2016 HONDA CIVIC coolant level

116 || 117
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
HANDLING THE UNEXPECTED
Overheating
If the temperature gauge pointer is at the H mark, the engine suddenly l\
oses power,
or steam or spray comes out from under the hood, your engine is overheat\
ing.
1. Immediately park the vehicle in a safe place. Turn
off all accessories and turn on the hazard warning
lights.
2. If steam or spray is not present: Keep the engine
running and open the hood.
 If steam or spray is present: Turn off the engine and
wait until it subsides. Then, open the hood.
3. Check that the cooling fan is operating and stop the engine once the tem\
perature
gauge needle comes down. If the cooling fan is not operating, immediatel\
y stop
the engine.
4. once the engine has cooled down, inspect the coolant level and check the \
cooling system components for leaks. If the coolant level in the expansi\
on tank
is low, or no coolant is in the tank, check that the radiator is cool. Cover t\
he
expansion tank cap with a heavy cloth and open the cap. Add coolant unti\
l it
reaches the MAX mark, and put the cap back on.
once the engine has cooled sufficiently, restart it and check the temperature gauge.
If the temperature gauge pointer has gone down, resume driving. If it ha\
s not gone
down, contact a dealer for repairs.
MAX
Expansion tankMIN
Steam and spray from an overheated engine can seriously scald you.
Do not open the hood if steam is coming out.
WARNING
removing the radiator cap while the engine is hot can cause the coolant t\
o
spray out, seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and radiator cool down before removing the radiato\
r cap.
WARNING
Continuing to drive with the temperature gauge pointer at the H mark may\
damage
the engine.
NOTICE
Emergency Engine Stop*
The eNGINe STArT/SToP button may be used to stop the engine due to an
emergency situation even while driving. If you must stop the engine, cho\
ose one of
the following operations:
• 
Press and hold the eNGINe STArT/SToP button for
two seconds, or
• 
Firmly press the eNGINe STArT/SToP button two
times.
The steering wheel will not lock. Because turning off the engine also di\
sables the
power assist the engine provides to the steering and braking systems, it\
will require
significantly more physical effort and time to steer and slow the vehi\
cle. Downshift
gears and use both feet on the brake pedal, if necessary, to slow the vehicle and
stop immediately in a safe place
Do not press the button while driving unless it is absolutely necessary \
for the engine
to be switched off.
*if equipped
Emergency Towing
Call a professional towing service if you need to tow your vehicle.
Flat bed equipment: The operator loads your vehicle on the back of a tru\
ck. This is
the best way to transport your vehicle.
Wheel lift equipment: The tow truck uses two pivoting arms that go under the front
tires and lift them off the ground. The rear tires remain on the ground.\
This is an
acceptable way to tow your vehicle.
For CvT models: If you cannot shift the transmission or turn on the engine, your
vehicle must be transported with the front wheels off the ground. Make s\
ure the
parking brake is released. If you cannot release the parking brake, your\
vehicle must
be transported by flat bed equipment.
Trying to lift or tow your vehicle by the bumpers will cause serious dama\
ge. The
bumpers are not designed to support the vehicle’s weight.
Improper towing such as towing behind a motorhome or other motor vehicle\
can
damage the transmission.
NOTICE

128 || 129
M
AINTENANCEMAINTENANCE
Maintenance Minder™
reminds you when indicated maintenance service is due.
Models with information display
When maintenance is due, the Maintenance Minder indicator comes on and a\

message appears on the display every time you turn the vehicle on. Press\
the TrIP
knob in the instrument panel to change displays (see page 28).
Models with Driver Information Interface
When maintenance is due, the system message indicator comes on and a mes\
sage
appears on the display every time you turn the vehicle on. Press the Dis\
play button
on the steering wheel to change displays (see page 29).
Maintenance Minder message
Maintenance
Minder indicator
Sub items
Main item
Maintenance Minder message
System message

indicator
Sub items
Main
item
U.S. models
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of emissions control devices and sys\
tems
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 maintenan\
ce 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 Driver Information Interface.
Maintenance Minder Service Codes
These codes indicate what services are due on your vehicle.
U.S. models
*1: If a Maintenance Minder indicator does not appear more than 12 months af\
ter the display is reset, change the engine oil every year.
#: See information on maintenance and emissions warranty.
CODEMaintenance Main Items
AReplace engine oi l*1
BReplace engine oil*1 and oil lter
Inspect front and rear brakes
Inspect these items:
• Tie rod ends, steering gear box, and boots
•S uspension components
• Driveshaft boots
• Brake hoses and lines (including ABS/VSA)
• All uid levels and condition of uids
• Exhaust system
#
•F uel lines and connection s#
*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 s\
oot in the air from industryand diesel-powered vehicles, replace the dust and pollen lter every \
15,000 miles (24,000 km).*4:Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle speeds results in highe\
r transmission
temperatures. This requires transmission uid changes more frequently\
than recommended by
the Maintenance Minder. If you regularly drive your vehicle under these conditions, have the
transmission uid changed every 25,000 miles (40,000 km).
CODEMaintenance Sub Items
1
Rotate tires
2Replace air cleaner element*2
Replace dust and pollen lter*3
Inspect drive belt
3
Replace transmission uid*4
4Replace spark plug s
Inspect valve clearance
5
Replace engine coolant
7Replace brake uid*5
*5:If a Maintenance Minder indicator does not appear more than 36 months af\
ter the display for item 7 is reset, change the brake uid every 3 years.
In addition:
•  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.

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M
AINTENANCEMAINTENANCE
*1: If a Maintenance Minder message does not appear more than 12 months afte\
r the display is
reset, change the engine oil every year.
*2: If you drive in dusty conditions, replace the air cleaner element every \
24,000 km (15,000 miles).
*3:
If you drive primarily in urban areas that have high concentrations of s\
oot in the air from industryand diesel-powered vehicles, replace the dust and pollen lter every \
24,000 km (15,000 miles).
*4: Driving in mountainous areas at very low vehicle speeds results in highe\
r transmission
temperatures. This requires transmission uid changes more frequently\
than recommended by
the Maintenance Minder. If you regularly drive your vehicle under these conditions, have the
transmission uid changed every 40,000 km (25,000 miles).
*5: If a Maintenance Minder Indicator does not appear more than 36 months after the display for
item7 is reset, change the brake uid every 3 years.#: See information on maintenance and emissions warranty.
CODEMaintenance Main Items
AReplace engine oi l*1
0Replace engine oil*1 and oil lter
CODEMaintenance Sub Items
1
Rotate tires
2Replace air cleaner element*2
Replace dust and pollen lte r*3
Inspect drive belt
3
Replace transmission uid*4
4Replace spark plug s
Inspect valve clearance
5
Replace engine coolant
7Replace brake uid*5
9Inspect front and rear brakes
Inspect these items: •T ie rod ends, steering gearbox, and boots
•S uspension components
•D riveshaft boots
•B rake hoses and lines (including ABS/VSA)
•A ll uid levels and condition of uids
•E xhaust system
#
•Fuel lines and connections#
Canadian models
In addition:
•  Inspect idle speed every 256,000 km (160,000 miles).
•  Adjust the valves during services A, B, 1, 2, or 3 if they are noisy.Under the Hood
1.5 engine model\
s
Brake uid
(black cap)
Reserve \fank Washer uid
(blue cap)
\bngine oil dips\fick\v
(orange) \bngine oil ll cap Ba\f\fery
Reserve \fank cap
U.S. modelsWasher uid
(blue cap)Canadian models
2.0 engine model\/s
Brake/\flut\fh\b uid
(Bla\fk \fap)
Reserve tank Washer uid
(blue \fap) Engine oil dipsti\fk\/
(orange)
Engine oil ll \fap Battery
Reserve tank \fap
*if equipped

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M
AINTENANCEMAINTENANCE
Engine Coolant
Park the vehicle on level ground. Check the reserve tank and the coolant\
level in the
radiator. We recommend Honda Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2.
Checking the Coolant
1. Check the amount of coolant in the reserve tank.
2. If the coolant level is below the MIN mark, add
the specified coolant until it reaches the MAX
mark.
3. Inspect the cooling system for leaks.
Adding Coolant
1. Make sure the engine and radiator are cool.
2. Turn the reserve tank cap counterclockwise and
relieve any pressure in the coolant system. Do
not push the cap down when turning.
3. Push down and turn the reserve tank cap
counterclockwise to remove it.
4. Pour coolant into the reserve tank until it reaches
the MAX mark.
5. Put the reserve tank cap back on, and tighten it
fully.
If temperatures consistently below −22°F (−30°C) are expec\
ted, the coolant
mixture should be changed to a higher concentration. Consult a dealer fo\
r details
for more information.
NOTICE
Reserve tank cap
1.5 engine models
Reserve tank cap
2.0 engine models
removing the radiator cap while the engine is hot can cause the coolant t\
o
spray out, seriously scalding you.
Always let the engine and radiator cool down before removing the radiato\
r
cap.
WARNING
Pour the fluid slowly and carefully so you do not spill any. Clean up any spills
immediately; they can damage components in the engine compartment.
NOTICE
MA X
MINReserve tan k
Window Washer Fluid
Check the amount of window washer fluid by looking
at the reservoir. If the washer fluid level is low, fill the
washer reservoir.
Pour the washer fluid carefully. Do not overflow the
reservoir.
Canadian models
If the washer fluid level is low, the washer level indicator or a message appears in
the Driver Information Interface.
Do not use engine antifreeze or a vinegar/water solution in the windshie\
ld washer
reservoir. Antifreeze can damage your vehicle’s paint. A vinegar/water solution
can damage the windshield washer pump.
NOTICE
Brake/Clutch* Fluid
The fluid level should be between the MIN and MAX marks on the side of\
the
reservoir. We recommend using Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3.
Pour the fluid carefully.
If the fluid level is at or below the MIN mark, have a
dealer inspect for leaks or worn brake pads as soon as
possible.
The brake fluid reservoir is also used for your vehicle’s
clutch fluid. As long as you keep the brake fluid level
as instructed above, there is no need for checking the
clutch fluid level.
Brake fluid marked DoT 5 is not compatible with your vehicle’s braking system
and can cause extensive damage.
NOTICE
Brake reservoir
MINMAX
*if equipped