Honda Civic. Manual — part 388

Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2 (P/N OL999-9001).

Fig. 13: Identifying Reserve Tank MAX Mark
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

9. Pour Honda Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2 into the radiator up to the

base of the filler neck.

Engine Coolant Capacities (Including the reserve tank capacity of 0.4 L
(0.11 US gal)):

4-door model:

M/T:

At Coolant Change: 5.2 L (1.37 US gal)

NOTE:

Always use Honda 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.

Honda Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2 is a
mixture of 50 % antifreeze and 50 % water. Do not
add water.

2008 Honda Civic GX

2006-08 ENGINE Cooling System (R18A1) - Civic (Except Hybrid)

After Engine Overhaul: 6.5 L (1.72 US gal)

A/T:

At Coolant Change: 5.3 L (1.40 US gal)

After Engine Overhaul: 6.7 L (1.77 US gal)

2-door model:

M/T:

At Coolant Change: 5.2 L (1.37 US gal)

After Engine Overhaul: 6.5 L (1.72 US gal)

A/T:

At Coolant Change: 6.5 L (1.45 US gal)

After Engine Overhaul: 7.1 L (1.88 US gal)

Fig. 14: Pouring Honda Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2 Into
Radiator
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

2008 Honda Civic GX

2006-08 ENGINE Cooling System (R18A1) - Civic (Except Hybrid)

10. Loosely install the radiator cap.
11. Start the engine, and let it run until it warms up (the radiator fan comes on at

least twice).

12. If the maintenance minder required to replace the engine coolant, reset the

maintenance minder (see RESETTING THE MAINTENANCE
INFORMATION DISPLAY ), then go to step 20. If the maintenance minder
did not require to replace the engine coolant, go to next step.

13. Connect the HDS to the data link connector.
14. Turn the ignition switch ON (II).
15. Make sure the HDS communicates with the vehicle and the ECM/PCM. If it

doesn't, troubleshoot the DLC circuit (see DLC CIRCUIT
TROUBLESHOOTING ).

16. Select BODY ELECTRICAL with the HDS.
17. Select ADJUSTMENT in the GAUGES MENU with the HDS.
18. Select RESET in the MAINTENANCE MINDER with the HDS.
19. Select MAINTENANCE SUB ITEM 5 RESET with the HDS.
20. Turn off the engine. Check the level in the radiator, and add Honda Long Life

Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2, if needed.

21. Put the radiator cap on tightly, then run the engine again, and check for leaks.
22. Clean up any spilled engine coolant.
23. Reset the maintenance information display (see RESETTING THE

MAINTENANCE INFORMATION DISPLAY ).

THERMOSTAT REPLACEMENT

1. Drain the engine coolant (see COOLANT REPLACEMENT ).
2. Remove the harness clamp bracket and thermostat cover, then remove the

thermostat.

2008 Honda Civic GX

2006-08 ENGINE Cooling System (R18A1) - Civic (Except Hybrid)

Fig. 15: Identifying Thermostat Cover With Tightening Torque
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

3. Install the thermostat with a new rubber seal.
4. Refill the radiator with engine coolant, then bleed air from the cooling system

(see step 8).

5. Clean up any spilled engine coolant.

THERMOSTAT HOUSING REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION

REMOVAL

1. Drain the engine coolant (see COOLANT REPLACEMENT ).
2. Remove the air cleaner assembly (see THROTTLE BODY CLEANING ).
3. Remove the harness bracket (A), and cover the air fuel ratio (A/F) sensor

connector and secondary heated oxygen sensor (secondary H02S) connector
with a tape to protect the connectors from engine coolant, then remove the
lower radiator hose (B), the water bypass (C), and the heater hose (D).

2008 Honda Civic GX

2006-08 ENGINE Cooling System (R18A1) - Civic (Except Hybrid)