1999 Honda Civic Sedan Owners Manual

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(U.S.: EX) (U.S.: DX, Value Package, and LX, Canada: LX, EX) 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. Always use unleaded gasoline. Even a small amount of leaded gasoline can contaminate the catalyst metals, making the three way catalytic converter ineffective. 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. Technical Information Main MenuTable of ContentstsWarranty and Customer Relations Customer Relations Information................................. 276 U.S. Zone Office Map.................... 277 Canada Zone Office Map.............. 278 Warranty Coverages..................... 279 Reporting Safety Defects (U.S. Vehicles)........................... 280 Authorized Manuals...................... 281 Warranty and Customer Relations Main MenustCustomer 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 262) 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 Main MenuTable of ContentsstWarranty Coverages U.S. Owners Your new Honda is covered by these warranties: New Car Limited Warranty — covers your new vehicle, except for the battery, emissions control systems and accessories, against defects in materials and workmanship. Emissions Control Systems Defects Warranty and Emissions Performance Warranty — these two warranties cover your vehicle'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 percent credit toward a replacement battery. Seat Belt Limited Warranty — a seat belt that fails to function properly is covered for the useful life of the vehicle. Replacement Battery Limited Warranty — provides prorated coverage for a replacement battery purchased from a Honda dealer. 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. 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 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 1999 Honda Warranty Information booklet that came with your car for precise information on warranty coverages. Your Honda's original tires are covered by their manufacturer. Tire warranty infor- mation is in a separate booklet. Canadian Owners Please refer to the 1999 Warranty Manual that came with your car. Warranty and Customer Relations Main MenuTable of ContentsstReporting Safety Defects (U.S. Vehicles) 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 1-800424-9393 (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 Main MenuTable of ContentsstAccessories and Modifications.... 149 Accessories................................. 149 Additional Safety Precaution.... 150 Modifications............................. 150 ACCESSORY (Ignition Key Position)........................................ 70 Accessory Power Socket................ 86 Adding Automatic Transmission Fluid........................................ 197 Brake Fluid................................. 198 Clutch Fluid................................ 199 Engine Coolant........................... 191 Engine Oil................................... 187 Manual Transmission Fluid ..... 198 Power Steering Fluid................. 200 Windshield Washer Fluid......... 196 Additional Information About Your Seat Belts........................ 42 Lap Belt......................................... 43 Lap/Shoulder Belt....................... 42 Seat Belt Maintenance................ 45 Seat Belt System Components... 42 Additional Information About Your SRS................................... 45 Additional Safety Precautions.... 48 How Your Airbags Work............ 45 How Your SRS Indicator Works........................................47 SRS Components......................... 45 Additives, Engine Oil..................... 188 Adjustments Head Restraints........................... 78 Mirrors.......................................... 83 Seats.............................................. 76 Steering Wheel............................ 65 Airbag (SRS)...................................... 9 Air Cleaner Element...................... 201 Air Conditioning............................... 90 Maintenance............................... 209 Usage............................................. 90 Air Outlets (Vents).......................... 92 Air Pressure, Tires........................ 211 High Speed Driving................... 267 Normal Driving.......................... 212 Alcohol in Gasoline........................ 269 Antifreeze....................................... 191 Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) Indicator Light..................... 55, 168 Index Operation.................................... 167 Anti-theft Steering Column Lock............................................... 70 Appearance Care........................... 231 Ashtrays (Optional)......................... 86 Audio System................... 98, 107, 121 Automatic Speed Control................ 66 Automatic Transmission............... 160 Capacity, Fluid........................... 264 Checking Fluid Level................ 197 Shifting........................................161 Shift Lever Position Indicator.. 160 Shift Lever Positions................. 161 Shift Lock Release..................... 164 Battery Charging System Indicator............................ 55, 250 Jump Starting............................. 245 Maintenance............................... 205 Specifications............................. 265 CONTINUED Main MenustIndex Before Driving............................... 141 Belts, Seat........................................... 8 Beverage Holder.............................. 85 Body Repairs.................................. 236 Brakes Anti-lock System (ABS)............ 167 Break-in, New Linings .............. 142 Fluid............................................ 198 Light, Burned-out...................... 223 Parking.......................................... 83 System Indicator.......................... 55 Wear Indicators......................... 166 Brakes, ABS Operation.................................... 167 System Indicator.................. 55, 168 Braking System.............................. 166 Break-in, New Car......................... 142 Brightness Control, Instruments... 62 Brights, Headlights......................... 61 Bulb Replacement Back-up Lights........................... 224 Brake Lights............................... 223 Front Parking Lights................. 222 Front Side Marker Lights......... 222 Headlights.................................. 220 High-mount Brake Light.......... 225 Interior Light.............................. 226 License Plate Lights.................. 226 Rear Side Marker Lights.......... 223 Specifications............................. 265 Trunk Light................................ 227 Turn Signal Lights..................... 222 Bulbs, Halogen............................... 220 Cables, Jump Starting With.......... 246 Capacities Chart............................. 264 Carbon Monoxide Hazard.............. 49 Carrying Cargo.............................. 151 Cassette Player Care 139 Operation.................. 102, 113, 135 CAUTION, Explanation of............... ii CD Changer..................104, 117, 131 CD Player............................... 104, 129 Certification Label......................... 262 Chains............................................. 217 Change Oil How to......................................... 189 When to....................................... 178 Changing a Flat Tire..................... 239 Changing Engine Coolant............. 193 Charging System Indicator .... 55, 250 Checking Automatic Transmission Fluid........................................ 197 Battery Condition...................... 205 Brake Fluid................................. 198 Clutch Fluid................................ 199 Drive Belts.................................. 210 Engine Coolant........................... 147 Engine Oil................................... 146 Fuses........................................... 255 Manual Transmission Fluid ..... 198 Power Steering Fluid................. 200 Checklist, Before Driving............. 156 Childproof Door Locks................... 75 Cleaner, Air.................................... 201 Cleaning Exterior....................................... 232 Interior........................................ 234 Seat Belts.................................... 234 Vinyl............................................ 234 Windows..................................... 235 Clock, Setting the........ 101, 112, 126 Clutch Fluid.................................... 199 CO in the Exhaust......................... 271 Main MenutsCold Weather, Starting in............. 157 Compact Spare............................... 238 Consumer Information*................ 276 Controls, Instruments and.............. 51 Coolant Adding......................................... 191 Checking..................................... 147 Proper Solution.......................... 191 Replacing.................................... 193 Temperature Gauge.................... 58 Corrosion Protection..................... 235 Crankcase Emissions Control System......................................... 271 Cruise Control Operation............... 66 Customer Relations Office........... 276 DANGER, Explanation of................. ii Dashboard........................................ 52 Daytime Running Lights................. 61 Dead Battery, What to Do............ 245 Defects, Reporting Safety............. 280 Defog and Defrost........................... 95 Defogger, Rear Window................. 64 Defrosting the Windows................. 95 DEXRON® III Automatic Transmission Fluid.................... 197 Dimensions..................................... 264 Dimming the Headlights................ 61 Dipstick Automatic Transmission........... 197 Engine Oil................................... 146 Directional Signals........................... 62 Disabled, Towing Your Car If...... 259 Disc Brake Wear Indicators......... 166 Disposal of Used Oil...................... 190 Doors Locking and Unlocking............... 70 Power Door Locks....................... 71 DOT Tire Quality Grading........... 267 Downshifting, 5-speed Manual Transmission.............................. 158 Driver and Passenger Safety............ 5 Drive Belts...................................... 210 Driving............................................ 155 Economy..................................... 148 In Bad Weather.......................... 170 In Foreign Countries................. 270 Index Economy, Fuel............................... 148 Emergencies on the Road............. 237 Battery, Jump Starting.............. 245 Brake System Indicator............ 252 Changing a Flat Tire................. 239 Charging System Indicator...... 250 Checking the Fuses................... 255 Low Oil Pressure Indicator...... 249 Malfunction Indicator Lamp.... 251 Manually Closing Moonroof.... 253 Overheated Engine................... 247 Emergency Brake............................ 83 Emergency Flashers....................... 64 Emergency Towing...................... 259 Emissions Controls........................ 271 Engine Coolant Temperature Gauge ..... 58 Malfunction Indicator Lamp................................. 56, 251 Oil Pressure Indicator......... 55, 249 Oil, What Kind to Use............... 187 Overheating................................ 247 Specifications............................. 264 CONTINUED Main MenutsIndex Ethanol in Gasoline ....................... 269 Evaporative Emissions Controls.. 271 Exhaust Fumes................................ 49 Expectant Mothers, Use of Seat Belts by......................................... 19 Exterior, Cleaning the................... 232 Fabric, Cleaning............................. 234 Fan, Interior...................................... 90 Features, Comfort and Convenience................................. 89 Filling the Fuel Tank..................... 143 Filters Air................................................201 Oil................................................ 189 5-speed Manual Transmission Checking Fluid Level................ 198 Shifting the................................. 158 Flashers, Hazard Warning.............. 64 Flat Tire, Changing a.................... 239 Fluids Automatic Transmission........... 197 Brake........................................... 198 Clutch.......................................... 199 Manual Transmission............... 198 Power Steering........................... 200 Windshield Washer................... 196 FM Stereo Radio Reception.................................... 127 Folding Rear Seat............................ 79 Foreign Countries, Driving in...... 270 Four-way Flashers........................... 64 Front End, Towing by Emergency Wrecker................. 259 Fuel.................................................. 142 Fill Door and Cap....................... 143 Gauge............................................ 58 Octane Requirement................. 142 Oxygenated................................ 269 Reserve Indicator......................... 56 Tank, Filling the......................... 143 Fuses, Checking the...................... 255 Gas Mileage, Improving................ 148 Gasohol........................................... 259 Gasoline.......................................... 142 Fuel Reserve Indicator................ 56 Gauge............................................ 58 Octane Requirement................. 142 Tank, Filling the......................... 143 Gas Station Procedures................. 143 Gauges Engine Coolant Temperature .... 58 Fuel................................................58 Gearshift Lever Positions Automatic Transmission........... 161 5-speed Manual Transmission.......................... 158 Glass Cleaning............................... 235 Glove Box......................................... 84 Halogen Headlight Bulbs.............. 220 Hazard Warning Flashers.............. 64 Headlights Daytime Running Lights............. 61 High Beam Indicator................... 56 High Beams, Turning on............ 61 Low Beams, Turning on............. 61 Reminder Beeper......................... 61 Replacing Halogen Bulbs .......... 220 Turning on.................................... 61 Head Restraints............................... 78 Main MenutsHeating and Cooling........................ 90 High Altitude, Starting at.............. 157 High-Low Beam Switch.................. 61 High-mount Brake Light............... 225 Hood, Opening the ........................ 144 Horn................................................... 60 Hot Coolant, Warning about........ 191 Hydraulic Clutch............................ 199 Hydroplaning.................................. 171 Identification Number, Vehicle.... 262 If Your Car Has to be Towed....... 259 Ignition Keys...............................................69 Switch............................................ 69 Timing Control System............. 272 Important Safety Precautions .......... 6 Indicator Lights, Instrument Panel.............................................. 53 Infant Restraint................................ 29 Inflation, Proper Tire .................... 211 High Speed Driving................... 267 Normal Driving.......................... 212 Inside Mirror................................ 82 Index Inspection, Tire.............................. 213 Instrument Panel............................. 52 Instrument Panel Brightness......... 62 Interior Cleaning............................ 234 Interior Light.................................... 87 Introduction......................................... i Jacking up the Car......................... 240 Jack, Tire........................................ 239 Jump Starting................................. 245 Keys................................................... 69 Indicator........................................ 53 Parking.......................................... 61 Turn Signal................................... 62 LOCK (Ignition Key Position)....... 70 Locks Anti-theft Steering Column........ 70 Fuel Fill Door............................. 143 Power Door.................................. 71 Trunk............................................ 75 Low Coolant Level......................... 147 Low Fuel Indicator.......................... 56 Lower Gear, Downshifting to a.... 158 Low Oil Pressure Indicator.... 55, 249 Lubricant Specifications Chart.... 264 Luggage.......................................... 151 Label, Certification........................ 261 Lane Change, Signaling.................. 62 Lap Belt............................................. 43 Lap/Shoulder Belts......................... 42 Leaking of Exhaust into Car.......... 49 Lights Bulb Replacement..................... 220 Maintenance................................... 173 Owner Maintenance Checks.... 185 Record.................................. 183 - 184 Required Indicator....................... 59 Safety........................................... 174 Schedule.............................. 178 - 182 CONTINUED Main MenutsIndex Malfunction Indicator Lamp.. 56, 251 Manual Transmission.................... 158 Manual Transmission Fluid ......... 198 Meters, Gauges................................ 57 Methanol in Gasoline.................... 269 Mirrors, Adjusting........................... 82 Moonroof.......................................... 82 Closing Manually....................... 253 Operation...................................... 82 Neutral Gear Position.................... 162 New Vehicle Break-in ................... 142 Normal Shift Speeds...................... 158 NOTICE, Explanation of.................... i Numbers, Identification................ 262 Octane Requirement, Gasoline.... 142 Odometer.......................................... 57 Odometer, Trip................................ 57 Oil Change, How to......................... 189 Change, When to....................... 178 Checking Engine....................... 146 Pressure Indicator............... 55, 249 Selecting Proper Viscosity Chart....................................... 188 ON (Ignition Key Position)............ 70 Onboard Refueling Vapor Recovery .................................. 271 Opening the Hood......................... 144 Opening the Trunk.......................... 75 Operation in Foreign Countries... 270 Outside Mirrors............................... 82 Overheating, Engine..................... 247 Windows....................................... 80 Pre-Drive Safety Checklist............. 11 Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts.......... 19 Protecting Adults............................. 12 Additional Safety Precautions.... 19 Advice for Pregnant Women...... 19 Protecting Children......................... 21 Protecting Infants........................ 29 Protecting Larger Children........ 37 Protecting Small Children.......... 33 Using Child Seats with Tethers...................................... 40 Panel Brightness Control............... 62 Park Gear Position......................... 161 Parking............................................ 165 Parking Brake.................................. 83 Parking Lights.................................. 61 Parking Over Things that Burn... 273 PGM-FI System.............................. 272 Polishing and Waxing................... 233 Power Door Locks................................... 71 Mirrors.......................................... 82 Steering....................................... 200 Radiator Overheating.................... 247 Radio/CD/Cassette Sound System .............. 98, 107, 121 Rear End Towing........................... 259 Rear Lights, Bulb Replacement... 223 Rear Seat, Folding........................... 79 Rear View Mirror............................. 82 Rear Window Defogger.................. 64 Reclining the Seat Backs................ 77 Recommended Shift Speeds ........ 158 Reminder Lights.............................. 53 Main MenustRemote Transmitter........................ 72 Replacement Information Air Cleaner Element.................. 201 Coolant........................................ 193 Engine Oil and Filter................. 189 Fuses........................................... 255 Light Bulbs................................. 220 Schedule..................................... 176 Spark Plugs................................. 203 Timing Belt................................. 210 Tires............................................ 215 Wiper Blades.............................. 207 Replacing Seat Belts After a Crash............................................. 45 Reserve Tank, Engine Coolant.... 147 Restraint, Child................................ 21 Reverse Gear Position................... 162 Rotation, Tire................................. 214 Safety Belts......................................... 8 Safety Defects, Reporting* .......... 280 Safety Features.................................. 7 Airbags............................................ 9 Door Locks................................... 11 Head Restraints........................... 10 Seat Belts........................................ 8 Seats & Seat-Backs...................... 10 Safety Labels, Location of.............. 50 Safety Messages................................ ii Seat Belt, Additional Information.. 42 Lap Belt......................................... 43 Lap/Shoulder Belt....................... 42 Seat Belt Maintenance................ 45 Seat Belt System Components... 42 Seat Belts............................................ 8 Cleaning...................................... 234 Maintenance................................. 45 Reminder Light and Beeper....... 54 System Components.................... 42 Tether Attachment Points.......... 40 Use During Pregnancy................ 19 Seats, Adjusting the......................... 76 Serial Number................................ 262 Service Intervals............................ 178 Service Manual* ............................ 281 Service Station Procedures .......... 143 Setting the Clock..........101, 112, 126 Shifting The Automatic Transmission .. 160 Index The 5-speed Manual Transmission.......................... 158 Shift Lever Position Indicator...... 160 Shift Lock Release......................... 164 Side Marker Lights, Bulb Replacement in.......................... 222 Signaling Turns................................ 62 Snow Tires...................................... 216 Solvent-type Cleaners.................... 232 Sound System................. 98, 107, 121 Spare Tire Inflating....................................... 238 Specifications............................. 265 Spark Plugs, Replacing................. 203 Specifications Charts..................... 264 Speed Control................................... 66 Speedometer.................................... 57 CONTINUED Main MenutsIndex SRS, Additional Information........... 45 Additional Safety Precautions.... 48 How Your Airbags Work............ 45 How Your SRS Indicator Works........................................47 SRS Components......................... 45 SRS Service................................... 47 SRS Indicator.............................. 47, 55 START (Ignition Key Position)..... 70 Starting the Engine........................ 157 In Cold Weather at High Altitude................................... 157 With a Dead Battery ................. 245 Steam Coming from Engine......... 247 Steering Wheel Adjustment................................... 65 Anti-theft Column Lock.............. 70 Stereo Sound System...... 98, 107, 121 Storing Your Car............................ 229 Supplemental Restraint System..... 45 Servicing....................................... 47 SRS Indicator.......................... 47, 55 System Components.................... 45 Synthetic Oil................................... 188 Tachometer...................................... 57 Taillights, Changing Bulbs in....... 223 Taking Care of the Unexpected .. 237 Tape Player.................. 102, 113, 135 Technical Descriptions Driving in Foreign Countries... 270 Emissions Control Systems...... 271 Oxygenated Fuels...................... 269 Three Way Catalytic Converter................................ 273 Tire Information........................ 266 Temperature Gauge........................ 58 Tether Attachment Points.............. 40 Three Way Catalytic Converter... 273 Time, Setting the.......... 101, 112, 126 Timing Belt..................................... 210 Tire Chains..................................... 217 Tire, How to Change a Flat.......... 239 Tires................................................ 211 Air Pressure............................... 211 Checking Wear.......................... 213 Compact Spare........................... 238 DOT Tire Quality Grading....... 267 Inflation....................................... 211 Inspection................................... 213 Maintenance............................... 213 Replacing.................................... 215 Rotating....................................... 214 Snow............................................216 Specifications............................. 265 Technical Information.............. 266 Technical Information................... 261 Tools, Tire Changing.................... 239 Towing A Trailer...................................... 171 Emergency Wrecker................. 259 Transmission Checking Fluid Level, Automatic............................... 197 Checking Fluid Level, Manual.................................... 198 Fluid Selection...................197, 198 Identification Number............... 262 Shifting the Automatic.............. 160 Shifting the Manual................... 158 Treadwear...................................... 267 Trip Meter........................................ 57 Trunk................................................. 75 Opening......................................... 75 Open Monitor Light.................. 56 Main MenutsIndex Wipers, Windshield Changing Blades........................ 207 Operation...................................... 63 Worn Tires..................................... 213 Wrecker, Emergency Towing...... 259 * : U.S. and Canada only Turn Signals..................................... 62 Underside, Cleaning...................... 235 Unexpected, Taking Care of the...........................................237 Uniform Tire Quality Grading..... 267 Unleaded Gasoline......................... 142 Upholstery Cleaning...................... 234 Used Oil, How to Dispose of........ 190 Vehicle Capacity Load .................. 151 Vehicle Dimensions....................... 264 Vehicle Identification Number..... 262 Vehicle Storage.............................. 229 Ventilation......................................... 92 VIN.................................................. 262 Vinyl Cleaning................................ 234 Viscosity, Oil................................... 188 Warning Beepers Headlights on............................... 61 Key in Ignition.............................. 70 Seat Belts...................................... 54 WARNING, Explanation of.............. ii Warning Labels, Location of.......... 50 Warranty Coverages*................... 279 Washer, Windshield Checking the Fluid Level......... 196 Operation...................................... 63 Washing.......................................... 232 Waxing and Polishing................... 233 Wheels Adjusting the Steering................ 65 Alignment and Balance............. 213 Compact Spare........................... 238 Wrench....................................... 240 Windows Cleaning...................................... 235 Operating the Power................... 80 Rear, Defogger............................ 64 Windshield Cleaning........................................ 63 Defroster...................................... 95 Main MenutsService Information Summary Gasoline: Unleaded gasoline, pump octane number of 86 or higher. Fuel Tank Capacity: 11.9 US gal (45 l ,9.9 Imp gal) Recommended Engine Oil: API Service SJ "Energy Conserving" oil, SAE 5W-30 viscosity (see page 151). Oil change capacity (including filter): U.S. DX, Value Package, and LX, Canada LX, EX 3.8 US qt (3.6 l , 3.2 Imp qt) U.S. EX 3.5 US qt (3.3 l , 2.9 Imp qt) Automatic Transmission Fluid: Honda Premium Formula Automatic Transmission Fluid preferred, or a DEXRON ® III ATF as a temporary replacement (see page 197). 5-speed Manual Transmission Fluid: Honda Manual Transmission Fluid preferred, or an API service SG, SH or SJ, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 motor oil as a temporary replacement (see page 198). Capacity (including differential): 1.9 US qt (1.8 l ,1.6 Imp qt) Power Steering Fluid: Genuine Honda Power Steering Fluid preferred, or another brand of power steering fluid as a temporary replacement. Do not use ATF (see page 200). Brake Fluid: Genuine Honda DOTS Brake Fluid preferred, or a DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid as a temporary replacement (see page 199). Tire Pressure (measured cold): Front: 30psi(210kPa,2.1 kgf/cm2) Rear: 29 psi (200 kPa , 2.0 kgf/cm2) Main Menust1999 Civic Sedan Online Reference Owner's Manual Use these links (and links throughout this manual) to navigate through this reference. For a printed owner's manual, click on authorized manuals or go to www.helminc.com. If you have a Civic GX refer to Civic GX Owner’s Manual Supplement for additional information. Contents Owner's Identification Form Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................... i A Few Words About Safety .......................................................................................................................... ii Your Car at a Glance ......................................................................................................................................2 Driver and Passenger Safety .......................................................................................................................5 Proper use and care of your car's seat belts, and Supplemental Restraint System. Instruments and Controls...........................................................................................................................51 Instrument panel indicator and gauge, and how to use dashboard and steering column controls. Comfort and Convenience Features.........................................................................................................89 How to operate the climate control system, the audio system, and other convenience features. Before Driving .............................................................................................................................................141 What gasoline to use, how to break-in your new car, and how to load luggage and other cargo. Driving...........................................................................................................................................................155 The proper way to start the engine, shift the transmission, and park, plus towing a trailer. Maintenance.................................................................................................................................................173 The Maintenance Schedule shows you when you need to take your car to the dealer. Appearance Care.........................................................................................................................................231 Tips on cleaning and protecting your car. Things to look for if your car ever needs body repairs. Taking Care of the Unexpected...............................................................................................................237 This section covers several problems motorists sometimes experience, and how to handle them. Technical Information...............................................................................................................................261 ID numbers, dimensions, capacities, and technical information. Warranty and Customer Relations (U.S. and Canada)......................................................................275 A summary of the warranties covering your new Honda, and how to contact us. Authorized Manuals (U.S. only)...............................................................................................................281 How to order manuals and other technical literature. Index ................................................................................................................................................................. I Service Information Summary A summary of information you need when you pull up to the fuel pump. Introduction NOTICE As you read this manual, you will find information that is preceded by information is intended to help you avoid damage to your Honda, other property, or the environment. symbol. This Congratulations ! Your selection of a 1999 Honda Civic was a wise investment. It will give you years of driving pleasure. One of the best ways to enhance the enjoyment of your new Honda is to read this manual. In it, you will learn how to operate its driving controls and convenience items. Afterwards, keep this owner's manual in your car so you can refer to it at any time. Several warranties protect your new Honda. Read the warranty booklet thoroughly so you understand the coverages and are aware of your rights and responsibilities. Maintaining your car according to the schedules given in this manual helps to keep your driving trouble-free while it preserves your investment. When your car needs maintenance, keep in mind that your Honda dealer's staff is specially trained in servicing the many systems unique to your Honda. Your Honda dealer is dedicated to your satisfaction and will be pleased to answer any questions and concerns. Main MenustA Few Words About Safety Your safety, and the safety of others, is very important. And operating this vehicle safely is an important responsibility. To help you make informed decisions about safety, we have provided operating procedures and other information on labels and in this manual. This information alerts you to potential hazards that could hurt you or others. Of course, it is not practical or possible to warn you about all the hazards associated with operating or maintaining your vehicle. You must use your own good judgement. You will find this important safety information in a variety of forms, including: Safety Labels — on the vehicle. Safety Messages — preceded by a safety alert symbol three signal words: DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION. These signal words mean: and one of You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don't follow instructions. You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don't follow instructions. You CAN be HURT if you don't follow instructions. Safety Headings — such as Important Safety Reminders or Important Safety Precautions. Safety Section — such as Driver and Passenger Safety. Instructions — how to use this vehicle correctly and safely. This entire book is filled with important safety information — please read it carefully. Main MenustYour Car at a Glance DOOR LOCK SWITCH (P.71) POWER WINDOW SWITCHES (P.80) FUEL FILL DOOR RELEASE (P.143) MIRROR CONTROLS (P.83) HEATING/COOLING CONTROL (P.90) AUDIO SYSTEM, DIGITAL CLOCK (P;98, 107, 121) TRUNK RELEASE HANDLE (P.75) HOOD RELEASE HANDLE (P.144) Main MenustINSTRUMENT PANEL BRIGHTNESS (P.62) HAZARD WARNING LIGHTS (P.64) Your Car at a Glance CRUISE CONTROL (P.66) MOONROOF (P.82) WINDSHIELD WIPERS/WASHERS (P.63) REAR WINDOW DEFOGGER (P.64) MIRROR CONTROLS (P.83) HEADLIGHTS/TURN SIGNALS (P.61) TILT ADJUSTMENT (P.65) HORN BUTTONS Main MenutsThis section gives you important information about how to protect yourself and your passengers. It shows you how to use seat belts properly. It explains your Supple- mental Restraint System. And it tells you how to properly restrain infants and children in your car. Important Safety Precautions .......... 6 Your Car's Safety Features.............. 7 Seat Belts........................................ 8 Airbags............................................ 9 Seats & Seat-Backs...................... 10 Head Restraints........................... 10 Door Locks................................... 11 Pre-Drive Safety Checklist......... 11 Protecting Adults............................. 12 1. Close and Lock the Doors...... 12 2. Adjust the Front Seats............ 12 3. Adjust the Seat-Backs............. 13 4. Adjust the Head Restraints.... 14 5. Fasten and Position the Seat Belts...................................... 15 6. Adjust the Steering Wheel..... 18 7. Maintain a Proper Sitting Position................................. 18 Advice for Pregnant Women...... 19 Additional Safety Precautions.... 19 Protecting Children......................... 21 All Children Must Be Restrained................................ 21 Children Should Sit in the Back Seat............................................22 The Passenger's Airbag Poses Serious Risks to Children....... 22 If You Must Drive with Several Children.................................... 24 Driver and Passenger Safety If a Child Requires Close Attention................................... 24 Additional Safety Precautions.... 24 General Guidelines for Using Child Seats................................ 25 Protecting Infants........................ 29 Protecting Small Children.......... 33 Protecting Larger Children........ 37 Using Child Seats with Tethers...................................... 40 Additional Information About Your Seat Belts.................................. 42 Seat Belt System Components... 42 Lap/Shoulder Belt....................... 42 Lap Belt.........................................43 Seat Belt Maintenance................ 44 Additional Information About Your SRS............................................45 SRS Components......................... 45 How Your Airbags Work............ 45 How the SRS Indicator Light Works........................................ 47 SRS Service................................... 47 Additional Safety Precautions.... 48 Carbon Monoxide Hazard.............. 49 Safety Labels.................................... 50 Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenustBe Aware of Airbag Hazards While airbags save lives, they can cause serious or fatal injuries to occupants who sit too close to them, or are not properly restrained. Infants, young children, and short adults are at the greatest risk. Be sure to follow all instructions and warnings in this manual. (See page 7.) Don't Drink and Drive Alcohol and driving don't mix. Even one drink can reduce your ability to respond to changing conditions, and your reaction time gets worse with every additional drink. So don't drink and drive, and don't let your friends drink and drive, either. Control Your Speed Excessive speed is a major factor in crash injuries and deaths. Generally, the higher the speed the greater the risk, but serious accidents can also occur at lower speeds. Never drive faster than is safe for current conditions, regardless of the maximum speed posted. Keep Your Car in Safe Condition Having a tire blowout or a mechanical failure can be extremely hazardous. To reduce the possibility of such problems, check your tire pressures and condition frequently, and perform all regularly scheduled maintenance. (See page 178.) Important Safety Precautions You'll find many safety recommendations throughout this section, and throughout this manual. The recommendations on this page are the ones we consider to be the most important. Always Wear Your Seat Belt A seat belt is your best protection in all types of collisions. Airbags supplement seat belts, but airbags are designed to inflate only in a moderate to severe frontal collision. So even though your car is equipped with airbags, make sure you and your passengers always wear your seat belts, and wear them properly. (See page 15.) Restrain All Children Children are safest when they are properly restrained in the back seat, not the front seat. A child who is too small for a seat belt must be properly restrained in a child safety seat. (See page 21.) Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentstsYour Car's Safety Features Your car is equipped with many features that work together to protect you and your passengers during a crash. Some safety features do not require any action on your part. These include a strong steel framework that forms a safety cage around the passenger compartment; front and rear crush zones that are designed to crumple and absorb energy during a crash; and a collapsible steering column. These safety features are designed to reduce the severity of injuries in a crash. However, you and your passengers can't take full advantage of these safety features unless you remain sitting in a proper position and always wear your seat belts properly. In fact, some safety features can contribute to injuries if they are not used properly. Driver and Passenger Safety (1) Safety Cage (2) Crush Zones (3) Seats & Seat-Backs (4) Head Restraints (5) Collapsible Steering Column (6) Seat Belts (7) Airbags (8) Door Locks Main MenuTable of ContentstsYour Car's Safety Features Seat Belts For your safety, and the safety of your passengers, your car is equipped with seat belts in all seating positions. Your seat belt system also includes a light on the instrument panel to remind you and your passengers to fasten your seat belts. Why Wear Seat Belts Seat belts are the single most effective safety device for adults and larger children. (Infants and smaller children must be properly restrained in child seats.) Not wearing a seat belt properly increases the chance of serious injury or death in a crash, even though your car has airbags. Driver and Passenger Safety In addition, most states and all Canadian provinces require you to wear seat belts. Not wearing a seat belt properly increases the chance of serious injury or death in a crash, even if you have airbags. Be sure you and your passengers always wear seat belts and wear them properly. When properly worn, seat belts: Keep you connected to the vehicle so you can take advantage of the car's built-in safety features. Help protect you in almost every type of crash, including side and rear impacts and rollovers. (Your airbag can only be helpful in a moderate to severe frontal collision.) Help keep you from being thrown against the inside of the vehicle and against other occupants. Keep you from being thrown out of the vehicle. Help keep you in a good position should the airbags ever deploy. A good position reduces the risk of injury from an inflating airbag, and allows you to get the best advantage from the airbag. Of course, seat belts cannot completely protect you in every crash. But in most cases, seat belts can reduce your risk of serious injury. What you should do: Always wear your seat belt, and make sure you wear it properly. Main MenuTable of ContentstsAirbags The most important things you need to know about your airbags are: Airbags do not replace seat belts. The seat belts are the occupants' primary protection in all types of collisions. The airbags supplement the seat belts by providing extra protection for the head and chest of each front seat occupant in a moderate to severe frontal collision. Airbags offer no protection in side impacts, rear impacts, rollovers, or minor collisions. Airbags are designed to deploy only during a moderate to severe frontal collision. Airbags can pose serious hazards. To do their job, airbags must inflate with tremendous force and speed. So while airbags save lives, Your car has a Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) with frontal airbags to help protect the driver and a front seat passenger. This system also includes SRS an indicator light on the instrument panel to alert you to a possible problem with the system. Your Car's Safety Features they can cause serious injuries to adults and larger children who are not wearing seat belts, are not wearing them properly, are sitting too close to the airbag, or are not sitting in a proper position. Infants and small children are at an even greater risk of injury or death. What you should do: Always wear your seat belt properly, and sit upright and as far back as possible from the steering wheel or dashboard. Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentstsWhat you should do: Move the front seats as far back as possible, and keep adjustable seat-backs in an upright position whenever the car is moving. Head Restraints Head restraints can help protect you from whiplash and other injuries. For maximum protection, the back of your head should rest against the center of the head restraint. Your Car's Safety Features Seats & Seat-Backs Your car's seats are designed to keep you in a comfortable, upright position so you can take full advantage of the protection offered by seat belts and the energy absorbing materials in the seats. How you adjust your seats and seat- backs can also affect your safety. For example, sitting too close to the steering wheel or dashboard increases the risk of you or your passenger being injured by striking the inside of the car, or by an inflating airbag. Reclining a seat-back too far reduces the seat belt's effectiveness and increases the chance that the seat's occupant will slide under the seat belt in a crash and be seriously injured. Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentstsDoor Locks Keeping your doors locked reduces the chance of being thrown out of the car during a crash. It also helps prevent occupants from accidentally opening a door and falling out, and outsiders from unexpectedly opening your doors. Pre-Drive Safety Checklist To make sure you and your passengers get the maximum protection from your car's safety features, check the following each time before you drive away: All adults, and children who have outgrown child safety seats, are wearing their seat belts and wearing them properly (see page 15). Any infant or small child is properly restrained in a child seat in the back seat (see page 21). Front seat occupants are sitting upright and as far back as possible from the steering wheel and dashboard (see page 12). Seat-backs are upright (see page 13). Your Car's Safety Features Head restraints are properly adjusted (see page 15). All doors are closed and locked (see page 12). All cargo is properly stored or secured (see page 151). The rest of this section gives more detailed information about how you can maximize your safety. Remember, however, that no safety system can prevent all injuries or deaths that can occur in severe crashes, even when seat belts are properly worn and the airbags deploy. Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentstsFor security, locked doors can prevent an outsider from unexpectedly opening a door when you come to a stop. See page 70 for how to lock the doors. 2. Adjust the Front Seats Any driver who sits too close to the steering wheel is at risk of being seriously injured or killed by striking the steering wheel, or from being struck by an inflating airbag during a crash. To reduce the chance of injury, wear your seat belt properly, sit upright with your back against the seat, and move the seat as far back as possible from the steering wheel while still maintaining full control of the car. Also make sure your front seat passenger moves the seat as far to the rear as possible. Protecting Adults Introduction The following pages provide instructions on how to properly protect the driver and other adult occupants. These instructions also apply to children who have outgrown child seats and are large enough to wear lap/shoulder belts. (See page 37 for important additional guidelines on how to properly protect larger children.) 1. Close and Lock the Doors After everyone has entered the car, be sure the doors are closed and locked. For safety, locking the doors reduces the chance that a passenger, especially a child, will open a door while the car is moving and accidentally fall out. It also reduces the chance of someone being thrown out of the car during a crash. Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentstsSitting too close to an airbag can result in serious injury or death if the airbags inflate. Always sit as far back from the airbags as possible. Most shorter drivers can get far enough away from the steering wheel and still reach the pedals. However, if you are concerned about sitting too close, we recommend that you investigate whether some type of adaptive equipment may help. Once your seat is adjusted correctly, rock it back and forth to make sure the seat is locked in position. See page 76 for how to adjust the front seats. 3.Adjust the Seat-Backs Adjust the driver's seat-back to a comfortable, upright position, leaving ample space between your chest and the airbag cover in the center of the steering wheel. If you sit too close to the steering wheel, you could be injured if the front airbag inflates. A front passenger should also adjust the seat-back to an upright position, but as far from the dashboard as Protecting Adults possible. A passenger who sits too close to the dashboard could be injured if the front airbag inflates. Reclining a seat-back so that the shoulder part of the belt no longer rests against the occupant's chest reduces the protective capability of the belt. It also increases the chance of sliding under the belt in a crash and being seriously injured. The farther a seat-back is reclined, the greater the risk of injury. Reclining the seat-back too far can result in serious injury or death in a crash. Adjust the seat-back to an upright position and sit well back in the seat. See page 78 for how to adjust seat- backs. Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentstsProperly adjusted head restraints will help protect occupants from whiplash and other crash injuries. See page 78 for how to adjust the head restraints. Improperly positioning head restraints reduces their effectiveness and you can be seriously injured in a crash. Make sure head restraints are in place and positioned properly before driving. Protecting Adults 4.Adjust the Head Restraints Before driving, make sure everyone with an adjustable head restraint has properly positioned the head restraint. The restraint should be positioned so the back of the occupant's head rests against the center of the restraint. A taller person should adjust the restraint as high as possible. Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of Contentsts5.Fasten and Position the Seat Belts Using a Lap/Shoulder Belt Insert the latch plate into the buckle, then tug on the belt to make sure the belt is securely latched. Also check that the belt is not twisted, because a twisted belt can cause serious injuries in a crash. Position the lap part of the belt as low as possible across your hips, then pull up on the shoulder part of the belt so the lap part fits snugly. This lets your strong pelvic bones take the force of a crash and reduces the chance of internal injuries. Protecting Adults If necessary, pull up on the belt again to remove any slack from the shoulder part, then check that the belt rests across the center of your chest and over your shoulder. This spreads the forces of a crash over the strongest bones in your upper body. Improperly positioning the seat belts can cause serious injury or death in a crash. Make sure all seat belts are properly positioned before driving. CONTINUED Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentstsProtecting Adults If the seat belt touches or crosses your neck, or if it crosses your arm instead of your shoulder, you need to adjust the seat belt anchor height. Driver and Passenger Safety Using the Lap Belt To adjust the height of a front seat belt anchor, squeeze the two release buttons and slide the anchor up or down as needed (it has four positions). Never place the shoulder portion of a lap/shoulder belt under your arm or behind your back. This could cause very serious injuries in a crash. Insert the latch plate into the buckle marked CENTER. If the belt is too short, hold the latch plate at a right angle and pull on the plate to extend the belt. Then insert the latch plate into the buckle, and tug on the belt to make sure the belt is securely latched. Main MenuTable of ContentstsProtecting Adults See page 42 for additional information about your seat belt system and how to take care of your belts. If a Seat Belt Doesn't Work Properly If a seat belt does not seem to work as it should, it may not protect the occupant in a crash. No one should sit in a seat with an inoperative seat belt. Anyone using a seat belt that is not working properly can be seriously injured or killed. Have your Honda dealer check the belt as soon as possible. Position the belt as low as possible across your hips. This lets your strong pelvic bones take the force of a crash and reduces the chance of internal injuries. Pull on the loose end of the belt for a snug but comfortable fit. Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentstsProtecting Adults 6.Adjust the Steering Wheel 7.Maintain a Proper Sitting Position After all occupants have adjusted their seats and put on seat belts, it is very important that they continue to sit upright, well back in their seats, with their feet on the floor, until the car is parked and the engine is off. Sitting improperly can increase the chance of injury during a crash. For example, if an occupant slouches, lies down, turns sideways, sits forward, leans forward or sideways, or puts one or both feet up, the chance of injury during a crash is greatly increased. In addition, an occupant who is out of position in the front seat can be seriously or fatally injured by striking interior parts of the car, or by being struck by an inflating airbag. Adjust the steering wheel, if needed, so that the wheel points toward your chest, not toward your face. Pointing the steering wheel toward your face decreases the protective capability of the driver's airbag. See page 65 for how to adjust the steering wheel. Driver and Passenger Safety Sitting improperly or out of position can result in serious injury or death in a crash. Always sit upright, well back in the seat, with your feet on the floor. Remember, to get the best protection from your car's airbags and other safety features, you must sit properly and wear your seat belt properly. Main MenuTable of ContentstsAdvice for Pregnant Women Because protecting the mother is the best way to protect her unborn child, a pregnant woman should always wear a seat belt whenever she drives or rides in a vehicle. We recommend that pregnant women use a lap/shoulder belt whenever possible. Remember to keep the lap portion of the belt as low as possible across your hips. Pregnant women should also sit upright and as far back as possible from the steering wheel or dashboard. This will reduce the risk of injuries to both the mother and her unborn child that can be caused by a crash or an inflating airbag. Each time you have a check-up, ask your doctor if it's okay for you to drive. Protecting Adults Additional Safety Precautions Two people should never use the same seat belt. If they do, they could be very seriously injured in a crash. Do not put any accessories on seat belts. Devices intended to improve occupant comfort or reposition the shoulder part of a seat belt, can severely compromise the protective capability of seat belts and increase the chance of serious injury in a crash. CONTINUED Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentstsProtecting Adults Do not place hard or sharp objects between yourself and an airbag. Carrying hard or sharp objects on your lap, or driving with a pipe or other sharp object in your mouth, can result in injuries if your airbags inflate. Keep your hands and arms away from the airbag covers. If your hands or arms are close to the SRS covers in the center of the steering wheel and on top of the dashboard, they could be injured if the airbags inflate. Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentstsChildren who are unrestrained or improperly restrained can be seriously injured or killed in a crash. Any child too small for a seat belt should be properly restrained in a child seat. A larger child should be properly restrained with a seat belt. Children depend on adults to protect them. However, despite their best intentions, many parents and other adults may not know how to properly protect young passengers. So if you have children, or if you ever need to drive with a grandchild or other children in your car, be sure to read this section. Protecting Children All Children Must Be Restrained Each year, many children are injured or killed in vehicle crashes because they are either unrestrained or not properly restrained. In fact, vehicle accidents are the number one cause of death of children ages 12 and under. To reduce the number of child deaths and injuries, every state and Canadian province requires that infants and children be restrained whenever they ride in a vehicle. Any child who is too small to wear a seat belt should be properly restrained in a child seat. (See page 25.) A larger child should always be restrained with a seat belt. (See page 37.) Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentstsProtecting Children Children Should Sit in the Back Seat According to accident statistics, children of all ages and sizes are safer when they are restrained in the back seat, not the front seat. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Transport Canada recommend that all children ages 12 and under be properly restrained in the back seat. In the back seat, children are less likely to be injured by striking hard interior parts during a collision or hard braking. Also, children cannot be injured by an inflating airbag when they ride in the back. The Passenger's Airbag Poses Serious Risks to Children Airbags have been designed to help protect adults in a moderate to severe frontal collision. To do this, the passenger's airbag is quite large, and it inflates with tremendous speed. Infants Never put a rear-facing child seat in the front seat of a vehicle equipped with a passenger's airbag. If the airbag inflates, it can hit the back of the child seat with enough force to kill or very seriously injure an infant. Small Children Placing a forward-facing child seat in the front seat of a vehicle equipped with a passenger's airbag can be hazardous. If the vehicle seat is too far forward, or the child's head is thrown forward during a collision, an inflating airbag can strike the child with enough force to kill or very seriously injure a small child. Larger Children Children who have outgrown child seats are also at risk of being injured or killed by an inflating passenger's airbag. Whenever possible, larger children should sit in the back seat, properly restrained with a seat belt. (See page 37 for important information about protecting larger children.) Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentstsProtecting Children U.S. Models To remind you of the passenger's airbag hazards, and that children must be properly restrained in the back seat, your car has warning labels on the dashboard and on the driver's and front passenger's visors. Please read and follow the instructions on these labels. Canadian Models To remind you of the airbag hazards, your car has warning labels on the driver's and front passenger's visors. Please read and follow the instructions on these labels. Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentstsProtecting Children If You Must Drive with Several Children Your car has three seating positions in the back seat where children can be properly restrained. If you ever have to carry more than three children in your car: Place the largest child in the front seat, provided the child is large enough to wear a seat belt properly (see page 37). Move the vehicle seat as far to the rear as possible (see page 12). Have the child sit upright and well back in the seat (see page 18). Make sure the seat belt is properly positioned and secured (see page 15). Driver and Passenger Safety If a Child Requires Close Attention Many parents say they prefer to put an infant or small child in the front passenger seat so they can watch the child, or because the child requires attention. Additional Safety Precautions Use childproof door locks to prevent children from opening the doors. Using this feature will prevent children from opening the doors and accidentally falling out (see page 75). Placing a child in the front seat exposes the child to hazards from the airbag, and paying close attention to a child distracts the driver from the important tasks of driving, placing both of you at risk. If a child requires physical attention or frequent visual contact, we strongly recommend that another adult ride with the child in the back seat. The back seat is far safer for a child than the front. Use the main power window switch to prevent children from opening the rear windows. Using this feature will prevent children from playing with the windows, which could expose them to hazards or distract the driver (see page 80). Main MenuTable of ContentstsDo not leave children alone in your vehicle. Leaving children without adult supervision is illegal in most states and provinces, and can be very hazardous. For example, infants and small children left in a vehicle on a hot day can die from heatstroke. And children left alone with the key in the ignition can accidentally set the vehicle in motion, possibly injuring themselves or others. General Guidelines for Using Child Seats The following pages give general guidelines for selecting and installing child seats for infants and small children. Selecting a Child Seat To provide proper protection, a child seat should meet three requirements: 1. The child seat should meet safety standards. The child seat should meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 (FMVSS 213) or Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 (CMVSS 213). Look for the manufacturer's statement of compliance on the box and seat. 2. The child seat should be of the proper type and size to fit the child. Protecting Children Infants: Children up to about one year old should be restrained in a rear-facing, reclining child seat. Only a rear-facing seat provides the proper support to protect an infant's head, neck, and back. See page 29 for additional information on protecting infants. CONTINUED Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentstsBefore purchasing a child seat, we recommend that parents test the child seat in the specific vehicle seating position (or positions) where they intend to use the seat. If a previously purchased child seat does not fit, you may need to buy a different one that will fit. 3. The child seat should fit the vehicle seating position (or positions) where it will be used. Due to variations in the design of child seats, vehicle seats, and seat belts, all child seats will not fit all vehicle seating positions. However, Honda is confident that one or more child seat models can fit and be properly installed in all recommended seating positions in your car. Protecting Children Small Children: A child who is too large for a rear-facing child seat, and who can sit up without support, should be restrained in a forward- facing child seat. See page 33 for additional information on protecting small children. Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentstsPlacing a Child Seat This page briefly summarizes Honda's recommendations on where to place rear-facing and forward- facing child seats in your car. Airbags Pose Serious Risks to Children The passenger's airbag inflates with enough force to kill or seriously injure an infant in a rear-facing child seat. A small child in a forward-facing child seat is also at risk. If the vehicle seat is too far forward, or the child's head is thrown forward during a collision, an inflating airbag can kill or seriously injure the child. If a small child must ride in the front, follow the instructions provided. Protecting Children Front Passenger's Seat Infants: Never in the front seat, due to the passenger's airbag hazard. Small children: Not recommended, due to the passenger's airbag hazard. If a small child must ride in front, move the vehicle seat to the rear-most position and secure a front-facing child seat with the seat belt, (see page 34). Back Seats Infants: Recommended positions. Secure a rear-facing child seat with the seat belt. (see page 30). Small children: Recommended positions. Secure a front-facing child seat with the seat belt. (see page 34). CONTINUED Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentstsProtecting Children Installing a Child Seat After selecting a proper child seat, and a good position to install the seat, there are three main steps in installing the seat: To provide security during normal driving maneuvers as well as during a collision, we recommend that parents secure a child seat as firmly as possible. 1. Secure the child seat to the car with a seat belt. All child seats must be secured to the car with the lap belt or the lap part of a lap/ shoulder belt. A child whose seat is not properly secured to the car can be endangered in a crash. See pages 30 and 34 for instructions on how to secure child seats in this car. 2. Make sure the child seat is firmly secured. After installing a child seat, push and pull the seat forward and from side to side to verify that it is secure. However, a child seat does not need to be "rock solid." In some vehicles or seating positions, it may be difficult to install a child seat so that it does not move at all. Some side-to- side or back-and-forth movement can be expected and should not reduce the child seat's effectiveness. If the child seat is not secure, try installing it in a different seating position, or use a different style of child seat that can be firmly secured in the desired seating position. 3. Secure the child in the child seat. Make sure the child is properly strapped in the child seat according to the child seat maker's instructions. A child who is not properly secured in a child seat can be thrown out of the seat in a crash and seriously injured. Storing a Child Seat When you are not using a child seat, either remove it and store it in a safe place, or make sure it is properly secured. An unsecured child seat can be thrown around the car during a crash or sudden stop and injure someone. Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentstsPlacing a rear-facing child seat in the front seat can result in serious injury or death if the airbags inflate. Always place a rear-facing child seat in the back seat, not the front. We recommend that an infant be restrained in a rear-facing child seat until the infant reaches the seat maker's weight or height limit and is able to sit up without support. Protecting Infants Child Seat Type Only a rear-facing child seat provides proper support for a baby's head, neck, and back. Infants up to about one year of age must be restrained in a rear-facing child seat. Two types of seats may be used: a seat designed exclusively for infants, or a convertible seat used in the rear- facing, reclining mode. Protecting Children Rear-Facing Child Seat Placement In this car, a rear-facing child seat can be placed in any seating position in the back seat, but not in the front seat. Never put a rear-facing child seat in the front seat. If the passenger's airbag inflates, it can hit the back of the child seat with enough force to kill or seriously injure an infant. If an infant must be closely watched, we recommend that another adult sit in the back seat with the baby. Do not put a rear-facing child seat in a forward-facing position. If placed facing forward, an infant could be very seriously injured during a frontal collision. CONTINUED Driver and Passenger Safety Main MenuTable of ContentstsProtecting Children Installing a Rear-Facing Child Seat with a Lap/Shoulder Belt The lap/shoulder belts in the outer back seats have a locking mechanism that must be activated to secure a child seat. The following pages provide instructions on how to secure a rear- facing child seat with this type of seat belt.

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1999 Honda Civic Sedan Owners Manual