Honda 1997 Civic Sedan - User Manual

1997 C ivic Sedan Online Reference Owner's Manual
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.
Contents
Introduction ................................................................................................
.........................................
i
A Few Words About Safety.................................................................................................................ii
Driver and Passenger Safety ..............................................................................................................3
Proper use and care of your vehicle's seat belts, and Supplemental Restraint System.
Instruments and Controls.................................................................................................................31
Instrument panel indicator and gauge, and how to use dashboard and steering column controls.
Comfort and Convenience Features .............................................................................................. 67
How to operate the climate control system, the audio system, and other convenience features.
Before Driving.................................................................................................................................. 89
What gasoline to use, how to break-in your new vehicle, and how to load luggage and other cargo.
Driving .............................................................................................................................................. 99
The proper way to start the engine, shift the transmission, and park, plus towing a trailer.
Maintenance.....................................................................................................................................117
The Maintenance Schedule shows you when you need to take your vehicle to the dealer.
Appearance Care..............................................................................................................................171
Tips on cleaning and protecting your vehicle. Things to look for if your vehicle ever needs body repairs.
Taking Care of the Unexpected......................................................................................................177
This section covers several problems motorists sometimes experience, and how to handle them.
Technical Information.....................................................................................................................199
ID numbers, dimensions, capacities, and technical information.
Warranty and Customer Relations (U.S. and Canada)................................................................211
A summary of the warranties covering your new Acura, and how to contact us.
Authorized Manuals (U.S. only)......................................................................................................217
How to order manuals and other technical literature.
Index..................................................................................................................................................... I
Information you need when you pull up to the fuel pump.
Gas Station Information
Owner's Identification

Summary

Driver and Passenger Safety

Your Occupant Protection System

Overview of safety features like seat belts and airbags.

The Seat Belt System and How It Works

Detailed explanation of seat belt operation and proper use.

Supplemental Restraint System (SRS)

Information about airbags, their function, and safety.

Child Safety

Guidelines for safely restraining children in the vehicle.

Alcohol and Drugs

Warnings and advice on driving under the influence.

Carbon Monoxide Hazard

Information on the dangers of carbon monoxide exposure.

Instruments and Controls

Control Locations

Diagram showing the placement of major vehicle controls.

Indicator Lights

Explanation of dashboard warning and indicator lights.

Gauges

Details on how to read speedometer, fuel, temperature, and other gauges.

Controls Near the Steering Wheel

Overview of levers and buttons on the steering column and dashboard.

Keys and Locks

Information on car keys, ignition switch, and door locking systems.

Parking Brake

Instructions for applying and releasing the parking brake.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Heating and Cooling

How to operate the climate control system for heating and cooling.

Audio System

Information on operating the radio, including tuning, seeking, and presets.

Operating the Cassette Player

Instructions for using the car's cassette player.

Before Driving

Break-in Period, Gasoline

Recommendations for breaking in a new car and fuel guidelines.

Service Station Procedures

Steps for filling the fuel tank and opening the hood.

Loading Cargo

Guidelines for safely loading and securing cargo in the vehicle.

Driving

Preparing to Drive

Daily pre-driving checks and adjustments for safe operation.

Starting the Engine

Procedures for starting the engine under various conditions.

Automatic Transmission

Details on shift lever positions and operation.

The Braking System

Information on how the braking system works and maintenance.

Maintenance

Maintenance Safety

Essential safety precautions to follow during vehicle maintenance.

Maintenance Schedule

Recommended service intervals for normal and severe driving conditions.

Owner Maintenance Checks

Regular checks the owner should perform on the vehicle.

Engine Oil

Information on recommended oil types and adding oil.

Taking Care of the Unexpected

Changing a Flat Tire

Step-by-step guide on how to change a flat tire.

If Your Engine Wont Start

Troubleshooting steps when the engine fails to start.

Jump Starting

Procedure and precautions for jump-starting a dead battery.

Fuses

How to check and replace blown fuses in the vehicle.

Technical Information

Identification Numbers

Location of VIN, engine, and transmission numbers.

Specifications

Key vehicle dimensions, capacities, and weights.

Tire Information

Details on tire size, speed ratings, and treadwear grades.

Emission Controls

Explanation of the vehicle's emission control systems.

Warranty and Customer Relations

Customer Relations Information

How to contact Honda for assistance and problem resolution.

Warranty Coverages

Overview of different warranties covering the vehicle.

Honda 1997 Civic Sedan Specifications