Engine Management Systems — General Information (Honda Civic 6)

In order to reduce the level of emissions into the atmosphere of toxic components that enter the engine exhaust gases as a result of incomplete combustion of fuel, as well as to maintain engine efficiency and reduce fuel consumption, the vehicles discussed in this Manual are equipped with a number of special systems that could be combined under the general name of engine management and exhaust gas toxicity reduction systems (see illustrations below).

The systems related to engine management and exhaust gas toxicity control include the following:

• a) Self-diagnostic system;
• b) Electronic engine management system (PGM-FI);
• c) Electrical Load Detector (ELD);
• d) Evaporative emission control system (EVAP);
• e) Catalytic converter.
• f) Controlled crankcase ventilation (PCV) system;

The operation of all of the listed systems is, one way or another, directly or indirectly, connected with the management of reducing the toxicity of exhaust gases.

The following sections provide general descriptions of the operating principles of each system, as well as diagnostic testing and repair procedures (if such seems possible) components of systems, the implementation of which is within the skill level of the average amateur mechanic

Before concluding that any of the emission control systems has failed, carefully check the proper functioning of the fuel and ignition systems (see Chapters Power and exhaust systems and Engine electrical equipment). Diagnostics of some of the units of the toxicity reduction systems requires the use of special, difficult-to-use equipment and certain qualifications of personnel, and therefore, it would be reasonable to entrust its implementation to professional mechanics of the service center of the car manufacturer.



The above does not mean that maintenance and repair of components of toxicity reduction systems in practice seem difficult to perform. Do not forget that one of the most common causes of failures is an elementary violation of the quality of vacuum or electrical communications, and therefore, first of all, you should always check the condition of the nipples and electrical connectors. The car owner can independently and quite easily perform a number of checks, as well as, at home, perform many procedures for routine maintenance of most components of the systems, using a standard set of adjustment and plumbing tools.

Note. Do not forget about the additional federal warranty obligations that fall under the components of the engine's toxicity reduction and control systems. Before proceeding with any repair procedures for components and parts of these systems, please consult your Honda representative office about the terms of compliance with these obligations.

Please take all precautions specified in the following Sections when servicing the electronic components of the systems in question. It should be noted that the illustrative material may not always exactly correspond to the actual placement of components on the vehicle. Such discrepancies are due to the ongoing modification process within the standard design of each model.



The vehicle's engine compartment is equipped with a Vehicle Emission Control Information (VECI) label. The label contains the necessary information on the settings and checks of the controlled systems, taking into account all modifications made to a specific vehicle, as well as a diagram of the vacuum hose routing with identification of the various components (see illustration). Please read the VECI data carefully before servicing emission control and engine management systems.