HONDA Civic GX 2003 Owner's Manual

2003 Civic GX

Owner’s Manual Supplement

P/N 00X31-S5A-

9200

Contents

...........................Introduction .

Instruments and Controls

.............................Indicator Lights . 3

...........................................Gauges . 5

........................................Rear Seat . 6

Before Driving

.................................................Fuel . 7

....................Refueling Procedure . 8

.....................Fuel Cutoff System . 13

...........................Carrying Cargo . 14

Driving

....................Starting the Engine . 15

Automatic Transmission

.......................................(CVT) . 16

..........Fuel System Components . 12

Maintenance

....................................Engine Oil . 31

............................Engine Coolant . 31

.....................Transmission Fluid . 32

.....................................Fuel Tank . 34

..................................Spark Plugs . 35

.............................................Tires . 36

...........................................Lights . 37

Taking Care of the Unexpected

..............................Jump Starting . 42

Technical Information

..............................Specifications . 43

...............Maintenance Schedule . 20

.Required Maintenance Record . 28

..................Storing Your Vehicle . 38

..................Changing a Flat Tire . 39

..If the Fuel System Has a Leak . 41

..............Authorized Manuals .

Introduction

Your Civic GX runs on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), a highly pressurized version of the same clean-burning natural gas used in many homes.

Your Civic GX operates and performs like a gasoline-powered Civic. However, there are a few diff erences you should be aware of . In addition to reading the Civic Sedan owner’s manual, please read this supplement carefully to understand the operation and unique features of your Civic GX.

You will f ind important safety information in this supplement and in the owner’s manual. This information alerts you to potential hazards that could hurt you or others. Please read it carefully.

Indicator Lights

Malfunction Indicator

LOW FUEL INDICATORMALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP

This indicator comes on for a f ew 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 Civic Sedan owner’s manual.

This indicator will also come on if there is a problem in the fuel system. If this happens, have the vehicle checkedbyanauthorizedCivicGX dealer as soon as possible. Drive moderately until the dealer has inspected the problem. Avoid fullthrottle acceleration and driving at high speed.

Lamp

CONTINUED

Instruments and Controls

Indicator Lights

If you smell natural gas or hear a hissing sound, except when refueling, the fuel system may have a leak. Follow the instructions under

Fuel System Has a Leak

of this supplement.

Instruments and Controls

If the

on page

Low Fuel Indicator

This indicator comes on for a f ew seconds when you turn ignition on (II).

This light comes on as a reminder that you must refuel soon. The approximate driving distance remaining when this light comes on is:

City driving 20-25 miles Highway driving 25-30 miles

If the outside temperature falls below 25°F ( 4°C), the pressure of the natural gas in the fuel tank may go down. If this happens, the f uel gauge will show less than the actual amount of fuel remaining, and this indicator may come on.

−

If this indicator starts blinking and the fuel level reading goes down to empty when the engine is running, it indicates a problem in the fuel system. Have the vehicle checked by an authorized Honda Civic GX dealer as soon as possible.

Gauges

Fuel Gauge

FUEL GAUGE

This gauge shows how much f uel 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 lower ‘‘F’’ mark indicates a full tank at a fill pressure of 3,000 psi. The upper ‘‘F’’ mark indicates a full tank at a fill pressure of 3,600 psi.

The gauge may show slightly more or less than the actual amount. The outside temperature, fill method and ambient conditions may affect the pressure and temperature of the natural gas.

Instruments and Controls

Rear Seat

Unlike the standard Civic, only two people can ride in the rear seat. They should sit in the outer seating positions and wear the lap/shoulder belts. There is no center seat belt.

Instruments and Controls

Fuel

Your Civic GX is designed to operate on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). The natural gas you use to ref uel 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 vehicle’s emissions controls may be damaged.

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)

The main component of compressed natural gas is methane, a highly flammable, colorless gas. While it is the same gas that is burned in everyday home appliances such as kitchen stoves and water heaters, theCNGinyourvehicleisstored under high pressure (maximum 3,600 psi/24,800 kPa).

The CNG fuel system in your Civic, including the tank and hose, has been designed to hold gas at this pressure. It has also been tested for safety. You should never smell gas or hear a hissing sound unless you are ref ueling. If you smell gas or hear a hissing sound at any other time, you need to shut down the fuel system. Follow the instructions on page .

Compressed natural gas is flammable and highly explosive. You could be killed or seriously injured if leaking natural gas is ignited.

If you suspect a leak, have your vehicle immediately inspected and repaired by an authorized Honda Civic GX dealer.

Before Driving

Fuel, Refueling Procedure

CNG Identif ication Ref ueling Procedure

CNG LABEL

Your vehicle has an identifying ‘‘CNG’’ label attached next to the rear license plate. Do not remove this label. This label is necessary for insuring your vehicle. Driving without this label may violate the laws or regulations in some states.

Before Driving

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 f uel tank.

Slow filling is done with a vehicle refueling appliance. Refueling takes approximately 1 hour per gallon.

Always observe all safety recommendations and operating instructions on the refueling equipment.

When refueling, you should use a fuel fill nozzle that complies with ANSI/AGA NGV-1-1994 standards. Nozzles are designed according to their maximum fill pressure: P24 for 2,400 psi (pounds per square inch), P30 for 3,000 psi, and P36 for 3,600 psi.

Your Civic’s maximum fill pressure is 3,600 psi (24,800 kPa), so you should refuel with a P36 nozzle. Using a P30 nozzle will fill the tank to the second (3,000 psi) fill mark on the fuel gauge. Using a P24 nozzle will not fill the tank completely.

During a fast fill, the natural gas will be warmed by the refueling process, causing it to expand and reduce the amount of f uel you can put in.

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 ref ueling equipment, follow the instructions on the equipment.

Refueling Procedure

RECEPTACLE DUST CAP

Because the fuel receptacle is on

1. the driver’s side of the vehicle, park with that side closest to the refueling station.

Turn the ignition switch to LOCK

2. (0) and apply the parking brake.

Open the fuel receptacle door by

3. pushing on the handle to the left of the driver’s seat.

Remove the receptacle dust cap

4. from the fuel receptacle. Clean up any dirt and debris around the fuel receptacle.

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Before Driving

Refueling Procedure

Securely connect the CNG fill

5. 6. nozzle to the fuel receptacle by turning the lever until the arrows on the nozzle point to each other. While ref ueling, you may hear a

Follow the instructions on the refueling station to begin refueling.

chattering sound. This is normal.

If you hear or see fuel/vapor leaking from the nozzle-receptacle connection, stop refueling immediately. Dirt or other debris may be preventing a positive connection. Turn off the refueling station, remove the nozzle, reconnect it to the receptacle, and begin refueling again. If it continues to leak, have an authorized Honda Civic GX dealer inspect the sealing O-ring in the receptacle for damage and wear.

Refueling will stop automatically

7. when the tank is full. Follow the instructions on the refueling stationtoturnitoff.

Disconnect the CNG fill nozzle

8. from the fuel receptacle by turning the lever on the nozzle 180 degrees. You may hear a brief hissing sound as a small amount of gasescapes.Thisisnormal.

Before Driving

Refueling Procedure

Putthereceptacledustcaponthe

9. fuel receptacle securely. To obtain information about the

Push the fuel receptacle door

10. closed until it latches.

If you are not sure how to operate the refueling station, ask for assistance.

Ref ueling Station Information

locations of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) refueling stations, contact the Natural Gas Vehicle Coalition (NGVC) at (202) 824-7360, extension

1. Online, use www.afdc.doe.gov for the 49 states, or www.cngvc.org for Calitornia.

Before Driving

Fuel System Components

FUEL PRESSURE REGULATORS

FUEL INJECTORS

FUEL FILTER (Low pressure)

Before Driving

FUEL FILTER (Hi pressure)

FUEL TANKFUEL FEED LINE

FUEL RECEPTACLE

MANUAL SHUT-OFF VALVE

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.

Your vehicle is equipped with genuine Honda component parts that have been designed and approved for use in a compressed natural gas vehicle. Never modify or replace any original components or parts with those specified for a gasolinepowered vehicle.

Improper parts or components can damage your vehicle’s fuel system and affect your vehicle’s safety and performance.

Fuel System Components, Fuel Cutof f System

Fuel system maintenance and repair should be done only by an authorized Honda Civic GX dealer.

Tampering with, or improperly maintaining the high-pressure fuel system can cause a dangerous condition in which you can be seriously hurt or killed.

Never attempt to modify the fuel system, and always have maintenance performed by an authorized Honda Civic GX dealer.

Fuel Cutoff System

The in-tank fuel shut-of f 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.

Manual Shut-off Valve

MANUAL SHUT-OFF VALVE

A manual shut-off valve is located underneath the vehicle, near the rear tire on the driver’s side. We recommend that you locate this valve so you can find it quickly.

CONTINUED

Before Driving

Fuel Cutoff 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.

Before Driving

Carrying Cargo

The maximum load you can carry in your vehicle is 700 lbs (317 kg). That figure includes the total weight of four occupants (driver and three passengers), their cargo, and any accessories. The maximum recommended weight for cargo in the trunk is 100 lbs (45 kg).

The f uel tank is located in the trunk, with a partition between the fuel tank and the cargo space.

When you store small items in the trunk, secure them so they will not shift while you are driving. Loose items can fly over the partition and damage the fuel tank and fuel system components.

Do not carry large, heavy or pointed objects in the trunk. They may damage the fuel tank.

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