HONDA Civic GX 2008 User Manual

2008 Civic Sedan GX Online Reference Owner's Manual

Refer to 2008 Civic Sedan Owner's Manual for topics not covered.

Owner's Identification Form

Contents

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

Instruments and Controls

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

........................................Rear Seat . 5

Before Driving

.................................................Fuel . 6

....................Refueling Procedure . 7

.....................Fuel Cutoff System . 12

...........................Carrying Cargo . 13

Driving

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

.........................Towing a Trailer . 16

00X31-SNF-9200

........Instrument Panel Indicators . 3

..........Fuel System Components . 11

Maintenance

....................................Engine Oil . 21

............................Engine Coolant . 21

.....................................Fuel Tank . 22

.............................................Tires . 23

...........................................Lights . 24

Taking Care of the Unexpected

..............................Jump Starting . 29

............................................Fuses . 30

............................Fuse Locations . 30

Technical Information

..............................Specifications . 31

..................Maintenance Minder . 17

..................Storing Your Vehicle . 25

..................Changing a Flat Tire . 26

..If the Fuel System Has a Leak . 28

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

Introduction

2008 Civic Sedan GX

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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.

MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP

2008 Civic Sedan GX

Main Menu

Instrument Panel Indicators

Malfunction Indicator Lamp

This indicator comes on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position. 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 checkedbyanauthorizedHonda Civic GX dealer as soon as possible. Drive moderately until the dealer has inspected the problem. Avoid fullthrottle acceleration and driving at high speed.

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Instruments and Controls

Instrument Panel Indicators

2008 Civic Sedan GX

Main Menu

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

LOW FUEL INDICATOR

This indicator comes on for a few seconds when you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position. It also comesonasareminderthatyou must ref uel soon. The approximate driving distance remaining when this indicator comes on is:

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

As the temperature of the outside air cools, the temperature inside the

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tank begins to drop, and the pressure inside the tank drops too. This means that when the outside air gets very cold [below 25°F ( 4°C)], the pressure of the natural gas inside the tank goes down, and the fuel gauge may indicate that you have less fuel than what actually remains in the tank. Keep this in mind if the low fuel indicator comes on while youaredrivingincoldweather.

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.

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Gauges, Rear Seat

2008 Civic Sedan GX

Main Menu

Fuel Gauge Rear Seat

LOWER ‘‘F’’ MARK

The gauge may show slightly more or less than the actual amount. The tank temperature, fill method, and

UnlikethestandardCivic,theseat-

back cannot be folded down. ambient conditions may affect the pressure and temperature of the natural gas.

UPPER ‘‘F’’ MARK

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 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.

Instruments and Controls

Fuel

2008 Civic Sedan GX

Main Menu

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 vehicle’s emissions controls may be damaged.

Before Driving

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 system in your vehicle, including the tank and hoses, 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 CNG system. Follow the instructions on page .12

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.

Fuel, Refueling Procedure

2008 Civic Sedan GX

Main Menu

CNG Identification Ref ueling Procedure

CNG LABEL

There are two methods of refueling, fast filling or slow f illing.

Fast filling is normally used in fuel stations for natural gas vehicles. It takes about 3 to 5 minutes to fill up the fuel tank.

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

Your vehicle has an identifying ‘‘CNG’’ label attached next to the rear license plate. Do not remove this label. This label is necessary for

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

insuring your vehicle. Driving without this label may violate the laws or regulations in some states.

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 vehicle’s maximum f ill 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 is

warmed by the refueling process.

This causes the pressure in the tank

to rise and reduces the amount of

fuel you can put in.

The label shown below is attached to

the fuel receptacle lid.

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Before Driving

Refueling Procedure

2008 Civic Sedan GX

Main Menu

Using f ast f ill equipment at temperatures below 4°F ( 16°C) may

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damage the f uel system, potentially causing a leak. Only use slow fill equipment when ambient temperatures are below 4°F ( 16°C).

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Filling the Fuel Tank

The refueling equipment and procedure can vary with the refueling station. The CNG fill nozzle may not look or work like the example on the next page. The following steps explain the typical refueling procedure with fast fill equipment. With slow fill equipment, or other types of refueling equipment, follow the instructions on the equipment.

Before Driving

Push

Park with the driver’s side of the

vehicle closest to the ref ueling station.

Turn the ignition switch to the

LOCK (0) position, and apply the parking brake.

Open the fuel receptacle lid by

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

FUEL RECEPTACLE

RECEPTACLE DUST CAP

Remove the receptacle dust cap

4. from the fuel receptacle. Clean off any dirt or debris around the f uel receptacle.

5. 6.

2008 Civic Sedan GX

Main Menu

Securely connect the CNG fill nozzle to the fuel receptacle.

Turn the lever until the arrows on the nozzle point to each other, then follow the instructions on the refueling station to begin refueling.

While ref ueling, you may hear a chattering sound. This is normal.

Refueling Procedure

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. It may be missing, damaged, or worn.

Refueling will stop automatically

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

Disconnect the CNG fill nozzle

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

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Before Driving

Refueling Procedure

2008 Civic Sedan GX

Main Menu

If dirt or other debris are adhering to theinsideofthefuelreceptacle,gas may leak out after refueling. If this happens, clean of f the dirt or debris with a clean, dry rag from the CNG fill nozzle. If you need to add more fuel, do the refueling procedure again.

Putthereceptacledustcaponthe fuel receptacle securely.

10.

Push the fuel receptacle lid closed until it latches.

Before Driving

If you do not close the lid, the fuel gauge on the instrument panel will flash when you turn the ignition switch to the ON (II) position. The gauge will stop f lashing when you close the lid.

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

Ref ueling Station Information

To obtain information about the locations of compressed natural gas (CNG) refueling stations, contact the Natural Gas Vehicle Coalition (NGVC) at (202) 824-7360. Online, use http://afdcmap2.nrel.gov/ locator for the 49 states, or www. cngvc.org for California.

Fuel System Components

2008 Civic Sedan GX

Main Menu

FUEL FILTER (LOW PRESSURE)

FUEL INJECTORS

FUEL TANKFUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR

MANUAL SHUTOFF VALVE

FUEL FILTER (HIGH PRESSURE)

Fuel system components include a fuel tank located in the trunk, an integrated fuel pressure regulator,

FUEL RECEPTACLEFUEL FEED LINE

an in-tank fuel shutoff valve, high pressure f uel lines, electronically controlled multipoint fuel injectors, and other equipment.

Fuel system components in the Civic GX 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 f or a gasolinepowered vehicle.

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

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Before Driving

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