Honda · FB7 · 2012-2016

Honda Civic 1.6 i-VTEC specs and common problems

A Civic sedan widely used with LPG in Turkey. The chain-driven engine is robust, but it has screw-type mechanical valve adjustment. If the valves aren't adjusted on an LPG car, engine noise increases and eventually valves burn.

Engine code
R16B
Engine oil · 0W-20
3.7 L
Timing
Chain
Original size
205/55 R16
LPG
Conditional

01 / 07

How much oil does the Civic 1.6 i-VTEC take?

The Civic 1.6 i-VTEC takes about 3.7 litres of 0W-20 engine oil including the filter. Approval to look for on the bottle: Honda Genuine / API SN.

Engine oil
0W-20
With filter
3.7 L
Approval
Honda Genuine / API SN
Alternative
5W-30
Manual 5-speed
Honda MTF · ≈ 1.5 L
Automatic 5-speed
Honda ATF DW-1 · ≈ 3.0 L (drain and fill)
Coolant
Honda Type 2 · ≈ 5 L
Brake fluid
DOT 3 / DOT 4

02 / 07

Timing chain and maintenance

TimingChain

No replacement interval

The chain is long-lasting; regular oil changes are enough.

Oil change
10,000-15,000 km or once a year
Spark plug
Iridium · 100,000 km (40,000 km on LPG)
Valves / tappets
Screw-type mechanical adjustment. On LPG cars, adjust the valves every 40,000 km.
Air filter
30,000 km
Power
125 hp @ 6,500 rpm
Torque
152 Nm @ 4,300 rpm
Displacement
1,597 cc
Fuel
Petrol · Naturally aspirated
Valvetrain
SOHC 16V, i-VTEC
Injection
Multi-point sequential injection (MPI)
Transmission
5-speed manual / 5-speed automatic
Emissions
Euro 5

03 / 07

Tyre size and pressure

Front / Rear
32/30 PSI
Full load
32/30 PSI
Original size
205/55 R16
Alternative sizes
215/45 R17 · 195/65 R15
Bolt pattern (PCD)
5x114.3
Centre bore
64.1 mm
Wheel
6.5J x 16 ET45
Calculate speedometer error for a size change →

04 / 07

Is the Civic 1.6 i-VTEC suitable for LPG?

Conditionally suitable, valve adjustment required

Sequential LPG system

Toroidal tank
630/200 toroidal tank, ≈ 47 L gross
Valve protection
Required (valve protection and valve adjustment every 40,000 km)
  • Compression loss and burnt valves are common on LPG Civics whose valve adjustment was neglected.
  • If the ticking from the engine has increased, it's time for a valve adjustment.

05 / 07

Civic 1.6 i-VTEC common problems and fixes

  1. #01

    Valve clearance drifting on LPG

    High Risk

    Every 40,000 km

    Symptom:
    Ticking from the engine, or the opposite, going quiet; rough idle, P0300.
    Cause:
    Valve clearance changing due to LPG's dry combustion.
    Proper fix:
    The valves are adjusted. If compression has dropped, the cylinder head needs repair.
    P0300
  2. #02

    A/C compressor clutch failure

    Low Risk

    After 80,000 km

    Symptom:
    A/C cools intermittently or not at all.
    Cause:
    The magnetic clutch air gap opening up.
    Proper fix:
    Adjust the clutch air gap or replace the clutch. The compressor doesn't always need replacing.
  3. #03

    Worn engine mount

    Low Risk

    After 100,000 km

    Symptom:
    Vibration at idle, knock when selecting reverse.
    Cause:
    The hydraulic engine mount leaking fluid.
    Proper fix:
    The engine mount is replaced.

06 / 07

Common fault codes on the Civic 1.6 i-VTEC

07 / 07

Frequently asked questions

How much engine oil does the Civic 1.6 i-VTEC take?

The Civic 1.6 i-VTEC (R16B) takes about 3.7 litres of engine oil including the filter. Recommended viscosity is 0W-20; look for the Honda Genuine / API SN approval. Check the level on the dipstick after filling.

When should the timing chain on the Civic 1.6 i-VTEC be replaced?

This engine uses a timing chain. No replacement interval. The chain is long-lasting; regular oil changes are enough.

What tyre pressure should the Civic 1.6 i-VTEC run?

With the original 205/55 R16 tyres, 32 PSI front and 30 PSI rear are recommended at normal load, and 32 front / 30 rear at full load. The exact values are on the door pillar or fuel flap sticker.

Is the Civic 1.6 i-VTEC suitable for LPG?

Conditionally suitable, valve adjustment required. Compression loss and burnt valves are common on LPG Civics whose valve adjustment was neglected.

What are the common problems of the Civic 1.6 i-VTEC?

The best-known problems are: Valve clearance drifting on LPG, A/C compressor clutch failure, Worn engine mount. The symptoms and fix for each are explained on this page.

Other Honda models

Civic 1.6 i-VTEC Eco

Values are approximate and may vary by engine and VIN. Check against your service manual before doing any work. ·