Contents Section: Procedures All sections

Maintenance Information Honda Civic III

Procedures 15 illustrations ~2373 words

VIN LOCATION

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is stamped on a plate attached to top left side of dashboard. It also appears on certification label attached to left rear door jamb and on body under the hood, directly behind engine.

VIN CODE ID EXPLANATION

Numbers preceding the explanations in the legend below refer to the sequence of characters as listed on VIN identification label. See VIN example below.

VIN Code Identification (1 Of 2). Scheme 6

Scheme 6: VIN Code Identification (1 Of 2)

VIN Code Identification (2 Of 2). Scheme 7

Scheme 7: VIN Code Identification (2 Of 2)

SEVERE & NORMAL SERVICE DEFINITIONS

Note. Use the Severe Service schedule if the vehicle to be serviced is operated under ANY (one or more) of these conditions

Service is recommended at mileage intervals based on vehicle operation. Service schedules are based on the following primary operating conditions

Normal Service

  1. Driven More Than 10 Miles Daily
  2. No Operating Conditions From Severe Service Schedule

Severe Service (Unique Driving Conditions)

  1. Repeated Short Trips (Less Than 10 Miles)
  2. Severe Dust
  3. Severe Cold Weather
  4. Areas Using Road Salt (Or Similar Materials)
  5. Driving On Rough And/Or Muddy Roads

CAMSHAFT TIMING BELT

CAUTIONHonda does not list camshaft timing belt inspection or replacement for some year/models. Always refer to appropriate maintenance schedule for the vehicle being serviced. Failure to replace a faulty camshaft timing belt may result in serious engine damage.

The condition of camshaft drive belts should always be checked on vehicles which have more than 50,000 miles. Although some manufacturers do not recommend belt replacement at a specified mileage, others require it at 60,000-100,000 miles. A camshaft drive belt failure may cause extensive damage to internal engine components on most engines, although some designs do not allow piston-to-valve contact. These designs are often called "Free Wheeling".

Belts or components should be inspected and replaced if any of the following conditions exist

  1. Cracks Or Tears In Belt Surface
  2. Missing, Damaged, Cracked Or Rounded Teeth
  3. Oil Contamination
  4. Damaged Or Faulty Tensioners
  5. Incorrect Tension Adjustment

Scheme 8

Scheme 8: SERVICE POINT LOCATIONS

Scheme 9

Scheme 9

Note. For more information regarding valve adjustment refer to the 1.5L 4-CYL & 1.6L 4-CYL article in the ENGINE MECHANICAL.

Scheme 10

Scheme 10

Note. For more information regarding fuel system service refer to the 1.5L 4-CYL & 1.6L 4-CYL article in the ENGINE MECHANICAL.

Scheme 11

Scheme 11

Note. For more information regarding camshaft timing belt service refer to the 1.5L 4-CYL & 1.6L 4-CYL article in the ENGINE MECHANICAL.

WHEEL & TIRE SPECIFICATIONS

Wheel and tire information can be found on the label attached to the edge of the driver's door. Tire information can also be found on the label inside the glove compartment.

WHEEL TIGHTENING

Tighten wheel lug nuts to 80 ft. lbs. (110 N.m).

BATTERY SPECIFICATIONS

CAUTIONWhen battery is disconnected, vehicles equipped with computers may lose memory data. When battery power is restored, driveability problems may exist on some vehicles. These vehicles may require a relearn procedure. See COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in GENERAL INFORMATION.

If battery is replaced, new battery should be of same group number as shown on original battery's label.

SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (AIR BAG)

Note. See the AIR BAGS article in ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT.

Modifications or improper maintenance, including incorrect removal and installation of the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), can adversely affect system performance. DO NOT cover, obstruct or change the steering wheel horn pad in any way, as such action could cause improper function of the system. Use only plain water when cleaning the horn pad. Solvents or cleaners could adversely affect the air bag cover and cause improper deployment of the system.

WARNINGTo avoid injury from accidental air bag deployment, read and carefully follow all warnings and service precautions. See appropriate AIR BAGS article in ACCESSORIES/SAFETY EQUIPMENT.
CAUTIONDisconnect negative battery cable before servicing any air bag system, steering column or passenger side dash component. After any repair, turn ignition key to the ON position from passenger's side of vehicle in case of accidental air bag inflation

AIR CONDITIONER

Ensure the air conditioning system is sufficiently charged before using. Prolonged use of an under-charged system may damage the compressor.

AIR CONDITIONING SERVICING

CAUTIONAvoid breathing R-134a refrigerant and PAG lubricant vapors, exposure may irritate eyes, nose and throat. To remove R-134a from system use R-134a recycling equipment that meets SAE J2210 specifications. If accidental system discharge occurs, ventilate work area before resuming service.
WARNINGR-134a service equipment or vehicle A/C systems SHOULD NOT be pressure tested or leak tested with compressed air. Some mixtures of air/R134a have shown to be combustible at elevated pressures. These mixtures are dangerous and may cause fire and/or explosions. See AIR CONDITIONING SERVICE article in GENERAL INFORMATION.

ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM

The anti-lock brake system contains electronic equipment that can be susceptible to interference caused by improperly installed or high output radio transmitting equipment. Since this interference could cause the possible loss of the anti-lock braking capability, such equipment should be installed by qualified professionals.

On models equipped with anti-lock brake systems, ALWAYS observe the following cautions

  1. DO NOT attempt to bleed hydraulic system without first referring to the appropriate ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM article in BRAKES.
  2. DO NOT mix tire sizes. As long as tires remain close to the original diameter, increasing the width is acceptable. Rolling diameter must be identical for all 4 tires. Some manufacturers recommend tires of the same brand, style and type. Failure to follow this precaution may cause inaccurate wheel speed readings.
  3. Use ONLY recommended brake fluids. DO NOT use silicone brake fluids in an ABS-equipped vehicle.

BATTERY WARNING

WARNINGWhen battery is disconnected, vehicles equipped with computers may lose memory data. When battery power is restored, driveability problems may exist on some vehicles. These vehicles may require a relearn procedure. See COMPUTER RELEARN PROCEDURES article in GENERAL INFORMATION.

REPLACING BLOWN FUSES

Before replacing a blown fuse, remove ignition key, turn off all lights and accessories to avoid damaging the electrical system. Be sure to use fuse with the correct indicated amperage rating. The use of an incorrect amperage rating fuse may result in a dangerous electrical system overload.

BRAKE PAD WEAR INDICATOR

Indicator will cause a squealing or scraping noise, warning that brake pads need replacement.

CATALYTIC CONVERTER

Continued operation of vehicle with a severe malfunction could cause converter to overheat, resulting in possible damage to converter and vehicle.

Any modification to the exhaust system on turbo models, which reduces exhaust backpressure, will lead to lean fuel mixtures and excessive spark advance. This could cause serious engine damage.

ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE SENSITIVE (ESD) PARTS

WARNINGMany solid state electrical components can be damaged by static electricity (ESD). Some will display a warning label, but many will not. Discharge personal static electricity by touching a metal ground point on the vehicle prior to servicing any ESD sensitive component.

ENGINE OIL

CAUTIONNever use non-detergent or straight mineral oil.

FUEL SYSTEM SERVICE

WARNINGRelieve fuel system pressure prior to servicing any fuel system component (fuel injection models).

HALOGEN BULBS

Halogen bulbs contain pressurized gas which may explode if overheated. DO NOT touch glass portion of bulb with bare hands. Eye protection should be worn when handling or working around halogen bulbs.

RADIATOR & CONDENSER FINS

Radiator and condenser fins are very thin and easily damaged. Exercise extreme care when working around them.

RADIATOR CAP

CAUTIONAlways disconnect the fan motor when working near the radiator fan. The fan is temperature controlled and could start at any time even when the ignition key is in the OFF position. DO NOT loosen or remove radiator cap when cooling system is hot.

RADIATOR FAN

Keep hands away from radiator fan. Fan is controlled by a thermostatic switch which may come on or run for up to 15 minutes even after engine is turned off.

WASHER FLUID RESERVOIR

DO NOT use a vinegar/water combination in the windshield washer; it will damage the pump. Prolonged operation of the washer without fluid may damage the pump.

WARRANTY INFORMATION

CAUTIONAlways refer to customer's copy of warranty information for specific model application and/or coverage limitations.

FUSE PANEL LOCATION

The fuse box is located under dashboard on driver's side. Underhood fuse panel is located in engine compartment beside battery. Cars equipped with anti-lock brake system have a third fuse box for ABS in front of the engine compartment on passenger's side.

Scheme 12

Scheme 12: FUSE PANEL IDENTIFICATION (1983)

Fuse & Circuit Breaker Identification

  1. 1 - 55 Amp Main Fuse
  2. 2 - 10 Amp Right Headlight Low Beam
  3. 3 - 10 Amp Left Headlight Low Beam
  4. 4 - 10 Amp Right Headlight High Beam, High Beam Indicator Light
  5. 5 - 10 Amp Left Headlight High Beam
  6. 6 - 10 Amp Regulator, Fuel Pump Cut-Off Relay, Primary Cut-Off Solenoid, Vacuum Holding Solenoid Valve, EGR Control Solenoid Valves, Speed Sensor, Power Valve Control Solenoid Valve, Control Switch Solenoid Valve, Idle Compensation Unit (Manual Only), Idle Compensation Solenoid Valve (Manual Only), Control Unit (1300 5-Speed Only), T/C Solenoid Valve (1300 5-Speed Only), Upshift Indicator (1300 5-Speed Only)
  7. 7 - 15 Amp Wiper & Washer Motor
  8. 8 - 10 Amp Turn Signal Relay & Lights, Back-Up Lights, Gauges, Warning Lights, Seat Belt Buzzer
  9. 9 - 10 Amp Interior Light, Trunk Light, Cigarette Lighter, Clock, Key Buzzer
  10. 10 - 15 Amp Brakelights, Horn, Hazard Flasher/Relay
  11. 11 - 15 Amp Taillights, Side Marker Lights, Parking & License Lights, Gauge Lights, Ignition Switch Light, Heater Panel Light, A/T Console Light (Automatic Only)
  12. 12 - 15 Amp Rear Window Defroster
  13. 13 - 15 Amp Heater Motor
  14. 14 - 15 Amp Cooling Fan Motor
  15. 15 - 10 Amp Radio
  16. 16 - 10 Amp Cranking Solenoid Valve, Cranking Leak Solenoid Valve

Scheme 13

Scheme 13: FUSE PANEL IDENTIFICATION (1984-87)
  1. 1 - 10 Amp Brake Warning System, Charging System
  2. 2 - 15 Amp Wipers & Washers, Sun Roof (If Equipped)
  3. 3 - 10 Amp Back-Up Lights, Clock & Gauges, Seat Belt Warning, Tachometer & Warning Indicators, Turn Lights (CRX), Upshift Indicator (CRX), 4WD Indicator (If Equipped)
  4. 4 - 10 Amp Emission Controls, Radiator Fan, Alternator Control Unit (1984 CRX 1300), Upshift Indicator (1984 CRX 1300), Charge Indicator (1986-87 Civic), Charging System (1986-87 CRX), 4WD Controls (If Equipped)
  5. 5 - 10 Amp Headlights
  6. 6 - 10 Amp Headlights
  7. 7 - 10 Amp Headlights
  8. 8 - 10 Amp Headlights
  9. 9 - 15 Amp Brakelights & Horn
  10. 10 - Blank
  11. 11 - 15 Amp Trunk/Hatch Light, Interior Light, Key Warning, Clock & Radio, Cigarette Lighter, Front Marker Lights (1986-87)
  12. 12 - 15 Amp Dash & Console Lights, Front Marker Lights (1984-85), Rear Marker Lights, License Light, Park Lights, Taillights, Emission Control Unit (1986-87 Wagon)
  13. 13 - 15 Amp Air Conditioner, Radiator Fan
  14. 14 - 20 Amp Air Conditioner, Blower & Heater Controls, Rear Window Defogger
  15. 15 - 10 Amp Radio
  16. 16 - 20 Amp Air Conditioner, Radiator Fan, Sun Roof (1986-87 CRX Si:30 Amp)
  17. 17 - 20 Amp Rear Window Defogger
  18. 18 - 15 Amp Emission Controls (1986-87 CRX Si Only)
  19. 19 - 15 Amp Hatch Release (Civic Wagon)

Scheme 14

Scheme 14: FUSE PANEL IDENTIFICATION (1988-91)
  1. 1 - 10 Amp Integrated Control Unit, Combination Switch, Gauge Assembly, Back-Up Lights Switch, Shift Position Console Switch, Clock (1990), Shift Lock Solenoid (1990), Interlock Control Unit (1990), Automatic Seat Belts (If Equipped)
  2. 2 - 10 Amp Starter Solenoid, PGM-FI Main Relay, PGM-FI Electronic Control Unit, Integrated Control Unit
  3. 3 - 20 Amp Power Door Locks (If Equipped)
  4. 4 - 10 Amp Right Headlight High Beam, High Beam Indicator Light, Daytime Running Lights Relay (Canada)
  5. 5 - 10 Amp Left Headlight High Beam
  6. 6 - 30 Amp Sun Roof Motor (If Equipped)
  7. 7 - 10 Amp Rear Lights (Canada Only)
  8. 8 - 10 Amp Integrated Control Unit, Interior & Exterior Lighting
  9. 9 - Blank
  10. 10 - 10 Amp Left Headlight Low Beam
  11. 11 - 10 Amp Right Headlight Low Beam
  12. 12 - 15 Amp Integrated Control Unit, Luggage Compartment Light, Dome Light, Ignition Switch, Clock, Radio, Cigarette Lighter
  13. 13 - 15/20 Amp Power Windows, Windshield Wipers & Washer, Sun Roof Relay (1990), Integrated Control Unit (Canada), Combination Switch (1990 CRX)
  14. 14 - 10 Amp Gauge Assembly, Engine Sensors & Controls, PGM-FI Main Relay (Wagon & CRX Only), PGM-FI ECU (Wagon & CRX Only), Fuel Pump (Wagon & CRX Only), ELD Unit (Wagon & CRX Only), EACV (Wagon & CRX Only)
  15. 15 - 15 Amp Cooling Fan Motor (Except 4WD A/T Wagon), Cooling Fan Relay
  16. 16 - 10 Amp Daytime Running Lights (Canada Only)
  17. 17 - 10 Amp Radio, Cigarette Lighter Relay (1990 only)
  18. 18 - 10 Amp Rear Window Defogger, Power Door Mirrors, Air Conditioning
  19. 19 - 30 Amp Blower Motor
  20. 20 - 20 Amp Right Front Power Window
  21. 21 - 20 Amp Left Front Power Window
  22. 22 - 20 Amp Right Rear Power Window
  23. 23 - 20 Amp Left Rear Power Window

Scheme 15

Scheme 15: FUSE PANEL IDENTIFICATION (1992-96)
  1. 1 - 30 Amp Moon Roof
  2. 2 - Not Used
  3. 3 - 7.5 Amp Integrated Control Unit, Ceiling Light, Trunk/Cargo Light
  4. 4 - Not Used (Coupe, 3-Door and del Sol) 20 Amp Right Rear Power Window Motor
  5. 5 - 20 Amp Driver's Power Window Motor
  6. 6 - 20 Amp Power Door Lock Control Unit
  7. 7 - Not Used (Coupe and 3-Door) 20 Amp (Sedan) Left Rear Power Window Motor 20 Amp (del Sol) Rear Power Window
  8. 8 - 20 Amp Front Passenger's Power Window Motor
  9. 9 - 10 Amp Right Headlight (HIGH)
  10. 10 - 10 Amp Left Headlight (HIGH), High Beam, Indicator Light
  11. 11 - Not Used (Coupe, 3-Door and Sedan) 10 Amp (del Sol) Auxiliary Light (Foglights)
  12. 12 - 15 Amp Alternator (Canada, W/O SRS), PGM-FI, Cruise Control, Gauges (without SRS), ELD Assembly
  13. 13 - 7.5 Amp Rear Window Defogger Relay, ABS Motor Relay, Power Mirrors, Air Delivery, Blower Motor Relay, Radiator Fan Relay, Condenser Fan Relay
  14. 14 - 20 Amp Windshield Wiper Relay, Moon Roof Relay, Integrated Control Unit, Power Window Relay, Front/Rear Window Washer Motor, Front/Rear Windshield Wiper Motors
  15. 15 - 10 Amp Gauge & Warning Lights, Clock, Back-Up Lights Interlock System, Integrated Control Unit
  16. 16 - 7.5 Amp Daytime Running Lights (Canada)
  17. 17 - 10 Amp Daytime Running Lights (Canada)
  18. 18 - 7.5 Amp PGM-FI ECU, ECU Main Relay, Starter Signal
  19. 19 - 10 Amp Dash Lights, Taillights, Parking/License/Console Lights
  20. 20 - Not Used
  21. 21 - 10 Amp Right Headlight (LOW)
  22. 22 - 10 Amp Left Headlight (LOW)
  23. 23 - 15 Amp Stereo Radio & Cassette Player, Cigarette Lighter
  24. 24 - 15 Amp Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Unit (VB), Alternator, Cruise Control, Gauges (with SRS)
  25. 25 - 10 Amp Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) Unit (VA)
  26. 26 - 30 Amp Spare Fuse
  27. 27 - 15 Amp Spare Fuse
  28. 28 - 20 Amp Spare Fuse
  29. 29 - 7.5 Amp Spare Fuse
  30. 30 - 10 Amp Spare Fuse

Scheme 16

Scheme 16: UNDERHOOD FUSE PANEL IDENTIFICATION (1984-87 EXCEPT CRX)
  1. 1 - 55 Amp Main Power Distribution & Hazard Fuse
  2. 2 - 45 Amp Ignition Switch
  3. 3 - 45 Amp Dash Fuse Box, Headlights

Scheme 17

Scheme 17: UNDERHOOD FUSE PANEL IDENTIFICATION (1984-87 CRX)
  1. 1 - 55 Amp Power Distribution
  2. 2 - 45 Amp Power Distribution
  3. 3 - 45 Amp Power Distribution

Scheme 18

Scheme 18: UNDERHOOD FUSE PANEL IDENTIFICATION (1988-91)
  1. 1 - 60 Amp Power Distribution
  2. 2 - 50 Amp Dash Fuse Box
  3. 3 - 40 Amp Dash Fuse Box, Exterior Lighting
  4. 4 - 10 Amp PGM-FI Electronic Control Unit, Hazard Lights, A/T Control Unit (Wagon), Integrated Control Unit (1990), Automatic Shoulder Belts (1990)
  5. 5 - 15 Amp Horns, Brakelights, A/T Control Unit (Wagon Only), Key Interlock Solenoid (A/T Only), Seat Belt Retractors (1990)
  6. 6 - 20 Amp Rear Window Defogger
  7. 7 - 15 Amp PGM-FI Main Relay
  8. 8 - 15 Amp A/C Compressor Clutch, Condenser Fan Relay

Scheme 19

Scheme 19: UNDERHOOD FUSE PANEL IDENTIFICATION (1992-96)
  1. 1 - 15 Amp PGM-FI Main Relay
  2. 2 - 7.5 Amp PGM-FI ECM, Clock, Radio/Cassette Player
  3. 3 - 15 Amp Radiator Fan Relay (Contacts)
  4. 4 - 30 Amp Rear Window Defogger Relay (Contacts)
  5. 5 - 20 Amp Condenser Fan Motor, A/C Clutch Relay
  6. 6 - 50 Amp Option Connector "A", Moon Roof, Power Windows, Power Locks Integrated Control Unit, Ceiling Light, Trunk/Cargo Light
  7. 7 - 30 Amp Blower Motor Relay
  8. 8 - Not Used
  9. 9 - 50 Amp Ignition Switch (BAT)
  10. 10 - 40 Amp Combination Light Switch, Daytime Running Lights (Canada)
  11. 11 - 80 Amp Power Distribution
  12. 12 - 20 Amp Horns, Brakelights, Key Interlock Solenoid
  13. 13 - 10 Amp Hazard Warning Light, Turn Signal/Hazard Relay
  14. 14 - 50 Amp Not Used
  15. 15 - 50 Amp Not Used
  16. 16 - 50 Amp Not Used

Scheme 20

Scheme 20: UNDERHOOD ABS FUSE PANEL IDENTIFICATION (1992-96)

Fuse & Relay Identification

  1. 1 - 50 Amp ABS Pump Motor
  2. 2 - Not Used ABS Clutch (Back Up)
  3. 3 - Not Used
  4. 4 - 15 Amp ABS Control Unit (+B2)
  5. 5 - 20 Amp ABS Control Unit (+B1, +B3)
  6. 6 - Not Used ABS Clutch (Monitor)
  7. 7 - 7.5 Amp ABS Motor Check
  8. 8 - Not Used ABS Clutch (Main)
  9. A - ABS Pump Motor Relay
  10. B - ABS Rear Fail-Safe Relay
  11. C - ABS Front Fail-Safe Relay