Honda 2003 Civic Owner's Manual page 275

Malfunction Indicator Lamp, Brake System Indicator
Readiness Codes
Your car has certain ''readiness
codes'' that are part of the on-board
diagnostics for the emissions
systems. In some states, part of the
emissions testing is to make sure
these codes are set. If they are not
set, the test cannot be completed.
If your car's battery has been
disconnected or gone dead, these
codes are erased. It takes several
days of driving under various
conditions to set the codes again.
274
Taking Care of the Unexpected
If possible, do not take your car for a
state emissions test until the
readiness codes are set.
To check if they are set, turn the
ignition ON (II), but do not start the
engine. The Malfunction Indicator
Lamp will come on for 20 seconds. If
it then goes off, the readiness codes
are set. If it blinks 5 times, the
readiness codes are not set. See
State Emissions Testing on pages
297 and 298 .
BRAKE SYSTEM INDICATOR
LX, U.S. EX, and Canadian
SPORT models
U.S. indicator shown
The Brake System Indicator
normally comes on when you turn
the ignition switch ON (II). It is a
reminder to check the parking brake.
It comes on and stays lit if you do not
fully release the parking brake.