Honda Civic Care and Maintenance

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Comments

  • bd21bd21 Member Posts: 437
    Listen to your owner's manual and shop manual. I doubt you will ever have to change the fuel filter in your Civic! Of course you dealer will be happy to change it for you, because taking your money is always a good thing from the dealer's point of view.
  • mregor1mregor1 Member Posts: 5
    Is there an aftermarket auto-dimming, temp, compass, mirror for the 04 LX sedan? I've searched and all I can find is that they won't work on all models??? I emailed Donnely and haven't heard back. The Donnelly seems to only work for the windshield mount and the civic comes down from the roof.
  • chidorochidoro Member Posts: 125
    The heat shield issue has become a rather bothersome occurance of late on my '98 ex w/ ~117k. It has needed to be replaced once and tightened 2 times w/in the last 15 months. If the metallic whine wasn't so distracting (and even a little embarassing in the office parking lot), I wouldn't really care. The Firestone that maintains my vehicle never charges me for it so long as it's apart of a regular service.
  • gregoryc1gregoryc1 Member Posts: 764
    If an oil filter fails, it could destroy the engine. If the owner of the vehicle uses a Honda Filter, it is a Honda problem. If the owner uses an aftermarket oil filter, who will make good on the the engine? Should there be an extended warranty on the vehicle, I do not think that Honda will eat the cost of the engine, with an after market filter. QUESTIONS: ---How much money could anyone be saving using an aftermarket filter? ---- Is is really worth the risk? I do not care who makes the Honda Oil Filter. If it says "Honda" on the filter, and the dealer installs it on my vehicle, if it fails, it is Honda's problem. There is no way that they can "back out" of the extended warranty. The service was performed by their mechanics at the dealer, with their oil filters, and their recommended oil. Case closed!
  • edunnettedunnett Member Posts: 553
    All I could think of reading your post is how many people in the world use the cheapest Fram oil filters in their cars, which are "failures by design" in my opinion with no flow-back valve. LOL
    elissa
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,700
    I don't know of anyone who has had an oil filter fail and cause an engine failure.

    I have heard of filters installed with the old rubber seal on them and leaking or blowing the oil out.

    That's an installation failure - not the filter failure.

    Fram filters don't have a drainback prevention valve???

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    The current Honda p/n 15400 PLM -A02 oil filter is to Honda specifications by FRAM. :)
  • blueiedgodblueiedgod Member Posts: 2,798
    How much money could anyone be saving using an aftermarket filter?

    Pure one filter is at least twice the price of Honda OEM filter. Mobil 1 and Pure one filters use cellulosic media instead of recycled toilet paper media.

    I do agree with you on the warranty though. This is why I use Honda filters with Mobil 1 oil. Once the warrnaty is over, I will use Mobil 1 oil and filters. However, if I were to use Mobil 1 filter and it failed causing subsequent damage to the engine thus voiding Honda's warranty, the company (Exxon/Mobil) is liable for the damages. Either through their own good will, or the court system they would have to pay for the damage caused by the failed component. But, it is a hassle to go through civil/small claims court.
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,700
    of filter failures happen that cause engine failures?
    I understand a filter could leak around the seal, could split losing all oil rapidly, but these would give an engine oil pressure light and the owner would shut down the engine immediately.

    I could see that the filter media might split allowing unfiltered oil through, but the owner would notice the oil becoming more contaminated by color during the weekly oil checks.

    What failures am I missing? I am saying this question is a paper tiger, as I see it. But I realize I might be wrong.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    In the case of the oil filter being the cause, i.e., the case of "toilet paper media circulating through the oil system"; the actual numbers, indeed the actual percentages are both EXTREMELY rare!

    You should look at it that NO filter manufacturer wants to manufacture a filter sold for say 2-10 dollars, only to have to be responsible for 6-20k of engine damage!!??

    So some arm chaired filter inspectors make a huge distinction about filter construction. While it must meet statistical as well as individual reliablity and durability standards, to me the focus is misplaced. To me the real distinction should be how will does it do in oil analysis.

    You will hear folks pine on and on about the need for 3k oil filter changes for a whole host of reasons. So for those folks who have to pay other folks to change the oil, the market dictates from 10-30 dollars for the labor portion! So over 100000 miles @3k 34 labor only changes @ 333-1020 dollars ,plus 170 dollars in oil filters!!?? My take is that if folks are so concerned about it, for app 150 dollars, absolutely EXCELLENT aftermarket bypass filters are available. These are easily capable depending on oil analysis of easily going 20,000-40,000 miles between oil FILTER changes. With a no brainer of 10,000 miles change in oil.

    I personally have no problems with 15,000-20,000 between oil changes with a synthetic like Mobil One 0w20, after the very short warranty period.
  • sek4mlksek4mlk Member Posts: 24
    "Pure one filter is at least twice the price of Honda OEM filter"

    Huh? Are you talking about the Purolator Pure One filter? A few weeks ago I purchased a Pure One at Advance Auto for my civic (actually got two with a $5 rebate). Price was less than $6 ea. before rebate. Last Honda dealer oil change, price for filter was $8. Honda parts dept OEM filter price is close to $6.

    Not sure why you're paying twice as much for a Pure One as for an OEM filter.
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    I really also have no qualms on buying on price (given sufficient, commoditized quality) Some quality brands are made by Champion Labs. AC Delco, Pure One, Wix, Napa, SuperTech ST, all of which are reputed to filter slightly better than FRAM.

    In addition, if you read the Honda Civic technical data (shop manuals, web sites, owners manual etc) the oil filter change recommendation is: EVERY OTHER oil change!!!

    This can mean anywhere from severe (5000 mile oil change and 10,000 mile oil filter change) to normal. (10,000 mile oil change and 20,000 mile oil filter change) ALL on conventional oil! So each of your 2 oil filters for $5. can go 10k to 20k with no problem what so ever! I think that Honda Civic owners have a lot to be pleased about!
  • blueiedgodblueiedgod Member Posts: 2,798
    I didn't realize that people on this board, DIYers, still bought Honda parts retail. I have been buying parts from my dealer, who happends to be an internet parts dealer, and have been paying less than $4/filter. Mobil 1 filter at AutoZone was about $6 and change, close to $7.
  • gregoryc1gregoryc1 Member Posts: 764
    If the oil filter splits at highway speeds,(causing a total loss of oil pressure), by the time the driver is able to shut the engine down, it would be junk! The bearings would be wiped out! If this was a new vehicle, (less than 3 years or 36,000 miles), and there was an aftermarket oil filter on the engine, Honda would walk away from the warranty. The owner of the vehicle would have to seek damages from the manufacturer of the filter. This would take "time" and "money". If the vehicle had a Honda filter, the solution to the problem is simple. QUESTIONS: ---Why would anyone put themselves into that kind of position? If the owner believes the "Book of Honda" with regards to extended oil and filter change intervals, why wouldn't the same individual believe in the quality of the Honda oil filter? After all, don't the Honda engineers know what is proper for their vehicles?
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,700
    a grand loss of oil pressure at 1500-2000 rpm...
    Does anyone have information about how long you have to shut down the engine?

    I hear stories about how long they run without oil in junkyards when they start them...
    The idea that instant damage occurs is what I'm asking about...

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    While your scenario is plausible and I understand that you wish to hold culpable the Honda dealer that has done your maintenance, you actually have a better chance of hitting the hundred million dollar lotto or being struck by lightning.

    More likely are the gaffs generally pulled by the quickie lubes: such as stripped oil pan bolts that leak oil, oil bolts not torqued to the correct values, oil filter racheted on without full seal seating, not the correct amount of oil put into the sump etc etc. All of the consequences would be covered by the ones doing the labor. Not that this doesn't happen at a dealer, but you know what I mean.

    Also not all Honda dealers, for example use the so called "Honda" oil. Again the truth be told, Honda filters are not mandatory. If they were mandatory the law ( I forget the name of the law) requires that those mandatory parts be provided free of charge. So for example, BMW gets around this by offering so called "FREE" maintainance during the warranty period.
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    This is a quote from the Honda web site.

    "Is there any warranty on parts that I pay for at my Honda dealer?
     Yes. Honda Genuine Parts are covered by a Replacement Parts Limited Warranty. If these parts are installed by a Honda dealer, both the parts and labor are covered for 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first. If the Genuine Honda parts are purchased from a Honda dealer and installed elsewhere, the parts themselves are covered for 12 months. "

    So while I "think" the Honda filter used on the 20,000 mile cycle should be covered, the above warranty verbage indicates NOT. You might want to clarify this with your local Honda dealer, in that they are the ones that would fulfill on your warranties. But then again, my local Honda dealer wanted to sell me on a program of 5,000 mile oil and filter changes. So why is it the Honda dealers don't want to believe the 10,000 mile normal oil change with a 20,000 mile oil filter change? :)
  • kdogkdog Member Posts: 23
    I have a 04 civic bought in January this year and has only 6000 miles on it. I haven't change the oil yet. The owner's manual says under normal driving conditions to change the oil every 10,000 miles or 1 year ,whichever comes first. Is this reliable information?
    Also it recommends using 5w-20 oil, how about using 10w-30? I live in the SF bay area so the weather here is not a concern. Thanks.
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    Yes the information is reliable! This is in your owners manual, Civic shop manual web site: Honda's owners link etc.

    5w20 is made especially for Ford's and Honda's. I have on stock Mobil One 5w30 and to stock the 5w20 and or Mobil 0w20 is more of a PITA, but I would stick with the 5W20 conventional or the 0w20 synthetic such as Mobil One 0w20.
  • gregoryc1gregoryc1 Member Posts: 764
    Change your oil and filter every 3,000 miles or 3 months which ever comes first. It is cheap high quality maintenance. Use 5W20 oil. Keep life simple! Don't try to bring in the "maintenance war" under budget! I have a 2003 Accord with 39000 + miles on the clock, and it has received oil and filter changes every 3,000 miles. The crankcase is very clean, and the engine does not use any oil between oil changes. The vehicle is less than two years old and it has received 13 oil and filter changes. At the rate that we drive this vehicle, by the time it is 3 years old it will have about 58,000 miles on the clock. A "clean" engine is a happy engine. And YES, the selling dealer does all the service. I like to keep all my maintenance records in one place. In addition, I also have changed the automatic trans fluid twice.
  • ncampbell2002ncampbell2002 Member Posts: 163
    Hey there, welcome to the board.....I would highly recommend doing what the owner's manual says. If you want to do oil changes more often, they don't go less than 5000 miles cauze otherwise you are throwing your money out the window. Use only 5w20 dyno or 0w20 Mobil 1. Other weights of oil will make your fuel economy go down and this is the oil that Honda recommends so why use anything else? My family has practiced this interval for years and has put a lot of miles on the cars we have owned such as our 89 Accord LXI. We put 271,000 miles on it before I blew out the clutch and decided it wasn't worth fixing because of the extensive body corrosion. However keep in mind the engine still purred like a kitten and burned no oil and still looked very clean underneath the valve cover with NO sludge buildup. That car received new dyno oil every 5-7500 miles. We had an 85 Accord LX, the thing had 181,000 miles on it and still ran perfectly until it was hit by some lady that ran a stop sign and totaled it. Same mileage interval on the oil changes, same condition on the engine. My current 03 Civic gets fresh synthetic every 5-7k depending on the laziness factor of me getting outside to change it since I only trust myself when it comes to working on cars unless I don't have the right tools then I'm stuck having someone else do it. It has 31,000 miles on it and the valves are extremely clean just like new. You be the judge on what you want to do, however I've just given you 2 examples of high mileage vehicles that we have owned and the oil change interval we've used has worked just fine and cauzed the engine no harm whatsoever. The bodies of the cars are what put those vehicles to rest, not the mechanics of the engine (except the clutch but that has nothing to do with oil changes). If someone out there has another story that can prove me wrong with a high mileage vehicle (I'm talking 150,000+ not anything under 100,000), then please share with the rest of the board, otherwise I think we can wrap up this case on 3000 mile oil change intervals cauze I think we all need to move on to something else and realize that Honda themselves knows what's best for their cars and gives you an interval you should pratice. Bottom line, we need to wrap up this arguement, it has been argued many times, I have just given everyone 2 primary examples of cars that have lasted well over what most people would keep their cars, that have NOT practiced the 3000 mile oil change interval that some people on this board like to convince you of, or the quick change places that just want your money. Please someone else discuss some maininence tips on Honda's that have worked well for them other than oil changes, fuel additves, etc. We have covered all grounds in the past and do not need to keep bringing it up from the graveyard. It gets very circular and annoying after awhile and I'm sure people have strayed from the board as a result of this. I don't want to see that happen cauze many people have some very useful tips out there that I don't want to see disappear as a result of an internet brawl. Sorry I'm doing the moderators work, I just think it needs to be said.
  • imidazol97imidazol97 Member Posts: 27,700
    "It's in the owner's manual" doesn't always mean right. See this note:
    pilotrol "Honda Pilot Owners: Problems & Solutions" Nov 4, 2004 3:22pm

    Oil change intervals:
    These are like politics. So everyone may scroll past this.

    If someone drives their car on short trips primarily and chooses to change often, that's their prerogative. They certainly shouldn't be criticized for observing good car care. I judge my change interval by observing the oil and noting the usage pattern and the weather in my northern clime.

    If someone changes more often, they're not throwing their money out the window any more than someone who's using synthetic (partial synthetics, that is) and believing they're taking greater care of their car than with standard petroleum products. The partial synthetics cost more and unless you're driving 2000 per week as an outside salesperson you're probably not helping your engine any more than someone changing at 3500 using standard oils. So who is throwing money out the window is a paper tiger discussions.

    "...we need to wrap up this argument..."
    "Sorry I'm doing the moderators work..."
    The moderators will handle any problems, and I'm sure you read before the suggestion by a moderator to just scroll past any post or poster with whom you have a political disagreement.

    I watched two other discussions closed by the moderator because of bitterness over the dynamic control of the discussions by a few posters. Let's not have that happen here.

    Just scroll and enjoy the discussions. And may I offer a polite suggestion that white space is your friend. A paragraph break makes a post much more readable.

    2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,

  • blueiedgodblueiedgod Member Posts: 2,798
    I have a 04 civic bought in January this year and has only 6000 miles on it. I haven't change the oil yet. The owner's manual says under normal driving conditions to change the oil every 10,000 miles or 1 year ,whichever comes first. Is this reliable information?
    Also it recommends using 5w-20 oil, how about using 10w-30? I live in the SF bay area so the weather here is not a concern. Thanks


    Does your driving fall under normal condition by the manual? Isn't Bay area very hilly? Do you drive short dintances? Ever get stuck in traffic jams? Ever drive in temps above 100°F or bellow 32°F? If you can answer yes to any one of the questions, then you have to follow severe schedule. 5000 miles with 5W20, or 0W-20. 5W-30 may work but will hurt the fuel economy. 10W-30 will hurt the fuel economy and may lead to oil starvation at start up . If cost of 5W-20 over 10W-30 is of concern, look for sales at auto parts stores, or walmart. Autozone has their Mobil 1 sale once in a while where you buy 5 quarts of Mobil 1 oil and get a free Mobil 1 filter (some of them go up to $10/each). I am not advocating for using Mobil 1 or Mobil 1 filters. I use Mobil 1 0W-20 oil and Honda filter while under warranty.

    If you are going to have someone do it, do it at the dealer, unless you know the person doing the oil change. Alot of times the "oil changer" at the "grease monkeys" has very limited idea what he is doing. Although you are not guaranteed that the dealer's "oil technical specialist" is any birghter than one at Jiffy Lube, you have some sort of recourse. There were few poeple on ephatch reporting that mass oil changers are not always replacing the crush washer with the new one. But rather putting the old one back and torqueing to the point where threds were stripped on the alluminum oil pan. Or double gasketing the filters. Also, some of the mass oil changers do not carry 5W-20 and may just put whatever they have on hand.
    The best thing is to do it your self, that way you know it was done properly and with correct oil weight. The dealer's parts department may just throw in the crush washer when you buy the filter there, or charge you $0.10-0.50 for it. You do not want to re-use the crush washer!
  • gregoryc1gregoryc1 Member Posts: 764
    If we "wrap up this argument / discussion / free exchange of ideas", we would NOT have anything to discuss. Now that would really be a problem! You see, when we have a difference of opinion, the discussion really gets interesting. Changing engine oil is very similiar to voting for a particular candidate. Everyone has an opinion, and everyone thinks that they are correct in their opinion. Now, I am willing to read and consider everyone's opinion on this subject.
  • Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
    As some members have frequently repeated the same mantra concerning oil change intervals and/or additives, etc., simply providing a link or the post number to a past message would save time for the member and also spare others who have read it before.
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    Using the Honda Owners link as source material, the fact of the matter is that Honda recommends any reason for all seasons when it comes to maintainance intervals. If you do some price shopping at your local dealers or independent shops and assign costs/prices to these maintainance intervals, pretty soon you are wondering why the Honda received the lowest cost per mile operating costs awards!!??

    So my intention is to hold them to their advertised and marketed lowest operating costs and then some!!! As you can tell by the myraid of service intervals covering 5k to 110,000 miles, one is free to pick and chose!

    So that I am not unclear: if I want to use 250,000 miles as a goal. Why do : i.e.,3k oil changes or 84 oil and filter changes when the manual sez 10,000 mile oil changes and 20,000 mile oil filter changes or 25 oil changes and 13 oil filter changes?

    Over the length of time and mileage, that is 59 round trips (extra) x 2 extra round trips to my local Honda dealer. In my case 8.1 x 2 x 2= 1912 miles, which happens to = approach 1 oil and filter change :). Not to mention the 59 extra days the car will be "out of commission/use" and the arrangements for alternative vehicle use. If you want to put some market numbers to this get a price to rent a like car for 2 months!!! Or how much it would cost to rent a car a day at a time!
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    For you environmental types/concerns (probably at least one reason why folks drive Honda Civics?):

    84 oil changes represents (3.3 qt per change avg) 278 qts or 69.3 gals of oil vs 25 oil changes 82.5 qts or 20.625 gals of oil. So because of feelings, cheap insurance, cheap operating costs, whatever the reasons/reasoning, one is using 4x's the oil than the other!!?? So why do Civic drives get self righteous when SUV drivers get 16 mpg and Civic owners get 38 mph and the factor is only 2.4 X's!!??
  • pkhondapkhonda Member Posts: 2
    The "check" light comes on and got it scanned at Advance Autoparts, the "OBDII: code indicates the problem as mentioned above in the title. Any clue/tips how to proceed to rectify/resolve the above problem will be appreciated.
    I have Honda Civic EX 2000 model.
  • blueiedgodblueiedgod Member Posts: 2,798
    The "check" light comes on and got it scanned at Advance Autoparts, the "OBDII: code indicates the problem as mentioned above in the title. Any clue/tips how to proceed to rectify/resolve the above problem will be appreciated.
    I have Honda Civic EX 2000 model.


    I found that Auto Zone's code scanner is not correct alot of times. Last time the light came on, the code read that catalityc converter was "going." Honda read that gas cap was not tight. It did not take more than 3 trips for the light to go away on its own, like dealer said it would.

    Even if the failure is in the catalytic converter, it should be covered by the 8 years of emissions warranty. Don't let the dealer tell you that cat is exhaust, it falls under emissions control, and is covered by the 8 year warranty.

    Disconnect the battery overnight, and see if the code comes back when you reconnect it.

    Question, did your car come with a manual?
  • pkhondapkhonda Member Posts: 2
    Thanks for your reply and information.
    Yes, it came with a manual, but manual does not have all the information, it says to "tifgten the gas cap/will go off in three trips/show to the dealer".
    So, you recommend that I need to get it scanned elsewhere too? If the converter is covered under the warranty, then I guess I can show it to the dealer if that is the problem.

    Thanks !!
  • shortlidshortlid Member Posts: 50
    My girl just bought a '99 Civic EX sedan with 62k on it. I know there is a TSB on the A/C belt tensioner I have the updated one since ours is making more noise than it should. But even with the P/S pump out I can't get the nut off the pulley shaft?
  • eternalblue02eternalblue02 Member Posts: 1
    I have an 02 civic ex with about 37K on it. When should I start thinking about brake pads? I haven't had any braking problems so far - no squeals or squeaks. But as you can see i've been doing a lot of driving in 2 years, and I can be prety tough on the brakes. I don't want to prematurely start replacing pads if i don't need to, and I don't want to get stuck with a rotor replacement by waiting too long!

    Is there a mileage point at which I should check them out? I know it's different for every car but as a general interval - any suggestions?

    I'm unable to take the wheels off and look myself (plus I don't know exactly how to examine) so this is why I ask.

    Thanks!
  • yleecoyoteyleecoyote Member Posts: 32
    Unfortunately, your driving habits are the primary influence on the answer of when to change the pads.
    I'm driving a 2001 Civic EX, have close to 160,000 miles and still have about a quarter inch of brake pad left.
    At the same time, I've heard someone with a teenage daughter complain about how bad
    Honda pads are and wondered why he had to replace them with less than 20,000 miles.
    If you don't have the tools or knowledge, the next time you have your tires rotated, ask the mechanic to tell you how the front brake pads look. It is no extra work on his part, and he can show you what he is looking for.
    The tattle tell squeeler should help. It is designed to start contacting an unused portion of the brake disk once the pads wear down near the replacement level. This will not be the squeel that you hear sometime after the car sits for awhile and you apply the brakes. This will be a noise that you should hear if not all of the time, from time to time while driving.
    If the 2002 model is like mine, the rear has enclosed drum brakes that you can't check without disassembling. When you wear out the front pads, you should have the shop check the wear on the rear as well.
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    Two points

    Once you know what you are looking for, the most it will probably take is a small flashlight and perhaps an adjustable angle mirror. It would help to dig into your shop manual to get the measurement specs for the pads and the rotors.

    Second, if you RIDE the CAR and not the brakes, it can go a pretty good stretch between pad and rotor changes.
  • civic600sicivic600si Member Posts: 5
    I have a civic lx 2001 and hear a hooting sound when inside the car. it almost actually sounds like a 'fart';>. I'm almost sure that it's not me. But the sound comes on after depressing break or clutch. Is this the kind of noise you hear (like air coming out of somewhere)? Or can it be heard from the outside of the car as well?
  • blueiedgodblueiedgod Member Posts: 2,798
    My girl just bought a '99 Civic EX sedan with 62k on it. I know there is a TSB on the A/C belt tensioner I have the updated one since ours is making more noise than it should. But even with the P/S pump out I can't get the nut off the pulley shaft?

    Two words -- Impact driver.
  • steviejzsteviejz Member Posts: 4
    Purchased my honda in sept 04, and have just passed 6000 miles but I still get only 300 miles out of a tankful l. Is this normal? I don't "gun" it and it's mostly around town. thats like 22 to 23 a gal... sounds mighty low to me .. some one reply please.. Steviejz
  • steviejzsteviejz Member Posts: 4
    Hi Steviejz again has anyone noticed that the gas gage in the o4 civic ex coupe goes down real quick than hovers at just above 1/2 a tank than moves real slow to a 1/4 tank and moves fast again. i know i' am not seeing things or am I ??
  • yleecoyoteyleecoyote Member Posts: 32
    On mileage, make sure that you are resetting your trip odometer when you fill up and on the next fill-up divide the gallons pumped into the mileage driven. Sounds like you may be taking the capacity of the tank and dividing that into the mileage.

    The gas gauges are a little strange in this generation. When the 7th generation first came out, dealers would replace the sending unit in the tank under warranty. When new, mine would show the amount in the tank as lower than it actually was after sitting overnight. Seemed to relate to parking on a hill. The dealer ordered the part to replace it, but I never went in to have it done. Over time, it seems reliable. Not really an issue to me, I drive the same route everyday and reset the trip odometer when I fill up. The limit to my pucker factor is somewhere around 400 miles. It usually takes a little over 11 gallons to fill it back up from this point.

    Note that if you are being fanatical about tracking your mileage, there are variations at the pumps that cause the pump to cut off at varying levels. This can cause your mileage to vary by a few miles per gallon.
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    Barring any thing mechanically wrong with your vehicle, the best thing to do is to standardize your variables and systematically remove the problems.

     

    As you know the tank capacity is 13.2 gal. So indeed if you took on 13.2 gal (empty) your fuel mileage is 22.7 mpg. When you refill you might want to stop at the first click off all the time. The other thing is to put your tires up to the 100 mph speed recommendation (owners manual) of 35 psi. You can adjust from there.

     

    During the break in period of my 2004 Honda Civic 4 door automatic, I got between 35-39 mpg. I know why I got 35 mpg, for I was making the engine rev higher which caused the automatic to kick down gears, for the effect of lower gas mileage. I also know why I got closer to 39/40 mpg also.

     

    So as you can probably guess, most of the rest is behavioral, and/or the usual driver suspects.
  • theracoontheracoon Member Posts: 666
    I still get only 300 miles out of a tankful

     

    As others have noted you need to record the actual miles driven (using the trip meter or a notebook) and the actual amount of fuel you put into the tank (not the tank capacity).

     

    :)
  • steviejzsteviejz Member Posts: 4
    I Have done all of what you and the others said and still only get 300 and change with a full tank full and my gas light comes on right above the last three bars on the gas gage, do you think the gas gage is faulty?? Steviejz
  • yleecoyoteyleecoyote Member Posts: 32
    Note this is not a response to Steviejz's questions, just a general post.

     

    Most areas of the US are now colder than they have been in some time. If you haven't checked your tire pressure recently, now is probably a good time. I try to run at 31 PSI, and had noticed on the last few tanks that my gas mileage was lower than usual. While servicing the car this past weekend, I checked the pressure and found them at 26 PSI, air temperature in the 40's. We had been experiencing temperatures in the 70's until recently here in the Southeast. If you don't check your pressure on a regular basis and your mileage has been lower recently, might want to check your tire pressure.
  • ruking1ruking1 Member Posts: 19,826
    That is a good heads up! However a good rule of thumb is for every 10 degrees of ambient temperature delta (change), converts to app 1# of tire pressure.

     

    To use your example of 31 #'s at 70 degrees would equal -3 #'s or 28#'s at 40 degrees.
  • trantitranti Member Posts: 51
    Chech your front pads. I think that your front pads need to be replaced. My 2002 Honda Civic with 40,000 miles has the same problem.
  • theracoontheracoon Member Posts: 666
    I Have done all of what you and the others said and still only get 300 and change with a full tank full and my gas light comes on right above the last three bars on the gas gage, do you think the gas gage is faulty??

     

    When the low fuel light comes on and you fill the tank how many gallons of fuel does it take? Without the number of gallons it takes to fill the tank after driving 300 miles we have no idea whether you're getting poor, good, or excellent fuel mileage.

     

    On my CR-V the low fuel light comes on when there's about 3 gallons of fuel still in the tank. It's a low fuel warning light, not a "fill up NOW or run out of fuel" light.

     

    How many gallons of fuel does it take to fill up your tank when the low fuel light comes on?

     

    :)
  • cmbrowncmbrown Member Posts: 1
    In 2001 I purchased a Honda Civic EX 01 5spd and since then have only had the oil changed at 10,000 miles. As of today the car only has 15000 miles on it - I was biking to grad school and work for a few years.

     

    Back to work and driving now I am wondering where I should be on the maintenance schedule - 36 months is 50-60k mile maintenance.

     

    Thanks!
  • bottgersbottgers Member Posts: 2,030
    Does anyone in here know if the the 1.5 liter engine in a '93 Civic is an interference engine and how often the timing belt is required to be changed? Thanks.
  • ncampbell2002ncampbell2002 Member Posts: 163
    I believe it is an interference engine and the timing belt interval on a 93 is 60k miles.
  • rickgsrickgs Member Posts: 3
    My four door Honda Civic 2000 has a knocking sound on the front passenger side when making tight right turns.

      

    Took the car in today and dealership states brake pads are a worn down and drums need machining. This is being done but I am not convinced it will fix the knocking sound. I am wondering if it may be the CV joint or such.

     

    Any ideas on what may be causing the knocking sound? Is it the brakes?

      

    Is it possible to get a second opinion on the car condition before the warranty ends? How would I go about doing this?

      

    Thanks.
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