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HOMESERVICE MANUALSHONDA2002CIVIC SIREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISEXTERNAL PAGESDIFFERENT CARSECTION 66 (COOLING SYSTEM)COOLANT REPLACEMENT
2002 Honda Civic Si

Coolant Replacement

2002 Honda Civic SiSECTION Coolant Replacement
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Acura MDX, 2005 Acura MDX, 2004 Acura MDX, and 2003 Acura MDX. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
  1. Turn the ignition switch ON (II). Set the climate control system to 90°F (32°C) or heater controls to full hot, then turn the ignition switch OFF. Make sure the engine and radiator are cool to the touch.
  2. Remove the radiator cap.
  3. Loosen the drain plug (A), and drain the coolant.
    Fig 1: Draining Coolant
    G03639544Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  4. Install a rubber hose (A) on the drain bolt (B) located at the rear of the engine block, then loosen the drain bolt.
    Fig 2: Installing Rubber Hose On Drain Bolt
    G03639545Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  5. When the coolant stops draining, tighten the drain bolt.
  6. Tighten the radiator drain plug securely.
  7. Remove, drain, and reinstall the coolant reservoir.
  8. Pour Acura Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2 (P/N OL999-9001) into the radiator up to the base of the filler neck.
    NOTE:
    • Always use Acura Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2 (P/N OL999-9001). Using a non-Honda coolant can result in corrosion, causing the cooling system to malfunction or fail.
    • Acura Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2 is a mixture of 50% antifreeze and 50% water. Do not add water.

    Engine Coolant Capacities (Including the reserve tank capacity of 0.6 L (0.16 US gal)): 

    After Coolant Change: 

    7.1 L (1.88 US gal) 

    After Engine Overhaul: 

    9.0 L (2.38 US gal) 

    Fig 3: Filling Coolant
    G03639546Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  9. Start the engine. Hold the engine speed at 1,500 rpm until it warms up (the radiator fan comes on at least twice). Make sure the thermostat is open.
  10. Turn off the engine. Check the level in the radiator, and add Acura Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2, if needed.
  11. Set the climate control or heater control pane! to maximum cool. Start the engine. Hold the engine speed at 1,500 rpm for 5 minutes, then turn off the engine.
  12. Check the level in the radiator, and add Acura Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2, if needed.
  13. Set the climate control or heater control panel to maximum heat. Start the engine. Hold the engine speed at 1,500 rpm for 5 minutes, then turn off the engine.
  14. Check the level in the radiator, and add Acura Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2, if needed.
  15. Set the climate control or heater control panel to maximum cool. Start the engine. Hold the engine speed at 1,500 rpm for 3 minutes, then turn off the engine.
  16. Check the level in the radiator, and add Acura Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2, if needed.
  17. Set the climate control or heater control panel to maximum heat. Start the engine. Hold the engine speed at 1,500 rpm for 3 minutes, then turn off the engine.
  18. Check the level in the radiator, and add Acura Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2, if needed.
  19. Repeat steps  15 through  18 until the coolant level does not change in the radiator, then install the radiator cap loosely.
  20. Set the climate control or heater control panel to maximum cool. Start the engine. Hold the engine speed at 2,500 rpm for 1 minute.
  21. Set the climate control or heater control panel to maximum heat, and select high speed heat mode on the rear control panel. Measure the temperature of the air from the rear floor vent for 2 or 3 minutes. Make sure the temperature is above the standard line of the graph as shown. If the temperature is below the standard line, repeat steps  15 through  18 several more times. Then loosely install the radiator cap and recheck.
    Fig 4: Identifying Temperature Graph
    G03639547Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  22. Loosely install the radiator cap and recheck. Make sure you do not hear the sound of water flowing near the rear heater unit. If you hear water flowing, repeat steps  15 through  18 several more times.
  23. Install the radiator cap fully.
  24. Fill the reserve tank with Acura Long Life Antifreeze /Coolant Type 2 up to the MAX mark on the tank, then add an extra 0.4 L (0.11 US gal) coolant.
  25. Clean up any spilled engine coolant.
RENDER: 1.0x

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Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.