2012 HONDA CIVIC oil

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

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

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

272
uuReplacing Light BulbsuFog Light Bulbs*
Maintenance
Fog Light Bulbs *
When replacing, use the following bulbs.
1.Remove the screw using a Phillips-head
screwdriver and carefully pull the fog light
assembly out of the bumper.
2. Remove the coupler.
uIt can be removed by pushing the tab.
3. Rotate the old bulb to the left to remove.
4. Insert a new bulb into the fog light
assembly and turn it to the right.
5. Insert the coupler into the connector of the
bulb.
Fog Light: 55 W (H11)
1Fog Light 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 fog lights are halogen bulbs.
When replacing a bulb, handle it by its plastic case,
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.
Screw
Bulb Coupler
Tab
* Not available on all models

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

297
Handling the UnexpectedThis chapter explains how to h andle unexpected troubles.
Tools
Types of Tools .................................. 298
If a Tire Goes Flat Changing a Flat Tire ......................... 299
Engine Does Not Start Checking the Engine ........................ 306
Jump Starting .................................... 307
Shift Lever Does Not Move .............. 310
Overheating How to Handle Overheating ............. 311 Indicator, Coming On/Blinking
If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator Comes
On ............................................. 313
If the Charging System Indicator Comes
On ................................................. 313
If the Malfunction Indicator Lamp Comes On or Blinks ................................... 314
If the Brake System Indicator Comes On ....... 315
If the EPS Indicator Comes On.......... 315
If the Low Tire Pressure Indicator Comes
On ................................................. 316
If the TPMS Indicator Comes On ...... 316 If the Low Tire Pressure/TPMS Indicator
Comes On or Blinks ....................... 317
Fuses Fuse Locations ................................. 318
Inspecting and Changing Fuses ........ 320
Emergency Towing ........................... 321