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Honda Civic: Problems & Solutions

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Comments

  • rom1rom1 Member Posts: 1
    I have '01 Civic LX automatic with 30,000 mi. I noticed that if the car is loaded, e.g. 4 people are in, the gas mileage is not great. It is less than 28 mpg on a highway. If it is only 1 person, it is 33 mpg on a highway. Is it normal or my car needs tuneup?
  • theracoontheracoon Member Posts: 666
    I'd say: normal. The engine in your Civic has to work harder to move around the weight of four people then when you're alone in the car, so the mileage will go down.

    :)
  • drejdrej Member Posts: 119
    Hi -I have electrical problems and recently noticed also water in my lower wheel-well (car usually is garaged but was out in rain for a few days).
    1)The " Shift interlock " does not release.
    2)The seatbelt and door ajar light beeps and signals when I apply my brakes and other times.
    Help, Any Ideas? Ground problem? I feel I'll have to dissassemble the trunk area to search around for loose or corroded connections. D~
  • jfigueroa1jfigueroa1 Member Posts: 209
    not too long ago I bought a radio on ebay the guy did give me the code ,Ok, six month later I have no idea of where I put the piece of paper with the numbers. I do not want to know what it might happen if I have to disconnect the battery. Is there any way to get the code.
    v/r
    fig.
  • annep01annep01 Member Posts: 1
    Hi
      I hope someone can help us. Our new Honda is doing the exact same thing that the the civic in message # 1836 is doing. It makes this extremely loud whistling noise when at highway speeds going into the wind. It's so loud we can't hear the radio or conversation. It continues until we change direction or the wind stops. The dealer can't hear it, and won't look into it until he does. Has anyone else had this problem? Maybe we can show the dealer a solution. It was not difficult to hand the dealer the $$$ for this car....
  • auburn63auburn63 Member Posts: 1,162
    Maybe you could first diag it your self then try and convince them of what you find. Take some masking tape and put it across the top of the windshield from the glass to the roof. Drive it and see if the noise is gone. If so you can either stop there and say it is the upper winshield or you can remove small section at a time and pin point it. If not in the right area try the sides or the mirrors..Good luck
  • mrowens42mrowens42 Member Posts: 15
    Dealer said my 2001 Civic EX needs front struts. Car has only 38,000 miles. Car well cared for. Should struts be worn at this mileage? Dealer quote is $475.00. Comments/suggestions?
  • theflowtheflow Member Posts: 98
    Do you also feel your car is too bumpy? I don't know if it will be worn this early. But it just doesn't sound right. Mine only has 299xx miles and the ride is extremely bumpy. I believe it should be covered under the standard warranty. But since you're over by only 2000 miles, you might consider negotiating with them. I think I'm going to take mine in tomorrow.
  • elevatorguyelevatorguy Member Posts: 87
    Guys,
    I am replacing the muffler assembly on a 99 Civic EX with the V-TECH engine. When taking the muffler off, I tried unbolting the hardware from the muffler side of the flange (where the small coil springs are on the special bolts). Well, both of the "bolts" broke off just where the threading starts on the. Yes, the muffler is off, but the remainder of the hardware is still in the nuts that are on the flange coming from the resonator. My question is this. Are the nuts on the resonator side of the flange welded on to the flange itself or are there supposed to come off? I got onto them pretty well with a 15mm wrench and they didn't want to budge. If these are welded onto the flange, how do I go about removing the rest of the bolt? There is about 3/4" of the bolt sticking out the back of the nut and I tried, with no luck, to spin them out with a pair of vise-grips. Any help will be graetly appreciated.

    Thanks in advance,
    Todd
  • mdrivermdriver Member Posts: 385
    If the car is bumpy, then the struts are doing their job by controlling wheel movement. If the car is bouncy, the struts are bad and should be replaced.
  • dudkadudka Member Posts: 451
    #2139 of 2145 radio code by jfigueroa1 Sep 06, 2003 (5:19 am)
    not too long ago I bought a radio on ebay the guy did give me the code ,Ok, six month later I have no idea of where I put the piece of paper with the numbers. I do not want to know what it might happen if I have to disconnect the battery. Is there any way to get the code.
    v/r
    fig.

    If you remove the radio and take it to the dealership, they will give you the code after they verify your identity and ownership.
  • west517west517 Member Posts: 1
    Well,

    before I take it to the dealer to be checked out i wanted to see what you guys thought about this. Well heres my situation. I drive a 2003 Honda Civic Coupe EX and I love it to death. The only problem is that often after long drives the downshifts arent smooth as normal. For example, if im driving for an hour and i have to stop at a stop light, when i brake you can feel a noticeable jerk. im thinking maybe it has something to do with the anti-lock brakes but im no mechanic. Any ideas would be helpful. Thanks.
  • justinjustin Member Posts: 1,918
    i had a 2001 EX Coupe automatic. the car was notorious for loud, hard, downshifts at stoplights. one thing i found that helped was downshifting it myself from D to D3 as i slowed down from highway speeds. also, when driving in town, i kept it in D3 so it wouldn't upshift.

    the problem is the car going from D4 to something much lower, in a fast manner. i would often get to the stop sign, be stopped, THEN the car would downshift. the whole car would move (felt like the entire transmission was loose).

    i dumped the car. made me nervous. it also had strut issues. apparently all 01 Coupes had rough ride issues....

    engine was great, gas mileage great, but the rought tranny was a little much for me.
  • hybridbuyerhybridbuyer Member Posts: 2
    I just bought the Honda Civic Hybrid. After 2 days of driving it- the indicator light came on, the engine sounded extremely rough, the speedometer quit and would not move while I was driving and the ESP light came on- the engine actually sounded like I was trying to drive with the parking brake on. The electric battery gauge stopped working as well. I had the car towed back and the following day it seemed fine- Honda checked it out and reported that it had no problems at all. Does anyone have any experience with this- I would appreciate any help with this. I love the car, love the mileage but really want a reliable vehicle.
  • mdrivermdriver Member Posts: 385
    Any new technology is going to have its problems. It will probably be another few years before hybrid technology will be accepted as equally reliable as non-hybrid technology. There are still some issues such as battery life, that still seem to be unknown.
  • bd21bd21 Member Posts: 437
    Try looking on your car topic "Civic Hybrid". There are 503 posts about your car, just scroll down a little. I don't think you will get much help asking the help of regular civic owners. Try reading the other posts before posting your issue. You will learn a lot more that way.
  • dpkosardpkosar Member Posts: 1
    I just purchased (2) '03 Civics and have noticed a significant braking/downshifting problem that has me worried. When I'm traveling either down hill or faster than 30 mph, when I apply the brake to prepare for a turn, before I get to my turn, the car jerks forward and appears to either engine brake or the brakes are doing it themselves. I cannot discern between the two. I have brought this to the attention of the dealer and they cannot reproduce the problem, so I'm stuck. The main reason I am worried: I live in Wisconsin and I can just see my car jerking down an icy/snowy hill and losing control. This doesn't paint a pretty picture... Does anyone have any advice/comments/opinions to offer?
  • justinjustin Member Posts: 1,918
    that is Honda's infamous "Grade Logic" automatic transmission doing its job. you will come to appreciate it after you get used to it :)
  • kylehlubkylehlub Member Posts: 1
    I have a 94 Civic EX. It also has a keyless entry alarm. Yesterday, I just notice that my door no longer automatically lock and unlock. I have to lock it with my key. When I press the unlock/lock bottom, it just makes a shhhhhhhhh sound but nothing else happens. Anyone ever had to this problem? Thanks...
  • auburn63auburn63 Member Posts: 1,162
    Sounds like a bad power door lock actuator..
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    You are not alone with your concerns. There is a school of thoughts about FWD and even FWD-biased AWD vehicles that, when the front wheels are engine-braked when negotiating an icy downhill curve, the front wheels may lose traction, causing the vehicle to plow.
  • prowler161prowler161 Member Posts: 22
    I have a 2003 Honda Civic Coupe EX, 5 speed, 6,500 miles on it. The car is 1 inch. taller on the passenger side, than the drivers side. on the front and back tire to wheel well measurement I did on the car on a flat surface! Looking at the car from the back, it is very noticeable. Please help! What needs to be done?
  • blueiedgodblueiedgod Member Posts: 2,798
    For the last couple of months, the shift quality(smoothness) in my 2003 Honda Civic EX Coupe has diminished. I have 40,000 miles on it. Sometimes, the transmission seems tired and confused after driving around town for a while. I don't understand why my transmission is doing such a lousy job right now. Soon I have to go get some regular maintenance done. Should I get them to run the codes to find the problem or where could I go to get the codes for free? Thanks and I hope u guys have some suggestions

    I don't know what the owner's manual calls for transmission fluid change intervals, but look it up and see if you are due for fluid change. You should only use Honda ATF ZF1 (I think) from the dealer or online dealer, or you will be looking at getting a new transmission. If you fall under any of the severe schedule instances, then look it up for severe schedule.

    If your "Check engine" light is on then you have fault codes stored in the computer. You can go to Auto Zone nad get the codes read for free.
  • mrowens42mrowens42 Member Posts: 15
    I need to replace tires on my 01 Civic EX.Originals only lasted 36K.(Firestones) Would like suggestions as to brand. Thanks.
  • prowler161prowler161 Member Posts: 22
    The original firestone tires are crap. I have a 2003 Honda Civic and I have 17x7 inch rims and 205/40 tires. My Firestones have 100 miles on them if you want them? I don't like them, and I live in Northern California, so I need a good all season wet climate tire for the stock rims. I am looking at the 185/65 15inch "Bridgestone Potenza RE910" $59.00 each at http://www.tirerack.com, "Bridgestone Potenza RE950" $71.00 each at Tire Rack, or the "Goodyear Aquatred 3" $70.00 each, but with the Goodyear, 185/65/ 15 is not available, so I would go with 195/65 15. They will be wider, but not by much, and better traction! I hope this helps. Tire Rack will ship to you for about $30.00 total. Also all these tires look good, if that matters to you. It does to me! -Jeff-
  • mrowens42mrowens42 Member Posts: 15
    Thanks prowler 161 for your info.I am leery of Bridgestone since they own Firestone. Once burned, twice shy. However, I will check the Goodyears.
  • bd21bd21 Member Posts: 437
    I would pass on Goodyear Aqua treads! I had a set on my Nissan Sentra. I did regular tire rotations (back to front is the only way you can rotate them), alignments, checked tire pressures weekly, and they still barely lasted 38,000 miles. They were also very noisy, but they did get good traction in the rain. My Nissan is a very light car and I expected to get at least 70,000 miles from the Aqua treads. They were a very disappointing tire.
  • slickracerslickracer Member Posts: 38
    I have Firestone LH30's on my 2003 Civic EX Sedan and they work great wet or dry. I drove right from the dealer to Firestone and they exchanged them for around $120
  • prowler161prowler161 Member Posts: 22
    I don't think I would ever buy A firestone Tire, but I would buy a Bridgestone tire. I know one company is owned by the other, but bridgestone has better looking, and better quality tires for a good price!
       Also anyone with a 2003 Honda Civic coupe EX, could you pull your car into a garage or on a flat parking lot, and tell me if one side of the body looks taller than the other from the back of the car. This would help me find out if my car is messed up, or if it is normal. Thank you
  • hondasellertxhondasellertx Member Posts: 35
    Both are good tires however the Aquatred is a fairly hard compound tire from what I'm told. The ride will probably be a little harsher and the road noise a little louder. My 2002 EX coupe has Michelin MXV-4 and they are pretty noisy also. When it's time for a change I'm going with either the Nitto 450 because I really like the look or with the Continental... unless something new is developed before then.
  • jlim1jlim1 Member Posts: 50
    My 01 Civic went for the 45K mile checkup. The shop said the front strut starts to leak. Cost to fix is about $300 or more.

     

    I can't really believe that such leak can happen so early, of course I am not very pleased with the road conditions I drive in the city. Can this be the cause of the struts wear that leads to the leak? Do I need Honda shop to fix it or get help from a non-Honda shop because of the original parts concern?

    I also noted some steering wheel vibration at about 55 mph, though I had the tire shop checked and rebalanced before, but the vibration is still a bit evident. Can this vibration be anything to do with the strut leak? Thanks.
  • miagarfuncklemiagarfunckle Member Posts: 51
    I was reading earlier posts and this SNOWMAN guy stated that american cars were not any different then Japanese because he had driven many with no problems. The only problem is all the cars he was driving were brand new. Any car is virtually maintanence free when new. Lets talk about those american cars and Hyundai's with there great warrantys after the warranty is expired and they are all reaching 200k if that is even possible with an american car or a hyundai.
  • beanboybeanboy Member Posts: 442
    Did some searching, seems like I'm not the only one with warping rotors and leaking struts (front right, little on front left). I have KYBs on my car (Civic is GF's) and I'm pleased with them. Anybody have success with another brand? I almost laughed out loud when the dealer quoted the price for an OEM strut, and from the sounds of it, I'd like to stay away from them.

    As far as brakes go, what brands have you guys been happy with on the Civic?

    1999 Civic HX BTW, didn't realize that cars were available without power steering in 1999!

    Any and all suggestions appreciated, thanks!

    -B
  • jimsxnjimsxn Member Posts: 108
    The steering on my 98 Civic LX appears to have gone very light at highway speeds. I heard somewhere that this is common problem with Honda cars when variable power steering goes in full-power mode all the time. Is there a technical service bulletin for that? Is it likely that this can be fixed by Honda even though the car is out of warranty now?
    Thanks.
  • cookstercookster Member Posts: 10
    My 03 Civic Si Auto Coupe (same as US EX Coupe) has an odd whistling noise at 3000 rpm in all gears.
    My dealer said this noise is related to the engine vacuum. Any other owner out there experiencing a similiar noise and is it normal?
    Thanks much.
  • prowler161prowler161 Member Posts: 22
    That is funny you ask that. My girlfriend's 2003 Mazda Protege ES has a whistling noise as well, and the engine is very similar to my 2003 Honda Civic EX V-Tec 5 speed coupe. My Honda makes the same whistling sound as well so it must be normal, but the Mazda is a little louder. I think it is the vacuum on all three cars but I don't think anything is wrong. -Jeff-
  • jimsxnjimsxn Member Posts: 108
    Check with your dealer etc., if Krown treatment will void your manufacturer's rust and perforation warranty.
  • arymarym Member Posts: 4
    I live in Toronto, Ontario. Bought a Civic LX Coupe two weeks ago. Still haven't gotten it rustproofed. I'm wondering -- should I go with Honda's for $500, which offers a "lifetime warranty" if inspected (inspection is free) every two years? Or should I go to a place like RustCheck or Krown Rust... "lifetime warranty" as well... if treated ($100 a year) every year? I've heard that dealer-treated cars are not "really" inspected... they aren't even placed on the hoist... I've heard so many things! Any advice for me?
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    I wouldn't buy rustproofing at all. I think they're all a bit of a scam to get your money.
  • coquiscoquis Member Posts: 5
    Hi, my 94 automatic Honda Civic LX has only 59000 miles. I purchased it recently from a private owner who took decent care of it. My problem is that it idles too low. Ideal idle RPM should be around + or - 700, but most of the time it's way bellow that when car is not moving. I replaced air & gas filter a short while ago. The whole car trembles a lot when idling, and I'm afraid it's going to turn off. Any suggestion or advise, please!
    Thanks a lot.
  • bodble2bodble2 Member Posts: 4,514
    The idle speed can be adjusted.
  • snarkssnarks Member Posts: 207
    Hi,

    We have a 96 Civic 5sp (152k orig clutch) that occasionally has trouble getting into first gear either from neutral or other gear after a stop. The clutch feels funny when this happens at random/non predictably. You try a few times then it works and clutch feels normal again. When it normally goes in the trans feels as if brand new, my gfriend has been very careful with it, very smooth.

    Any ideas?
  • bd21bd21 Member Posts: 437
    This is easy, it can be adjusted, but with that kind of mileage put a new clutch, pressure plate and throw out bearing in it, if you are going to keep the car for a while. Then it will be like new.
  • upsman1026upsman1026 Member Posts: 1
    Hi, I got a 94 Honda Civic with 344,000 miles and I traveling home from another state, as soon as i got off the highway, I started to feel this clicking on my steering mostly when i go over the bumps, I checked both of my front brakes , they seem to be fine, any ideas?
  • snarkssnarks Member Posts: 207
    What needs to be adjusted the clutch? It sticks to the floor sometimes. Also if you crank with the car in gear/clutch in it moves foward sometimes? It seems like the opposite of a worn out clutch since it does not slip, just does not disengage. Thanks for insight...
  • bd21bd21 Member Posts: 437
    If you clutch sticks to the floor sometimes, forget about adjusting it. You have a bad pressure plate, so you need a new clutch, throw out bearing and pressure plate. The whole job should be way under a grand. Use a good independent shop, it will save you as least 25 percent on Honda's service center cost. Good luck.
  • snarkssnarks Member Posts: 207
    Thanks bd21. I took it in to an independant shop and fortunately you were wrong ;)! It needs a new Clutch Master Cylinder for ~$152 Parts/Labor. Thanks for response.
  • bd21bd21 Member Posts: 437
    It hard to diagnose over the internet without looking at the car. You did the right thing by taking it to an independent shop. I'm glad I was wrong and you temporarily saved some money, but you will need all of the parts I mentioned in the near future. No matter how easy your driving style is, clutches wear out. And in my experience you are on borrowed time. Hopefully you will be very lucky and get many more miles on your clutch, but I would start setting money aside for the repair. Good luck!
  • dudkadudka Member Posts: 451
    I replaced clutch on my Jetta, and it was easy. Jetta had a very empty engine bay, and just by jacking up the car and strapping tranny to a jack I was able to remove it. Replacing clutch was easy, and the re-assembly was reverse of removal. Paid total $80 in parts for Sachs clutch, and throw out bearing.

    Has anyone attempted to replace clutch on recent Civic?
  • dedrunrdedrunr Member Posts: 8
    I had a chunky 14 year old kid ram his bike into my '88 Civic EX and do a body slam onto my hood. His handlebars crunched my passenger side headlamp assembly. I purchased an assembly and was about to replace the busted one, but noticed that it could be somewhat complicated getting to the mounting hardware that seems to be buried in the fender and the grill/bumper area. Do any of you out there know how to go about this replacement?

    Big Al
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