Market Position:
The Honda Civic of this era established itself as a leader in the compact car segment, known for its fuel efficiency, reliability, and sporty handling. It competed directly with vehicles like the Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, and Mazda3.
Competitive Analysis:
This manual caters to a highly popular and widely owned generation of the Honda Civic. The 'do-it-yourself' and professional mechanic appeal is strong due to the Civic's reputation for longevity and the availability of aftermarket support.
Key Features:
Comprehensive coverage of all models and engines, detailed illustrations and diagrams, extensive troubleshooting guides, and factory-recommended maintenance schedules make this manual an indispensable resource for owners and technicians.
Coverage Areas:
All models and all engines for the 2002-2003 Honda Civic
Manual Type:
Complete Service Repair Manual
Manual Purpose:
Designed for both the do-it-yourselfer and experienced mechanic, providing the necessary information for repair, maintenance, rebuilding, refurbishing, and restoration.
Systems Covered:
Engine Overhaul and Rebuilding, Brakes, Sunroof, Timing Belt, Wiring Diagrams, Engine Performance, Front End/Alignment, Suspension, Transmission (Removal/Installation, In-Car Servicing), Air Conditioning, U-Joint/CV-Joint Service, Vacuum Systems, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Cooling System, Lubrication System, Electrical System, Body and Chassis, Interior Components, Exterior Components
Electrical System:
Comprehensive coverage of the entire electrical system, including starter, alternator, battery, ignition system, lighting, instrument panel, power accessories, fuses, relays, and body control modules. Detailed wiring schematics are provided for accurate diagnosis.
Brakes Coverage:
Comprehensive coverage of front disc and rear drum or disc brake systems, including inspection, pad/shoe replacement, rotor/drum resurfacing or replacement, caliper service, hydraulic system bleeding, parking brake adjustment, and ABS system diagnostics.
Suspension Coverage:
Covers front MacPherson struts and rear trailing arm suspension. Procedures include inspection, replacement of shocks/struts, springs, control arms, ball joints, bushings, and steering components. Includes front-end alignment procedures and specifications.
Procedures Included:
Repair, Maintenance, Rebuilding, Refurbishing, Restoration, Diagnostic Procedures, Troubleshooting, Repair Procedures, Step-by-step Instructions, Timing Belt Replacement, Brake Servicing, U-Joint/CV-Joint Servicing, Transmission Servicing, Air Conditioning Servicing
Diagnostic Procedures:
Step-by-step diagnostic procedures for all major systems, including engine performance, transmission operation, braking, HVAC, and electrical faults. Includes troubleshooting charts, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and their meanings, and guided diagnostic trees.
Technical Depth:
Detailed diagnostic and repair procedures, complete disassembly guidance, hundreds of photos and illustrations, detailed diagrams, wiring schematics, specifications, troubleshooting and diagnostics, computer diagnostic trouble trees, torque specifications, vacuum diagrams.
File Format Details:
PDF, Adobe Acrobat Reader required, searchable, bookmarked, printable, zoomable
Compatibility:
Compatible with all versions of Windows & Mac, Linux OS, iPhone, iPad, Android, and other PDF-compatible devices.
Binding Type:
Digital Download (not applicable to physical binding)
Paper Type:
Digital Download (not applicable to paper type)
Print Quality:
High-resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or sections.
Engine Options:
D17A1 (1.7L SOHC I4, 115 hp), D17A2 (1.7L SOHC VTEC I4, 127 hp - EX trim), D17A7 (1.7L SOHC VTEC Turbo I4, 160 hp - Si trim)
Horsepower Range:
115-160 hp (depending on engine and trim)
Torque Range:
110-160 lb-ft (depending on engine and trim)
Engine Code Details:
D17 series engines with varying states of tune. D17A1 is the standard 1.7L, D17A2 adds VTEC for more power, and the D17A7 in the Si is a factory turbocharged variant.
Fuel System:
Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) with Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) on some models.
Engine Overhaul Coverage:
Detailed procedures for engine disassembly, cleaning, inspection, component replacement (pistons, rings, bearings, valves, seals), cylinder head reconditioning, and engine reassembly with correct torque specifications.
Standard Transmission:
5-speed Manual Transmission (available on most trims)
Optional Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) or 4-speed Automatic Transmission (depending on trim and market)
Transmission Features:
Includes detailed procedures for removal, installation, and in-car servicing. Specific fluid types and capacities will be detailed within the manual.
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Manual transmission typically holds around 1.5-1.8 liters. Automatic transmission and CVT capacities vary and are detailed in the manual.
Wheelbase:
Approx. 103.2 inches (2621 mm)
Length:
Approx. 168.3 - 174.7 inches (4275 - 4438 mm) depending on body style (Sedan, Coupe, Hatchback)
Width:
Approx. 67.7 - 68.3 inches (1720 - 1735 mm)
Height:
Approx. 55.0 - 58.3 inches (1397 - 1481 mm)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 2,600 - 2,900 lbs (1179 - 1315 kg) depending on configuration.
NHTSA Ratings:
Frontal crash test ratings were generally good, with 5-star ratings for driver and passenger in many configurations. Side-impact ratings were also strong. (Specific ratings vary by year and test date).
Active Safety Features:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available on many trims, Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).
Passive Safety Features:
Dual-stage front airbags, front side airbags (optional/standard depending on trim), front seatbelt pretensioners, LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.
Infotainment Features:
Base models featured a standard AM/FM/CD player. Higher trims offered upgraded audio systems, often with more speakers and optional CD changer. Manual covers basic audio system diagnostics.
Driver Assistance Features:
Limited by modern standards. Primarily relied on active safety features like ABS and passive safety features like airbags. Cruise control was standard on most trims.
Connectivity Features:
No advanced Bluetooth or smartphone integration. Primarily relied on audio input via CD player or auxiliary input jacks on later models.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000-7,500 miles (8,000-12,000 km) or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions and oil type. Refer to manual for specific recommendation.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Recommended replacement interval typically around 90,000-105,000 miles (145,000-170,000 km). Critical procedure as failure can cause severe engine damage. Manual provides detailed procedure.
Engine Oil Type:
API certified 5W-20 or 5W-30 synthetic blend or full synthetic oil (refer to manual for precise specification and viscosity based on temperature).
Coolant Type:
Honda Genuine All Season Antifreeze/Coolant (Type 1) or equivalent phosphate-inhibited ethylene glycol-based coolant.
Brake Fluid Type:
Honda Genuine DOT 3 Brake Fluid or equivalent SAE J1703 compliant fluid.
Transmission Fluid Type:
Honda Genuine Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF-Z1) for automatics/CVTs, or Manual Transmission Fluid (MTF) for manual transmissions. Refer to manual for exact specifications.
Power Steering Fluid:
Honda Genuine Power Steering Fluid or equivalent automatic transmission fluid (ATF) if specified by Honda. Refer to manual for exact specification.
Clutch Fluid Type:
Typically Honda Genuine DOT 3 Brake Fluid or equivalent, same as the brake system.
Common Issues:
EGR valve clogging, catalytic converter failure, premature wear of front suspension components (e.g., ball joints, bushings), AC compressor issues, sticky power window motors, occasional transmission shift issues on automatics. Manual details diagnosis and repair.
Brand Heritage:
Honda has a long-standing reputation for building reliable, fuel-efficient, and well-engineered vehicles. The Civic line, in particular, has been a cornerstone of the brand since its introduction, consistently evolving to meet market demands.
Model Evolution:
The 7th generation Civic (2001-2005) introduced a more unified platform across body styles (sedan, coupe, hatchback), with a focus on improved interior space and refinement over the previous generation. It also saw the introduction of the high-performance Si variant with a turbocharged engine.
Production Years:
2002-2003 model years, part of the 7th generation (2001-2005).
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in North America (USA, Canada) and Japan for global markets.
Car And Driver Editors Choice:
The Honda Civic, across various generations, has frequently been named to Car and Driver's 10Best lists, including this generation for its value, efficiency, and driving dynamics.
Iacdp Award:
Automotive Lease Guide's (ALG) Residual Value Awards often recognized the Civic for its strong resale value, contributing to its overall appeal as a practical purchase.