. 320
Locations......................................... 318, 319
G
Gasoline (Fuel) Economy ................................................. 237
Gauge ....................................................... 78
Information ............................................. 234
Instant Fuel Economy .......................... 78, 85
Low Fuel Indicator ..................................... 68
Refueling................................................. 234
Gauges ........................................................ 78
Gear Shift Lever Positions
Automatic Transmission .......................... 215
Manual Transmission ............................... 218
Glass (care) ................................................ 295
Glove Box .................................................. 135
H
Halogen Bulbs .................................. 268, 272
Handling the Unexpected ........................ 297
HandsFreeLink® (HFL) ............................. 177
Automatic Import of Cellular Phonebook
and Call History ..................................... 191
Automatic Transferring............................ 189
Caller’s ID Information............................. 189
HFL Buttons............................................. 177
HFL Menus .............................................. 179