Honda Civic Si Coupe (2004 year). Manual

Try to maintain a constant speed.
Every time you slow down and
speed up, your vehicle uses extra
fuel. Use the cruise control when
appropriate.

Combine several short trips into
one.

The air conditioning puts an extra
load on the engine which makes it
use more fuel. Use the fresh-air
ventilation when possible.

Look at the coolant level in the
radiator reserve tank. Make sure it is
between the MAX and MIN lines. If
it is below the MIN line, see

on page

for

information on adding the proper
coolant.

Refer to

on page

for information

about checking other items on your
vehicle.

an underinflated tire

causes more ‘‘rolling resistance,’’
which uses more fuel.

The build-up of snow or mud on
your vehicle’s underside adds
weight and rolling resistance.
Frequent cleaning helps your fuel
mileage and reduces the chance of
corrosion.

Always maintain your vehicle
according to the maintenance
schedule. See

(see page

Always drive in the highest gear
possible.

Drive moderately. Rapid
acceleration, abrupt cornering,
and hard braking use more fuel.

141

132

For example,

Service Station Procedures, Fuel Economy

Improving Fuel Economy

Engine Coolant Check

Adding

Engine Coolant

Owner’s Maintenance

Checks

Owner’s

Maintenance Checks

114

RESERVE
TANK

MIN

MAX

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Your dealer has Honda accessories
that allow you to personalize your
vehicle. These accessories have
been designed and approved for your
vehicle, and are covered by warranty.

When properly installed, cellular
phones, alarms, two-way radios, and
low-powered audio systems should
not interfere with your vehicle’s
computer controlled systems, such
as your airbags and anti-lock brakes.

Before installing any accessory:

Make sure the accessory does not
obscure any lights, or interfere
with proper vehicle operation or
performance.

Be sure electronic accessories do
not overload electrical circuits
(see page

) or interfere with

proper operation.

Modifying your vehicle, or installing
some non-Honda accessories, can
make it unsafe. Before you make any
modifications or add any accessories,
be sure to read the following
information.

Before installing any electronic
accessory, have the installer
contact your dealer for assistance.
If possible, have your dealer
inspect the final installation.

Although non-Honda accessories
may fit on your vehicle, they may not
meet factory specifications, and
could adversely affect your vehicle’s
handling and stability (see page

116

181

Accessories

Accessories and Modifications

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Improper accessories or
modifications can affect your
vehicle’s handling, stability, and
performance, and cause a
crash in which you can be hurt
or killed.

Follow all instructions in this
owner’s manual regarding
accessories and modifications.

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Some examples are:

If you plan to modify your vehicle,
consult your dealer.

Removing parts from your vehicle,
or replacing components with
non-Honda components could
seriously affect your vehicle’s
handling, stability, and reliability.

Lowering your vehicle with a
non-Honda suspension kit that
significantly reduces ground
clearance can allow the
undercarriage to hit speed bumps
or other raised objects, which
could cause the airbags to deploy.

Raising your vehicle with a
non-Honda suspension kit can
affect the handling and stability.

Non-Honda wheels, because they
are a universal design, can cause
excessive stress on suspension
components.

Larger or smaller wheels and tires
can interfere with the operation of
your vehicle’s anti-lock brakes and
other systems.

Modifying your steering wheel or
any other part of your vehicle’s
safety systems could make the
systems ineffective.

Modif ying Your Vehicle

Accessories and Modifications

116

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Your vehicle has several convenient
storage areas:

Glove box
Front door pocket
Console compartment
Cargo area

However, carrying too much cargo,
or improperly storing it, can affect
your vehicle’s handling, stability,
stopping distance, and tires, and
make it unsafe. Before carrying any
type of cargo, be sure to read the
following pages.

Carrying Cargo

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117

DOOR POCKET

DRIVER’S POCKET

CARGO AREA

CONSOLE COMPARTMENT

GLOVE BOX

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−

Steps for Determining Correct Load
Limit:

Locate the statement, ‘‘the
combined weight of occupants and
cargo should never exceed 850
lbs’’ on your vehicle’s placard.
[The placard is on the driver’s
doorjamb.]

Determine the combined weight
of the driver and passengers that
will be riding in your vehicle.

Subtract the combined weight of
the driver and passengers from
850 pounds or 395 kilograms.

The resulting figure equals the
available amount of cargo and
luggage load capacity.
For example, if the maximum load
is 850 lbs and there will be five 150
lb. passengers in your vehicle, the
amount of available cargo and
luggage load capacity is 100 lbs.

(850

750 (5

150) = 100 lbs.)

Determine the combined weight
of luggage and cargo being loaded
on the vehicle. That weight may
not safely exceed the available
cargo and luggage load capacity in
Step 4.

The maximum load for your vehicle
is 850 lbs (395 kg). This figure
includes total weight of all occupants,
cargo, and accessories.

Load Limits

Carrying Cargo

118

Overloading or improper
loading can affect handling and
stability and cause a crash in
which you can be hurt or killed.

Follow all load limits and other
loading guidelines in this
manual.

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Store or secure all items that could
be thrown around and hurt
someone during a crash.

If you carry large items that
prevent you from closing the
hatch, exhaust gas can enter the
passenger area. To avoid the
possibility of

, follow the instructions

on page

Distribute cargo evenly on the
floor of the cargo area, placing the
heaviest items on the bottom and
as far forward as possible. Tie
down items that could be thrown
about the vehicle during a crash or
sudden stop.

Do not place items on the cargo
area cover, or stack objects higher
than the top of the back seat. They
could block your view and be
thrown about the vehicle during a
crash or sudden stop.

Be sure items placed on the floor
behind the front seats cannot roll
under the seats and interfere with
the driver’s ability to operate the
pedals or the seat.

Keep the glove box closed while
driving. If it is open, a passenger
could injure their knees during a
crash or sudden stop.

Carrying Items in the Passenger
Compartment

carbon monoxide

poisoning

Carrying Cargo in the Cargo Area

Carrying Cargo

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This section gives you tips on
starting the engine under various
conditions, and how to operate the
manual transmission. It also includes
important information on parking
your vehicle, and the braking system.

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

Preparing to Drive

122

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

Starting the Engine

123

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

Manual Transmission

124

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

Parking

126

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

Towing a Trailer

126

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

Braking System

127

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

Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)

128

Driving

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121

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Make sure all windows, mirrors,
and outside lights are clean and
unobstructed. Remove frost, snow,
or ice.

Check the seat adjustment (see
page

Check the adjustment of the
inside and outside mirrors (see
page

Check the steering wheel
adjustment (see page

Make sure the doors and the
hatch are securely closed and
locked.

When you start the engine, check
the gauges and indicator lights in the
instrument panel (see page

Fasten your seat belt. Check that
your passengers have fastened
their seat belts (see page

You should do the following checks
and adjustments before you drive
your vehicle.

Check that the hood is fully closed.

Check that the hatch is fully
closed.

Visually check the tires. If a tire
looks low, use a gauge to check its
pressure.

Check that any items you may be
carrying are stored properly or
fastened down securely.

10.

Preparing to Drive

122

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Apply the parking brake.

In cold weather, turn off all
electrical accessories to reduce
the drain on the battery.

Push the clutch pedal down all the
way.

Without touching the accelerator
pedal, turn the ignition key to the
START (III) position. Do not hold
the key in START for more than
15 seconds at a time. If the engine
does not start right away, pause
for at least 10 seconds before
trying again.

If the engine fails to start, press
the accelerator pedal all the way
down and hold it there while
starting to clear flooding. If the
engine still does not start, return
to step 5.

If the engine does not start within
15 seconds, or starts but stalls
right away, repeat step 4 with the
accelerator pedal pressed halfway
down. If the engine starts, release
pressure on the accelerator pedal
so the engine does not race.

Starting the Engine

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123

Immobilizer System

The engine is harder to start in cold
weather. Also, the thinner air f ound at
altitudes above 8,000 f eet (2,400
meters) adds to this problem.

The immobilizer system protects your
vehicle f rom thef t. If an improperly-
coded key (or other device) is used, the
engine’s f uel system is disabled. See

on page

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The manual transmission is syn-
chronized in all forward gears for
smooth operation. It has a lockout so
you cannot shift directly from Fifth
to Reverse. When shifting up or
down, make sure you push the clutch
pedal down all the way, shift to the
next gear, and let the pedal up
gradually. When you are not shifting,
do not rest your foot on the clutch
pedal. This can cause your clutch to
wear out faster.

Come to a full stop before you shift
into Reverse. You can damage the
transmission by trying to shift into
Reverse with the vehicle moving.
Push down the clutch pedal, and
pause for a few seconds before
shifting into Reverse, or shift into
one of the forward gears for a
moment. This stops the gears so
they won’t ‘‘grind.’’

When slowing down, you can get
extra braking from the engine by
shifting to a lower gear. This extra
braking can help you maintain a safe
speed and prevent your brakes from
overheating while going down a
steep hill. Before downshifting,
make sure the engine speed will not
go into the tachometer’s red zone in
the lower gear.

Manual Transmission

124

Rapid slowing or speeding-up
can cause loss of control on
slippery surfaces. If you crash,
you can be injured.

Use extra care when driving on
slippery surfaces.

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Shift up

1st to 2nd

2nd to 3rd

3rd to 4th
4th to 5th

Normal acceleration

17 mph (27 km/h)
28 mph (45 km/h)
45 mph (72 km/h)
56 mph (90 km/h)

If you exceed the maximum speed
for the gear you are in, the engine
speed will enter into the tachometer’s
red zone. If this occurs, you may feel
the engine cut in and out. This is
caused by a limiter in the engine’s
computer controls. The engine will
run normally when you reduce the
RPM below the red zone.

Before downshifting, make sure the
engine will not go into the
tachometer’s red zone.

Drive in the highest gear that lets
the engine run and accelerate
smoothly. This will give you good
fuel economy and effective
emissions control. The following
shift points are recommended:

Recommended Shif t Points

Engine Speed Limiter

Manual Transmission

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125

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If the vehicle is facing uphill, turn
the front wheels away from the
curb, and put the transmission in
first gear.

If the vehicle is facing downhill,
turn the front wheels toward the
curb, and put the transmission in
reverse gear.

Make sure the parking brake is
fully released before driving away.
Driving with the parking brake
partially set can overheat or
damage the rear brakes.

Your vehicle is not designed to tow a
trailer, attempting to do so can void
your warranties.

Never park over dry leaves, tall
grass, or other flammable
materials. The hot three way
catalytic converter could cause
these materials to catch on fire.

Lock the doors.

Place any packages, valuables, etc.
in the cargo area, or take them
with you.

Turn off the lights.

Make sure the moonroof and the
windows are closed.

Always use the parking brake when
you park your vehicle. Make sure
the parking brake is set firmly or
your vehicle may roll if it is parked
on an incline.

Towing a Trailer

Parking Tips

Parking

Parking, Towing a Trailer

126

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Resting your foot on the pedal keeps
the brakes applied lightly, builds up
heat, and reduces their effectiveness.
It also keeps your brake lights on all
the time, confusing drivers behind
you.

Constant application of the brakes
when going down a long hill builds
up heat and reduces their effective-
ness. Use the engine to assist the
brakes by taking your foot off the
accelerator and downshifting to a
lower gear.

Check the brakes after driving
through deep water. Apply the
brakes moderately to see if they feel
normal. If not, apply them gently and
frequently until they do. Be extra
cautious in your driving.

If the brake pads need replacing, you
will hear a distinctive, metallic
screeching sound when you apply
the brake pedal. If you do not have
the brake pads replaced, they will
screech all the time. It is normal for
the brakes to occasionally squeal or
squeak when you apply them.

Your vehicle is equipped with disc
brakes at all four wheels. A power
assist helps reduce the effort needed
on the brake pedal. The ABS helps
you retain steering control when
braking very hard.

The hydraulic system that operates
the brakes has two separate circuits.
Each circuit works diagonally across
the vehicle (the left-front brake is
connected with the right-rear brake,
etc.). If one circuit should develop a
problem, you will still have braking
at two wheels.

Braking System

Brake Wear Indicators

Braking System Design

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such as trying to take a

corner too fast or making a sudden
lane change.

Always steer moderately

when you are braking hard. Severe
or sharp steering wheel movement
can still cause your vehicle to veer
into oncoming traffic or off the road.

It only helps with steering

control during braking.

on loose or

uneven surfaces, such as gravel or
snow, than a vehicle without anti-
lock.

Let the ABS work for you by always
keeping firm, steady pressure on the
brake pedal. This is sometimes
referred to as ‘‘stomp and steer.’’

You will feel a pulsation in the brake
pedal when the ABS activates, and
you may hear some noise. This is
normal: it is the ABS rapidly
pumping the brakes. On dry
pavement, you will need to press on
the brake pedal very hard before the
ABS activates. However, you may
feel the ABS activate immediately if
you are trying to stop on snow or ice.

If the ABS indicator comes on while
driving, test the brakes as shown on
page

The Anti-lock Brake System (ABS)
helps prevent the brakes from
locking up and helps you retain
steering control by pumping the
brakes rapidly, much faster than a
person can do it.

If the ABS indicator comes on, the
anti-lock function of the braking
system has shut down. The brakes
still work like a conventional system,
but without anti-lock. You should
have a dealer inspect your vehicle as
soon as possible.

127

You should never pump the brake pedal.

ABS Indicator

Important Saf ety Reminders

ABS will not prevent a skid that
results f rom changing direction
abruptly,

ABS cannot prevent a loss of
stability.

ABS does not reduce the time or
distance it takes to stop the
vehicle;

A vehicle with ABS may require a
longer distance to stop

Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)

128

ABS INDICATOR

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This section explains why it is
important to keep your vehicle well
maintained and how to follow basic
maintenance safety precautions.

This section also includes
Maintenance Schedules for normal
driving and severe driving conditions,
a Maintenance Record, and instruc-
tions for simple maintenance tasks
you may want to take care of
yourself.

If you have the skills and tools to per-
form more complex maintenance
tasks on your vehicle, you may want
to purchase the Service Manual. See
page

for information on how to

obtain a copy, or see your dealer.

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

Maintenance Safety

130

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

Maintenance Schedule

131

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

Maintenance Record

135

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

Fluid Locations

137

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

Adding Engine Oil

138

.........

Changing the Oil and Filter

139

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

Engine Coolant

141

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

Windshield Washers

142

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

Transmission Fluid

143

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

Brake Fluid

144

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

Clutch Fluid

144

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

Lights

145

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

Cleaning the Seat Belts

153

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

Floor Mats

153

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

Dust and Pollen Filter

153

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

Wiper Blades

154

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

Tires

157

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

Checking the Battery

162

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

Vehicle Storage

163

205

Maintenance

int
e

na
nce

129

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To eliminate potential hazards, read
the instructions before you begin,
and make sure you have the tools
and skills required.

To clean parts, use a commercially
available degreaser or parts
cleaner, not gasoline.

To reduce the possibility of fire or
explosion, keep cigarettes, sparks,
and flames away from the battery
and all fuel-related parts.

Wear eye protection and
protective clothing when working

with the battery or compressed air.

Be sure there is

adequate ventilation whenever you
operate the engine.

Let the

engine and exhaust system cool
before touching any parts.

not run the engine unless
instructed to do so.

Some of the most important safety
precautions are given here. However,
we cannot warn you of every
conceivable hazard that can arise in
performing maintenance. Only you
can decide whether or not you
should perform a given task.

Make sure your vehicle is parked
on level ground, the parking brake
is set, and the engine is off.

All service items not detailed in this
section should be performed by a
certified technician or qualified
mechanic.

Maintenance Safety

Important Saf ety Precautions

Potential Vehicle Hazards

Carbon Monoxide poison f rom
engine exhaust.

Burns f rom hot parts.

Injury f rom moving parts.

130

Failure to properly follow
maintenance instructions and
precautions can cause you to
be seriously hurt or killed.

Always follow the procedures
and precautions in this owner’s
manual.

Improperly maintaining this
vehicle or failing to correct a
problem before driving can
cause a crash in which you can
be seriously hurt or killed.

Always follow the inspection
and maintenance
recommendations, and
schedules in this owner’s
manual.

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Honda Civic Si Coupe (2004 year). Manual - part 8