Honda Civic Owner's Manual page 467

06/08/05 22:45:17 32SMG610_467
If the Engine Overheats (Diesel models)
6. Look for any obvious coolant leaks,
such as a split radiator hose.
Everything is still extremely hot,
so use caution. If you find a leak, it
must be repaired before you
continue driving (see
Towing on page 480 ).
7. If you don't find an obvious leak,
check the coolant level in the
expansion tank (see page
8. If the expansion tank needs
coolant, you will have to remove
the cap. Before doing that, turn
the ignition switch to the ON (II)
position and check the
temperature gauge. Remove the
expansion tank cap only if the
temperature gauge pointer has
come down to normal or below the
red mark and you do not hear any
bubbling or gurgling noises
coming from the cooling system.
464
Taking Care of the Unexpected
Removing the expansion
tank cap while the engine is
hot can cause the coolant to
Emergency spray out, seriously scalding
you.
Always let the engine and
radiator cool down before
305 ).
removing the expansion tank
cap.
9. Use a cloth or glove to protect
your hand while removing the
expansion tank cap. Loosen the
cap by turning it 1/8 turn anticlock-
wise. Stop and wait for any pres-
sure in the expansion tank to
escape. Then remove the cap by
turning it anticlockwise.
10. Start the engine and set the
temperature control dial to
maximum heat (climate control to
AUTO at '' ''). Add coolant up
to the MAX line on the expansion
tank. If you do not have the proper
coolant mixture available, you can
add plain water. Remember to
have the cooling system drained
and refilled with the proper
mixture as soon as you can.
11. Put the expansion tank cap back
on tightly. Run the engine, and
watch the temperature gauge. If it
goes back to the red mark, the
engine needs repair (see
Emergency Towing on page
12. If the temperature stays normal,
check the coolant level in the
expansion tank. If it has gone
down, add coolant to the MAX
mark. Put the expansion tank cap
back on tightly.
480 ).