2012 HONDA CIVIC oil level

9
Quick Reference GuideInstrument Panel (P 65)
U. S.
Canada
U. S.
Canada
System Indicators
Malfunction
Indicator Lamp Low Oil Pressure
Indicator
Charging System
Indicator
Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
Indicator
Vehicle Stability
Assist (VSA ®
) System
Indicator
VSA ®
OFF Indicator
Low Tire Pressure
Indicator*
/
Low Tire Pressure/
TPMS Indicator * Electric Power
Steering (EPS)
Indicator
Lights Reminders Lights On Indicator
High Beam IndicatorFog Light Indicator *
Immobilizer System
Indicator Seat Belt Reminder
Indicator
System Indicators
Cruise Control
Indicator *
System Message
Indicator *
Parking Brake
and Brake System
Indicator Supplemental
Restraint System
Indicator
Side Airbag Off
Indicator
Door Open Indicator Cruise Main Indicator*
Tachometer Instant Fuel
Economy Gauge
*
Speedometer
Fuel Gauge
Security Alarm
System Indicator * Shift Lever Position Indicator
*Low Fuel Indicator
Gauges
(P 78)/Information Display *
(P 80) /
Multi-Information Display *
(P 82) /System Indicators (P 66)
Trunk Open Indicator
ECON Mode Indicator *
TPMS Indicator * Turn Signal and
Hazard Warning
Indicators
High Temperature
Indicator
Low Temperature
Indicator
Maintenance Minder
Indicator *
Daytime Running
Lights Indicator *
Washer Level
Indicator *
i-VTEC
Indicator
REV
Indicator2.4  engine models
Ambient Meter
*
*
Not available on all models

66
Instrument Panel
Indicators
IndicatorNameOn/BlinkingExplanationMessage*
Parking Brake and Brake
System Indicator
●
Comes on for a few seconds when
you turn the ignition switch to ON
(w , then goes off.
● Comes on when the parking brake
is applied, and goes off when it is released.
● Comes on when the brake fluid
level is low.
● Comes on if there is a problem
with the brake system.
● The beeper sounds and the
indicator comes on if you drive
with the parking brake not fully released.
●
Comes on while driving - Make sure
the parking brake is released. Check the
brake fluid level. 2What to do when the indicator
comes on P. 315
● Comes on along with the ABS
indicator - Have the vehicle checked by a
dealer. 2If the Brake System Indicator Comes On P. 315
Low Oil Pressure
Indicator
●
Comes on when you turn the
ignition switch to ON
(w , and goes
off when the engine starts.
● Comes on when the engine oil
pressure is low.
● Comes on while driving - Immediately
stop in a safe place. 2If the Low Oil Pressure Indicator
Comes On P. 313
U.S.
Canada
* Not available on all models

213
uuWhen DrivinguPrecautions While Driving
Driving
Precautions While Driving
Avoid driving in deep water and on flooded roads. This can damage the engine or
cause electrical component failure.
If there is a strong impact with something under the vehicle, stop in a safe location.
Check the underside of the vehicle for damage or any fluid leaks.
■In Rain
■Other Precautions
1Precautions While Driving
NOTICE
Do not operate the shift lever while pressing the
accelerator pedal. You could damage the
transmission.
If the ignition switch is turned to ACCESSORY
(q or
LOCK
(0 while driving, the engine will shut down
and all steering and brake power assist functions will
stop, making it difficult to control the vehicle.
Do not put the shift lever in
(N , as you will lose
engine braking (and acceleration) performance.
During the first 600 miles (1,000 km) of operation,
avoid sudden acceleration or full throttle operation so
as to not damage the engine or powertrain.
Avoid hard braking for the first 200 miles (300 km).
You should also follow this when the brake pads are
replaced.
NOTICE
The following can damage the under spoiler: • Parking the vehicle by a parking block
• Parallel parking along the road shoulder
• Driving towards the bottom of a hill
• Driving up or down to a different surface level
(such as a road shoulder)
• Driving on a rutted or bumpy road
• Driving on a road with potholes.
2.4  engine 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

255
uuMaintenance Under the HooduOil Check
Continued
Maintenance
Oil Check
We recommend that you check the engine oil level every time you refuel.
Park the vehicle on level ground.
Wait approximately three minutes after turning the engine off before you check the
oil.1.Remove the dipstick (orange handle).
2. Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth or paper towel.
3. Insert the dipstick back all the way into its
hole.
1Oil Check
If the oil level is near or below the lower mark, slowly
add oil being careful not to overfill.
2.4  engine models
1.8  engine models

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

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