(Covering 2001-11 Honda Civic with 1.7, 1.8, or 2.0-liter motors, and manual or automatic transmissions. Excluding hybrid and natural gas-powered models)
The Honda Civic is recognised for being a reliable car, but it still needs periodic checks and inspections. And regular maintenance will save you money, because you'll catch a problem before it escalates, saving you hundreds of dollars.
This quick reference guide answers many questions that occur during routine service. With this chart and a set of common tools, you can perform the majority of regular maintenance yourself at home. This chart covers two generations of Honda Civic, and though they look quite different they are not so dissimilar under the skin. For more information and step by step instruction, refer to the relevant section of Clymer manual 42026, which also covers the Honda CR-V compact SUV, or suscribe for instant access to the 2001-2011 Honda Civic Clymer online manual.
Engine Oil Change |
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| Engine Oil Type | 5W-20 API Certified for Gas Engines | |
| Engine Oil Capacity | 3.4 quarts (01-05 DX/LX w/o VTEC ) | |
| 3.7 quarts (01-05 EX/HX w/ VTEC) | ||
| 3.9 quarts (1.8L engine) | ||
| 4.6 quarts (2.0L engine) | ||
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 29 ft-lbs(except 2.0L motor) | |
| 33 ft-lbs (2.0L motor) | ||
Transaxle Fluid Change |
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| Transaxle Fluid Type | Honda ATF-Z1 (all automatics) | |
| Honda MTF (all manuals) | ||
| Transaxle Fluid Capacity | 2.9 quarts (01-05 automatics) | |
| (when changing filter) | 2.5 quarts (06-11 automatics) | |
| 3.0 quarts (CVT automatic) | ||
| Transaxle Fluid Capacity | 6.3 quarts (4 speed auto) | |
| (total including converter) | 6.2 quarts (5 speed auto) | |
| 5.3 quarts (CVT auto) | ||
| Transaxle Drain Plug Torque | 36 ft-lbs (All automatics) | |
| 33 ft-lbs (manual check/fill plug) | ||
| 29 ft-lbs (manual drain plug) | ||
Cooling System Flush and Fill |
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| Coolant Type | Honda Type 2 All Season Antifreeze/Coolant | |
| mixed 50/50 with water | ||
| Cooling System Capacity | 4.1-4.2 quarts (01-05 1.7L motor) | |
| 5.3 quarts (01-05 2.0L motor) | ||
| 5.5-5.6 quarts (06-11 1.8L motor) | ||
| 4.7 quarts (06-11 2.0L motor) | ||
Other Miscellaneous Fluid Types |
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| Power Steering Fluid | Honda Power Steering Fluid | |
| Brake Fluid | DOT 3 brake fluid | |
| Clutch Fluid | DOT 3 brake fluid | |
Other Miscellaneous Torque Specs |
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| Wheel Lug Nuts | 80 ft-lbs | |
| Brake Caliper Bracket Bolts | 80 ft-lbs (all front) | |
| 41 ft-lbs (01-05 rear) | ||
| 54 ft-lbs (06-11 rear) | ||
| Caliper Guide Pins/Bolts | 25 ft-lbs (all front) | |
| 17 ft-lbs (all rear) | ||
| Wheel Cylinder Bolt | 132 in-lbs (01-05 with rear drums) | |
| 84 in-lbs (06-11 with rear drums)) | ||
| Spark Plugs | 156 in-lbs | |
| Drivebelt Tensioner Mounting Bolt | 17 ft-lbs (1.8L motor - 8mm bolt) | |
| 40 ft-lbs (1.8L motor - 10mm bolt) | ||
| 16 ft-lbs (2.0L motor) | ||
Accessory Drive Belt Deflection (1.7L Engine) |
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| Alternator/AC Belt | ||
| New Belt Installation | 0.20-0.26 inch (5-6.5 mm) | |
| Old Belt Adjustment | 0.33-0.43 inch (8.5-11 mm) | |
| Power Steering Belt | ||
| New Belt Installation | 0.35-0.43 inch (9-11 mm) | |
| Old Belt Adjustment | 0.51-0.65 inch (13-16.5 mm) | |
Valve Clearances (with engine cold) |
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| 2001 Civic (all) | ||
| Intake Valve | 0.007-0.009 inch (0.18-0.23 mm) | |
| Exhaust Valve | 0.009-0.011 inch (0.23-0.28 mm) | |
| 2002-11 Civic (with SOHC motor) | ||
| Intake Valve | 0.007-0.009 inch (0.18-0.23 mm) | |
| Exhaust Valve | 0.009-0.011 inch (0.23-0.28 mm) | |
| 2002-05 Civic (with DOHC motor) | ||
| Intake Valve | 0.008-0.010 inch (0.20-0.25 mm) | |
| Exhaust Valve | 0.011-0.013 inch (0.25-0.28 mm) | |
| 2006-11 Civic (with DOHC motor) | ||
| Intake Valve | 0.008-0.010 inch (0.20-0.25 mm) | |
| Exhaust Valve | 0.010-0.011 inch (0.25-0.28 mm) | |
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
What follows is our recommended minimum maintenance intervals for daily driven vehicles, based on our years of experience and the factory's recommended schedule. We encourage you to use our schedule and perform the maintenance yourself, to save money and needless trips to the dealer. In many cases, our intervals are shorter than the manufacturer’s recommendations, but frequent maintenance will extend the service life of your vehicle, as well as enhance the efficiency, and improve the resale value. If your vehicle is frequently driven in dusty areas, driven at low speeds for extended periods, allowed to idle at length, or used often for short trips (less than four miles at a time) in below freezing temperatures, even smaller intervals are recommended.
When you purchase the vehicle, follow this maintenance schedule and keep a written record and receipts to protect the warranty and resale value. If you buy the vehicle new, an initial maintenance check is often included at no cost (check with the dealer service department for more information).
Every 250 miles or weekly
- Check the engine oil level
- Check the coolant level
- Check power steering fluid level
- Check automatic transmission fluid level
- Check the brake and clutch fluid levels
- Check the tires and tire pressures
- Check the windshield washer fluid level
- Check all lights and horn function
Every 3,000 miles or 3 months ...all items listed above, as well as
- Change engine oil and filter
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months ...all items listed above, as well as
- Rotate the tires
- Inspect/replace the windshield wiper blades
- Check the brake system and pad wear
- Check cooling system and hoses
- Check and service the battery and cables
- Check the seat belts
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months ...all items listed above, as well as
- Replace air filter*
- Replace cabin air filter
- Check manual transmission fluid
- Check suspension and steering components*
- Check CV joint boots*
- Check fuel system for leaks and condition of hoses
- Check all underhood hoses
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months ...all items listed above, as well as
- Change brake fluid
- Check and adjust engine drivebelts
- Check spark plugs
Every 60,000 miles or 36 months ...all items listed above, as well as
- Drain, flush and refill cooling system
Every 110,000 miles or 36 months
- Check and adjust valve clearance
- Replace timing belt and inspect tensioner and water pump
- Replace spark plugs
Every 120,000 miles or 72 months
- Change automatic transmission fluid**
- Change manual transmission fluid**
* If operated in "severe conditions", perform these tasks every 6 months or 5,000 miles. Severe conditions include: Operating in dusty areas, idling for extended periods, constant low speed operation, or driving in below freezing temperatures when most trips are less than 4 miles.
** If the vehicle is frequently operated in continuous stop-and-go traffic, in mountainous areas, or when ambient temperatures are above 90 degrees, change automatic transmission fluid at 30,000 miles, and manual transmission fluid at 60,000 miles.
