2013 HONDA CIVIC engine coolant

18Quick Reference Guide
Maintenance
(P 253)
Under the Hood
(P 265)
● Check engine oil, engine coolant, and windshield washer
fluid. Add when necessary.
● Check brake fluid and clutch fluid.
● Check the battery regularly.
a
Pull the hood release handle under the corner of the
dashboard.
b
Locate the hood latch lever, pull the lever up, and lift up
the hood.
c
When finished, close the hood and make sure it is firmly
locked in place.
Lights
(P 282)
● Inspect all lights regularly.
Wiper Blades
(P 295)
● Replace blades if they leave streaks
across the windshield.
Tires
(P 297)
● Inspect tires and wheels regularly.
● Check tire pressures regularly.
● Install snow tires for winter
driving.

69
uuIndicators u
Continued
Instrument Panel
Indicator
Name
On/Blinking
Explanation
Message
*
ABS (Anti-lock
Brake System)
Indicator
●Comes on for a few seconds when
you turn the ignition switch to ON (w, then goes off.
●If it comes on at any other time, there
is a problem with the ABS.
●Stays on constantly - Have the
vehicle checked by a dealer. With this
indicator on, your vehicle still has
normal braking ability but no anti-lock
function.
2 ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
P. 243
Supplemental
Restraint System
Indicator
●Comes on for a few seconds when
you turn the ignition switch to ON (w, then goes off.
●Comes on if a problem with any of
the following is detected:
- Supplemental restraint system
- Side airbag system
- Side curtain airbag system
- Seat belt tensioner
●Stays on constantly or does not
come on at all - Have the vehicle
checked by a dealer.
High Temperature
Indicator
●Comes on for a few seconds when
you turn the ignition switch to ON (w, then goes off.
●Blinks when the engine coolant
temperature goes up, and stays on if
the temperature continues to rise.
●Blinks while driving - Drive slowly to
prevent overheating.●Stays on while driving - Immediately
stop in a safe place and allow the
engine to cool.
2 Overheating P. 335
* Not available on all models

73
uuIndicators u
Continued
Instrument Panel
Indicator
Name
On/Blinking
Explanation
Message
*
Immobilizer
System Indicator
●Comes on briefly when you turn the
ignition switch to ON
(w, then goes
off.
●Comes on if the immobilizer system
cannot recognize the key
information.
●Blinks - You cannot start the engine.
Turn the ignition switch to LOCK
(0,
pull the key out, and then insert the key
and turn it to ON
(w again.
●Repeatedly blinks - The system may
be malfunctioning. Have the vehicle
checked by a dealer.●Do not attempt to alter this system or
add other devices to it. Electrical
problems can occur.
—
Security System
Alarm Indicator
*
●Blinks when the security system
alarm has been set.
2 Security System Alarm
* P. 112
—
Low Temperature
Indicator
●Comes on for a few seconds when
you turn the ignition switch to ON (w.
●Comes on when the engine coolant
temperature is low.
●If the indicator stays on after the engine
has reached normal operating
temperature, there may be problem
with the temperature sensors. Have the
vehicle inspected by a dealer.
—
Indicator* Not available on all models

Continued
143
uuHeating and Cooling
*uUsing Vents, Heating and A/C
*
Controls
The heater uses engine coolant to warm the air.
1. Adjust the fan speed using the fan control dial.
2. Select .
3. Adjust the temperature using the temperature control dial.■To rapidly warm up the interior
1. Set the fan to the maximum speed.
2. Select .
3. Set the temperature to maximum warm.
4. Press the button (the indicator on).■To dehumidify the interior
*
When used in combination with the heater, the air conditioning system makes the
interior warm and dry and can prevent the windows from fogging up.
1.Turn the fan on.
2. Press the A/C button to turn on the air conditioning.■Heating
1Heating
When you select , the mode automatically
switches to fresh air.1To rapidly warm up the interior
Change to fresh air mode as soon as the interior gets
warm enough. The windows may fog up if kept in
recirculation mode.
Models with A/C button
Models without A/C button
* Not available on all models

223
Continued
Driving
When DrivingStarting the Engine
1.Make sure the parking brake is applied.
2. Check that the shift lever is in
(P, then
depress the brake pedal.
u Although it is possible to start the vehicle
in
(N, it is safer to start it in
(P.
2. Check that the shift lever is in
(N. Then
depress the brake pedal with your right
foot, and the clutch pedal with your left
foot.
u The clutch pedal must be fully depressed
to start the engine.
1Starting the Engine
Keep your foot firmly on the brake pedal when
starting the engine.
The engine is harder to start in cold weather and in
thinner air found at altitudes above 8,000 feet (2,400
meters).
When starting the engine in cold weather, turn off all
electrical accessories such as the lights, heating and
cooling system
*/climate control system
*, and rear
defogger in order to reduce battery drain.
If you live in a region where winter is extremely cold,
an engine block heater will improve starting and
warming of the engine. If temperatures consistently
below -22
°F (-30
°C) are expected, the coolant
mixture should be changed to a higher concentration
to prevent freezing. Consult a dealer for details.
If the exhaust system sounds abnormal or you can
smell exhaust gas inside the vehicle, have your vehicle
checked by a dealer. There may be a problem with
the engine or exhaust system.
Brake Pedal
Automatic transmission models
Brake Pedal
Clutch Pedal
Manual transmission models
* Not available on all models

253
Maintenance
This chapter discusses basic maintenance.
Before Performing MaintenanceInspection and Maintenance ............ 254Safety When Performing Maintenance..... 255Parts and Fluids Used in Maintenance Service ........................................... 256
Maintenance Minder
TM..................... 257
Maintenance Under the Hood
Maintenance Items Under the Hood ..... 265Opening the Hood ........................... 267
Recommended Engine Oil ................ 268
Oil Check ......................................... 269
Adding Engine Oil ............................ 271Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter ..... 272
Engine Coolant ................................ 275
Transmission Fluid ............................ 277
Brake/Clutch Fluid ............................ 280
Refilling Window Washer Fluid......... 281
Replacing Light Bulbs ....................... 282Checking and Maintaining Wiper
Blades .......................................... 295Checking and Maintaining Tires
Checking Tires ................................. 297Tire and Loading Information Label ...... 298Tire Labeling .................................... 298DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)....... 300Wear Indicators................................ 302 Tire Service Life ................................ 302
Tire and Wheel Replacement ........... 303
Tire Rotation .................................... 304
Winter Tires ..................................... 305
Battery ............................................... 306
Remote Transmitter Care
*
Replacing the Button Battery ........... 307
Heating and Cooling System
*/Climate
Control System
* Maintenance ....... 308
Cleaning
Interior Care .................................... 309
Exterior Care.................................... 311
* Not available on all models

259
uuMaintenance Minder
TMuTo Use Maintenance Minder
TM
Continued
Maintenance
■Maintenance Service Items
1Maintenance Service Items•Independent of the Maintenance Minder
information, replace the brake fluid every 3 years.•Inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (256,000
km).•Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 if
they are noisy.
Maintenance Minder Message
Maintenance
Minder Indicator
Sub ItemsMain Item
*1: If a message
SERVICE does not appear more than 12 months after the display is reset, change the
engine oil every year.
# : See information on maintenance and emissions warranty.CODE
Maintenance Main Items
A
●Replace engine oil
*1
B
●Replace engine oil
*1 and oil filter
●Inspect front and rear brakes/service as necessary●Check parking brake adjustment●Inspect tie rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots●Inspect suspension components●Inspect driveshaft boots●Inspect brake hoses and lines (Including ABS/VSA)●Inspect all fluid levels and condition of fluids●Inspect exhaust system
#
●Inspect fuel lines and connections
#
*2: If you drive in dusty conditions, replace the air cleaner element every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
*3: If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high concentrations of soot in the air from industry and from diesel-powered vehicles, replace the dust and pollen filter every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).CODE
Maintenance Sub Items
1
●Rotate tires
2
●Replace air cleaner element
*2
●Replace dust and pollen filter
*,*3
●Inspect drive belt
3●Replace transmission fluid
4
●Replace spark plugs●Inspect valve clearance
5●Replace engine coolant
* Not available on all models

263
uuMaintenance Minder
TMuTo Use Maintenance Minder
TM
Continued
Maintenance
■Maintenance Service Items
1Maintenance Service Items•Independent of the Maintenance Minder
information, replace the brake fluid every 3 years.•Inspect idle speed every 160,000 miles (256,000
km).•Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 if
they are noisy.
2345
Maintenance Minder
Message
System Message
Indicator
Sub Items
Main
Item
*1: If a message
SERVICE does not appear more than 12 months after the display is reset, change the
engine oil every year.
*2: Models with tire repair kit
# : See information on maintenance and emissions warranty.CODE
Maintenance Main Items
A
●Replace engine oil
*1
B
●Replace engine oil
*1 and oil filter
●Inspect front and rear brakes/service as necessary●Check parking brake adjustment●Inspect tie rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots●Inspect suspension components●Inspect driveshaft boots●Inspect brake hoses and lines (Including ABS/VSA)●Inspect all fluid levels and condition of fluids●Inspect exhaust system
#
●Inspect fuel lines and connections
#
●Check the expiration date for TRK bottle
*2
*2: If you drive in dusty conditions, replace the air cleaner element every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).
*3: If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high concentrations of soot in the air from industry and from diesel-powered vehicles, replace the dust and pollen filter every 15,000 miles (24,000 km).CODE
Maintenance Sub Items
1
●Rotate tires
2
●Replace air cleaner element
*2
●Replace dust and pollen filter
*3
●Inspect drive belt
3●Replace transmission fluid
4
●Replace spark plugs●Inspect valve clearance
5●Replace engine coolant