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Are you using a properly coded key? An improperly coded key will cause the immobilizer system indicator in the instrument panel ). to blink rapidly (see page


77


Are you using the proper starting Starting the procedure? Refer to Engine 198


on page


Turn the ignition switch to the START (III) position. If the headlights do not dim, check the condition of the fuses. If the fuses are OK, there is probably something wrong with the electrical circuit for the ignition switch or starter motor. You will need a qualified technician to determine the problem. See Emergency Towing


on page


286


If the headlights dim noticeably or go out when you try to start the engine, either the battery is discharged or the connections are corroded. Check the condition of the battery and terminal connec- tions (see page then try jump starting the vehicle from a booster battery (see page 273


). You can


262


).


272


Do you have fuel? Check the fuel gauge; the low fuel indicator may not be working.


There may be an electrical problem, such as no power to the fuel pump. Check all the fuses (see page


280


).


If you find nothing wrong, you will need a qualified technician to find the problem. See Towing on page


Emergency 286


2008 Civic Sedan Table Of ContentsMain Menu 07/07/03 21:19:09 31SNA620 0278 


Jump Starting


Although this seems like a simple procedure, you should take several precautions.


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 your vehicle with an automatic transmission by pushing or pulling it.


To jump start your vehicle:


Except Si


1.


Open the hood, and check the physical condition of the battery. In very cold weather, check the condition of the electrolyte. If it seems slushy or frozen, do not try jump starting until it thaws.


BOOSTER BATTERY


The numbers in the illustrations show you the order to connect the jumper cables.


If a battery sits in extreme cold, the electrolyte inside can f reeze. Attempting to jump start with a f rozen battery can cause it to rupture.


2.


Turn off all the electrical accessories: heater, A/C, audio system, lights, etc. Put the transmission in neutral (manual) or Park (automatic), and set the parking brake.


CONTINUED


273


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Jump Starting


Si


Except Si


Si


BOOSTER BATTERY


3.



) terminal on your


Connect one jumper cable to the positive ( battery. Connect the other end to the positive ( ) terminal on the + booster battery.


6.


Start the vehicle. If the starter motor still operates slowly, check that the jumper cables have good metal-to-metal contact.


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 vehicle, have an assistant start that vehicle and run it at a fast idle.


274


2008 Civic Sedan Table Of ContentsMain Menu 07/07/03 21:19:24 31SNA620 0280 


7.


Once your vehicle is running, disconnect the negative cable from your vehicle, then from the booster battery. Disconnect the positive cable from your vehicle, then from the booster battery.


Keep the ends of the jumper cables away from each other and any metal on the vehicle until everything is disconnected. Otherwise, you may cause an electrical short.


Jump Starting, If the Engine Overheats


If the Engine Overheats The reading of the vehicle’s temperature gauge should stay in the midrange. If it climbs to the red mark, you should determine the reason (hot day, driving up a steep hill, etc.).


If the vehicle overheats, you should take immediate action. 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.


Driving with the temperature gauge reading at the red mark can cause serious damage to the engine.


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 (M/T) or Park (A/T), and set the parking brake. Turn off all accessories, and turn on the hazard warning indicators.


2.


If you see steam and/or spray coming from under the hood, turn off the engine. Wait until you see no more signs of steam or spray, then open the hood.


CONTINUED


275


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If the Engine Overheats


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, the engine should start to cool down almost immediately. If it does, wait until the temperature gauge comes down to the midpoint, then continue driving.


4.


If the temperature gauge stays at the red mark, turn off the engine.


5.


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 Emergency continue driving (see Towing ). 286


on page


6.


If you don’t find an obvious leak, check the coolant level in the radiator reserve tank (see page ). Add coolant if the level is 185
below the MIN mark.


276


7.


If there was no coolant in the reserve tank, you may need to add coolant to the radiator. Let the engine cool down until the reading reaches the middle of the temperature gauge or lower before checking 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.


Start the engine, and set the temperature control dial to maximum heat. 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.


10.


Put the radiator cap back on tightly. Run the engine, and check the temperature gauge. If it goes back to the red mark, the engine needs repair (see Towing on page


Emergency 286


).


8.


Using gloves or a large heavy cloth, turn the radiator cap counterclockwise, without pushing down, to the first stop. After the pressure releases, push down on the cap, and turn it until it comes off.


11.


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.


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Low Oil Pressure Indicator, Charging System Indicator


Low Oil Pressure Indicator


This indicator should never come on when the engine is running. If it starts flashing or stays on, the oil pressure has dropped very low or lost pressure. Serious engine damage is possible, and you should take immediate action.


Running the engine with low oil pressure can cause serious mechanical damage almost immediately. Turn of f the engine as soon as you can saf ely get the vehicle stopped.


1.


2.


3.


4.


Safely pull off the road, and shut off the engine. Turn on the hazard warning lights.


Let the vehicle sit for a minute. Open the hood, and check the oil level (see page ). An engine very low on oil can lose pressure during cornering and other driving maneuvers.


183


If necessary, add oil to bring the level back to the full mark on the dipstick (see page


232


).


Start the engine, and watch the oil pressure indicator. If it does not go out within 10 seconds, turn off the engine. There is a mechanical problem that needs to be repaired before you can continue driving (see 286


Emergency Towing ).


on page


Charging System Indicator


If the charging system indicator comes on brightly when the engine is running, the battery is not being charged.


Immediately turn off all electrical accessories. Try not to use other electrically operated controls such as the power windows. Keep the engine running; starting the engine will discharge the battery rapidly.


Go to a service station or garage where you can get technical assistance.


277


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Malfunction Indicator Lamp


If this indicator comes on while driving, it means one


of the engine’s emissions control systems may have a problem. Even though you may feel no difference in your vehicle’s performance, it can reduce your fuel economy and cause increased emissions. Continued operation may cause serious damage.


If you have recently refueled your vehicle, the indicator coming on could be due to a loose or missing fuel fill cap. You will also see a ‘‘CHECK FUEL CAP’’ message on the information display. Tighten the cap until it clicks at least once. Tightening the cap will not turn the indicator off immediately; it can take several days of normal driving.


278


If the indicator comes on repeatedly, even though it may turn off as you continue driving, have your vehicle checked by the dealer as soon as possible.


If your vehicle’s battery has been disconnected or gone dead, these codes are erased. It can take several days of driving under various conditions to set the codes again.


To check if they are set, turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position, without starting the engine. The malfunction indicator lamp will come on for 20 seconds. If it then goes off, the readiness codes are set. If it blinks five times, the readiness codes are not set. If possible, do not take your vehicle for an emissions test until the readiness codes are set. Emissions Testing Refer to more information (see page


for 303


).


If you keep driving with the malf unction indicator lamp on, you can damage your vehicle’s emissions controls and engine. Those repairs may not be covered by your vehicle’s warranties.


Readiness Codes Your vehicle has certain ‘‘readiness codes’’ that are part of the on-board diagnostics for the emissions systems. In some states, part of the emissions testing is to make sure these codes are set. If they are not set, the test cannot be completed.


2008 Civic Sedan Table Of ContentsMain Menu 07/07/03 21:19:56 31SNA620 0284 


U.S.


Canada


The brake system indicator normally comes on when you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position and as a reminder to check the parking brake. It will stay on if you do not fully release the parking brake.


If the brake system indicator comes on while driving, the brake fluid level is probably low. Press lightly on the brake pedal to see if it feels normal. If it does, check the brake fluid level the next time you stop at a service station (see page


242


).


If the fluid level is low, take your vehicle to a dealer, and have the brake system inspected for leaks or worn brake pads.


Brake System Indicator


If the ABS indicator comes on with the brake system indicator, have your vehicle inspected by your dealer immediately.


However, if the brake pedal does not feel normal, you should take immediate action. A problem in one part of the system’s dual circuit design will still give you braking at two wheels. You will feel the brake pedal go down much farther before the vehicle begins to slow down, and you will have to press harder on the pedal.


Slow down by shifting to a lower gear, and pull to the side of the road when it is safe. Because of the long distance needed to stop, it is hazardous to drive the vehicle. You should have it towed and repaired as soon as possible (see Towing 286


Emergency ).


on page


If you must drive the vehicle a short distance in this condition, drive slowly and carefully.


279


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Fuses


INTERIOR


UNDER-HOOD


TAB


FUSE LABEL


The fuses are in two fuse boxes. The interior fuse box is underneath the steering column.


The under-hood fuse box is on the driver’s side, next to the brake fluid reservoir. To open it, push the tabs as shown.


280


and


Checking and Replacing Fuses If something electrical in your vehicle stops working, the first thing you should check for is a blown fuse. Determine from the chart on pages 284
, or the diagram on the fuse box lid, which fuse or fuses control that device. Check those fuses first, but check all the fuses before deciding that a blown fuse is the cause. Replace any blown fuses, and check if the device works.


285


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FUSE


BLOWN


BLOWN


Fuses


FUSE PULLER


1.


Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK (0) position. 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.


4.


Check the smaller fuses in the under-hood fuse box and all the fuses in the interior fuse box by pulling out each one with the fuse puller provided on the back of the under-hood fuse box cover.


CONTINUED


281


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If you cannot drive the vehicle without fixing 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 accessory power socket or radio). 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.


Replacing a f use with one that has a higher rating greatly increases the chances of damaging the electrical system. If you do not have a replacement f use with the proper rating f or 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 with your vehicle. Leave the blown fuse in that circuit, and have your vehicle checked by a qualified technician.


Fuses


BLOWN


5.


Look for a blown wire inside the fuse. If it is blown, replace it with one of the spare fuses of the same rating or lower.


282


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AllmodelsexceptDXandCanadian DX-G If the driver’s power window fuse is removed, the AUTO function of the driver’s window will be disabled. You should reset the AUTO feature, (see page


100


).


If the radio fuse is removed, the audio system will disable itself. The next time you turn on the radio you will see ‘‘ENTER CODE’’ in the frequency display. Use the preset buttons to enter the digit code (see page


173


).


When the audio system is disabled, the clock setting in the audio system will be canceled. You will need to reset the clock (see page


174


).


Fuses


283


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Fuse Locations


UNDER-HOOD FUSE BOX


No.


Amps.


Circuits Protected



Main Fuse EPS Option Main Ignition Switch Main ABS/VSA Motor ABS/VSA F/S


100 A (70 A) 60 A 50 A 30 A 30 A 40 A



284


No.


Amps.


Circuits Protected


10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
1 : 2 :


* *


50 A 40 A − 20 A 20 A 30 A 30 A 40 A 10 A 15 A 15 A − − 7.5 A −


(15 A) 15 A 15 A 7.5 A 15 A 7.5 A 10 A


Headlight Main Power Window Main Not Used Sub Fan Motor Main Fan Motor (M/T) Main Fan Motor (A/T) Rear Defogger Blower Hazard FI Sub Stop and Horn Not Used Not Used IGPS Oil Level Not Used Audio Amp IG Coil FI Main MG Clutch DBW Interior Light Back Up



If equipped On models with VSA system


2008 Civic Sedan Table Of ContentsMain Menu 07/07/03 21:20:35 31SNA620 0290 


INTERIOR FUSE BOX


Fuse Locations


No.


Amps.


Circuits Protected


No.


Amps.


Circuits Protected


No.


Amps.


Circuits Protected


7.5 A 15 A 10 A 7.5 A (15 A)



(7.5 A)



Power Window Fuel Pump Alternator ABS/VSA Heated Seat Not Used TPMS Not Used




10
11
12
13
14
15
16


7.5 A 7.5 A 10 A 10 A 10 A 7.5 A 7.5 A 10 A


ODS METER SRS Right Headlight High Left Headlight High Small (Interior) Small (Exterior) Right Headlight Low


17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38


10 A 20 A 15 A − 20 A − −


(20 A) 20 A 20 A −


(15 A) 15 A 20 A − 20 A 20 A − 7.5 A 10 A 7.5 A 30 A


If equipped



Left Headlight Low Headlight High Main Small (Main) Not Used Headlight Low Main Not Used Not Used Moonroof Door Lock Driver’s Power Window Not Used Rear ACC Socket ACC Passenger’s Power Window Not Used Right Rear Power Window Left Rear Power Window Not Used ACC Radio HAC Daytime Running Light Front Wiper



285


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Emergency Towing


If your vehicle needs to be towed, call a professional towing service or organization. Never tow your vehicle with just a rope or chain. It is very dangerous.


There are two ways to tow your vehicle:



Flat-bedEquipment loads your vehicle on the back of a truck. transport your vehicle.


This is the best way to


The operator



The tow


Wheel-liftEquipment truck uses two pivoting arms that go under the front tires and lift them off the ground. The rear tires remain on the ground. way to tow your vehicle.


This is an acceptable


286


Improper towing preparation will damage the transmission. Follow the above procedure exactly. If you cannot shif t the transmission or start the engine (automatic transmission), your vehicle must be transported with the f ront wheels of f the ground.


With the front wheels on the ground, do not tow the vehicle more than 50
miles (80 km), and keep the speed below 35 mph (55 km/h).


If, due to damage, your vehicle must be towed with the front wheels on the ground, do this:


Manualtransmission:


Release the parking brake. Shift the transmission to neutral. Leave the ignition switch in the ACCESSORY (I) position so the steering wheel does not lock.


Automatictransmission:


Start the engine. Press on the brake pedal. Move the shift lever through all its positions. Shift to D position for 5 seconds, then to N. Turn off the engine. Release the parking brake. Leave the ignition switch in the ACCESSORY (I) position so the steering wheel does not lock.


2008 Civic Sedan Table Of ContentsMain Menu 07/07/03 21:20:52 31SNA620 0292 


Emergency Towing


The steering system can be damaged if the steering wheel is locked. Leave the ignition switch in the ACCESSORY (I) position, and make sure the steering wheel turns f reely bef ore you begin towing.


Do not tie down the vehicle at an angle that would allow the towing cables to contact the vehicle’s front bumper. To avoid possible damage, protect the front bumper with tape.


If your vehicle is equipped with a front spoiler, remove it before towing so it is not damaged.


Trying to lif t or tow your vehicle by the bumpers will cause serious damage. The bumpers are not designed to support the vehicle’s weight.


287


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288


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Technical Information


The diagrams in this section give you the dimensions and capacities of your vehicle and the locations of the identification numbers. It also includes information you should know about your vehicle’s tires and emissions control systems.


Identification Numbers Specifications DOT Tire Quality Grading


................ ................................


. 290
. 292


(U.S. Vehicles)


Treadwear Traction Temperature


...................... ................................. ...................................... ............................. .................................


. 295
. 295
. 295
. 296
. 297


Tire Labeling Tire Pressure Monitoring


System (TPMS)



Federal Explanation


Required .............


. 298


Emissions Controls ....................... The Clean Air Act ..................... Crankcase Emissions Control .................................... Evaporative Emissions Control ....................................


System


System


Onboard Refueling Vapor


. 300
. 300


. 300


. 300


Recovery


. 300
Exhaust Emissions Controls . 301
. 301


................................ ... ....................


PGM-FI System Ignition Timing Control


System


................................ Exhaust Gas Recirculation ...................


(EGR) System


Three Way Catalytic


. 301


. 301


Converter


Replacement Parts


. 301
........................... .................... . 301
.. Three Way Catalytic Converter . 302
........................ . 303
Emissions Testing


289


2008 Civic Sedan Main Menu 07/07/03 21:21:03 31SNA620 0295 


Identification Numbers


Your vehicle has several identifying numbers in various places.


The vehicle identification number (VIN) is the 17-digit number your dealer uses to register your vehicle for warranty purposes. It is also necessary for licensing and insuring your vehicle. 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.


The VIN is also located on the engine bulkhead. Slide the cover on the engine compartment bulkhead to view the VIN. Always close the cover when finished.


290


COVER


VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER


CERTIFICATION LABEL


2008 Civic Sedan Table Of ContentsMain Menu 07/07/03 21:21:09 31SNA620 0296 


The engine number is stamped into the engine block. It is on the front.


Except Si


The transmission number is on a label on top of the transmission.


Si


Identification Numbers


ENGINE NUMBER


AUTOMATIC/MANUAL TRANSMISSION NUMBER


ENGINE NUMBER


MANUAL TRANSMISSION NUMBER


291


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Specifications


Dimensions Length Width Height Wheelbase Track


Front Rear


Weights Gross vehicle weight rating


Seating Capacities Total Front Rear


176.7 in (4,489 mm) 69.0 in (1,752 mm) 56.5 in (1,435 mm) 106.3 in (2,700 mm) 59.0 in (1,499 mm) 59.9 in (1,522 mm)


See the certification label attached to the driver’s doorjamb.


Engine Type


Bore x Stroke


Displacement


Compression ratio


Spark plugs



Spark plugs



* *


1 : 2 :


Except Si Si


292


Water cooled 4-stroke


SOHC VTEC , DOHC i-VTEC * 4-cylinder gasoline engine



3.19 x 3.44 in (81.0 x 87.3 mm) *


3.39 x 3.39 in (86 x 86 mm)



110 cu-in (1,799 cm ) 122 cu-in (1,998 cm )





10.5
11.0
IZFR6K11S



NGK: DENSO: SKJ20DR-M11S NGK: DENSO:


IFR7G11KS SK22PR-M11S


2008 Civic Sedan Table Of ContentsMain Menu 07/10/26 14:24:23 31SNA620 0298 


Specifications


Capacities Fuel tank Engine coolant


Change *


Total


A/T M/T


A/T M/T


Engine oil


Change *


Including filter


Without filter


Total


Change


Total


Change Total


U.S. Vehicles Canada Vehicles


Manual transmission fluid


Automatic transmission fluid Windshield washer reservoir 1 :



13.2 US gal (50 )


Approx. 1.40 US gal (5.3 ) 1.37 US gal (5.2 ) 1.19 US gal (4.5 ) 1.77 US gal (6.7 ) 1.72 US gal (6.5 ) 1.80 US gal (6.8 )


















3.9 US qt (3.7 ) 4.6 US qt (4.4 ) 3.7 US qt (3.5 ) 4.4 US qt (4.2 ) 4.8 US qt (4.5 ) 5.8 US qt (5.5 ) 1.5 US qt (1.4 ) 1.6 US qt (1.5 ) 1.7 US qt (1.6 ) 1.8 US qt (1.7 ) 2.5 US qt (2.4 ) 6.2 US qt (5.9 )


2.6 US qt (2.5 ) 4.8 US qt (4.5 )


Including the coolant in the reserve tank and that remaining in the engine Reserve tank capacity: 0.11 US gal (0.4 ) Excluding the oil remaining in the engine Except Si Si


* * *


2 : 3 : 4 :


Air Conditioning Refrigerant type Charge quantity Lubricant oil type


Lights Headlights


High Low


Front turn signal/side marker/ Parking lights Rear turn signal lights Stop/Taillights Rear side marker lights Back-up lights Taillights High-mount brake light License plate lights Ceiling light Spotlights Trunk light


HFC-134a (R-134a) −


14.1 15.9 oz (400 450 g)



SP-10


60 W (HB3) 51 W (HB4) 21/5 W


21 W 21/5 W 2 CP 21 W 3 CP 21 W 5 W 8 W 8 W 5 W



12 V 12 V 12 V


12 V 12 V 12 V 12 V 12 V 12 V 12 V 12 V 12 V 12 V


− − −


− − − − − − − − − −


293


2008 Civic Sedan Table Of ContentsMain Menu 07/10/26 14:24:42 31SNA620 0299 


Specifications


U.S. Vehicles


Canada Vehicles


12 V 12 V 12 V 12 V 12 V 12 V


− − − − − −


36 AH/5 HR 45 AH/20 HR 38 AH/5 HR * 47 AH/20 HR 38 AH/5 HR 47 AH/20 HR



See page 285 or the fuse label attached to the inside of the fuse box door under the steering column. See page 284 or the fuse box cover.


0.00 in (0.0 mm) 0.08 in (2.0 mm)


0° 0°45’ − 7°24’


Battery Capacity


Fuses Interior


Under-hood


Alignment Toe-in


Camber


Caster


Front Rear Front Rear Front


294


Tires Size


Front/Rear


Spare


Pressure


Front/Rear


Spare





P195/65R15 89H P195/65R15 89S P205/55R16 89H P215/45R17 87V 215/45ZR17 91W T125/70D15 95M * T135/80R16 101M T125/70D16 96M *





30 psi (210 kPa , 2.1 kgf/cm ) * 32 psi (220 kPa , 2.2 kgf/cm ) * 33 psi (230 kPa , 2.3 kgf/cm ) * 60 psi (420 kPa , 4.2 kgf/cm )


1, 2


4, 6


* * * * * * * *


1 : 2 : 3 : 4 : 5 : 6 : 7 : 8 :


DX, Canadian DX-G with automatic transmission Canadian DX-G with manual transmission LX, EX, EX-L Si (all season tires) Except Si Optional for Si (summer tires) Si Si without VSA system


2008 Civic Sedan Table Of ContentsMain Menu 07/07/03 21:22:10 31SNA620 0300 


The tires on your vehicle meet all U.S. Federal Safety Requirements. All tires are also graded for treadwear, traction, and temperature performance according to Department of Transportation (DOT) standards. The following explains these gradings.


Uniform Tire Quality Grading Quality grades can be found where applicable on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder and maximum section width. For example:


Treadwear 200
Traction AA Temperature A


All passenger car tires must conform to Federal Safety Requirements in addition to these grades.


DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)


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 AA, A, B, and C. Those grades 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 assigned to this tire is based on straight-ahead braking traction tests, and does not include acceleration, cornering, hydroplaning, or peak traction characteristics.


295


2008 Civic Sedan Table Of ContentsMain Menu 07/07/03 21:22:14 31SNA620 0301 


DOT Tire Quality Grading (U.S. Vehicles)


Warning: The temperature grade for this tire is established for a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed, underinflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.


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.


296


2008 Civic Sedan Table Of ContentsMain Menu 07/07/03 21:22:30 31SNA620 0302 


Tire Labeling


The tires that came on your vehicle have a number of markings. Those you should be aware of are described below.


TIRE LABELING EXAMPLE


(1)


TireSize Whenever tires are replaced, they should be replaced with tires of the same size. Below is an example of tire size with an explanation of what each component means.


TireIdentificationNumber(TIN) The tire identification number (TIN) is a group of numbers and letters that look like the following example. TIN is located on the sidewall of the tire.


P205/55R16 89H


DOT B97R FW6X 2202


205
55


16
89



− −



− −



Vehicle type (P indicates passenger vehicle). Tire width in millimeters. Aspect ratio (the tire’s section height as a percentage of its width). Tire construction code (R indicates radial). Rim diameter in inches. Load index (a numerical code associated with the maximum load the tire can carry). Speed symbol (an alphabetical code indicating the maximum speed rating).


DOT



B97R


FW6X 2202



− −


This indicates that the tire meets all requirements of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Manufacturer’s identification mark. Tire type code. Date of manufacture. Year Week


CONTINUED


297


(4)


(3)


(2)


(1)


(1) (2) (3) (4)


Tire Size Tire Identification Number (TIN) Maximum Tire Pressure Maximum Tire Load


2008 Civic Sedan Table Of ContentsMain Menu 07/07/03 21:22:39 31SNA620 0303 


Tire Labeling, Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)



Required Federal Explanation


Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) U.S.modelsonly Each tire, including the spare (if provided), should be checked monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label.


(If your vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, you should determine the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires.)


As an added safety feature, your vehicle has been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale


when one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated.


Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, you should stop and check your tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure.


MaximumTirePressure Max Press



The maximum air pressure the tire can hold.


MaximumTireLoad Max Load



The maximum load the tire can carry at maximum air pressure.

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