2012 HONDA CIVIC checking oil

239
Maintenance
This chapter discusses basic maintenance.
Before Performing Maintenance Inspection and Maintenance ............ 240
Safety When Performing Maintenance..... 241
Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance Service ........................................... 242
Maintenance Minder™ .................... 243
Maintenance Under the Hood Maintenance Items Under the Hood ..... 251
Opening the Hood ........................... 253
Recommended Engine Oil ...... .......... 254
Oil Check ......................................... 255
Adding Engine Oil ............................ 257
Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter ..... 258
Engine Coolant ................................ 261
Transmission Fluid ............................ 263
Brake/Clutch Fluid ............................ 266
Refilling Window Washer Fluid......... 267
Replacing Light Bulbs ....................... 268
Checking and Maintaining Wiper
Blades .......................................... 278
Checking and Maintaining Tires Checking Tires ................................. 280
Tire and Loading Information Label ...... 281
Tire Labeling .................................... 281
DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)....... 283
Wear Indicators................................ 285 Tire Service Life ................................ 285
Tire and Wheel Replacement ........... 286
Tire Rotation .................................... 287
Winter Tires ..................................... 288
Battery ............................................... 289
Remote Transmitter Care *
Replacing the Battery ....................... 290
Heating and Cooling *
System
Maintenance ................................... 291
Cleaning
Interior Care .................................... 292
Exterior Care.................................... 294
* Not available on all models

240
Maintenance
Before Performing Maintenance
Inspection and Maintenance
For your safety, perform all listed inspections and maintenance to keep your vehicle
in good condition. If you become aware of any abnormality (noise, smell, insufficient
brake fluid, oil residue on the ground, etc.), have your vehicle inspected by a dealer.
(Note, however, that service at a dealer is not mandatory to keep your warranties in
effect.) Refer to the separate maintenance booklet for detailed maintenance and inspection information. ■Daily inspections
Perform inspections before long distance trips, when washing the vehicle, or when refueling. ■ Periodic inspections
• Check the automatic transmission fluid level monthly.
2 Automatic Transmission Fluid P. 263
• Check the brake fluid level monthly.
2 Brake/Clutch Fluid P. 266
• Check the tire pressure monthly. Examine the tread for wear and foreign objects.
2 Checking and Maintaining Tires P. 280
• Check the operation of the exterior lights monthly.
2 Replacing Light Bulbs P. 268
• Check the condition of the wiper blades at least every six months.
2 Checking and Maintaining Wiper Blades P. 278
■Types of Inspection and Maintenance
1Inspection and Maintenance
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of
emissions control devices and systems may be
done by any automotive repair establishment or
individuals using parts that are "certified" to EPA standards.
According to state and federal regulations, failure to
perform maintenance on the maintenance main
items marked with # will not void your emissions
warranties. However, all maintenance services should
be performed in accordance with the intervals
indicated by the information display *
/multi-
information display *
.
2 Maintenance Service Items P. 245, 249
If you want to perform complex maintenance tasks
that require more skills and tools, you can purchase a
subscription to the Service Express website at
www.techinfo.honda.com .
2 Authorized Manuals P. 335
If you want to perform maintenance yourself, make
sure that you have the necessary tools and skills first.
After performing maintenance, update the records in
the separate maintenance booklet.
U.S. models
* 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

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

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

341
INDEX
Keys............................................................. 99
Lockout Prevention ................................. 102
Master Keys .............................................. 99
Number Tag............................................ 100
Rear Door Won’t Open ........................... 104
Remote Transmitter ................................ 101
Types and Functions.................................. 99
Valet Key ................................................ 100
Won’t Turn ............................................... 19
Kickdown (Automatic Transmission) ...... 214
L
Language (HFL) ........................................ 178
LATCH (Child Seats) ................................... 55
Lights ................................................ 118, 268
Automatic............................................... 119
Bulb Replacement ................................... 268
Daytime Running Lights .......................... 120
Fog Lights ............................................... 120
High-Beam Indicator ................................. 73
Interior.................................................... 134
Light Switches......................................... 118
Lights On Indicator.................................... 73
Turn Signals ............................................ 118
Load Limits ............................................... 205
Locking/Unlocking ..................................... 99
Auto Door Locking/Unlocking .... ............. 105
Childproof Door Locks ............................ 104
From Inside ............................................. 103
From Outside .......................................... 101 Keys .......................................................... 99
Using a Key ............................................. 102
Lockout Prevention System ...................... 102
Low Battery Charge .................................. 313
Low Fuel Indicator ...................................... 68
Low Oil Pressure Indicator ................. 66, 313
Lower Anchors ............................................ 55
Lubricant Specifications Chart ......... 324, 326
Luggage (Maximum Load Limit) ............. 205
M
Maintenance ............................................. 239
Battery .................................................... 289
Brake/Clutch Fluid ................................... 266
Cleaning.................................................. 292
Coolant ................................................... 261
Heating and Cooling System.................... 291
Maintenance Minder™............................ 243
Oil ........................................................... 255
Precautions.............................................. 240
Radiator .................................................. 262
Remote Transmitter ................................. 290
Replacing Light Bulbs............................... 268
Safety ...................................................... 241
Service Items ................................... 245, 249
Tires ........................................................ 280
Transmission Fluid ................................... 263
Under the Hood ...................................... 251
Malfunction Indicator Lamp .............. 67, 314
Manual Transmission ................................ 217 Map Lights
................................................ 134
Maximum Load Limit ............................... 205
Meters, Gauges ........................................... 78
Mirrors ...................................................... 125
Adjusting ................................................ 125
Door ....................................................... 125
Exterior ................................................... 125
Interior Rearview ..................................... 125
Modifications (and Accessories) .............. 238
Moonroof ................................................. 116
MP3 ........................................... 151, 161, 167
Multi-Information Display ......................... 82
N
Numbers (Identification) .......................... 328
O
Odometer ............................................. 80, 83
Oil (Engine) ............................................... 254
Adding .................................................... 257
Checking................................................. 255
Displaying Oil Life ............................ 243, 247
Low Oil Pressure Indicator ................. 66, 313
Recommended Engine Oil ....................... 254
Viscosity .................................................. 254
Opening/Closing Hood....................................................... 253
Moonroof ............................................... 116
Power Windows ...................................... 114

343
INDEX
SRS Airbags (Airbags)................................ 38
Starting the Engine .................................. 211
Does Not Start ........................................ 306
Engine Switch Buzzer .............................. 117
Jump Starting ......................................... 307
Steering Wheel ........................................ 124
Adjusting ................................................ 124
Stopping ................................................... 233
Summer Tires ............................................ 288
Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) ....... 38
Switches (Around the Steering Wheel) ............................. 2, 3, 117
System Message Indicator ......................... 72
T
Tachometer ................................................ 78
Temperature
High Temperature Indicator ....... ............... 69
Low Temperature Indicator ....................... 74
Outside Temperature Display .................... 85
Temperature Sensor .................................. 85
Time (Setting) ............................................. 98
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) ..................................................... 225
Indicator ............................. 71, 72, 316, 317
Tires .......................................................... 280
Air Pressure............................. 281, 325, 327 Checking and Maintaining ...................... 280
Inspection ............................................... 280
Labeling .................................................. 281 Puncture (Flat Tire)................................... 299
Regulations ............................................. 283
Rotation .................................................. 287
Spare Tire ................................ 299, 325, 327
Summer .................................................. 288
Tire Chains .............................................. 288
Wear Indicators ....................................... 285
Winter ..................................................... 288
Tools .......................................................... 298
Towing a Trailer ....................................... 207
Equipment and Accessories ..................... 208
Load Limits .............................................. 207
Towing Your Vehicle ................................ 210
Emergency .............................................. 321
TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring
System) .................................................... 225
Indicator .............................. 71, 72, 316, 317
Transmission ..................................... 215, 217
Automatic ............................................... 215
Fluid ................................................ 263, 264
Manual.................................................... 217
Number ................................................... 328
Shift Position Indicator ....................... 67, 216
Trip Meter ............................................. 80, 83
Troubleshooting ....................................... 297
Blown Fuse ...................................... 318, 319
Brake Pedal Vibrates .................................. 19
Buzzer Sounds When Opening Door .......... 20
Emergency Towing .................................. 321
Engine Won’t Start .................................. 306
Noise When Braking .................................. 20 Overheating ............................................ 311
Premium Gasoline ........................... 234, 326
Puncture/Flat Tire .................................... 299
Rear Door Won’t Open...................... 19, 104
Select Lever Won’t Move ......................... 310
Warning Indicators .................................... 66
Trunk ......................................................... 109
Lid........................................................... 109
Light Bulb........................................ 324, 326
Turn Signals .............................................. 118
Indicators (Instrument Panel) ..................... 73
U
Unlocking the Doors ................................ 101
Unlocking the Front Doors from the Inside ......................................... 11
USB Adapter Cable ........................... 144, 145
USB Flash Drives ....................................... 176
VValet Key ................................................... 100
Vanity Mirrors ............................................... 5
Vehicle Identification Number ................ 328
Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA ®
).................. 223
Off Button............................................... 224
Off Indicator.............................................. 70
System Indicator ........................................ 70
Viscosity (Oil) ............................ 254, 325, 327
VSA ®
(Vehicle Stability Assist) .................. 223