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Honda Clarity Plug-in Hybrid (2018 year). Instruction - part 31

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Maintenance Under the Hood

Maintenance Items Under the Hood

Washer Fluid
(Black Cap)

12-Volt Battery

Brake Fluid
(Black Cap)

Inverter Coolant
Expansion Tank

Engine Coolant
Reserve Tank

Engine Oil Fill Cap

Radiator Cap

High Voltage
Battery System
Coolant
Expansion Tank

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Maintenance Under the Hood

Opening the Hood

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Opening the Hood

1. Park the vehicle on a level surface, and set

the parking brake.

2. Pull the hood release handle under the

driver’s side lower corner of the dashboard.

The hood will pop up slightly.

3. Push the hood latch lever (located under

the front edge of the hood to the center) to
the side and raise the hood. Once you have
raised the hood slightly, you can release the
lever.

4. Remove the support rod from the clamp

using the grip. Mount the support rod in
the hood.

When closing, remove the support rod, and
stow it in the clamp, then gently lower the
hood. Remove your hand at a height of
approximately 12 inches (30 cm) and let the
hood close.

Opening the Hood

NOTICE

Do not open the hood when the wiper arms are
raised: The hood will strike the wipers, resulting in
possible damage to the hood and/or the wipers.

When closing the hood, check that the hood is
securely latched.

If the hood latch lever moves stiffly, or if you can
open the hood without lifting the lever, the latch
mechanism should be cleaned and lubricated.

Pull

Hood Release Handle

Lever

Support Rod

Grip

Clamp

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Maintenance Under the Hood

Recommended Engine Oil

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Recommended Engine Oil

Oil is a major contributor to your engine's
performance and longevity. If you drive the
vehicle with insufficient or deteriorated oil,
the engine may fail or be damaged.

This seal indicates the oil is energy conserving
and that it meets the American Petroleum
Institute’s latest requirements.

Use a Genuine Honda Motor Oil or another
commercial engine oil of suitable viscosity for
the ambient temperature as shown.

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Synthetic oil

You may also use synthetic motor oil if it is labeled with the API Certification Seal
and is the specified viscosity grade.

• Genuine Honda Motor Oil
• Premium-grade 0W-20 detergent oil with an API Certification Seal on

the container.

Recommended Engine Oil

Engine Oil Additives
Your vehicle does not require oil additives. In fact,
they may adversely affect the engine performance
and durability.

Ambient Temperature

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Maintenance Under the Hood

Oil Check

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Oil Check

We recommend that you check the engine oil level every time you refuel or you
charge the High Voltage battery.
Park the vehicle on level ground.

Turn off the power system. You can check the oil level without the engine having
run beforehand. If the engine has been running, wait approximately three minutes
before you check the oil.

1. Remove the dipstick (orange).
2. Wipe the dipstick with a clean cloth or

paper towel.

3. Insert the dipstick back all the way into its

hole.

4. Remove the dipstick again, and check the

level. It should be between the upper and
lower marks. Add oil if necessary.

Oil Check

If the oil level is near or below the lower mark, slowly
add oil, being careful not to overfill.

Upper Mark

Lower Mark

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Maintenance Under the Hood

Adding Engine Oil

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Adding Engine Oil

1. Unscrew and remove the engine oil fill cap.
2. Add oil slowly.
3. Reinstall the engine oil fill cap, and tighten

it securely.

4. Wait for three minutes and recheck the

engine oil dipstick.

Adding Engine Oil

NOTICE

Do not fill the engine oil above the upper mark.
Overfilling the engine oil can result in leaks and
engine damage.

If any oil spills, wipe it away immediately. Spilled oil
may damage the engine compartment components.

Engine Oil Fill Cap

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Maintenance Under the Hood

Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter

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Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter

You must change the engine oil and oil filter regularly in order to maintain the
engine's lubrication. The engine may be damaged if they are not changed regularly.

Turning the power system on automatically starts the engine if the High Voltage
battery charge level gauge shows one segment or less.

2 High Voltage Battery Charge Level Gauge P. 123

To start the engine, the vehicle needs to be in HV Charge.

2 HV Button P. 16

Change the oil and filter in accordance with the maintenance message on the driver
information interface.

1. Run the engine until it reaches normal

operating temperature, and then turn the
engine off.

If necessary, drive the vehicle until the
engine turns on.

2. Open the hood and remove the engine oil

fill cap.

3. Remove the slotted head screws by

turning 90° counterclockwise on the
undercarriage and remove the under
cover.

Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter

NOTICE

You may damage the environment if you do not
dispose of the oil in a suitable way. If you are
changing the oil by yourself, appropriately dispose of
the used oil. Put the oil in a sealed container and take
it to a recycling center. Do not throw the oil away
into a garbage can or onto the ground.

Maintenance Under the Hood

Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter

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4. Remove the drain bolt and washer from

the bottom of the engine, and drain the
oil into a suitable container.

5. Remove the oil filter and dispose of the

remaining oil.

6. Check that the filter gasket is not stuck to

the engine contact surface.

If it is stuck, you must detach it.

7. Wipe away dirt and dust adhering to the

contact surface of the engine block, and
install a new oil filter.

Apply a light coat of new engine oil to
the filter gasket.

8. Put a new washer on the drain bolt, then

reinstall the drain bolt.

Tightening torque:
30 lbf∙ft (40 N∙m, 4.0 kgf∙m)

9. Pour the recommended engine oil into the

engine.

Engine oil change capacity (including
filter):
3.5 US qt (3.3 L)

Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter

You will need a special wrench to replace the oil
filter. You can buy this wrench from an authorized
Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid dealer.

When installing the new oil filter, follow the
instructions supplied with the oil filter.

Drain Bolt

Washer

Oil Filter

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Maintenance Under the Hood

Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter

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10. Reinstall the engine oil fill cap securely and

start the engine.

11. Run the engine for a few minutes, and

then check that there is no leak from the
drain bolt or oil filter.

12. Stop the engine, wait for three minutes,

and then check the oil level on the
dipstick.

If necessary, add more engine oil.

Changing the Engine Oil and Oil Filter

Reinstall the engine oil fill cap. Start the engine. The
low oil pressure indicator should go off within five
seconds. If it does not, turn off the engine, and check
your work.

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Maintenance Under the Hood

Engine Coolant

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Engine Coolant

This coolant is premixed with 50% antifreeze and 50% water. Do not add any
straight antifreeze or water.

We recommend you check the engine coolant level every time you refuel or you
charge the High Voltage battery. Check the reserve tank first. If it is completely
empty, also check the coolant level in the radiator. Add the engine coolant
accordingly.

1. Make sure the engine and radiator are

cool.

2. Check the amount of coolant in the reserve

tank.

If the coolant level is below the MIN
mark, add the specified coolant until it
reaches the MAX mark.

3. Inspect the cooling system for leaks.

Specified coolant: Honda Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2

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Reserve Tank

Engine Coolant

NOTICE

Genuine Honda engine coolant is a 50/50 mixture of
antifreeze and water that can withstand freezing at
temperatures as low as about −31°F (−35°C). If your
vehicle is consistently subjected to temperatures
below this, the concentration of antifreeze in the
coolant should be increased. Consult an authorized
Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid dealer for details.

If Honda antifreeze/coolant is not available, you may
use another major brand of non-silicate coolant as a
temporary replacement. Check that it is a high quality
coolant recommended for aluminum engines.
Continued use of any non-Honda coolant can result
in corrosion, causing the cooling system to
malfunction or fail. Have the cooling system flushed
and refilled with Honda antifreeze/coolant as soon as
possible.

Do not add rust inhibitors or other additives to your
vehicle’s cooling system. They may not be compatible
with the coolant or with the engine components.

Reserve
Tank

MAX

MIN

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Maintenance Under the Hood

Engine Coolant

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1. Make sure the engine and radiator are

cool.

2. Turn the radiator cap 1/8 turn counter-

clockwise and relieve any pressure in the
cooling system.

3. Push down and turn the radiator cap

counter-clockwise to remove it.

4. The coolant level should be up to the base

of the filler neck. Add coolant if it is low.

5. Put the radiator cap back on, and tighten it

fully.

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Radiator

Radiator

NOTICE

Pour the fluid slowly and carefully so you do not spill
any. Clean up any spills immediately; they can
damage components in the engine compartment.

WARNING

Removing the radiator cap while the
engine is hot can cause the coolant to spray
out, seriously scalding you.

Always let the engine and radiator cool
down before removing the radiator cap.

Radiator Cap

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Maintenance Under the Hood

Cooling System

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Cooling System

Coolant is used to reduce the temperature of the high voltage battery and inverter
coolant. When checking the coolant level, make sure to follow the procedures listed
below. If the coolant level is below the MIN mark, have your vehicle inspected by an
authorized Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid dealer.

1. Check the fluid level in the tank.
2. If the coolant level has dropped below the

MIN level, have your vehicle serviced at an
authorized Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid
dealer.

Only a properly trained technician can
refill the coolant and check the system
for leaks.

Specified coolant: Honda Long Life Antifreeze/Coolant Type 2

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Checking the Inverter Coolant Level

Cooling System

NOTICE

Only use the genuine Honda coolant.

Expansion Tank

MAX

MIN

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Maintenance Under the Hood

Cooling System

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1. Check the fluid level in the tank from the

window.

2. If the coolant level has dropped below the

MIN level, have your vehicle serviced at an
authorized Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid
dealer.

Only a properly trained technician can
refill the coolant and check the system
for leaks.

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Checking the Coolant Level for the High Voltage Battery
and Related Parts

MAX

MIN

Window

Expansion Tank

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Maintenance Under the Hood

Transmission Fluid

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Transmission Fluid

Have an authorized Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid dealer check the fluid level and
replace if necessary.

Do not attempt to check or change the transmission fluid yourself.

Brake Fluid

The fluid level should be between the MIN
and MAX marks on the side of the reserve
tank.

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Transmission Fluid

Specified fluid: Honda ATF DW-1 (automatic transmission fluid)

Specified fluid: Honda Heavy Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3

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Checking the Brake Fluid

Transmission Fluid

NOTICE

Do not mix Honda ATF DW-1 with other
transmission fluids.
Using a transmission fluid other than Honda ATF
DW-1 may adversely affect the operation and
durability of your vehicle’s transmission, and damage
the transmission.
Any damage caused by using a transmission fluid that
is not equivalent to Honda ATF DW-1 is not covered
by Honda’s new vehicle limited warranty.

Brake Fluid

NOTICE

Brake fluid marked DOT 5 is not compatible with your
vehicle’s braking system and can cause extensive
damage.

If the specified brake fluid is not available, you should
use only DOT 3 or DOT 4 fluid from a sealed
container as a temporary replacement.

Using any non-Honda brake fluid can cause corrosion
and decrease the longevity of the system. Have the
brake system flushed and refilled with Honda Heavy
Duty Brake Fluid DOT 3 as soon as possible.

If the brake fluid level is at or below the MIN mark,
have an authorized Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid
dealer inspect the vehicle for leaks or worn brake
pads as soon as possible.

Brake Reserve Tank

MAX

MIN

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Maintenance Under the Hood

Refilling Window Washer Fluid

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Refilling Window Washer Fluid

Check the amount of window washer fluid using the washer fluid level gauge on the
cap.

If the level is low, fill the washer reservoir.

If the washer fluid is low, the washer level
indicator comes on.

Pour the washer fluid carefully. Do not overflow the reservoir.

Refilling Window Washer Fluid

NOTICE

Do not use engine antifreeze or a vinegar/water
solution in the windshield washer reservoir.
Antifreeze can damage your vehicle’s paint. A
vinegar/water solution can damage the windshield
washer pump.
Use only commercially available windshield washer
fluid.
Avoid prolonged use of hard water to prevent lime
scale build up.

Level Gauge

Canadian models

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Replacing Light Bulbs

Headlights

Headlights are LED type. Have an authorized Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid dealer
inspect and replace the light assembly.

Front Turn Signal and Front Side Marker Lights

Front turn signal and front side marker lights are LED type. Have an authorized
Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid dealer inspect and replace the light assembly.

Parking/Daytime Running Lights

Parking/daytime running lights are LED type. Have an authorized Honda Clarity Plug-
In Hybrid dealer inspect and replace the light assembly.

Headlights

The headlight aim is set by the factory, and does not
need to be adjusted. However, if you regularly carry
heavy items in the trunk, have the aiming readjusted
at an authorized Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid dealer
or by a qualified technician.

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Replacing Light Bulbs

Taillights/Rear Side Marker, Brake and Rear Turn Signal Lights

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Taillights/Rear Side Marker, Brake and Rear Turn
Signal Lights

Taillights/rear side marker, brake and rear turn signal lights are LED type. Have an
authorized Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid dealer inspect and replace the light
assembly.

Taillights and Back-Up Lights

Taillights and back-up lights are LED type. Have an authorized Honda Clarity Plug-In
Hybrid dealer inspect and replace the light assembly.

Rear License Plate Light

Rear license plate light is LED type. Have an authorized Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid
dealer inspect and replace the light assembly.

High-Mount Brake Light

High-mount brake light is LED type. Have an authorized Honda Clarity Plug-In Hybrid
dealer inspect and replace the light assembly.

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