2012 HONDA CIVIC Owners Manual

uuMaintenance Under the HooduTransmission Fluid
264
Maintenance
Check the fluid level when the engine is at normal operating temperature. 1.Park the vehicle on level ground.
2. Remove the bolts with a wrench, then
carefully remove the under cover.
3. Remove the holding clip and the bolt, then
bend down the front edge of the left side
under cover as shown in the image.
■Manual Transmission Fluid
Specified fluid: Honda Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF)
1Manual Transmission Fluid
If Honda MTF is not available, you may use the API
certificated SAE 0 W-20 or 5 W-20 viscosity motor oil
as a temporary measure.
Replace with MTF as soon as possible. Motor oil does
not contain the proper additives for the transmission
and continued use can cause decreased shifting
performance and lead to transmission damage.
Under CoverBolt
1.8  engine
models
1.8  engine models
Bolt
Clip
Left Side
Under Cover1.8  engine
models

265
uuMaintenance Under the HooduTransmission Fluid
Maintenance
4.Remove the transmission filler bolt and
washer. Carefully feel inside the bolt hole
with your fingers.
uCheck if the fluid level is up to the edge
of the bolt hole.
5. If the fluid level is not up to the edge of the
bolt hole, add Honda Manual Transmission
Fluid (MTF) until it runs out of the hole.
6. Put a new washer on the filler bolt, then
reinstall the filler bolt.
uTightening torque:
33 lbfft (44 Nm, 4.5 kgfm)
7. Reinstall the left side under cover with the
holding clip and the bolt.
8. Reinstall the under cover with the bolts.
1.8  engine models
2.4  engine models
All models
1.8  engine models

266
uuMaintenance Under the HooduBrake/Clutch Fluid
Maintenance
Brake/Clutch Fluid
Use the same fluid for both the brakes and clutch.The fluid level should be between the MIN and
MAX marks on the side of the reservoir.
The fluid level should be between the MIN and
MAX marks on the side of the reservoir.
Specified fluid: Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3
■Checking the Brake Fluid
1Brake/Clutch Fluid
NOTICE
Brake fluid marked DOT 5 is not compatible with your
vehicle's braking system and can cause extensive damage.
If the specified brake fluid is not available, you should
use only DOT 3 or DOT 4 fluid from a sealed
container as a temporary replacement.
Using any non-Honda brake fluid can cause corrosion
and decrease the longevity of the system. Have the
brake system flushed and refilled with Honda Heavy
Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3 as soon as possible.
If the brake fluid level is at or below the MIN mark,
have a dealer inspect for leaks or worn brake pads as
soon as possible.
Brake Reservoir
MIN
MAX
■Checking the Clutch Fluid1Checking the Clutch Fluid
If the clutch fluid level is at or below the MIN mark,
have a dealer inspect for leaks or an excessively worn
clutch plate as soon as possible.
Clutch Reservoir
MIN
MAX

267
uuMaintenance Under the HooduRefilling Window Washer Fluid
Maintenance
Refilling Window Washer Fluid
Check the amount of window washer fluid using the washer fluid level gauge on the cap.If the level is low, fill the washer reservoir.
1Refilling Window Washer Fluid
NOTICE
Do not use engine antifreeze or a vinegar/water
solution in the windshield washer reservoir.
Antifreeze can damage your vehicle's paint. A
vinegar/water solution can damage the windshield washer pump.
Level Gauge

268
Maintenance
Replacing Light Bulbs
Headlight Bulbs
When replacing, use the following bulbs.1.Remove the coupler.
uIt can be removed by pushing the tab.
2. Rotate the old bulb to the left to remove.
3. Insert a new bulb into the headlight
assembly and turn it to the right.
4. Insert the coupler into the connector of the
bulb.
High beam headlight: 60 W (HB3)
Low beam headlight: 51 W (HB4)
■High Beam Headlight
1Headlight Bulbs
NOTICE
Halogen bulbs get very hot when lit.
Oil, perspiration, or a scratch on the glass can cause
the bulb to overheat and shatter.
The headlight aim is set by the factory, and does not
need to be adjusted. However, if you regularly carry
heavy items in the trunk or tow a trailer, have the
aiming readjusted at a dealer or by a qualified
technician.
The HB3 and HB4 types are halogen bulbs.
When replacing a bulb, handle it by its base, and
protect the glass from contact with your skin or hard
objects. If you touch the glass, clean it with
denatured alcohol and a clean cloth.
The exterior lights' inside lenses (headlights, brake
lamps, etc.) may fog temporarily after a vehicle wash
or while driving in the rain. This does not impact the
exterior light function.
However, if you see a large amount of water or ice
accumulated inside the lenses, have your vehicle
inspected by a dealer.
Tab
Coupler
Bulb

Continued269
uuReplacing Light BulbsuHeadlight Bulbs
Maintenance
1.Remove the holding clips (A). Push up the
tab, and remove the cover of the air intake
duct and its upper part.
1. Unlock the holding clips (B), then remove
the cover of the air intake duct.
Fold in the upper part of the air intake duct
to get enough working space.
■Low Beam Headlights1Low Beam Headlights
Pull the clip straight up to remove it.
Keep the head of the clip raised when you insert it,
push until it clicks.
Holding clip (A-type)
Cover
Tab Clip (A)
Air
Intake Duct
Driver side
1.8  engine models
Cover
Clip (B)
Air Intake Duct
2.4  engine models

uuReplacing Light BulbsuHeadlight Bulbs
270
Maintenance
2. Remove the holding clip (C) using a flat-tip
screwdriver, then remove the upper part of
the windshield washer reservoir.
1Low Beam Headlights
Press down the central pin until it clicks to unlock it.
Push the central pin back to lock the clip. Then, insert
the clip into the hole and press on the central pin until it is flat.
Holding clip (B-type)
Central pin
Push until
the pin is
flat.
Clip (C)Passenger side
All models

271
uuReplacing Light BulbsuHeadlight Bulbs
Maintenance
3.Remove the coupler.
uIt can be removed by pushing the tab.
4. Rotate the old bulb to the left to remove.
5. Insert a new bulb into the headlight
assembly and turn it to the right.
6. Insert the coupler into the connector of the
bulb.
1Low Beam Headlights
Insert a flat-tip screwdriver, lift and remove the
central pin to remove the clip.
Insert the clip with the central pin raised, and push until it is flat.
Holding clip (C-type)
Central pin
Push until the
pin is flat.
Tab
Coupler
Bulb
All models