2000 Civic Sedan GX Online Reference Owner's Manual Supplement 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. Refer to Civic Sedan for topics not covered. Contents Introduction .....................................................................................................................................................2 Instruments and Controls.................................
Main Menu Introduction Your Civic GX runs on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), a highly pressurized version of the same clean-burning natural gas used in your home. Because natural gas does not contain impurities such as sulfur, the production of oxides of sulfur (SOx) and soot pollutants is eliminated. Using CNG as a fuel also minimizes the amount of CO2 in the engine exhaust, producing much lower emissions than a conventional gasoline-powered vehicle.
Main Menu Indicator Lights MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP LOW FUEL INDICATOR Malfunction Indicator Lamp This indicator comes on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition switch ON (II). If it comes on at any other time, it indicates one of the engine's emissions control systems may have a problem. For complete information, refer to the primary owner's manual. This indicator will also come on if there is a problem in the fuel system.
Main Menu Indicator Lights If you smell natural gas or hear a hissing sound, the fuel system may have a leak. Follow the instructions under If the Fuel System Has a Leak on page 28 of this supplement. Low Fuel Indicator This light comes on as a reminder that you must refuel soon. If the outside temperature falls below 25°F ( — 4°C), the pressure of the natural gas in the fuel tank may go down.
Main Menu Gauges Fuel Gauge The gauge stays at the same fuel level reading after you turn off the ignition. When you add fuel, the gauge slowly changes to the new reading after you turn the ignition switch back ON (II). FUEL GAUGE This gauge shows how much fuel you have. The quantity of fuel remaining in the tank is calculated based on the pressure and temperature of the natural gas in the fuel tank. The gauge may show slightly more or less than the actual amount.
Main Menu Rear Seat Unlike the standard Civic, only two people can ride in the rear seat. They should sit in the outside seating positions and wear the lap/shoulder belts. There is no center seat belt. There are no tether attachment points on the rear shelf. Do not use a child seat that requires a tether. Because of the fuel tank mounting, the rear seat back does not fold down.
Main Menu 03/07/10 16:11:09 31S5A930 Fuel Your Civic GX is designed to operate on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). The natural gas you use to refuel must meet NFPA-52 and SAE J1616 standards for fuel composition and quality. If you use a fuel that does not meet these standards, you may feel a decrease in engine power and your car's emissions controls may be damaged. Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) The main component of compressed natural gas is methane, a highly flammable, colorless gas.
Main Menu Fuel, Refueling Procedure CNG Identification CNG LABEL Refueling Procedure There are two methods of refueling, fast filling or slow filling. Fast filling is normally used in fuel stations for natural gas vehicles. It takes about three to five minutes to fill up the fuel tank. Slow filling is done with a vehicle refueling appliance. Refueling takes approximately 1 hour per gallon. Your vehicle has an identifying "CNG" label attached next to the rear license plate. Do not remove this label.
Main Menu Refueling Procedure Filling the Fuel Tank The refueling procedure can vary with the refueling station. The following explains the typical refueling procedure with fast fill equipment. With slow fill equipment, or other types of refueling equipment, follow the instructions on the equipment. Pull RECEPTACLE DUST CAP 1. Because the fuel receptacle is on the driver's side of the vehicle, park with that side closest to the refueling station. 4.
Main Menu Refueling Procedure 5. Securely connect the CNG fill nozzle to the fuel receptacle by turning the lever until the arrows on the nozzle point to each other. 6. Follow the instructions on the refueling station to begin refueling. While refueling, you may hear a chattering sound. This is normal. If you hear fuel leaking from the nozzle-receptacle connection, stop refueling immediately. Dirt or other debris may be preventing a positive connection.
Main Menu Refueling Procedure 9. Put the receptacle dust cap on the fuel receptacle securely. 10.Push the fuel receptacle door closed until it latches. If you are not sure how to operate the refueling station, ask for assistance. Refueling Station Information To obtain information about the locations of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) refueling stations, contact the American Gas Association (AGA) at (703) 841-8400.
Main Menu Fuel System Components FUEL FEED LINE FUEL TANK FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR Fuel system components include a fuel tank located in the trunk, an integrated fuel pressure regulator, an in-tank fuel shut-off valve, fuel high pressure lines, electronically controlled multipoint fuel injectors and other equipment. Fuel system components in the Civic CNG comply with NFPA-52 standards.
Main Menu Fuel System Components, Fuel Cut-off System Fuel system maintenance and repair should be done only by an authorized Honda Civic GX dealer. Fuel Cut-off System The in-tank fuel shut-off valve is controlled by the ignition switch. When the ignition switch is in the LOCK (0) or ACCESSORY (I) position, the valve is closed, shutting off fuel flow to the engine. It opens when the ignition switch is turned to ON (II). This is similar to how an electric fuel pump works in a gasoline-powered vehicle.
Main Menu Fuel Cut-off System, Carrying Cargo To turn off the valve, turn the lever one-quarter turn clockwise. Turn it counterclockwise to turn the valve back on. Turn off the valve if you ever suspect a fuel leak or are involved in an accident. Carrying Cargo The maximum load you can carry in your car is 635 Ibs (288 kg). That figure includes the total weight of four occupants (driver and three passengers), their cargo, and any accessories.
Main Menu Starting the Engine 1. Apply the parking brake. 2. In cold weather, turn off all electrical accessories to reduce the drain on the battery. 3. Make sure the shift lever is in Park. Press on the brake pedal. 4. Without touching the accelerator pedal, turn the ignition key to the ON (II) position. You may hear a click from the in-tank fuel shut-off valve. Make sure the Malfunction Indicator Lamp goes out before you turn the ignition key to the START (III) position. 5.
Main Menu Starting the Engine, Automatic Transmission 3. Push the accelerator pedal halfway to the floor and hold it there while starting the engine. Do not hold the ignition key in START (III) for more than 15 seconds. When the engine starts, release the accelerator pedal gradually as the engine speeds up and smooths out. 4. If the engine fails to start in step 3, push the accelerator pedal to the floor and hold it there while you try to start the engine for no more than 15 seconds.
Main Menu 03/07/10 16:11:09 31S5A930 0021 Maintenance Schedule This section explains the maintenance items specified for your Civic GX. Other maintenance items and schedules are described in the primary owner's manual. Refer to the important safety precautions and instructions in that owner's manual. The fuel system is under high pressure (maximum 3,600 psi/24,800 kPa). It has no user-serviceable parts, and its components must not be modified.
Main Menu Maintenance Schedule *1 : See Spark Plugs on page 22 for inspection information. *2 : Including drain *3 : See Fuel Tank on page 21 for inspection and replacement information. Fuel tank should be replaced fifteen years after it was manufactured.
Main Menu Maintenance Schedule (listed by distance/time) Service at the indicated distance or time, whichever comes first. Do the items in A, B as required for each distance/time interval. * 1 : Inspect fuel tank every 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first, after the production date of fuel tank regardless of driving distance. See Fuel Tank on page 21 for inspection and replacement information. Fuel tank should be replaced fifteen years after it was manufactured.
Main Menu Engine Oil, Engine Coolant Engine Oil An engine oil labeled "API Service SJ" with a viscosity of 5W-30 is recommended for your Civic GX. Ambient Temperature An oil with a viscosity of 5W-30 is preferred for improved fuel economy and year-round protection in your Honda. You may use a 0W-30 oil if the temperature in your area regularly goes below — 4°F ( — 20° C). Maintenance Refer to the primary owner's manual for engine oil adding and changing procedures.
Main Menu Fuel Tank The fuel Lank meets the safety standards of NGV-2/NFPA-52/DOT NHTSA FMVSS 304. The fuel tank should be inspected every three years after the production date of the fuel tank. Have a qualified technician inspect the fuel tank for damage or leaking. HOOD FUEL TANK You should also have the fuel tank inspected after a collision. The fuel tank should be replaced fifteen years after it was manufactured.
Main Menu Spark Plugs The spark plugs in your car are a special platinum-tipped design for longer life. They need to be replaced every 7 years or 105,000 miles (168,000 km), whichever comes first. For the replacement procedure, refer to the primary owner's manual. The spark plug tightening torque is: 13 lbf·ft(18N·m,1.8kgf·m) The condition and gap of the spark plugs should be inspected according to the time and distance recommendations in the maintenance schedule in this supplement.
Main Menu Tires The recommended cold tire pressures for most normal driving conditions is shown below. Tire pressures for high speed driving are shown below. Honda strongly recommends that you not drive faster than posted speed limits and conditions allow. P185/65R1485S The compact spare tire pressure is: 60 psi (420 kPa , 4.2 kgf/cm2 ) P185/65R1485S These pressures are also given on the tire information label on the driver's doorjamb.
Main Menu Lights Replacing a High-mount Brake Light Bulb 5. Install the new bulb in the socket. Turn it clockwise to lock it in place. FASTENERS 6. Reinstall the socket. Turn it clockwise until it locks. Make sure the new bulb is working. 7. Reinstall the trunk lining. 1. Open the trunk. 2. Undo the five fasteners on the upper part of the trunk lining by pushing on the center of each fastener's head until it pops in. Pull the lining back. Maintenance 3.
Main Menu Lights, Storing Your Vehicle Storing Your Vehicle If you need to park your vehicle for an extended period, refer to Storing Your Vehicle in the primary owner's manual for information. In addition to these procedures, you should do the following with your Civic GX: After storing your vehicle for an extended period, and before starting the engine for the first time, open the trunk and leave it open for several minutes.
Main Menu Changing a Flat Tire To change a flat tire, follow the instructions in the primary owner's manual. Since your car is equipped with a fuel tank in the trunk, you should install the flat tire as described in this supplement. Removing the Spare Tire TOOL KIT SPARE TIRE TRUNK FLOOR JACK The spare tire is stored in the trunk. To remove the spare tire and the tool kit, open the trunk and raise the trunk floor by lifting up on the back edge. Taking Care of the Unexpected Storing the Flat Tire 1.
Main Menu Changing a Flat Tire 4. Remove the support plate and the wing bolt from the tool kit. Put the plate on the wing bolt. Secure the flat tire by putting the wing bolt through the hole in the center of the wheel, through the hole in the trunk lining, then screwing it into the divider. Store the spacer cone and wing bolt for the spare tire in the tool kit. 2. Remove the wheel cover. 3. Place the flat tire straight up in the trunk as shown, with the outside of the wheel facing forward.
03/07/10 16:11:09 31S5A930 0 Main Menu If the Fuel System Has a Leak You may detect a slight natural gas odor for a few moments after refueling. This is normal. You should not be able to smell natural gas at any other time. If you do, or if you hear a hissing sound, your vehicle's fuel system may have a leak. If this happens, follow these directions: 1. Park your vehicle in a wellventilated area and apply the parking brake. Keep heat, sparks, and flame away.
Main Menu Jump Starting Do not jump start your vehicle if you suspect a natural gas leak. If you smell natural gas or hear a hissing sound, the fuel system may have a leak that needs to be repaired by an authorized technician. Turn the manual shut-off valve to the OFF position and have your vehicle towed to an authorized Honda Civic GX dealer (see Emergency Towing in the primary owner's manual). If the fuel system is not leaking or damaged, you can jump start the vehicle.
Main Menu Fuses The fuses contained in the interior fuse box and ABS fuse box are the same as described in the primary owner's manual. Refer to the table in the next column for the purpose of the fuses in the under-hood fuse box.
Main Menu Specifications * 1 : Including the coolant in the reserve tank and that remaining in the page 22. engine. Reserve tank capacity: 0.11 US gal (0.4 , 0.09 Imp gal) * 2 : Excluding the oil remaining in the engine.
Main Menu Specifications page 257 page 30 *1 : With ABS Technical Information
Main Menu Emissions Controls The burning of compressed natural gas in your vehicle's engine minimizes the production of several byproducts. Some of these are carbon monoxide (CO), oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and hydrocarbons (HC). Controlling the production of NOx, CO, and HC is important to the environment. Under certain conditions of sunlight and climate, NOx and HC react to form photochemical "smog." Carbon monoxide does not contribute to smog creation, but it is a poisonous gas.
Main Menu Emissions Controls Exhaust Emissions Controls The exhaust emissions controls include four systems: PGM-FI, Ignition Timing Control, Exhaust Gas Recirculation, and Three Way Catalytic Converters. These four systems work together to control the engine's combustion and minimize the amount of HC, CO, and NOx that comes out the tailpipe. The exhaust emissions control systems are separate from the crankcase emissions control system.
Main Menu Authorized Manuals Purchasing Factory Authorized Manuals (U.S. only) The following publications covering the operation and servicing of your vehicle can be obtained from Helm Incorporated, either by filling out the attached form or, for credit card holders, calling the toll-free phone number on the form. For manuals prior to the year shown below, contact Helm Incorporated, P.O. Box 07280, Detroit, Michigan 48207, or call 1-800-7824356. Valid only for sales within the U.S.
Main Menu Authorized Manuals NOTE: Dealers and Companies please provide dealer or company name, and also the name of the person to whose attention the shipment should be sent. For purchases outside U.S.A. please write to the address shown below for a quotation. These Publications cannot be returned for credit without receiving advance authorization within 14 days of delivery. On returns, a restocking fee may be applied against the original order. P.O.