2012 HONDA CIVIC Owners Manual

256
uuMaintenance Under the HooduOil Check
Maintenance
4.Remove the dipstick again, and check the
level. It should be between the upper and
lower marks. Add oil if necessary.
Upper Mark
Lower Mark
1.8  engine models
Upper Mark
Lower Mark
2.4  engine models

257
uuMaintenance Under the HooduAdding Engine Oil
Maintenance
Adding Engine Oil1.Unscrew and remove the engine oil fill cap.
2. Add oil slowly.
3. Reinstall the engine oil fill cap, and tighten
it securely.
4. Wait for three minutes and recheck the
engine oil dipstick.
1Adding Engine Oil
If any oil spills, wipe it up immediately. Spilled oil may
damage the engine compartment components.
NOTICE
Do not fill the engine oil above the upper mark.
Overfilling the engine oil can result in leaks and
engine damage.
Engine Oil
Fill Cap
1.8  engine models
Engine Oil
Fill Cap
2.4  engine models

258
uuMaintenance Under the HooduChanging the Engine Oil and Oil Filter
Maintenance
Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter
You must change the engine oil and oil filter regularly in order to maintain the
engine's lubrication. The engine may be damaged if they are not changed regularly.
Change the oil and filter in accordance with the maintenance message on the information display*
/multi-information display *
.
1. Run the engine until it reaches normal
operating temperature, and then turn the
engine off.
2. Open the hood and remove the engine oil fill cap.
3. Remove the bolts on the undercarriage
and remove the under cover.
1Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter
NOTICE
You may damage the environment if you do not
dispose of the oil in a suitable way. If you are
changing the oil by yourself, appropriately dispose of
the used oil. Put the oil in a sealed container and take
it to a recycling center. Do not throw the oil away
into a garbage can or onto the ground.
Under CoverBolt
1.8  engine
models
1.8  engine models
* Not available on all models

259
uuMaintenance Under the HooduChanging the Engine Oil and Oil Filter
Continued
Maintenance
4.Remove the drain bolt and washer from
the bottom of the engine, and drain the
oil into a suitable container.
1.8  engine models
Drain Bolt
Washer
2.4  engine models
Drain
Bolt
Washer
All models

uuMaintenance Under the HooduChanging the Engine Oil and Oil Filter
260
Maintenance
5. Remove the oil filter and dispose of the
remaining oil.
6. Check that the filter gasket is not stuck to
the engine contact surface.
uIf it is stuck, you must detach it.
7. Wipe away dirt and dust adhering to the
contact surface of the engine block, and
install a new oil filter.
uApply a light coat of new engine oil to
the oil filter rubber seal.
8. Put a new washer on the drain bolt, then
reinstall the drain bolt.
uTightening torque:
29 lbfft (39 Nm, 4.0 kgfm)
30 lbfft (40 Nm, 4.0 kgfm)
9. Pour the recommended engine oil into the engine.
uEngine oil change capacity (including filter):
3.9 US qt (3.7 L)
4.4 US qt (4.2 L)
10. Reinstall the engine oil fill cap securely and
start the engine.
11. Run the engine for a few minutes, and
then check that there is no leak from the
drain bolt or oil filter.
12. Stop the engine, wait for three minutes,
and then check the oil level on the dipstick.
uIf necessary, add more engine oil.
1Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter
You will need a special wrench to replace the oil
filter. You can buy this wrench from a dealer.
When installing the new oil filter, follow the
instructions supplied with the oil filter.
Reinstall the engine oil fill cap. Start the engine. The
low oil pressure indicator should go off within five
seconds. If it does not, turn off the engine, and check your work.
2.4  engine models
Oil Filter
1.8  engine models
Oil Filter
1.8  engine models
2.4  engine models
1.8  engine models
2.4  engine models

261
uuMaintenance Under the HooduEngine Coolant
Continued
Maintenance
Engine Coolant
This coolant is premixed with 50% antifreeze and 50% water. Do not add any
straight antifreeze or water.
We recommend you check the engine coolant level every time you refuel. Check the
reserve tank first. If it is completely empty, also check the coolant level in the
radiator. Add the engine coolant accordingly.1.Check the amount of coolant in the reserve tank.
2. If the coolant level is below the MIN mark,
add the specified coolant until it reaches the MAX mark.
3. Inspect the cooling system for leaks.
Specified coolant: Honda Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2
■Reserve Tank
1Engine Coolant
NOTICE
You will need a more concentrated coolant if you are
driving in extremely cold temperature below −31°F
(−35°C). Consult your Honda dealer for details about
a suitable coolant mixture.
If Honda antifreeze/coolant is not available, you may
use another major brand non-silicate coolant as a
temporary replacement. Check that it is a high quality
coolant recommended for aluminum engines.
Continued use of any non-Honda coolant can result
in corrosion, causing the cooling system to
malfunction or fail. Have the cooling system flushed
and refilled with Honda antifreeze/coolant as soon as
possible.
Do not add rust inhibitors or other additives to your
vehicle's coolant system. They may not be compatible
with the coolant or with the engine components.
2.4  engine models
All models
Reserve Tank
MAX
MIN

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

263
uuMaintenance Under the HooduTransmission Fluid
Continued
Maintenance
Transmission Fluid
Check the fluid level when the engine is at normal operating temperature.1.Park on level ground, and start the engine.
2. Wait until the radiator fan starts and then
turn off the engine.
uPerform step 3 after waiting for about 60
seconds (less than 90 seconds).
3. Remove the dipstick (yellow loop) from the
transmission and wipe it with a clean cloth.
4. Insert the dipstick all the way back into the
transmission securely, as shown in the image.
5. Remove the dipstick and check the fluid level.
uIt should be between the upper and
lower marks in the HOT range.
6. If the level is below the lower mark, add
fluid into the dipstick hole to bring it to the
level between the upper and lower marks,
and have your vehicle checked by a dealer immediately.
■Automatic Transmission Fluid
Specified fluid: Honda ATF DW-1 (automatic transmission fluid)
1Automatic Transmission Fluid
NOTICE
Do not mix Honda ATF DW-1 with other
transmission fluids.
Using a transmission fluid other than Honda ATF
DW-1 may adversely affect the operation and
durability of your vehicle's transmission, and damage
the transmission.
Any damage caused by using a transmission fluid that
is not equivalent to Honda ATF DW-1 is not covered
by Honda's new vehicle warranty.
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.Upper Mark
Lower Mark
HOT
Range