2018 Honda Civic Owners Manual - Maintenance Under the Hood

Maintenance Under the Hood

1.5 L engine models

Engine Oil Fill Cap

Brake/Clutch* Fluid (Black Cap)

U.S. models Washer Fluid (Blue Cap)

Canadian models Washer Fluid (Blue Cap)

Battery

Reserve Tank Reserve Tank Cap

Engine Oil Dipstick (Orange)

* Not available on all models

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uuMaintenance Under the HooduMaintenance Items Under the Hood

2.0 L engine models

Engine Oil Dipstick (Orange)

Engine Oil Fill Cap

Brake/Clutch* Fluid (Black Cap)

Washer Fluid (Blue Cap)

Battery

Reserve Tank Reserve Tank Cap

* Not available on all models

uuMaintenance Under the HooduOpening the Hood

Park the vehicle on a level surface, and set the parking brake.

Pull the hood release handle under the driver’s side lower left corner of the dashboard.

u The hood will pop up slightly.

Pull up the hood latch lever (located under the front edge of the hood to the center) and raise the hood. Once you have raised the hood slightly, you can release the lever.

Remove the support rod from the clamp using the grip. Mount the support rod in the hood.

When closing, remove the support rod, and stow it in the clamp, then gently lower the hood. Remove your hand at a height of approximately 12 inches (30 cm) and let the hood close.

uuMaintenance Under the HooduRecommended Engine Oil

Oil is a major contributor to your engine's performance and longevity. If you drive the vehicle with insufficient or deteriorated oil, the engine may fail or be damaged.

This seal indicates the oil is energy conserving and that it meets the American Petroleum Institute’s latest requirements.

Use Genuine Honda Motor Oil or another commercial engine oil of suitable viscosity for the ambient temperature as shown.

Synthetic oil

You may also use synthetic motor oil if it is labeled with the API Certification Seal and is the specified viscosity grade.

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uuMaintenance Under the HooduOil Check

We recommend that you check the engine oil level every time you refuel. Park the vehicle on level ground.

Wait approximately three minutes after turning the engine off before you check the oil.

Remove the dipstick (orange).

Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth or paper towel.

Insert the dipstick back all the way into its hole.

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uuMaintenance Under the HooduOil Check

Remove the dipstick again, and check the level. It should be between the upper and lower marks. Add oil if necessary.

uuMaintenance Under the HooduAdding Engine Oil

Unscrew and remove the engine oil fill cap.

Add oil slowly.

Reinstall the engine oil fill cap, and tighten it securely.

Wait for three minutes and recheck the engine oil dipstick.

uuMaintenance Under the HooduChanging the Engine Oil and Oil Filter

You must change the engine oil and oil filter regularly in order to maintain the engine’s lubrication. The engine may be damaged if they are not changed regularly.

Change the oil and filter in accordance with the maintenance message on the information display*/driver information interface*.

Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature, and then turn the engine off.

Open the hood and remove the engine oil fill cap.

Remove the Phillips-head screws and slotted head screws by turning 90° counter-clockwise on the undercarriage and remove the under cover.

Not available on all models

uuMaintenance Under the HooduChanging the Engine Oil and Oil Filter

Remove the drain bolt and washer from the bottom of the engine, and drain the oil into a suitable container.

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uuMaintenance Under the HooduChanging the Engine Oil and Oil Filter

Remove the oil filter and dispose of the remaining oil.

Check that the filter gasket is not stuck to the engine contact surface.

u If it is stuck, you must detach it.

Wipe away dirt and dust adhering to the contact surface of the engine block, and install a new oil filter.

u Apply a light coat of new engine oil to the oil filter gasket.

Put a new washer on the drain bolt, then reinstall the drain bolt.

u Tightening torque:

30 lbf∙ft (40 N∙m, 4.0 kgf∙m)

Pour the recommended engine oil into the engine.

u Engine oil change capacity (including filter):

1.5 L engine models

3.7 US qt (3.5 L)

2.0 L engine models

4.4 US qt (4.2 L)

Reinstall the engine oil fill cap securely and start the engine.

Run the engine for a few minutes, and then check that there is no leak from the drain bolt or oil filter.

Stop the engine, wait for three minutes, and then check the oil level on the dipstick.

u If necessary, add more engine oil.

uuMaintenance Under the HooduEngine Coolant

This coolant is premixed with 50% antifreeze and 50% water. Do not add any straight antifreeze or water.

We recommend you check the engine coolant level every time you refuel. Check the reserve tank. Add the engine coolant accordingly.

Checking the Coolant

Make sure the engine and radiator are cool.

Check the amount of coolant in the reserve tank.

u If the coolant level is below the MIN mark, add the specified coolant until it reaches the MAX mark.

Inspect the cooling system for leaks.

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uuMaintenance Under the HooduEngine Coolant

Adding the Coolant

Make sure the engine and radiator are cool.

Turn the reserve tank cap 1/8 turn counter- clockwise and relieve any pressure in the cooling system.

Push down and turn the reserve tank cap counter-clockwise to remove it.

Pour coolant into the reserve tank until it reaches the MAX mark.

Put the reserve tank cap back on, and tighten it fully.

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uuMaintenance Under the HooduTransmission Fluid

Models with continuously variable transmission

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) Fluid

Have a dealer check the fluid level and replace if necessary.

Do not attempt to check or change the continuously variable transmission fluid yourself.

Models with manual transmission

Manual Transmission Fluid

Have a dealer check the fluid level and replace if necessary.

Do not attempt to check or change the manual transmission fluid yourself.

uuMaintenance Under the HooduBrake/Clutch* Fluid

Use the same fluid for both the brakes and clutch.

Checking the Brake Fluid

The fluid level should be between the MIN and MAX marks on the side of the reserve tank.

Manual transmission models

The brake fluid reserve tank is also used for your vehicle’s clutch fluid. As long as you keep the brake fluid level as instructed above, there is no need for checking the clutch fluid level.

* Not available on all models

uuMaintenance Under the HooduRefilling Window Washer Fluid

Check the amount of window washer fluid by looking at the reservoir.

If the level is low, fill the washer reservoir.

Canadian models

If the washer fluid is low, the washer level indicator* appears on the instrument panel or a message appears on the driver information interface*.

Pour the washer fluid carefully. Do not overflow the reservoir.

* Not available on all models

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