1996 Honda Civic DEL SOL Owners Manual

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Automatic Transmission If you have done all of the above and still cannot move the lever out of Park, see Shift Lock Release on page 108. You must also press the release button to shift into Park. To avoid transmission damage, come to a complete stop before shifting into Park. The shift lever must be in Park before you can remove the key from the ignition switch. Reverse (R) — To shift to Reverse from Park, see the explanation under Park. To shift to Reverse from Neutral, come to a complete stop and then shift. Press the release button before shifting into Reverse from Neutral. Driving Neutral (N) — Use Neutral if you need to restart a stalled engine, or if it is necessary to stop briefly with the engine idling. Shift to Park posi- tion if you need to leave the car for any reason. Press on the brake pedal when you are moving the shift lever from Neutral to another gear. Drive (D4) — Use this position for your normal driving. The transmis- sion automatically selects a suitable gear for your speed and acceleration. Drive (D3) —This position is similar to D4, except only the first three gears are selected. Use D3 to provide engine braking when going down a steep hill. D3 can also keep the transmission from cycling between third and fourth gears in stop-and-go driving. For faster acceleration when in D3 or D4, you can get the transmission to automatically downshift by pushing the accelerator pedal to the floor. The transmission will shift down one or two gears, depending on your speed. Second (2) — To shift to Second, press the release button on the side of the shift lever. This position locks the transmission in second gear. It does not downshift to first gear when you come to a stop. Second gives you more power when climbing, and increased engine braking when going down steep hills. Use second gear when starting out on a slippery surface or in deep snow. It will help reduce wheelspin. Whenever you move the shift lever to a lower gear, the transmission downshifts only if the engine's redline will not be exceeded in the lower gear. Automatic Transmission First (1) — To shift from Second to First, press the release button on the side of the shift lever. With the lever in this position, the transmission locks in First gear. By upshifting and downshifting through 1, 2, D3 and D4, you can operate this transmission much like a manual transmission without a clutch pedal. (Si) Maximum Speeds The speeds in this table are the maximums for the given position. If you exceed these speeds, the engine speed will enter into the tachometer's red zone. If this occurs, you will feel the engine cut in and out. This is caused by a limiter in the engine's computer controls. The engine will run normally when you reduce the RPM below the red zone. (S) Driving Automatic Transmission Shift Lock Release This allows you to move the shift lever out of Park if the normal method of pushing on the brake pedal and pressing the release button does not work. 1. Set the Parking brake. 2. Remove the key from the ignition switch. Driving RELEASE BUTTON 5. Remove the key from the Shift Lock Release slot. Depress the brake pedal and restart the engine. If you need to use the Shift Lock Release, it could mean your car is developing a problem. Have the car checked by your Honda dealer. SHIFT LOCK RELEASE SLOT 3. Insert the key in the Shift Lock Release slot next to the shift lever. 4. Push down on the key while you press the release button and move the shift lever out of Park to Neutral. Your Honda is equipped with front disc brakes. The brakes on the rear wheels may be disc or drum, depending on model. The braking system is power-assisted to reduce the effort needed on the brake pedal. Put your foot on the brake pedal only when you intend to brake. Resting your foot on the pedal keeps the brakes applied lightly, causing them to build up heat. Heat build-up can reduce how well your brakes work. It also keeps your brake lights on all the time, confusing drivers behind you. Constant application of the brakes when going down a long hill builds up heat and reduces their effective- ness. Use the engine to assist the brakes by downshifting to a lower gear and taking your foot off the accelerator pedal. Check your brakes after driving through deep water. Apply the brakes moderately to see if they feel normal. If not, apply them gently and frequently until they do. Since a longer distance is needed to stop with wet brakes, be extra cautious and alert in your driving. The Braking System Brake Wear Indicators The front disc brakes on all cars have audible brake wear indicators. They are also on the rear brakes of the Si and VTEC models. When the brake pads need replacing, you will hear a distinctive metallic "screeching" sound when you apply the brakes. If you do not have the brake pads replaced, they will begin screeching all the time. Your brakes may sometimes squeal or squeak when you apply them lightly. Do not confuse this with the brake wear indicators. They make a very audible "screeching". Driving If this happens, you will immediately notice that the brake pedal goes down much farther and you need to press on it much harder. A much longer distance will be needed to stop the car. Slow the car by downshifting to a lower gear and removing your foot from the accelerator pedal. Pull to the side of the road as soon as it is safe. Because of the longer stopping distance needed, brake system failure is very hazardous. It is best to have your car towed, but if you must drive the car in this condition, be extremely cautious. Have your car repaired as soon as possible. Anti-lock Brakes The VTEC model has an Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) as standard equipment. It is optional on the U.S. Si model. ABS helps you maintain steering control during braking. It does this by helping you to prevent the wheels from locking up and skidding. The ABS is always "On". It requires no special effort or driving technique. You will feel a pulsation in the brake pedal when the ABS activates. The Braking System Brake System Design The hydraulic system that operates the brakes has two separate circuits. Each circuit works diagonally across the car (the left-front brake is connected with the right-rear brake, etc.). If one circuit should develop a problem, you will still have braking at two wheels. Front Driving Activation varies with the amount of traction your tires have. On dry pavement, you will need to press on the brake pedal very hard before you feel the pedal pulsation that means the ABS has activated. However, you may feel the ABS activate immedi- ately if you are trying to stop on snow or ice. Under all conditions, the ABS is helping to prevent the wheels from locking so you can retain steering control. You should con- tinue to press on the brake pedal with the same force. You may feel a slight movement of the brake pedal just after you start the engine. This is the ABS working. ABS INDICATOR* * U.S. Indicator shown The ABS is self-checking. If anything goes wrong, the ABS indicator on the instrument panel comes on (see page 34). This means the Anti-lock function of the braking system has shut down. The brakes still work like a conventional system, providing normal stopping ability. You should have the dealer inspect your car as soon as possible. The Braking System A car with ABS may require a longer distance to stop on loose or uneven surfaces than an equivalent car with- out Anti-lock. The ABS cannot make up for road conditions or bad judg- ment. It is still your responsibility to drive at reasonable speeds for weather and traffic conditions, and to leave a margin of safety. For a technical description of the ABS hardware, refer to page 200 . Driving Exercise extra caution when driving in rain after a long dry spell. After months of dry weather, the first rains bring oil to the surface of the roadway, making it slippery. Driving Technique — Always drive slower than you would in dry weather. It takes your car longer to react, even in conditions that may seem just barely damp. Apply smooth, even pressure to all the controls. Abrupt steering wheel movements or sudden, hard appli- cation of the brakes can cause loss of control in wet weather. Be extra cautious for the first few miles of driving while you adjust to the change in driving conditions. This is especially true in snow. A person can forget some snow-driving techniques during the summer months. Practice is needed to relearn those skills. Driving in Bad Weather Rain, fog, and snow conditions re- quire a different driving technique because of reduced traction and visibility. Keep your car well- maintained and exercise greater caution when you need to drive in bad weather. The cruise control should not be used in these condi- tions. Driving Visibility — Being able to see clearly in all directions and being visible to other drivers are important in all weather conditions. This is more difficult in bad weather. To be seen more clearly during daylight hours, turn on your headlights. Traction — Check your tires frequently for wear and proper pressure. Both are important in preventing "hydroplaning" (loss of traction on a wet surface). In the winter, mount snow tires on all four wheels for the best handling. Inspect your windshield wipers and washers frequently. Keep the wind- shield washer reservoir full of the proper fluid. Have the windshield wiper blades replaced if they start to streak the windshield or leave parts unwiped. Use the defrosters and air conditioning to keep the windows from fogging up on the inside (see page 73). Watch road conditions carefully, they can change from moment to moment. Wet leaves can be as slip- pery as ice. "Clear" roads can have patches of ice. Driving conditions can be very hazardous when the outside temperature is near freezing. The road surface can become covered with areas of water puddles mixed with areas of ice, so your traction can change without warning. Be careful when downshifting. If traction is low, you can lock up the drive wheels for a moment and cause a skid. Driving in Bad Weather Be very cautious when passing, or being passed by, other vehicles. The spray from large vehicles reduces your visibility, and the wind buffeting can cause you to lose control. Driving Towing a Trailer Your car is not designed to tow a trailer. Attempting to do so can void your warranties. Driving This section explains why it is important to keep your car well maintained and to follow basic maintenance safety precautions. This section also includes Maintenance Schedules for normal driving and severe driving conditions, a Maintenance Record, and instruc- tions for simple maintenance tasks you may want to take care of yourself. If you have the skills and tools required to perform more complex maintenance tasks on your Honda, you may want to purchase the Service Manual. See page 213 for information on how to obtain a copy, or see your Honda dealer. Maintenance Safety....................... 116 Important Safety Precautions.. 117 Maintenance Schedule.................. 118 Maintenance Record..................... 122 Periodic Checks............................. 124 Fluid Locations............................... 125 Engine Oil....................................... 126 Checking Engine Oil................. 126 Adding Oil................................... 126 Recommended Oil..................... 127 Synthetic Oil............................... 128 Additives..................................... 128 Oil and Filter Changes.............. 128 Cooling System.............................. 131 Checking the Engine Coolant Level........................................ 131 Adding Engine Coolant............. 131 Replacing Engine Coolant........ 133 Windshield Washers..................... 136 Transmission Fluid........................ 137 Automatic Transmission.......................... 137 5-speed Manual Transmission.......................... 138 Brake and Clutch Fluid................. 139 Brake System............................. 139 Maintenance Anti-lock Brake System............ 140 Clutch System............................ 140 Power Steering............................... 141 Air Cleaner..................................... 142 Spark Plugs..................................... 144 Replacement............................... 144 Specifications............................. 146 Battery............................................ 146 Windshield Wipers........................ 149 Air Conditioning............................. 151 Removable Roof Panel.................. 152 Drive Belts...................................... 153 Tires................................................ 153 Inflation....................................... 154 Inspection................................... 155 Maintenance............................... 156 Tire Rotation.............................. 156 Replacing Tires and Wheels .... 157 Wheels and Tires....................... 158 Winter Driving........................... 158 Snow Tires.............................. 159 Tire Chains............................. 159 Lights.............................................. 160 Replacing Bulbs......................... 160 Storing Your Car............................ 166 Maintenance Maintenance Safety Regularly maintaining your car is the best way to protect your investment. Proper maintenance is essential to your safety and the safety of your passengers. It will also reward you with more economical, trouble-free driving and help reduce air pollution. This section includes instructions for simple maintenance tasks, such as checking and adding oil. Any service items not detailed in this section should be performed by a Honda technician or other qualified mechanic. Some of the most important safety precautions are given in the next page. 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. Improperly maintaining this car 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 and schedules in this owner's manual. Maintenance 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. Important Safety Precautions Before you begin any maintenance, make sure your car is parked on level ground and that the parking brake is on. Also, be sure the engine is off. This will help to eliminate several potential hazards: Carbon monoxide poisoning from engine exhaust. Be sure there is adequate ventilation whenever you operate the engine. Burns from hot parts. Let the engine and exhaust system cool before touching any parts. Injury from moving parts. Do not run the engine unless in- structed to do so. Read the instructions before you begin, and make sure you have the tools and skills required. To reduce the possibility of fire or explosion, be careful when working around gasoline or batteries. Use a nonflammable solvent, not gasoline, to clean parts. Keep cigarettes, sparks, and flames away from the battery and all fuel-related parts. You should wear eye protection and protective clothing when working near the battery or when using compressed air. Maintenance Safety Maintenance Maintenance Schedule The Maintenance Schedule specifies how often you should have your car serviced and what things need attention. It is essential that you have your car serviced as scheduled to retain its high level of safety, dependability, and emission control performance. Maintenance Which Schedule to Follow: Service your car according to the time and mileage periods on one of the Maintenance Schedules on pages 120 and 121. Select the schedule for "Severe Conditions" if most of your driving is done under one or more of the conditions listed on that page. Otherwise, follow the schedule for "Normal Conditions." The services and time or distance intervals shown in the maintenance schedule assume you will use your car as normal transportation. You should: Avoid exceeding your car's load limit. This puts excess stress on the engine, brakes, and many other parts of your car. The load limit is shown on the label in the glove box. Operate your car on reasonable roads within the legal speed limit. Drive your car regularly over a distance of several kilometers (miles). Always use unleaded gasoline with the proper octane rating (see page 90 ). Your authorized Honda dealer knows your car best and can provide competent, efficient service. However, service at a dealer is not mandatory to keep your warranties in effect. Maintenance may be done by any qualified service facility or person who is skilled in this type of automotive service. Keep all the receipts as proof of completion, and have the person who does the work fill out the Maintenance Record. Check your warranty booklet for more information. We recommend the use of Genuine Honda parts and fluids whenever you have maintenance clone. These are manufactured to the same high- quality standards as the original components, so you can be confident of their perfomance and durability. U.S. Cars: Maintenance, replacement or repair of emission control devices and systems may be done by any automotive repair establishment or individual using parts that are "certified" to EPA standards. Maintenance Schedule According to state and federal regulations, failure to perform maintenance on the items marked with an asterisk (*) will not void your emissions warranties. However, Honda recommends that all mainte- nance services be performed at the recommended time or mileage period to ensure long-term reliability. Maintenance Maintenance Schedule (Normal Conditions) Follow the Normal Maintenance Schedule if the severe driving conditions specified in the Severe Conditions Maintenance Schedule on the next page do not apply. For Canadian Owners: This Maintenance Schedule outlines the minimum required maintenance that you should perform to ensure the trouble- free operation of your vehicle. Due to regional and climatic differences, some additional servicing may be required. Please consult your warranty handbook for a more detailed description. Maintenance Maintenance Schedule (Severe Conditions) Follow the Severe Maintenance Schedule if you drive your vehicle MAINLY under one or more of the following condi- tions: Driving less than 8 km (5 miles) per trip or, in freezing temperatures, driving less than 16 km (10 miles) per trip. Driving in extremely hot [over 90° F (32° C)] conditions. Extensive idling or long periods of stop-and-go driving. Driving with a car-top carrier, or driving in mountainous conditions. Driving on muddy, dusty, or de-iced roads. NOTE: If you only OCCASIONALLY drive under a "severe" condition, you should follow the Normal Conditions Maintenance Schedule on the previous page. Maintenance Required Maintenance Record Have your servicing dealer record all Required Maintenance below. Keep receipts for all work done on your car. Maintenance Record additional maintenance for severe driving conditions or non-scheduled maintenance on this page (see page 121 ). Non-Scheduled Maintenance Record Maintenance Periodic Checks You should check the following items at the specified intervals. If you are unsure of how to perform any check, turn to the page given. Maintenance Engine oil level — Check every time you fill the fuel tank. See page 94 . Engine coolant level — Check the radiator reserve tank every time you fill the fuel tank. See page 95 . Windshield washer fluid — Check the level in the reservoir monthly. If weather conditions cause you to use the washers frequently, check the reservoir each time you stop for fuel. See page 136 . Automatic transmission — Check the fluid level monthly. See page 137. Brakes, clutch and power steering — Check the fluid level monthly. See pages 139 and 140. Tires — Check the tire pressure monthly. Examine the tread for wear and foreign objects. See page 153. Battery — Check its condition and the terminals for corrosion monthly. See page 146 . Air conditioning — Check its operation weekly. See page 151 . Lights — Check the operation of the headlights, parking lights, taillights, high-mount brake light, turn signals, brake lights, and license plate lights monthly. See page 160 . ANTI-LOCK BRAKE RESERVOIR (Gray cap) AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID DIPSTICK (Yellow loop) COOLANT RESERVOIR Fluid Locations BRAKE FLUID (Gray cap) CLUTCH FLUID (5-M/T only) (Gray cap) ENGINE OIL FILL CAP POWER STEERING FLUID (Red cap) WASHER FLUID (Blue cap) ENGINE OIL DIPSTICK (Orange loop) Maintenance Engine Oil Checking Engine Oil DIPSTICK Adding Oil ENGINE OIL FILL CAP UPPER MARK LOWER MARK Check the engine oil a couple of minutes after shutting off the engine. This will allow the oil to drain down to the bottom of the engine. Make sure the car is parked on level ground. 3. Pull it out again and look at the oil level at the end of the dipstick. If it is between the upper and lower marks, the level is correct. Add oil if the level is at or below the lower mark. To add oil, unscrew and remove the engine oil fill cap on top of the valve cover. Pour in the oil, and replace the engine oil fill cap. Tighten it securely. Wait a few minutes and recheck the oil level. Do not fill above the upper mark; you could damage the engine. 1. Pull out the dipstick (orange loop) and wipe it with a cloth or paper towel. 2. Insert it all the way back in its tube. Maintenance The API Service label also tells you the service classification of the oil. Always use an oil that says "API Service SH." This service rating may also include other designations, such as CD. These additional classifica- tions are not a problem, as long as the label also carries the SH classifi- cation. An oil that is only classified SF is not recommended. Recommended Oil Oil is a major contributor to your engine's performance and longevity. Always use a premium-grade deter- gent oil. You can determine an oil's SAE viscosity and Service Classification from the API Service label on the oil container. A fuel-efficient oil is recommended for your Honda. This is shown on the API Service label by the words "Energy Conserving II." This oil is formulated to help your engine use less fuel. API SERVICE LABEL Engine Oil The oil container may also display the API Certification mark shown below. Make sure it says "For Gasoline Engines." API CERTIFICATION MARK CONTINUED Maintenance Synthetic Oil You may use a synthetic motor oil if it meets the same requirements given for conventional motor oil; energy conserving, a service classification of SH, and the proper weight as shown on the chart. When using synthetic oil, you must follow the oil and filter change intervals given in the maintenance schedule. Additives Your Honda does not need any oil additives. Purchasing additives for the engine or transmission will not increase your car's performance or longevity. It only increases the cost of operating your car. Oil and Filter Changes Always change the oil and filter according to the time and distance recommendations in the mainte- nance schedule. The oil and filter collect contaminants that can dam- age your engine if they are not removed regularly. Changing the oil and filter requires special tools and access from underneath the car. The car should be raised on a service station-type hydraulic lift for this service. Unless you have the knowledge and proper equipment, you should have this maintenance done by a skilled mechanic. Engine Oil The SAE numbers tell you the oil's viscosity or weight. Select the oil for your car according to this chart. Ambient Temperature An oil with a viscosity of 5W-30 is preferred for improved fuel economy and year-round protection in your Honda. You may use a 10W-30 oil if the temperature in your area never goes below 20°F ( — 7°C). Maintenance 1. Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature, then shut it off. Engine Oil OIL FILTER OIL DRAIN BOLT WASHER 2. Open the hood and remove the engine oil fill cap. Remove the oil drain bolt from the bottom of the engine. Drain the oil into an appropriate container. 3. Remove the oil filter and let the remaining oil drain. A special wrench (available from your Honda dealer) is required to remove the filter. 4. Install a new oil filter according to instructions that come with it. CONTINUED Maintenance Engine Oil 5. Put a new washer on the drain bolt, then reinstall the drain bolt. Tighten it to: 44 N.m (4.5 kgf.m , 33 Ibf.ft) 6. Refill the engine with the recom- mended oil. Engine oil change capacity (including filter): (S, Si) 3.3 (3.5 US qt, 2.9 lmp qt) (VTEC) 4.0 (4.2 US qt, 3.5 lmp qt) 7. Replace the engine oil fill cap. Start the engine. The oil pressure indicator light should go out within five seconds. If it does not, turn off the engine and reinspect your work. 8. Let the engine run for several minutes and check the drain bolt and oil filter for leaks. 9. Turn off the engine, let it sit for several minutes, then check the oil level. If necessary, add oil to bring the level to the upper mark on the dipstick. NOTICE If you change your own oil, please dispose of the used oil properly. Put it in a sealed container and take it to a recycling center. Do not discard it in a trash bin or dump it on the ground. Maintenance Checking the Engine Coolant Level RESERVE TANK Always use Genuine Honda Anti- freeze/Coolant. The cooling system contains many aluminum compo- nents that can corrode if an improper antifreeze is used. Some antifreeze, even though labeled as safe for aluminum parts, may not provide adequate protection. MAX MIN Check the level of the engine coolant by looking at the radiator reserve tank near the right headlight. If the coolant level in the reserve tank is at or below the MIN line, add coolant to bring it up to the MAX line. Inspect the cooling system for leaks. This coolant should always be a mixture of 50% antifreeze and 50% water. Never add straight antifreeze or plain water. Cooling System Adding Engine Coolant If the reserve tank is completely empty, you should also check the coolant level in the radiator. Removing the radiator cap while the engine is hot can cause the coolant to spray out, seriously scalding you. Always let the engine and radiator cool down before removing the radiator cap. 1. Make sure the engine and radiator are cool. CONTINUED Maintenance Cooling System RADIATOR CAP Do not add any rust inhibitors or other additives to your car's cooling system. They may not be compatible with the coolant or engine compo- nents. 2. Turn the radiator cap counter- clockwise, without pressing down on it, until it stops. This relieves any pressure remaining in the cooling system. 3. Remove the radiator cap by pushing down and turning counterclockwise. RESERVE TANK 4. The coolant level should be up to the base of the filler neck. Add coolant if it is low. 5. Put the radiator cap back on. Tighten it fully. 6. Pour coolant into the reserve tank. Fill it to halfway between the MAX and MIN marks. Put the cap back on the reserve tank. Maintenance Replacing Engine Coolant The cooling system should be completely drained and refilled with new coolant according to the time and distance recommendations in the maintenance schedule. Only use recommended antifreeze. Draining the coolant requires access to the underside of the car. Unless you have the tools and knowledge, you should have this maintenance done by a skilled mechanic. Cooling System DRAIN PLUG 1. Slide the heater temperature control lever to maximum heat. Open the hood. Make sure the engine and radiator are cool to the touch. 2. Remove the radiator cap. 3. Loosen the drain plug on the bottom of the radiator. The coolant will come out through the hole in the splash cover. CONTINUED Maintenance Cooling System RESERVE TANK RESERVE TANK CAP DRAIN BOLT HOLDER 4. DOHC VTEC model only Remove the drain bolt from the engine block. 5. Remove the reserve tank from its holder by pulling it straight up. Drain the coolant, then put the tank back in its holder. 6. When the coolant stops draining, tighten the drain plug in the bottom of the radiator. Maintenance 7. DOHC VTEC model only Apply non-hardening sealant to the drain bolt threads and reinstall the bolt in the engine block. Tighten it securely. 8. Mix the recommended antifreeze with an equal amount of purified or distilled water in a clean container. The cooling system capacity is: With manual transmission: (S, Si) 3.1 (0.82 US gal, 0.68 Imp gal) (VTEC) 4.5 (1.19 US gal, 0.99 Imp gal) With automatic transmission: (S) 3.0 (0.79 US gal, 0.66 Imp gal) (Si) 3.2 (0.85 US gal, 0.70 Imp gal) FILLER NECK Fill up to here 9. Pour coolant into the radiator up to the base of the filler neck. 10. Put the cap on the radiator, only tighten it to the first stop. Start the engine and let it run until it warms up (the radiator cooling fan comes on at least twice). Removing the radiator cap while the engine is hot can cause the coolant to spray out, seriously scalding you. Always let the engine and radiator cool down before removing the radiator cap. 11.Turn off the engine. Check the level in the radiator, add coolant if needed. Install the radiator cap, tighten it fully. Cooling System RESERVE TANK 12.Fill the reserve tank to the MAX mark. Install the reserve tank cap. Maintenance Windshield Washers Check the level in the windshield washer reservoir at least monthly during normal usage. In bad weather, when you use the washers often, check the level every time you stop for fuel. Maintenance RESERVOIR NOTICE Do not use engine antifreeze or a vinegar/water solution in the wind- shield washer reservoir. Antifreeze can damage your car's paint, while a vinegar/water solution can damage the windshield washer pump. Use only commercially-available windshield washer fluid. The windshield washer reservoir is located behind the left headlight. Check the reservoir's fluid level by removing the cap and looking inside. Fill the reservoir with a good-quality windshield washer fluid. This increases the cleaning capability and prevents freezing in cold weather. Automatic Transmission DIPSTICK Transmission Fluid 5. If the level is below the lower mark, add fluid into the filler hole to bring it to the upper mark. Use Honda Premium Formula Auto- matic Transmission Fluid or an equivalent DEXRON® II Auto- matic Transmission Fluid (ATF) only. UPPER MARK LOWER MARK 6. Insert the dipstick all the way back into the transmission securely as shown in the illustration. Check the fluid level with the engine at normal operating temperature. 1. Park the car on level ground. Shut off the engine. 2. Remove the dipstick (yellow loop) from the transmission and wipe it with a clean cloth. 3. Insert the dipstick all the way into the transmission securely as shown in the illustration. 4. Remove the dipstick and check the fluid level. It should be between the upper and lower marks. The transmission should be drained and refilled with new fluid according to the time and distance recommen- dations in the maintenance schedule. Maintenance If Honda MTF is not available, you may use an API service SG or SH- ratecl motor oil with a viscosity of SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 temporarily. Motor oil can cause increased trans- mission wear and higher shifting effort, so you should have the trans- mission drained and refilled with Honda MTF as soon as possible. The transmission should be drained and refilled with new fluid according to the time and distance recommen- dations in the maintenance schedule. Transmission Fluid 5-speed Manual Transmission FILLER BOLT Correct level Check the fluid level with the transmission at normal operating temperature and the vehicle sitting on level ground. Remove the transmission filler bolt and carefully feel inside the bolt hole with your finger. The fluid level should be up to the edge of the bolt hole. If it is not, add genuine Honda Manual Transmission Fluid until it starts to run out of the hole. Reinstall the filler bolt and tighten it securely. Maintenance Check the fluid level in the reser- voirs monthly. There are up to three reservoirs, depending on model. They are: Brake fluid reservoir Clutch fluid reservoir (manual transmission only) ABS reservoir (cars with ABS) The brake fluid in the brake and Anti-lock brake systems should be replaced every 3 years or 72,000 km (45,000 miles), whichever comes first. Brake System M AX M IN The fluid should be between the MIN and MAX marks on the side of the reservoir. If the level is at or below the MIN mark, it is an indication that your brake system needs attention. Have the brake system inspected for leaks or worn brake pads. Brake and Clutch Fluid If you add brake fluid to bring it up to the MAX mark, use Genuine Honda Brake Fluid or an equivalent from a sealed container that is marked DOT3 or DOT4 only. Brake fluid marked DOT5 is not compatible with your car's braking system. Maintenance Brake and Clutch Fluid Anti-lock Brake System The fluid should be between the MIN and MAX marks on the side of the reservoir. If it is at or below the MIN mark, it may indicate a problem in the braking system. Have the dealer inspect your car. Maintenance Clutch System MAX If the fluid level is half an inch or more above the MAX mark, it may indicate a problem in the ABS. Have your dealer inspect the system as soon as possible. If you add brake fluid to bring it up to the MAX mark, use the same DOT3 or DOT4 brake fluid from a sealed container specified for the brake system. MIN The fluid should be between the MIN and MAX marks on the side of the reservoir. If it is not, add brake fluid to bring it up to that level. Use the same DOT3 or DOT4 brake fluid specified for the brake system. Low fluid level can indicate a leak in the clutch system. Have this system inspected as soon as possible. All models except for U.S. S model with manual transmission You should check the fluid level in the power steering reservoir monthly. Check the level when the engine is cold. Look at the side of the reservoir. The fluid should be between the UPPER LEVEL and LOWER LEVEL. If it is below the LOWER LEVEL, add power steering fluid to the UPPER LEVEL. Power Steering A low power steering fluid level can indicate a leak in the system. Check the fluid level frequently and have the system inspected as soon as possible. NOTICE Turing the steering wheel to full left or right lock and holding it there can damage the power steering pump. UPPER LEVEL LOWER LEVEL NOTICE Using automatic transmission fluid or another brand of power steering fluid will damage the system. Use only GENUINE HONDA Power Steering Fluid-V. Maintenance Air Cleaner The air cleaner element should be replaced according to the time and distance recommendations in the maintenance schedule. BOLTS AIR CLEANER ELEMENT 3. Place the new air cleaner element in the air cleaner housing. 4. Reinstall the air cleaner housing cover, tighten the four bolts. On Si and VTEC models The air cleaner element is inside the box on the passenger's side of the engine compartment. To replace it: 1. Loosen the four bolts and remove the air cleaner housing cover. 2. Remove the old air cleaner element. Clean the inside of the air cleaner housing with a damp rag. Maintenance CLIPS Air Cleaner 4. Reinstall the air cleaner housing cover, snap the four clips back into place. On S model The air cleaner element is inside the air cleaner housing in the engine compartment. To replace it: 1. Unsnap the four clips and remove the air cleaner housing cover. AIR CLEANER ELEMENT 2. Remove the old air cleaner element. Clean the inside of the air cleaner housing with a damp rag. 3. Place the new air cleaner element in the air cleaner housing. Maintenance Spark Plugs (S,Si) The spark plugs in your car need to be replaced every 2 years or 48,000 km (30,000 miles), whichever comes first. (VTEC) The spark plugs in your car are a special platinum-tipped design for longer life. They only need to be replaced every 6 years or 96,000 km (60,000 miles), whichever comes first. Maintenance Replacement 3. Remove the spark plug cap by pulling it straight out. 4. Remove the spark plug with a 16 mm (5/8 inch) spark plug socket. SPARK PLUG CAP 1. VTEC only: Remove the four nuts, then remove the plug wire cover. 2. Clean up any dirt and oil around the spark plug caps. 5. Put the new spark plug into the socket, then thread it into the hole. Screw it in by hand so you do not crossthread it. 6. Torque the spark plug. (If you do not have a torque wrench, tighten the spark plug 2/3 turn after it contacts the cylinder head.) Tightening torque: 18 N.m(1.8kgf.m,13 lbf.ft) Spark Plugs NOTICE Tighten the spark plugs carefully. A spark plug that is too loose can overheat and damage the engine. Overtightening can cause damage to the threads in the cylinder head. 7. Install the spark plug cap. 8. Repeat this procedure for the other three spark plugs. (VTEC) Reinstall the plug wire cover and tighten the four nuts. CONTINUED Maintenance (VTEC) NGK: Nippondenso: PFR6L-13 PK20PR-L13 Spark Plug Gap: 1.3 mm (0.05 in) Battery Check the condition of your car's battery monthly. You should check for proper electrolyte level and corrosion on the terminals. The battery contains sulfuric acid (electrolyte) which is highly corrosive and poisonous. Getting electrolyte in your eyes or on your skin can cause serious burns. Wear protective clothing and eye protection when working near the battery. Spark Plugs, Battery Specifications: (S,Si) NGK: Nippondenso: ZFR5F-11 KJ16CR-L11 Spark Plug Gap: 1.1 mm (0.04 in) Maintenance Emergency Procedures Eyes — Flush with water from a cup or other container for at least fifteen minutes. (Water under pressure can damage the eye.) Immediately call a physician or 911. Skin — Remove contaminated clothing. Flush the skin with large quantities of water. Call a physician immediately. Swallowing — Drink water or milk. Call your local Poison Control Center or a physician immediately. TEST INDICATOR WINDOW Battery Check the battery condition by looking at the test indicator window on the battery: Blue — Good condition Red — Add distilled water White — Charging necessary Check the battery terminals for corrosion (a white or yellowish powder). To remove it, cover the terminals with a solution of baking soda and water. It will bubble up and turn brown. When this stops, wash it off with plain water. Dry off the battery with a cloth or paper towel. Coat the terminals with grease to help prevent future corrosion. CONTINUED Maintenance Battery If the terminals are severely cor- roded, clean them with baking soda and water. Then use a wrench to loosen and remove the cables from the terminals. Always disconnect the negative ( — ) cable first and recon- nect it last. Clean the battery termi- nals with a terminal cleaning tool or wire brush. Reconnect and tighten the cables, then coat the terminals with grease. If you need to connect the battery to a charger, disconnect both cables to prevent damage to the car's electri- cal system. 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. Wear protective clothing and a face shield, or have a skilled mechanic do the battery maintenance. On Si and VTEC models If your car's battery is disconnected or goes dead, the audio system will disable itself. The next time you turn on the radio you will see "Code" in the frequency display. Use the Preset buttons to enter the five-digit code (see page 88 ). NOTICE Charging the battery with the cables connected can seriously damage your car's electronic controls. Detach the battery cables before connecting the battery to a charger. Maintenance Check the condition of the wind- shield wiper blades at least every six months. Look for signs of cracking in the rubber, or areas that are getting hard. Replace the blades if you find these signs, or they leave streaks and unwiped areas when used. WIPER ARMS Windshield Wipers LOCK TAB To replace: 1. Raise the wiper arm off the windshield. 2. Disconnect the blade assembly from the wiper arm by pushing in the lock tab. Hold it in while you push the blade assembly toward the base of the arm. CONTINUED Maintenance 5. Slide the new wiper blade into the holder until the tabs lock. 6. Slide the wiper blade assembly onto the wiper arm. Make sure it locks in place. 7. Lower the wiper arm down against the windshield. Windshield Wipers BLADE BLADE 3. Remove the blade from its holder by grasping the tabbed end of the blade. Pull firmly until the tabs come out of the holder. REINFORCEMENT 4. Examine the new wiper blades. If they have no plastic or metal rein- forcement along the back edge, remove the metal reinforcement strips from the old wiper blade and install them in the slots along the edge of the new blade. Maintenance Air Conditioning (Optional) Your car's air conditioning is a sealed system. Any major maintenance, such as recharging, should be done by a qualified technician. There are a couple of things you can do to make sure the air conditioning works efficiently. Periodically check the engine's radiator and air conditioning condenser for leaves, insects, and dirt stuck to the front surface. These block the air flow and reduce cooling efficiency. Use a light spray from a hose or a soft brush to remove them. If the air conditioning does not get as cold as before, have your dealer check the system. Recharge the system with Refrigerant HFC-134a (R-134a). (See Specifications on page 199 .) AIR CONDITIONING CONDENSER NOTICE The condenser and radiator fins bend easily. Only use a low-pressure spray or soft-bristle brush to clean them. Run the air conditioning at least once a week during the cold weather months. Run it for at least ten minutes while you are driving at a steady speed with the engine at normal operating temperature. This circulates the lubricating oil con- tained in the refrigerant. NOTICE Whenever you have the air conditioning system serviced, make sure the service facility uses a refrigerant recycling system. This system captures the refrigerant for reuse. Releasing refrigerant into the atmosphere can damage the environment. Maintenance Removable Roof Panel To help reduce the potential for leaks and noises, you should perform maintenance on the seals and locking mechanism every 6 months or 12,000km (7,500 miles). Grease all four pins. 1. Apply a thin film of Honda silicone grease to the body seals wherever they contact the roof panel or each other. 2. Place the roof panel upside down on a blanket or carpet. 3. Turn the release levers to the lock position so the lock pins extend. Clean front and rear edges. 4. Coat the four lock pins with Honda silicone grease. Remove any excess. 5. Clean the front and rear edges of the roof panel. 6. Reinstall the roof panel. Maintenance Drive Belts POWER STEERING BELT ALTERNATOR BELT COMPRESSOR BELT Check the condition of the two or three drive belts. Examine the edges of each belt for cracks or fraying. Check the tension of each belt by pushing on it with your thumb midway between the pulleys. The belts should have the following "play" or deflection. Alternator belt: (VTEC) 7.0—10.5 mm (0.28-0.41 in) (S,Si) 8.0—10.5 mm (0.31—0.41 in) Power steering belt: (VTEC) 7.5—11.0 mm (0.30— 0.43 in) (S, Si) 10.5 — 14.0mm (0.41 — 0.55 in) On cars with Air Conditioning Compressor belt: (VTEC) 6.0 — 9.5 mm (0.24 — 0.37 in) (S, Si) 7.5 — 9.5 mm (0.30 — 0.37 in) If you see signs of wear or looseness, have your dealer adjust or replace the belts. Drive Belts, Tires Tires To safely operate your car, your tires must be the proper type and size, in good condition with adequate tread, and correctly inflated. The following pages give more detailed information on how and when to check air pressure, how to inspect your tires for damage and wear, and what to do when your tires need to be replaced. Using tires that are excessively worn or improperly inflated can cause a crash in which you can be seriously hurt or killed. Follow all instructions in this owner's manual regarding tire inflation and maintenance. Maintenance Tires Inflation Keeping the tires properly inflated provides the best combination of handling, tread life and riding comfort. Underinflated tires wear unevenly, adversely affect handling and fuel economy, and are more likely to fail from being overheated. Overinflated tires can make your car ride more harshly, are more prone to damage from road hazards, and wear unevenly. We recommend that you visually check your tires every day and use a gauge to measure the air pressure at least once a month. If you think a tire might be low, check it immediately. Remember to check the spare tire at the same time you check all the other tires. Check the pressure in the tires when they are cold. This means the car has been parked for at least three hours. If you have to drive the car Maintenance before checking the tire pressure, the tires can still be considered "cold" if you drive less than 1.6 km (1 mile). If you check the pressure when the tires are hot (the car has been driven several miles), you will see readings 30 to 40 kPa (0.3 to 0.4 kg/cm2, 4 to 6 psi) higher than the cold reading. This is normal. Do not let air out to match the specified cold pressure. The tire will be underinflated. Recommended Tire Pressures for Normal Driving The following chart shows the recommended cold tire pressures for most normal driving conditions and speeds. Tire pressures for high speed driving are shown on page 202 . The compact spare tire pressure is: 415 kPa (4.15 kgf/cm2, 60 psi) These pressures are also given on the tire information label in the glove box. Tires You should look for: Bumps or bulges in the tread or side of the tire. Replace the tire if you find either of these conditions. Cuts, splits, or cracks in the side of the tire. Replace the tire if you can see fabric or tread. Excessive tread wear. Your car's tires have wear indicators molded into the tread. When the tread wears down to that point, you will see a 12.7 mm (1/2 inch) wide band running across the tread. This shows there is less than 1.6 mm (1/16 inch) of tread left on the tire. A tire that is this worn gives very little traction on wet roads. You should replace the tire if you can see the tread wear indicator in three or more places around the tire. INDICATOR LOCATION MARKS You should get your own tire pressure gauge and use it whenever you check your tire pressures. This will make it easier for you to tell if a pressure loss is due to a tire problem and not due to a variation between gauges. Tubeless tires have some ability to self-seal if they are punctured. However, because leakage is often very slow, you should look closely for punctures if a tire starts losing pressure. Inspection Every time you check inflation, you should also examine the tires for damage, foreign objects, and wear. TREAD WEAR INDICATORS Maintenance Tires Maintenance In addition to proper inflation, correct wheel alignment helps to decrease tire wear. If you find a tire is worn unevenly, have your dealer check the wheel alignment. The tires were properly balanced by the factory. They may need to be rebalanced at some time before they are worn out. Have your dealer check the tires if you feel a consis- tent vibration while driving. A tire should always be rebalanced if it is removed from the wheel for repair. Make sure the installer balances the wheels when you have new tires installed. This increases riding comfort and tire life. Your car's original tires were dynamic or "spin" balanced at the factory. For best results, have the installer perform a dynamic balance. Maintenance NOTICE Tire Rotation (Only on cars equipped with aluminum wheels) Improper wheel weights can damage your car's aluminum wheels. Use only genuine Honda wheel weights for balancing. F r o n t F r o n t (For Non- directional Tires and Wheels) (For Directional Tires and Wheels) To help increase tire life and distribute wear more evenly, you should have the tires rotated every 12,000 km (7,500 miles). Move the tires to the positions shown in the chart each time they are rotated. When shopping for replacement tires, you may find that some tires are "directional." This means they are designed to rotate only in one direction. If you use directional tires, they should be rotated only front-to- back. Replacing Tires and Wheels The tires that came with your car were selected to match the perform- ance capabilities of the car while providing the best combination of handling, ride comfort, and long life. You should replace them with radial tires of the same size, load range, speed rating, and maximum cold tire pressure rating (as shown on the tire's sidewall). Mixing radial and bias-ply tires on your car can reduce its braking ability, traction, and steering accuracy. Tires Installing improper tires on your car can affect handling and stability. This can cause a crash in which you can be seriously hurt or killed. Always use the size and type of tires recommended in this owner's manual. CONTINUED Maintenance Tires It is best to replace all four tires at the same time. If that is not possible or necessary, then replace the two front tires or the two rear tires as a pair. Replacing just one tire can seriously affect your car's handling. The ABS works by comparing the speed of the wheels. When replacing tires, use the same size originally supplied with the car. Tire size and construction can affect wheel speed and may cause the system to work in- consistently. If you ever need to replace a wheel, make sure the wheel's specifications match those of the original wheel that came on your car. Replacement wheels are available at your Honda dealer. Maintenance Wheels and Tires Wheel: (S) 13x5J (Si, VTEC) 14x5 1/2 JJ Tire: (S) (Si) P175/70R1382S P185/60R1482H (VTEC) P195/60R1485V See Tire Information on page 201 for additional information about tire and wheel size designations. See page 202 for information about DOT Tire Quality Grading. Winter Driving Tires that are marked "M + S" or "All Season" on the sidewall have an all-weather tread design. They should be suitable for most winter driving conditions. Tires without these markings are designed for optimum traction in dry conditions. They may not provide adequate performance in winter driving. For the best performance in snowy or icy conditions, you should install snow tires or tire chains. They may be required by local laws under certain conditions. Snow Tires If you mount snow tires on your Honda, make sure they are radial tires of the same size and load range as the original tires. Mount snow tires on all four wheels to balance your car's handling in all weather conditions. Keep in mind the traction provided by snow tires on dry roads may not be as high as your car's original equipment tires. You should drive cautiously even when the roads are clear. Check with the tire dealer for maximum speed recommenda- tions. Tire Chains Mount snow chains on your car when warranted by driving condi- tions or required by local laws. Make sure the chains are the correct size for your tires. Install them only on the front tires. If metal chains are used, they must be SAE class "S". Cable type traction devices can also be used. When installing chains, follow the manufacturer's instructions and mount them as tightly as you can. Drive slowly with chains installed. If you hear the chains contacting the body or chassis, stop and tighten them. If they still make contact, slow down until it stops. Remove the chains as soon as you begin driving on cleared roads. Tires NOTICE Chains of the wrong size or that are improperly installed can damage your car's brake lines, suspension, body, and wheels. Stop driving if you hear the chains hitting any part of the car. Maintenance Lights Check the operation of your car's exterior lights at least once a month. A burned out bulb can create an unsafe condition by reducing your car's visibility and the ability to signal your intentions to other drivers. Check the following: Headlights (low and high beam) Parking lights Taillights Brake lights Turn signals Back-up lights Hazard light function License plate light Side marker lights Daytime running lights (Canadian cars) If you find any bulbs are burned out, replace them as soon as possible. Refer to the chart on page 199 to determine what type of replacement bulb is needed. Maintenance Replacing a Headlight Bulb Your car has halogen headlight bulbs, one on each side. When replacing a bulb, handle it by its steel base and protect the glass from contact with your skin or hard objects. If you touch the glass, clean it with denatured alcohol and a clean cloth. NOTICE Halogen headlight bulbs get very hot when lit. Oil, perspiration, or a scratch on the glass can cause the bulb to overheat and shatter. HOLDER 1. Open the hood. If you need to change the headlight bulb on the passenger's side, remove the air intake tube by pulling it straight up. If you need to change the head- light bulb on the driver's side, remove the power steering reservoir tank by pulling it out of its holder. Lights 4. Unclip the end of the hold-down wire from its slot. Pivot it out of the way and remove the bulb. 5. Insert the new bulb into the hole, making sure the tabs are in their slots. Pivot the hold-down wire back in place and clip the end into the slot. 6. Push the rubber weather seal over the bulb. 7. Push the electrical connector onto the tabs of the new bulb. Make sure it locks in place. Turn on the headlights to test the new bulb. 8. (Passenger's side) Reinstall the air intake tube. (Driver's side) Reinstall the power steering reservoir. BULB CONNECTOR HOLD-DOWN WIRE 2. Remove the electrical connector from the bulb by pulling the

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1996 Honda Civic DEL SOL Owners Manual