Honda2003–2006

Civic 1.3 Hybrid IMA: Common faults & known problems

Common faults & known problems

6 known faults documented in workshop bulletins. Of these, two concern the engine and fuel system and one the electrical and ignition. Symptoms, causes, repair steps and part numbers are shown where supplied.

Engine & fuel system

2 documented faults — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

Poor engine performance

Affects All models with VTEC engine.

Symptoms

Engine malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated. Trouble codes stored in engine control module (ECM) fault memory: 22-4.

Cause

Engine oil level incorrect.

Oil supply pressure to variable valve timing (VVT) system too low.

Repair

  1. Top up engine oil to correct level.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 2.

Engine malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) illuminated. Trouble code stored: P1298

Failure of electrical load sensor located in engine bay fuse box/relay plate. Fix: fit a new part.

Overview

Affects
All models.
Fault codes
P1298
Remedy
Fit new part

Repair steps

  1. Disconnect battery.
  2. Remove engine bay fuse box/relay plate lower cover.
  3. Disconnect 3-pin multi-plug from engine bay fuse box/relay plate.
  4. Remove fuses and electrical load sensor from engine bay fuse box/relay plate&.
  5. Fit new electrical load sensor.
  6. Refit components in reverse order of removal.
  7. Carry out electric window/sunroof initialisation and resetting procedures as necessary after reconnection of battery.
  8. Carry out idle speed learning procedure: Start engine and allow to idle. Ensure engine is at normal operating temperature. Ensure all electrical load is switched OFF. Allow engine to idle for 10 minutes.

Parts

Parts listed in the bulletin
PartPart numberQty
Electrical load sensor38255-S5A-0031

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 6.

Electrical & ignition

1 documented fault — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

Buzzing or rattling/clattering noises from headlamps with ignition ON

Affects All models.

Cause

Faulty headlamp adjustment motor.

Repair

  1. Replace headlamp adjustment motor.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 1.

Brakes

1 documented fault — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

Front brake judder

Overview

Affects
All models, 2005-08.

Cause

Excessive front brake disc runout.

Repair

  1. Check front brake disc runout is less than 0.04 mm. Reface or replace front brake discs as necessary.
  2. Check front brake disc thickness variation is less than 0.015 mm. Reface or replace front brake discs as necessary.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 3.

Suspension & drivetrain

1 documented fault — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

Knocking noise from front wheel when pulling away

Overview

Affects
All models, 1982-05.
Remedy
Clean & lubricate

Cause

Contact between driveshaft and front wheel bearing.

Repair

  1. Clean driveshaft and wheel bearing contact surfaces.
  2. Apply grease to contact surfaces of driveshaft and wheel bearing.

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 4.

Clutch & gearbox

1 documented fault — symptoms, causes and workshop fixes.

Rattling noise from clutch assembly with engine idling and clutch pedal fully released

Affects All models with manual transmission.Clean & lubricate

Cause

Insufficient lubrication of clutch release lever pivot pin.

Repair

  1. Apply grease to contact surfaces of clutch release lever and pivot pin.
Parts1 part
Parts listed in the bulletin
PartPart numberQty
Urea grease UM26441211-PY5-305As required

Data: Motorwise Workshop. Bulletin 5.

Glossary

Technical terms used in this guide.

MIL
Malfunction indicator lamp — the engine warning light on the dashboard
ECM
Engine control module — the electronic unit that manages the engine
Trouble Codes
Standardised fault codes stored by the engine control module, read with a diagnostic tool
Control Module
A control unit for one of the vehicle's systems (engine, gearbox, brakes, body, and so on)
Disc Runout
How much a brake disc wobbles; too much causes vibration or squeal
Driveshaft
The shaft that takes drive from the differential out to a wheel
Fault Memory
The list of stored trouble codes in a control module
Multi-Plug
A multi-pin electrical connector on a wiring harness
Relay
An electrically operated switch

Frequently asked questions

What are the common faults with the Honda Civic 1.3 Hybrid IMA?

This guide contains six workshop bulletins for the Honda Civic 1.3 Hybrid IMA. Of these, two concern the engine and fuel system and one the electrical and ignition. Symptoms, causes, repair steps and part numbers are shown where supplied.

Does every Honda Civic 1.3 Hybrid IMA have these faults?

No. These are patterns documented across the model by workshops, not predictions for an individual vehicle. Where a fault applies only to certain vehicles or VIN ranges, that is listed with the fault.

Can I check for Honda Civic 1.3 Hybrid IMA faults myself?

Many of them. The documented symptoms can be seen, heard or felt during a test drive.

Related guides

Glossary term

See in the glossary →