I drive a 98 EX civic w/ 135,000 ish miles.

I went on a road trip this weekend and picked up 600 miles (:/)

But at around 137,000 the Maintenance required light changed from orange to red.

The cluster is swapped from a CRV automatic and the mileage is off by around 5 thousand miles. (didn't know how to swap the counter before)

It has been orange for a while, maybe before I even installed it, so I did not pay it any mind. I'm thinking it is my coolant.

Any ideas what it would be?

And is it most likely very serious?

My plan is to call Honda and/or take it into Jiffygaylube or Greasyassmonkeys

 

It's just a reminder to the driver/owner that maintance is needed. Only you would know how your motor is running. If its good. I would just reset it. I just reset it every once in awhile. Mines is the type you stick the key in. No biggie.

 

x2

 

Does anyone know why these maintenance lights aren't on the Canadian models? Sounds annoying anyways, but I'm curious...

 

basically it's an oil change reminder light, just use your key or something else to push into the slot to reset.

 

It's on a 7500 mile counter to remind you to change your oil. It turns yellow at 7000 and red at 7500. To reset it, just stick your key in the rectangular slot next to it.

no biggie.

 

+1

 

Okay, than that's no problem.

Does it turn on for anything else?

I believe it could be my coolant as well.

How do I check my coolant (I hope that's not a very stupid question)

 

-First u have to warm ur car up to atleast 185f, then open hood remove radiator cap and check fluid level.

 

The radiator cap has a big warning on it saying not to remove it hot because steam could blow up in your face. I never remove it hot without gloves on and a towel covering it, and I would in fact recommend against removing it hot unless you have a reason. 185 degree liquid in the face is not fun.


Here's the best, most foolproof way to add coolant and make sure you don't have air in the system (IMO): remove the cap cold. If it's low, dump 50/50 mix into the radiator until it's full, and in the reservoir up to the line. Then start the car. Run it with the heat on full blast, adding coolant if it goes low. If you really want to make sure it's full, keep running it until the fan cycles twice, which might take around 30 minutes, then put the cap back on.

This way you don't get injured from a large hot burst of steam and water getting released all at once in your face.

 

You just go ahead and try that, lemme know how it goes

 

^^^is this method any better?? drive the car about 40 miles 20 miles away from your garage and 20 miles back, then open hood remove cap and check level.

 

no. It has a high potential of causing disfiguring burns to your hands and face. Try it if you like.

 

how will COOLant cause this??? isnt it cold!!

 

You guys get the SiR badge and we get the Maintenance light. It all evens out.

GTFO Troll.

 

No, it is just a reminder and that is all.

 

You have got to be kidding me! Coolant will burn you when it gets hot after it circulates in the engine.

I know, I got badly burned back when I was 15 on my chest. It is NOT fun and hurts really bad, trust me.

 

KronOne is being a sarcastic dbag.

Thanks for the information guys!