2013 HONDA CIVIC battery

255
uuBefore Performing Maintenance uSafety When Performing Maintenance
Maintenance
Safety When Performing MaintenanceSome of the most important safety precautions are given here.
However, we cannot warn you of every conceivable hazard that can arise in
performing maintenance. Only you can decide whether or not you should perform
a given task.
• To reduce the possibility of fire or explosion, keep cigarettes, sparks, and flames
away from the battery and all fuel related parts.
• Never leave rags, towels, or other flammable objects under the hood.
u Heat from the engine and exhaust can ignite them causing a fire.
• To clean parts, use a commercially available degreaser or parts cleaner, not
gasoline.
• Wear eye protection and protective clothing when working with the battery or
compressed air.
• Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, which is poisonous and can kill you.
u Only operate the engine if there is sufficient ventilation.
• The vehicle must be in a stationary condition.
u Make sure your vehicle is parked on level ground, the parking brake is set, and
the engine is off.
• Be aware that hot parts can burn you.
u Make sure to let the engine and exhaust system cool thoroughly before
touching vehicle parts.
• Be aware that moving parts can injure you.
u Do not start the engine unless instructed, and keep your hands and limbs away
from moving parts.■Maintenance Safety■Vehicle Safety
1Safety When Performing Maintenance
3
WARNING
Improperly maintaining this vehicle or
failing to correct a problem before driving
can cause a crash in which you can be
seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the inspection and
maintenance recommendations according
to the schedules in this owner's manual.
3
WARNING
Failure to properly follow maintenance
instructions and precautions can cause you
to be seriously hurt or killed.
Always follow the procedures and
precautions in this owner's manual.

265
Continued
Maintenance
Maintenance Under the HoodMaintenance Items Under the Hood1.8 ℓ engine models
Brake Fluid
(Black Cap)
Engine Coolant Reservoir
Radiator Cap
Washer Fluid
(Blue Cap)
Engine Oil Dipstick
(Orange Handle)
Clutch Fluid
(Light Gray Cap)
Engine Oil Fill CapAutomatic transmission
modelsBatteryManual transmission
modelsAutomatic
Transmission Fluid
Dipstick
(Yellow Loop)

266
uuMaintenance Under the Hood uMaintenance Items Under the Hood
Maintenance
2.4 ℓ engine models
Engine Oil Dipstick
(Orange Handle)
Washer Fluid
(Blue Cap)
Engine Coolant Reservoir
Radiator Cap Brake Fluid
(Black Cap)
Engine Oil Fill Cap
Clutch Fluid
(Light Gray Cap)
Battery

306Maintenance
BatteryChecking the Battery
Check the battery condition monthly. Look at
the test indicator window and check the
terminals for corrosion.
If your vehicle's battery is disconnected or goes dead:
• The audio system is disabled.
2 Reactivating the audio system P. 152
2 Entering the audio security code P. 152
•The clock
* resets.
2 Setting the Clock P. 98
•The navigation system
* is disabled.
2 Refer to the navigation system manual
Charging the BatteryDisconnect both battery cables to prevent damaging your vehicle's electrical system.
Always disconnect the negative (–) cable first, and reconnect it last.
1BatteryWARNING: Battery post, terminals,
and related accessories contain lead
and lead compounds.
Wash your hands after handling.The test indicator's color information is on the
battery.
When you find corrosion, clean the battery terminals
by applying a baking powder and water solution.
Clean the terminal with a damp towel. Cloth/towel
dry the battery. Coat the terminals with grease to
help prevent future corrosion.
3
WARNING
The battery gives off explosive hydrogen
gas during normal operation.
A spark or flame can cause the battery to
explode with enough force to kill or
seriously hurt you.
When conducting any battery
maintenance, wear protective clothing and
a face shield, or have a skilled technician do
it.
Test Indicator window
* Not available on all models

307Maintenance
Remote Transmitter Care
*
Replacing the Button BatteryIf the indicator does not come on when the button is pressed, replace the battery.1.Unscrew the cover with a small Phillips-
head screwdriver. Press a button to pry
open the transmitter.
2. Open the keypad.
u Separate the inner cover from the
keypad by releasing the two tabs on the
cover.
3. Make sure to replace the battery with the
correct polarity.
1Replacing the Button BatteryNOTICEAn improperly disposed of battery can damage the
environment. Always confirm local regulations for
battery disposal.
Replacement batteries are commercially available or
at a dealer.
Keypad
Screw
Battery type: CR1616
Battery
Tab
* Not available on all models

uuCleaning uExterior Care
312Maintenance
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 Bumpers and Other Resin Coated Parts■Cleaning the Window■Maintaining Aluminum Wheels
*
1 Applying WaxNOTICEChemical 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

330Handling the Unexpected
Engine Does Not StartChecking the EngineIf the engine does not start, check the starter.
Starter condition
Checklist
Starter doesn’t turn or turns
over slowly.
The battery may be dead. Check
each of the items on the right and
respond accordingly.
Check brightness of the interior light.
Turn on interior lights and check brightness.●If the interior lights are dim or do not come on at all
2Battery P. 306
●If the interior lights come on normally
2 Fuses P. 341
The starter turns over normally
but the engine doesn’t start.
There may be a problem with the
fuse. Check each of the items on
the right and respond accordingly.
Review the engine start procedure.
Follow its instructions, and try to start the engine again.2 Starting the Engine P. 223Check the immobilizer system indicator.
When the immobilizer system indicator is blinking, the engine cannot be started.2Immobilizer System P. 112Check the fuel level.
There should be enough fuel in the tank.2 Fuel Gauge P. 77Check the fuse.
Check all fuses, or have the vehicle checked by a dealer.2Inspecting and Changing Fuses P. 343If the problem continues:2Emergency Towing P. 344
1Checking the Engine
If you must start the vehicle immediately, use an
assisting vehicle to jump start it.
2 Jump Starting P. 331

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Continued
Handling the Unexpected
Jump StartingTurn off the power to electric devices, such as audio and lights. Turn off the engine,
then open the hood.1.Connect the first jumper cable to your
vehicle's battery + terminal.
2. Connect the other end of the first jumper
cable to the booster battery + terminal.
u Use a 12-volt booster battery only.
3. Connect the second jumper cable to the
booster battery - terminal.■Jump Starting Procedure
1Jump Starting
Securely attach the jumper cables clips so that they
do not come off when the engine vibrates. Also be
careful not to tangle the jumper cables or allow the
cable ends to touch each other while attaching or
detaching the jumper cables.
3
WARNING
A battery can explode if you do not follow
the correct procedure, seriously injuring
anyone nearby.
Keep all sparks, open flames, and smoking
materials away from the battery.
Booster Battery1.8 ℓ engine models2.4 ℓ engine modelsBooster Battery