1996 Honda Civic DEL SOL Owners Manual

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connector straight back. 3. Remove the rubber weather seal by pulling on the tab. Maintenance Lights Replacing the Front Side Marker/ Turn Signal and Parking Light Bulb SOCKET SCREW BULB 1. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the screw from the top of the fender. 2. Move the side marker light assembly forward until it slides out of the body. 3. Turn the socket one-quarter turn counterclockwise to remove it from the lens. Maintenance 4. Remove the bulb by pushing it in slightly and turning it counter- clockwise. 5. Install the new bulb in the socket. Turn it clockwise to lock it in place. 6. Insert the socket back into the lens. Turn it clockwise to lock it in place. 7. Turn on the parking lights to make sure the new bulb works. 8. To reinstall the light assembly in the fender, line up the guide on the assembly with the metal tab next to the headlight and line up the fingers on the light assembly with the holes in the fender. Push the light assembly straight back. 9. Install the mounting screw and tighten it securely. Replacing Rear Bulbs 1. Open the trunk. When replacing a bulb in the right assembly, remove the jack first. 2. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the two screws and pull off the lining. 3. Determine which of the four bulbs is burned out: tail/stoplight, back- up light, turn signal, or side marker. Remove the socket for that bulb by turning it counter- clockwise. Lights 4. To remove the tail/stoplight bulb, back-up light bulb or the turn signal bulb, push it in slightly and turn it counterclockwise. To remove the side marker bulb, pull it straight out of the socket. 5. Install the new bulb in the socket. Insert the socket back in the taillight assembly and turn it clock- wise to lock it in place. 6. Test the new bulb. Put the lining back and tighten the two screws. Maintenance Lights Replacing a Rear License Bulb 4. Pull the bulb straight out of the socket. Replacing Interior and Trunk Light Bulbs 5. Install the new bulb. Test it to make sure it works. INTERIOR LIGHT 6. Reinstall the light assembly on the bracket. Install the mounting screws and tighten them securely. 1. Open the trunk. Use a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the two mounting screws. 2. Pull the assembly away from the bracket. 3. Remove the socket from the light assembly by turning it one-quarter turn counterclockwise. Maintenance 1. Remove the lens by carefully prying on the edge of the lens in the middle with a fingernail file or a small flat-tip screwdriver. Do not pry on the edge of the housing around the lens. TRUNK LIGHT 2. Remove the bulb by pulling it straight out of its metal tabs. 3. Push the new bulb into the metal tabs. Snap the lens back in place. Lights Maintenance Storing Your Car If you need to park your car for an extended period (more than 1 month), there are several things you should do to prepare it for storage. Proper preparation helps prevent deterioration and makes it easier to get your car back on (he road. It is best to store your car indoors if at all possible. Block the rear wheels. If the car is to be stored for a longer period, it should be supported on jackstands so the tires are off the ground. Leave one window open slightly (if the car is being stored indoors). Fill the fuel tank. Disconnect the battery. Support the front wiper blade arms with a folded towel or rag so they do not touch the windshield. Apply a silicone spray lubricant to all door and trunk seals. Also, apply wax to the painted surfaces that mate with the door and trunk seals. Change the engine oil and filter (see page 128 ). Was h and dry the exterior completely. Clean the interior. Make sure the carpeting, floor mats, etc. are completely dry. Leave the parking brake off. Put the transmission in Reverse (manual) or Park (automatic). Maintenance Cover the car with a "breathable" car cover, one made from a porous material such as cotton. Nonporous materials, such as plastic sheeting, trap moisture which can damage the paint. If possible, run the engine for a while periodically (preferably once a month). If you store your car for 12 months or longer, have your Honda dealer perform the inspections called for in the 24 months/48,000 km (30,000 miles) maintenance schedule (Normal Conditions) as soon as you take it out of storage (see page 120 ). The replacements called for in the maintenance schedule are not needed unless the car has actually reached that time or mileage. Appearance Care Regular cleaning and polishing of your Honda helps to keep it "new" looking. This section gives you hints on how to clean and preserve your car's appearance: the paint, bright- work, wheels and interior. Also included are several things you can do to help prevent corrosion. Exterior Care.................................. 168 Washing...................................... 168 Waxing........................................ 169 Aluminum Wheels..................... 169 Paint Touch-up........................... 169 Interior Care................................... 170 Carpeting.................................... 170 Fabric.......................................... 170 Vinyl............................................ 170 Seat Belts....................................170 Windows..................................... 171 Air Fresheners........................... 171 Corrosion Protection..................... 171 Body Repairs.................................. 172 Appearance Care Exterior Care Washing Frequent washing helps preserve your car's beauty. Dirt and grit can scratch the paint, while tree sap and bird droppings can permanently ruin the finish. Wash your car in a shady area, not in direct sunlight. If the car is parked in the sun, move it into the shade and let the exterior cool down before you start. NOTICE Chemical solvents and strong cleaners can damage the paint, metal, and plastic on your car. Appearance Care When you have washed and rinsed the whole exterior, dry it with a chamois or soft towel. Letting it air-dry will cause dulling and water spots. As you dry the car, inspect it for chips and scratches that could allow corrosion to start. Repair them with touch-up paint (see page 169 ). Rinse the car thoroughly with cool water to remove loose dirt. Fill a bucket with cool water. Mix in a mild detergent, such as dishwashing liquid or a product made especially for car washing. Wash the car, using the water and detergent solution and a soft- bristle brush, sponge, or soft cloth. Start at the top and work your way down. Rinse frequently. Check the body for road tar, tree sap, etc. Remove these stains with tar remover or turpentine. Rinse it off immediately so it does not harm the finish. Remember to re- wax these areas, even if the rest of the car does not need waxing. Waxing Always wash and dry the whole car before waxing it. You should wax your car, including the metal trim, whenever water sits on the surface in large patches. It should form into beads or droplets after waxing. You should use a quality liquid or paste wax. Apply it according to the instructions on the container. In general, there are two types of products: Waxes — A wax coats the finish and protects it from damage by exposure to sunlight, air pollution, etc. You should use a wax on your Honda when it is new. Polishes — Polishes and cleaner/ waxes can restore the shine to paint that has oxidized and lost some of its shine. They normally contain mild abrasives and solvents that remove the top layer of the finish. You should use a polish on your Honda if the finish does not have its original shine after using a wax. Cleaning tar, insects, etc. with removers also takes off the wax. Remember to re-wax those areas, even if the rest of the car does not need waxing. Aluminum Wheels (Only on cars equipped with aluminum wheels) Clean your Honda's aluminum alloy wheels as you do the rest of the exterior. Wash them with the same solution, and rinse them thoroughly. The wheels have a protective clear- coat that keeps the aluminum from corroding and tarnishing. Using harsh chemicals, including some commercial wheel cleaners, or stiff brushes can damage this clear-coat. Only use a mild detergent and soft brush or sponge to clean the wheels. Exterior Care Paint Touch-up Your dealer has touch-up paint to match your car's color. The color code is printed on a sticker on the driver's doorjamb. Take this code to your dealer so you are sure to get the correct color. Inspect your car frequently for chips or scratches in the paint. Repair them right away to prevent corrosion of the metal underneath. Use the touch-up paint only on small chips and scratches. More extensive paint damage should be repaired by a professional. Appearance Care Interior Care Carpeting Vacuum the carpeting frequently to remove dirt. Ground-in dirt will make the carpet wear out faster. Periodically shampoo the carpet to keep it looking new. Use one of the foam-type carpet cleaners on the market. Follow the instructions that come with the cleaner, applying it with a sponge or soft brush. Keep the carpeting as dry as possible by not adding water to the foam. Fabric Vacuum dirt and dust out of the material frequently. For general cleaning, use a solution of mild soap and lukewarm water, letting it air dry. To clean off stubborn spots, use a commercially-available fabric cleaner. Test it on a hidden area of the fabric first, to make sure it does not bleach or stain the fabric. Follow the instructions that come with the cleaner. Vinyl Remove dirt and dust with a vacuum cleaner. Wipe the vinyl with a soft cloth dampened in a solution of mild soap and water. Use the same solution with a soft-bristle brush on more difficult spots. You can also use commercially-available spray or foam-type vinyl cleaners. Seat Belts If your seat belts get dirty, you can use a soft brush with a mixture of mild soap and warm water to clean them. Do not use bleach, dye, or cleaning solvents. They can weaken the belt material. Let the belts air- dry before you use the car. Appearance Care Interior Care, Corrosion Protection Air Fresheners If you want to use an air freshener/ deodorizer in the interior of your car, it is best to use a solid type. Some liquid air fresheners contain chemi- cals that may cause parts of the interior trim and fabric to crack or discolor. If you use a liquid air freshener, make sure you fasten it securely so it does not spill as you drive. Windows Clean the windows, inside and out, with a commercially-available glass cleaner. You can also use a mixture of one part white vinegar to ten parts water. This will remove the haze that builds up on the inside of the windows. Use a soft cloth or paper towels to clean all glass and clear plastic surfaces. NOTICE The rear window defogger wires are bonded to the inside of the glass. Wiping vigorously up-and-down can dislodge and break the defogger wires. When cleaning the rear window, use gentle pressure and wipe side-to-side. Corrosion Protection Two factors normally contribute to causing corrosion in your car: 1. Moisture trapped in body cavities. Dirt and road salt that collects in hollows on the underside of the car stays damp, promoting corrosion in that area. 2. Removal of paint and protective coatings from the exterior and underside of the car. Many corrosion-preventive measures are built into your Honda. You can help keep your car from corroding by performing some simple periodic maintenance: Repair chips and scratches in the paint as soon as you discover them. CONTINUED Appearance Care Corrosion Protection, Body Repairs Body Repairs Body repairs can affect your car's resistance to corrosion. If your car needs repairs after a collision, pay close attention to the parts used in the repair and the quality of the work. Make sure the repair facility uses genuine Honda replacement body parts. Some companies make sheetmetal pieces that seem to duplicate the original Honda body parts, but are actually inferior in fit, finish, and corrosion resistance. Once installed, they do not give the same high-quality appearance. When reporting your collision to the insurance company, tell them you want genuine Honda parts used in the repair. Although most insurers recognize the quality of original parts, some may try to specify that the repairs be done with other available parts. You should investi- gate this before any repairs are begun. Take your car to your authorized Honda dealer for inspection after the repairs are completed. He can make sure that quality materials were used, and that corrosion-preventive coatings were applied to all repaired and replaced parts. Inspect and clean out the drain holes in the bottom of the doors and body. Check the floor coverings for dampness. Carpeting and floor mats may remain damp for a long time, especially in winter. This dampness can eventually cause the floor panels to corrode. Use a high-pressure spray to clean the underside of your car. This is especially important in areas that use road salt in winter. It is also a good idea in humid climates and areas subject to salt air. Cars equipped with ABS have a sensor and wiring at each wheel. Be careful not to damage them. Have the corrosion-preventive coatings on the underside of your car inspected and repaired periodically. Appearance Care Taking Care of the Unexpected This section covers the more- common problems that motorists experience with their cars. It gives you information about how to safely evaluate the problem and what to do to correct it. If the problem has stranded you on the side of the road, you may be able to get going again. If not, you will also find instructions on getting your car towed. Compact Spare Tire....................... 174 Changing a Flat Tire..................... 175 If Your Engine Won't Start........... 181 Nothing Happens....................... 181 The Starter Operates Normally................................. 182 Jump Starting................................. 182 If Your Engine Overheats............. 184 Low Oil Pressure........................... 186 Charging System Indication......... 187 Malfunction Indicator Lamp ........ 188 Fuses............................................... 189 Checking and Replacing........... 190 Towing............................................ 194 Taking Care of the Unexpected Compact Spare Tire Your car has a compact spare tire that takes up less space. Use this spare tire as a temporary replace- ment only. Get your regular tire repaired or replaced and put back on your car as soon as you can. Check the inflation pressure of the compact spare tire every time you check the other tires. It should be inflated to: 415 kPa (4.15 kgf/cm2, 60 psi) Taking Care of the Unexpected Follow these precautions whenever you are using the compact spare tire: Do not exceed 50 mph (80 km/h) under any circumstances. This tire gives a harsher ride and less traction on some road sur- faces than the regular tire. Use greater caution while driving on this tire. Do not mount snow chains on the compact spare. The wheel of the compact spare tire is designed especially to fit your car. Do not use your spare tire on another car unless it is the same make and model. INDICATOR LOCATION MARK TREAD WEAR INDICATOR BAR The compact spare tire has a shorter tread life than a regular tire. Replace it when you can see the tread wear indicator bars. The replacement should be the same size and design tire, mounted on the same wheel. The compact spare tire is not designed to be mounted on a regular wheel, and the compact wheel is not designed for mounting a regular tire. If you have a flat tire while driving, stop in a safe place to change it. Stopping in traffic or on the shoulder of a busy road is dangerous. Drive slowly along the shoulder until you get to an exit or an area to stop that is far away from the traffic lanes. The car can easily roll off the jack, seriously injuring anyone underneath. Follow the directions for changing a tire exactly, and never get under the car when it is supported only by the jack. 1. Park the car on firm, level ground away from traffic. Turn on the hazard warning lights and turn the ignition to LOCK (0). Changing a Flat Tire ROOF HOLDER 2. Put the transmission in Park (automatic) or Reverse (manual). Set the parking brake. Have your passenger get out of the vehicle. 3. Open the trunk and lift up the roof holder. Raise the trunk floor by lifting up on the back edge. CONTINUED Taking Care of the Unexpected Changing a Flat Tire TOOL KIT JACK JACK SPARE TIRE 4. Take the tool kit out of the trunk. 5. Unscrew the wing bolt and take the spare tire out of its well. 6. Turn the jack's end bracket counterclockwise to loosen it, then remove the jack. 7. Loosen the four wheel nuts 1/2 turn with the wheel wrench. Taking Care of the Unexpected Changing a Flat Tire EXTENSION JACKING POINT 8. Locate the jacking point nearest the tire you need to change. It is pointed to by an arrow molded into the underside of the body. Place the jack under the jacking point. Turn the end bracket clockwise until the top of the jack contacts the jacking point. Make sure the jacking point tab is resting in the jack notch. WHEEL WRENCH 9. Use the extension and wheel wrench as shown to raise the car until the flat tire is off the ground. 10.Remove the wheel nuts and flat tire. Temporarily place the flat tire on the ground with the outside surface of the wheel facing up. You could scratch the wheel if you put it face down. CONTINUED Taking Care of the Unexpected Changing a Flat Tire WHEEL NUTS BRAKE HUB WHEEL COVER On S model Do not attempt to forcibly pry the wheel cover off with a screwdriver or other tool. The wheel cover cannot be removed without first removing the wheel nuts. 11.Before mounting the spare tire, wipe any dirt off the mounting surface of the wheel and hub with a cloth. 12.Put on the spare tire. Put the wheel nuts back on finger-tight, then tighten them in a crisscross pattern with the wheel wrench until the wheel is firmly against the hub. Do not try to tighten them fully. Taking Care of the Unexpected Changing a Flat Tire 13.Lower the car to the ground and remove the jack. 14.Tighten the wheel nuts securely in the same crisscross pattern. Have the wheel nut torque checked at the nearest automotive service facility. Tighten the wheel nuts to: 108 N.m(11 kgf.m,80 Ibf.ft) 15. On the Si and VTEC models Remove the center cap before storing the flat tire in the trunk well. CONTINUED Taking Care of the Unexpected 19.Store the jack in its holder with the end bracket facing to the rear. Turn the jack's end bracket to lock it in place. Replace the cover. Store the tool kit. 20. Store the wheel cover or center cap in the trunk. Make sure it does not get scratched or damaged. 21.Replace the trunk floor. 22. Lower the roof holder, then close the trunk lid. Changing a Flat Tire WING BOLT SPACER CONE 16. Place the flat tire face down in the spare tire well. 17.Remove the spacer cone from the wing bolt, turn it over, and put it back on the bolt. 18.Secure the flat tire by screwing the wing bolt back into its hole. Taking Care of the Unexpected Diagnosing why your engine won't start falls into two areas, depending on what you hear when you turn the key to START (III): You hear nothing, or almost nothing. The engine's starter motor does not operate at all, or operates very slowly. You can hear the starter motor operating normally, but the engine does not start up and run. Nothing Happens or the Starter Motor Operates Very Slowly When you turn the ignition switch to START (III), you do not hear the normal noise of the engine trying to start. You may hear a clicking sound or series of clicks, or nothing at all. Check these things: Check the transmission interlock. If you have a manual transmission, the clutch pedal must be pushed all the way to the floor or the starter will not operate. With an automatic transmission, it must be in Park or Neutral. Turn the ignition switch to ON (II). Turn on the headlights and check their brightness. If the headlights are very dim or don't light at all, the battery is discharged. See Jump Starting on page 182 . If Your Engine Won't Start Turn the ignition switch to START (III). If the headlights do not dim, check the condition of the fuses. If the fuses are OK, there is proba- bly something wrong with the electrical circuit for the ignition switch or starter motor. You will need a qualified technician to determine the problem. (See Towing on page 194 .) If the headlights dim noticeably or go out when you try to start the engine, either the battery is dis- charged or the connections are corroded. Check the condition of the battery and terminal connec- tions (see page 146 ). You can then try jump starting the car from a booster battery (see page 182 ). Taking Care of the Unexpected If Your Engine Won't Start, Jump Starting The Starter Operates Normally In this case, the starter motor sounds normal when you turn the ignition switch to START (III), but the engine does not run. Are you using the proper starting procedure? Refer to Starting the Engine on page 101. Do you have fuel? Turn the ignition switch to ON (II) for a minute and watch the fuel gauge. The low fuel level warning light may not be working, so you were not reminded to fill the tank. There may be an electrical problem, such as no power to the fuel pump. Check all the fuses (see page 189 ). If you find nothing wrong, you will need a qualified technician to find the problem. See Towing on page 194 . Taking Care of the Unexpected Jump Starting If your car's battery has run down, you may be able to start the engine by using a booster battery. Although this seems like a simple procedure, there are several precautions you should take. Follow the directions closely. 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. You cannot start a Honda with an automatic transmission by pushing or pulling it. To jump start your car: 1. Open the hood and check the physical condition of the battery (see page 146). In very cold weather, check the condition of the electrolyte. If it seems slushy or like ice, do not try jump starting until it thaws. NOTICE If a battery sits in extreme cold, the electrolyte inside can freeze. Attempting to jump start with a frozen battery can cause it to rupture or explode. 2. Turn off all the electrical acces- sories: heater, A/C, stereo system, lights, etc. Put the transmission in Neutral or Park and set the parking brake. Jump Starting 3. Connect one jumper cable to the positive ( + ) terminal on the booster battery. Connect the other end to the positive ( + ) terminal on your Honda's battery. BOOSTER BATTERY 4. Connect the second jumper cable to the negative (—) terminal on the booster battery. Connect the other end to the grounding strap as shown. Do not connect this jumper cable to any other part of the engine. 5. If the booster battery is in another car, have an assistant start that car and run it at a fast idle. 6. Start your car. If the starter motor still operates slowly, check the juniper cable connections to make sure they have good metal-to- metal contact. 7. Once your car is running, discon- nect the negative cable from your car, then from the booster battery. Disconnect the positive cable from your car, then the booster battery. Taking Care of the Unexpected If Your Engine Overheats The pointer of your car's tempera- ture gauge should stay in the mid- range under most conditions. It may go higher if you are driving up a long steep hill on a very hot day. If it climbs to the red mark, you should determine the reason. NOTICE Driving with the temperature gauge pointer at the red mark can cause serious damage to your engine. Taking Care of the Unexpected Your car can overheat for several reasons, such as lack of coolant or a mechanical problem. The only indication may be the temperature gauge climbing to or above the red mark. Or you may see steam or spray coming from under the hood. In either case, you should take immediate action. Steam and spray from an overheated engine can seriously scald you. Do not open the hood if steam is coming out. 1. Safely pull to the side of the road. Put the transmission in neutral or park and set the parking brake. Turn off the heating and cooling system and all other accessories. Turn on the hazard warning indicators. 2. If you see steam and/or spray coming from under the hood, turn off the engine. 3. If you do not see steam or spray, leave the engine running and watch the temperature gauge. If the high heat is due to overloading (climbing a long, steep hill on a hot day with the A/C running, for example), the engine should start to cool down almost immediately. If it does, wait until the tempera- ture gauge comes down to the mid- point then continue driving. 4. If the temperature gauge stays at the red mark, turn off the engine. 5. Wait until you see no more signs of steam or spray, then open the hood. 6. Look for any obvious coolant leaks, such as a split radiator hose. Everything is still extremely hot, so use caution. If you find a leak, it must be repaired before you continue driving (see Towing on page 194 ). 7. If you don't find an obvious leak, check the coolant level in the radiator reserve tank (see page 131 ). If the level is below the MIN mark, add coolant to half-way between the MIN and MAX marks. 8. If there was no coolant in the reserve tank, you may also have to add coolant to the radiator. Let the engine cool down until the pointer reaches the middle of the tempera- ture gauge, or lower, before check- ing 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. 9. Using gloves or a large heavy cloth, turn the radiator cap counterclockwise, without pushing down, to the first stop. This releases any remaining pressure in the cooling system. After the pressure releases, push down on the cap and turn it until it comes off. If Your Engine Overheats 10. Start the engine and set the temperature control lever to maximum. Add coolant to the radiator up to the base of the filler neck. If you do not have the proper coolant mixture available, you can add plain water. Remember to have the cooling system drained and refilled with the proper mixture as soon as you can. 11. Put the radiator cap back on tightly. Run the engine and watch the temperature gauge. If it goes back to the red mark, the engine needs repair. (See Towing on page 194 .) 12.If the temperature stays normal, check the coolant level in the radiator reserve tank. If it has gone down, add coolant to the MAX mark. Put the cap back on tightly. Taking Care of the Unexpected 4 . Start the engine and watch the oil pressure light. If the light does not go out within ten seconds, turn off the engine. There is a mechanical problem that needs to be repaired before you can continue driving. (See Towing on page 194 .) Low Oil Pressure LOW OIL PRESSURE INDICATOR This indicator should light when the ignition is ON (II), and go out after the engine starts. It should never come on when the engine is running. If it starts flashing, it indicates that the oil pressure dropped very low for a moment, then recovered. If the indicator stays on with the engine running, it shows that the engine has lost oil pressure and serious engine damage is possible. In either case, you should take immediate action. Taking Care of the Unexpected NOTICE Running the engine with low oil pressure can cause serious mechanical damage almost immediately. Turn off the engine as soon as you can safely get the car slopped. 1. Safely pull off the road and shut off the engine. 2. Let the car sit for a minute. Open the hood and check the oil level (see page 126 ). Although oil level and oil pressure are not directly connected, an engine that is veiy low on oil can lose pressure during cornering and other driving maneuvers. 3. If necessary, add oil to bring the level back to the full mark on the dipstick (see page 126 ). Charging System Indication By eliminating as much of the electrical load as possible, you can drive several miles before the battery is too discharged to keep the engine running. Drive to a service station or garage where you can get technical assistance. Immediately turn off all electrical accessories: radio, heater, A/C, rear defogger, cruise control, etc. Try not to use other electrically-operated controls such as the power windows. Keep the engine running and take extra care not to stall it. Starting the engine will discharge the battery rapidly. CHARGING SYSTEM INDICATOR This indicator should come on when the ignition is ON (II), and go out after the engine starts. If it comes on brightly when the engine is running, it indicates that the charging system has stopped charging the battery. Taking Care of the Unexpected If this indicator light comes on, have your car checked by the dealer as soon as possible. Drive moderately until the dealer has inspected the problem. Avoid full-throttle accelera- tion and driving at high speed. NOTICE If you keep driving with the malfunc- tion indicator lamp on, you can damage your car's emission controls and engine. Those repairs may not be covered by your car's warranties. Malfunction Indicator Lamp MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP This indicator comes on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition switch ON (II). If it comes on at any other time, it indicates that one of the engine's emissions control systems may have a problem. Even though you may feel no difference in your car's performance, it can reduce your fuel economy and cause your car to put out excessive emissions. Continued operation may cause serious engine damage. Taking Care of the Unexpected All the electrical circuits in your car have fuses to protect them from a short circuit or overload. These fuses are located in two or three fuse boxes. INTERIOR UNDER- HOOD Fuses TAB The interior fuse box is underneath the dashboard on the driver's side. Remove the fuse box lid by swinging the lid down and pulling it straight out of its hinges. The under-hood fuse box is located in the engine compartment next to the battery. To open it, push the tab as shown. CONTINUED Taking Care of the Unexpected Fuses ABS FUSE BOX Checking and Replacing Fuses If something electrical in your car stops working, the first thing you should check for is a blown fuse. Determine from the chart on pages 192 and 193 , or the diagram on the fuse box lid, which fuse or fuses control that component. Check those fuses first, but check all the fuses before deciding that is not the cause. Replace any blown fuses and check the component's operation. BLOWN Cars equipped with ABS have a third fuse box for the ABS. It is in the front of the engine compartment on the passenger's side. 1. Turn the ignition switch to LOCK (0). Make sure the headlights and all other accessories are off. 2. Remove the cover from the fuse box. 3. Check each of the large fuses in the under-hood fuse box by looking through the top at the wire inside. Removing these fuses requires a Phillips-head screw- driver. Taking Care of the Unexpected FUSE PULLER BLOWN 4. Check the smaller fuses in the under-hood fuse box and all the fuses in the interior fuse box by pulling out each fuse with the fuse puller provided in the interior fuse box. 5. Look for a burned wire inside the fuse. If it is burned out, replace it with one of the spare fuses of the same rating or lower. If you cannot drive the car without fking the problem, and you do not have a spare fuse, take a fuse of the same rating or a lower rating from one of the other circuits. Make sure you can do without that circuit temporarily (such as the cigarette lighter or radio). Fuses If you replace the blown fuse with a spare fuse that has a lower rating, it might blow out again. This does not indicate anything wrong. Replace the fuse with one of the correct rating as soon as you can. NOTICE Replacing a fuse with one that has a higher rating greatly increases the chances of damaging the electrical system. If you do not have a replace- ment fuse with the proper rating for the circuit, install one with a lower rating. 6. If the replacement fuse of the same rating blows in a short time, there is probably a serious electrical problem in your car. Leave the blown fuse in that circuit and have your car checked by a qualified technician. CONTINUED Taking Care of the Unexpected Fuses INTERIOR FUSE BOX * : On Canadian cars Taking Care of the Unexpected UNDER-HOOD FUSE BOX ABS FUSE BOX Fuses Taking Care of the Unexpected Towing If your car needs to be towed, call a professional towing service or, if you belong to one, an organization that provides roadside assistance. Never tow your car behind another car with just a rope or chain. It is very dangerous. Emergency Towing There are three popular methods of towing a car: Flat-bed Equipment — The operator loads your car on the back of a truck. This is the best way of trans- porting your Honda. Wheel Lift Equipment — The tow truck uses two pivoting arms that go under the tires (front or rear) and lift them off the ground. The other two tires remain on the ground. Taking Care of the Unexpected Sling-type Equipment — The tow truck uses metal cables with hooks on the ends. These hooks go around parts of the frame or suspension and the cables lift that end of the car off the ground. Your car's suspension and body can be seriously damaged if this method of towing is attempted. If your Honda cannot be transported by flat-bed, it should be towed with the front wheels off the ground. If due to damage, your car must be towed with the front wheels on the ground, do the following: 5-speed Manual Transmission Release the parking brake. Shift the transmission to Neutral. Automatic Transmission: Release the parking brake. Start the engine. Shift to D4, then to N. Turn off the engine. NOTICE Improper towing preparation will damage the transmission. Follow the above procedure exactly. If you cannot shift the transmission or start the engine (automatic transmission), your car must be transported on a flat-bed. It is best to tow the car no farther than 80 km (50 miles), and keep the speed below 35 mph (55 km/h). NOTICE Trying to lift or tow your car by the bumpers will cause serious damage. The bumpers are not designed to support the car's weight. The diagrams in this section give you the dimensions and capacities of your Honda, and the locations of the identification numbers. The expla- nations of several electronic and mechanical systems on your Honda are for the more technically-oriented owner. Identification Numbers................. 196 Specifications................................. 198 Anti-lock Brake System................ 200 Tire Information............................ 201 Tire Size Designation................ 201 Wheel Size Designation............ 201 Tire Speed Ratings.................... 201 Tire Pressure Adjustment For High Speed Driving........ 202 DOT Tire Quality Grading....... 202 Treadwear.............................. 203 Traction.................................. 203 Temperature.......................... 203 Technical Information Emission Controls......................... 204 The Clean Air Act...................... 204 Crankcase Emission Control System..................................... 204 Evaporative Emission Control System..................................... 204 Exhaust Emission Controls...... 205 PGM-FI System..................... 205 Ignition Timing Control System................................. 205 Three Way Catalytic Converter............................ 205 Replacement Parts..................... 205 Three Way Catalytic Converter... 206 Technical Information Identification Numbers Your car has several identifying numbers located in various places. The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is the 17-digit number your Honda dealer uses to register your car for warranty purposes. It is also necessary for licensing and insuring your car. The easiest place to find the VIN is on a plate fastened to the top of the dashboard. You can see it by looking through the windshield on the driver's side. It is also on the Certification label attached to the driver's doorjamb, and is stamped on the engine compartment bulkhead. The VIN is also provided in bar code on the Certification label. Technical Information VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER CERTIFICATION LABEL The Engine Number is stamped into the engine block. The Transmission Number is on a label on top of the transmission. Identification Numbers TRANSMISSION NUMBER ENGINE NUMBER Technical Information Specifications page 146 . * 1 : S * 2 : Si * 3 : VTEC Technical Information * 1 : Including the coolant in the reserve tank and that remaining in the engine. Reserve tank capacity: 0.4 * 4 : VTEC * 3 : Si * 2 :S * 5 : Excluding the oil remaining in the engine. (0.11 US g a l, 0.09 Imp gal) Specifications * : VTEC page 192 page 193 * 1 : S * 2: Si * 3 : VTEC *4 : U.S. : S, Si without ABS, Canada : Si * 5: VTEC, U.S. Si with ABS Technical Information Anti-lock Brake System The Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) is standard equipment on the VTEC model. It is optional on the U.S. Si model. The ABS works by measuring how fast the wheels are turning during braking and comparing their speeds. If any wheel is rotating much slower than the others (on the verge of locking up and skidding), the system reduces hydraulic pressure to that wheel's brake caliper. When that wheel's speed matches the other wheels, the system applies normal hydraulic pressure. This can take place several times per second at each wheel. You feel the ABS working as rapid pulsations in the brake pedal. Technical Information Each wheel has a wheel speed sensor assembly. As the wheel rotates, the sensor sends electrical pulses to the ABS control unit. The pulse frequency varies with the wheel speed. The electrical output of the ABS control unit is connected to the modulator/solenoid unit. During braking, the ABS control unit monitors the pulse frequencies from the four wheels. When the control unit detects a wheel locking up, it energizes the appropriate solenoid in the modulator/solenoid unit. There are three solenoids: one for each front wheel, and one for the rear wheels. The energized solenoid reduces hydraulic pressure to one side of a modulator valve. This, in turn, reduces hydraulic pressure in the brake line going to the affected wheel. When that wheel speeds up because of the reduced braking effort, the control unit de-energizes the solenoid. This builds hydraulic pressure on the modulator valve. The pressure increases in the hydraulic line to the wheel. For the system to react quickly, the modulator/solenoid unit must have brake fluid under high pressure. This is supplied by an accumulator that is pressurized by an electric pump. A pressure-sensing switch on the accumulator controls this pump. The control unit also contains error detection circuitry. It monitors the operation of the wheel sensors, solenoids, pump, and electronics. If the control unit detects any faults, it shuts off power to the pump motor and solenoids, disabling the ABS. The indicator on the instrument panel comes on. The brakes then work like a conventional system without anti-lock capabilities. Tire Size Designation A tire's sidewall is marked with a tire size designation. You will need this information when selecting replace- ment tires for your car. The follow- ing explains what the letters and numbers in the tire size designation mean. (Example tire size designation) P185/60R14 82H P — Applicable vehicle type (tires marked with the prefix "P" are intended for use on passenger cars; however, not all tires have this marking). 185 — Tire width in millimeters. 60 — Aspect ratio. The tire's section height as a percentage of its width. 14 — Rim diameter in inches. 82 — Load Index, a numerical code associated with the maximum load the tire can carry. H — Speed Rating Symbol. See the speed rating chart in this section for additional information. Wheel Size Designation Wheels are also marked with important information that you need if you ever have to replace one. The following explains what the letters and numbers in the wheel size designation mean. (Example wheel size designation) 14 x 5-1/2 JJ 14 — Rim diameter in inches. R — Tire construction code (Radial). 5-1/2 — Rim width in inches. JJ — Rim contour designation. Tire Information Tire Speed Ratings The chart below shows many of the different speed ratings currently being used for passenger car tires. The speed rating symbol is part of the tire size designation on the sidewall of the tire. This symbol corresponds to that tire's designed maximum safe operating speed. Technical Information Tire Information Tire Pressure Adjustment For High Speed Driving Honda strongly recommends that you not drive faster than posted speed limits and conditions allow. If you decide it is safe to drive at high speeds, be sure to adjust the cold tire pressures as shown below. If you do not adjust the tire pressure, exces- sive heat can build up and cause sudden tire failure. DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Cars) The tires on your car meet all U.S. Federal Safety Requirements. All tires are also graded for treadwear, traction, and temperature perform- ance according to Department of Transportation (DOT) standards. The following explains these gradings. Be sure to readjust the pressure for normal driving speeds. You should wait until the tires are cold before adjusting the tire pressure (see page 154 ). Technical Information Treadwear The treadwear grade is a compara- tive rating based on the wear rate of the tire when tested under controlled conditions on a specified government test course. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and one half (1-1/2) times as well on the government course as a tire graded 100. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual condi- tions of their use, however, and may depart significantly from the norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices and differences in road characteristics and climate. Traction The traction grades, from highest to lowest, are A, B, and C, and they represent the tire's ability to stop on wet pavement as measured under controlled conditions on specified government test surfaces of asphalt and concrete. A tire marked C may have poor traction performance. Warning: The traction grade as- signed to this tire is based on brak- ing (straight ahead) traction tests and does not include cornering (turning) traction. Temperature The temperature grades are A (the highest), B, and C, representing the tire's resistance to the generation of heat and its ability to dissipate heat when tested under controlled conditions on a specified indoor laboratory test wheel. Sustained high temperature can cause the material of the tire to degenerate and reduce tire life, and excessive temperature can lead to sudden tire failure. The grade C corresponds to a level of performance which all passenger car tires must meet under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 109. Grades B and A represent higher levels of performance on the laboratory test wheel than the minimum required by law. Tire Information Warning: The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that is properly inflated and not over- loaded. Excessive speed, underinfla- tion, or excessive loading either separately or in combination, can cause heat build-up and possible tire failure. Technical Information Emission Controls The burning of gasoline in your car's engine produces several byproducts. Some of these are carbon monoxide (CO), oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and hydrocarbons (HC). Gasoline evaporating from the tank also produces hydrocarbons. Controlling the production of NOx, CO, and HC is important to the environment. Under certain conditions of sunlight and climate, NOx and HC react to form photochemical "smog." Carbon monoxide does not contribute to smog creation, but it is a poisonous gas. Technical Information The Clean Air Act The United States Clean Air Act* sets standards for automobile emissions. It also requires that automobile manufacturers explain to owners how their emission controls work and what to do to maintain them. This section summarizes how the emission controls work. Scheduled maintenance is on page 120 . * In Canada, Honda vehicles comply with the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS) for Emissions valid at the time they are manufactured. Crankcase Emission Control System Your car has a Positive Crankcase Ventilation System. This keeps gasses that build up in the engine's crankcase from going into the atmosphere. The Positive Crankcase Ventilation valve routes them from the crankcase back to the intake manifold. They are then drawn into the engine and burned. Evaporative Emission Control System As gasoline evaporates in the fuel tank, an evaporative emission control canister filled with charcoal adsorbs the vapor. It is stored in this canister while the engine is off. After the engine is started and warmed up, the vapor is drawn into the engine and burned during driving. Ignition Timing Control System This system constantly adjusts the ignition timing, reducing the amount of HC, CO and NOx produced. Three Way Catalytic Converter The three way catalytic converter is in the exhaust system. Through chemical reactions, it converts HC, CO, and NOx in the engine's exhaust to carbon dioxide (CO2), dinitrogen (N2), and water vapor. Emission Controls Replacement Parts The emission control systems are designed and certified to work to- gether in reducing emissions to levels that comply with the Clean Air Act. To make sure the emissions remain low, you should use only new genuine Honda replacement parts or their equivalent for repairs. Using lower quality parts may increase the emissions from your car. The emissions control systems are covered by warranties separate from the rest of your car. Read your warranty manual for more informa- tion. Exhaust Emission Controls The exhaust emission controls include three systems: PGM-FI, Ignition Timing Control and Three Way Catalytic Converter. These three systems work together to control the engine's combustion and minimize the amount of HC, CO, and NOx that comes out the tailpipe. The exhaust emission control systems are separate from the crankcase and evaporative emission control systems. PGM-FI System The PGM-FI System uses sequential multiport fuel injection. It has three subsystems: Air Intake, Engine Control, and Fuel Control. The Engine Control Module (ECM) uses various sensors to determine how much air is going into the engine. It then controls how much fuel to inject under all operating conditions. Technical Information Three Way Catalytic Converter The three way catalytic converter contains precious metals that serve as catalysts, promoting chemical reactions to convert the exhaust gasses without affecting the metals. The catalytic converter is referred to as a three-way catalyst, since it acts on HC, CO, and NOx. A replacement unit must be an original Honda part or its equivalent. The three way catalytic converter must operate at a high temperature for the chemical reactions to take place. It can set on fire any com- bustible materials that come near it. Park your car away from high grass, dry leaves, or other flammables. Technical Information (Si, VTEC) (S) THREE WAY CATALYTIC CONVERTER A defective three way catalytic converter contributes to air pollution, and can impair your engine's per- formance. Follow these guidelines to protect your car's three way catalytic converter. THREE WAY CATALYTIC CONVERTER Keep the engine tuned-up. Have your car diagnosed and repaired if it is misfiring, back- firing, stalling, or otherwise not running properly. Always use unleaded gasoline. Even a small amount of leaded gasoline can contaminate the catalyst metals, making the three way catalytic converter ineffective. Warranty and Customer Relations Warranty Coverages..................... 208 Customer Relations Information................................. 209 U.S. Zone Office Map.................... 210 Canada Zone Office Map.............. 211 Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Cars).................................. 212 Authorized Manuals...................... 213 Warranty and Customer Relations Warranty Coverages U.S. Owners Your new Honda is covered by these warranties: Seat Belt Limited Warranty — a seat belt that fails to function properly is covered for the useful life of the car. New Car Limited Warranty — covers your new car, except for the battery, emissions control systems and accessories, against defects in materials and workmanship. Rust Perforation Limited Warranty — all exterior body panels are covered for rust-through from the inside for the specified time period with no mileage limit. Emissions Control Systems Defects Warranty and Emissions Performance Warranty — these two warranties cover your car's emis- sions control systems. Time, mileage, and coverage are conditional. Please read the warranty manual for exact information. Original Equipment Battery Limited Warranty — this warranty gives up to 100% credit toward a replacement battery. Accessory Limited Warranty — Genuine Honda Accessories are covered under this warranty. Time and mileage limits depend on the type of accessory and other factors. Please read your warranty manual for details. Replacement Parts Limited Warranty — covers all Genuine Honda replacement parts against defects in materials and workman- ship. Replacement Battery Limited Warranty — provides prorated coverage for a replacement battery purchased from a Honda dealer. Replacement Muffler Lifetime Limited Warranty — provides coverage for as long as the pur- chaser of the muffler owns the car. Restrictions and exclusions apply to all these warranties. Please read the 1996 Honda Warranties booklet that came with your car for precise information on warranty coverages. Your Honda's original tires are covered by their manufacturer. Tire warranty information is in a separate booklet. Canadian Owners Please refer to the 1996 Warranty and Maintenance Guide that came with your car. Warranty and Customer Relations Customer Relations Information Honda dealership personnel are trained professionals. They should be able to answer all your questions. If you encounter a problem that your dealership does not solve to your satisfaction, please discuss it with the dealership's management. The Service Manager or General Manager can help. Almost all problems are solved in this way. If you are dissatisfied with the decision made by the dealership's management, contact your Honda Customer Relations Zone Office. Refer to the U.S. and Canadian Zone Office maps on the following pages. When you call or write, please give us this information: Vehicle Identification Number (see page 196 ) Name and address of the dealer who services your car Date of purchase Mileage on your car Your name, address, and tele- phone number A detailed description of the problem Name of the dealer who sold the car to you Warranty and Customer Relations Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Cars) If you believe that your vehicle has a defect which could cause a crash or could cause injury or death, you should immediately inform the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in addition to notifying American Honda Motor Co., Inc. If NHTSA receives similar com- plaints, it may open an investigation, and if it finds that a safety defect exists in a group of vehicles, it may order a recall and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA cannot become involved in individual problems between you, your dealer, or American Honda Motor Co., Inc. To contact NHTSA, you may either call the Auto Safety Hotline toll-free at 1-800-424-9393 (or 366-0123 in Washington D.C. area) or write to: NHTSA, U.S. Department of Transportation, Washington, D.C. 20590. You can also obtain other information about motor vehicle safety from the Hotline. Warranty and Customer Relations Airbag (SRS).................................... 10 Air Cleaner..................................... 142 Air Conditioning............................... 68 Maintenance............................... 151 Usage............................................. 68 Air Outlets (Vents).......................... 70 Air Pressure, Tires........................ 154 High Speed Driving................... 202 Normal Driving.......................... 154 Alcohol and Drugs........................... 25 Alcohol in Gasoline.......................... 90 Aluminum Wheels, Cleaning........ 169 Antifreeze....................................... 131 Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) Description................................. 200 Indicator Light..................... 34, 111 Operation.................................... 110 Anti-theft Steering Column Lock .. 46 Appearance Care........................... 167 Ashtray.............................................. 64 Audio System................................... 76 Automatic Speed Control................ 43 Automatic Transmission............... 104 Capacity, Fluid........................... 198 Checking Fluid Level................ 137 Shifting........................................ 105 Index Shift Lever Positions................. 104 Shift Lock Release..................... 108 Battery Charging System Indicator............................32, 187 Jump Starting............................. 182 Maintenance............................... 146 Specifications............................. 199 Before Driving................................. 89 Belts, Seat........................................... 5 Beverage Holder.............................. 63 Body Repair.................................... 172 Brakes Anti-lock System (ABS)............ 110 Break-in, New Linings................. 90 Fluid............................................ 139 Light, Burned-out...................... 163 Parking.......................................... 61 System Indicator.......................... 32 Wear Indicators......................... 109 CONTINUED Accessories Installation.................................... 97 ACCESSORY (Ignition Key Position)........................................ 47 Adding Automatic Transmission Fluid........................................ 137 Brake Fluid................................. 139 Clutch Fluid................................ 140 Engine Coolant........................... 131 Engine Oil................................... 126 Manual Transmission Fluid ..... 138 Power Steering Fluid................. 141 Windshield Washer Fluid......... 136 Additional Safety Information........ 16 Door Locks................................... 16 Driving with Pets......................... 17 Seat-back Position........................ 16 Storing Cargo Safely................... 17 Additives, Engine Oil..................... 128 Adjustments Mirrors.......................................... 60 Seats..............................................50 Steering Wheel............................ 42 Index Brakes, ABS Description................................. 200 Operation.................................... 110 System Indicator.................. 34, 111 Braking System.............................. 109 Break-in, New Car........................... 90 Brightness Control, Instruments... 39 Brights, Headlights......................... 38 Bulb Replacement Back-up Lights........................... 163 Brake Lights............................... 163 Front Parking Lights................. 162 Front Side Marker Lights......... 162 Headlights.................................. 160 Interior Light.............................. 164 License Plate Lights.................. 164 Rear Side Marker Lights.......... 163 Specifications............................. 199 Trunk Light................................ 164 Turn Signal Lights..................... 162 Bulbs, Halogen............................... 160 Cables, Jump Starting With.......... 182 Capacities Chart............................. 198 Carbon Monoxide Hazard.............. 26 Cargo, Loading................................. 98 Cassette Player Care............................................... 83 Operation...................................... 81 CAUTION, Explanation of............... ii CD Changer...................................... 84 Certification Label......................... 196 Chains............................................. 159 Change Oil How to......................................... 128 When to....................................... 120 Changing a Flat Tire ..................... 175 Changing Engine Coolant............. 133 Charging System Indicator ....32, 187 Checking Automatic Transmission Fluid........................................ 137 Battery Condition...................... 146 Brake Fluid................................. 139 Clutch Fluid................................ 140 Drive Belts.................................. 153 Engine Coolant........................... 131 Engine Oil................................... 126 Fuses........................................... 190 Manual Transmission Fluid ..... 138 Power Steering Fluid................. 141 Checklist, Before Driving............. 100 Child Safety...................................... 18 Cigarette Lighter............................. 64 Cleaner, Air.................................... 142 Cleaning Aluminum Wheels..................... 169 Carpeting.................................... 170 Exterior....................................... 168 Fabric.......................................... 170 Interior........................................ 170 Seat Belts.................................... 170 Vinyl............................................ 170 Windows..................................... 171 CLEAN Light................................... 83 Clock, Setting the ............................ 62 Clutch Fluid.................................... 140 Code, Audio System........................ 88 CO in the Exhaust......................... 204 Cold Weather, Starting in............. 101 Compact Spare............................... 174 Consumer Information*................ 209 Controls, Instruments and.............. 29 Index Coolant Adding......................................... 131 Checking..................................... 131 Proper Solution.......................... 131 Replacing.................................... 133 Temperature Gauge.................... 36 Corrosion Protection..................... 171 Crankcase Emission Control System......................................... 204 Cruise Control Operation............... 43 Customer Relations Office........... 209 DANGER, Explanation of................. ii Dashboard........................................ 30 Daytime Running Lights................. 38 Dead Battery, What to Do............ 182 Defects, Reporting Safety............. 212 Defogger, Rear Window................. 41 Defrosting the Windows................. 73 DEXRON® II Automatic Transmission Fluid.................... 137 Dimensions..................................... 198 Dimming the Headlights................ 38 Dipstick Automatic Transmission........... 137 Engine Oil................................... 126 Directional Signals........................... 39 Disabled, Towing Your Car If...... 194 Disc Brake Wear Indicators......... 109 Disposal of Used Oil...................... 130 Doors Locking and Unlocking............... 47 DOT Tire Quality Grading........... 202 Downshifting, 5-speed Manual Transmission.............................. 102 Drive Belts...................................... 153 Driving.............................................. 99 Economy....................................... 96 In Bad Weather.......................... 112 In Foreign Countries................... 91 Economy, Fuel................................. 96 Emergencies on the Road............. 173 Battery, Jump Starting.............. 182 Changing a Flat Tire................. 175 Charging System Indicator ...... 187 Checking the Fuses................... 190 Low Oil Pressure Indicator...... 186 Malfunction Indicator Lamp.... 188 Overheated Engine................... 184 Emergency Brake............................ 61 Emergency Flashers....................... 41 Emission Controls......................... 204 Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge ..... 36 Malfunction Indicator Lamp.................................33, 188 Oil Pressure Indicator.........32, 186 Oil, What Kind to Use............... 127 Overheating................................ 184 Specifications............................. 198 Ethanol in Gasoline ......................... 91 Evaporative Emission Controls.... 204 Exhaust Fumes................................ 26 Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat Belts by........................................... 9 Exterior, Cleaning the................... 168 Fabric, Cleaning............................. 170 CONTINUED

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1996 Honda Civic DEL SOL Owners Manual