Honda · FC5 · 2016-2021

Honda Civic 1.6 i-VTEC Eco specs and common problems

One of the best-selling sedans in Turkey in recent years. The factory-fitted LPG Eco version is very common. The chain-driven engine is robust, but the screw-type valve adjustment must be done regularly on LPG. The CVT needs fluid maintenance.

Engine code
R16B
Engine oil · 0W-20
3.7 L
Timing
Chain
Original size
215/55 R16
LPG
Conditional

01 / 07

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

The Civic 1.6 i-VTEC Eco 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
CVT
Honda HCF-2 · ≈ 3.5 L (drain and fill)
Manual 6-speed
Honda MTF · ≈ 1.5 L
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 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
6-speed manual / CVT
Emissions
Euro 6

03 / 07

Tyre size and pressure

Front / Rear
33/33 PSI
Full load
33/33 PSI
Original size
215/55 R16
Alternative sizes
215/50 R17 · 235/40 R18
Bolt pattern (PCD)
5x114.3
Centre bore
64.1 mm
Wheel
7J x 16 ET45
Calculate speedometer error for a size change →

04 / 07

Is the Civic 1.6 i-VTEC Eco suitable for LPG?

Conditionally suitable, valve adjustment required

Factory-fitted or sequential LPG system

Toroidal tank
630/220 toroidal tank, ≈ 52 L gross
Valve protection
Required (valve protection and valve adjustment every 40,000 km)
  • On factory-fitted LPG Eco versions the tune was done by the manufacturer, but the valve adjustment interval still has to be followed.
  • A change in engine noise indicates it's time for a valve adjustment.

05 / 07

Civic 1.6 i-VTEC Eco common problems and fixes

  1. #01

    Valve clearance drifting on LPG

    High Risk

    Every 40,000 km

    Symptom:
    Ticking from the engine or 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

    CVT judder when pulling away

    Medium Risk

    After 80,000 km

    Symptom:
    Judder when pulling away, revs rise but acceleration is slow.
    Cause:
    CVT fluid never changed.
    Proper fix:
    Change with genuine CVT fluid; software update if needed.
    P0700
  3. #03

    A/C compressor clutch failure

    Low Risk

    After 60,000 km

    Symptom:
    A/C cools intermittently.
    Cause:
    The magnetic clutch air gap opening up.
    Proper fix:
    Adjust the clutch air gap or replace the clutch.

06 / 07

Common fault codes on the Civic 1.6 i-VTEC Eco

07 / 07

Frequently asked questions

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

The Civic 1.6 i-VTEC Eco (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 Eco 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 Eco run?

With the original 215/55 R16 tyres, 33 PSI front and 33 PSI rear are recommended at normal load, and 33 front / 33 rear at full load. The exact values are on the door pillar or fuel flap sticker.

Is the Civic 1.6 i-VTEC Eco suitable for LPG?

Conditionally suitable, valve adjustment required. On factory-fitted LPG Eco versions the tune was done by the manufacturer, but the valve adjustment interval still has to be followed.

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

The best-known problems are: Valve clearance drifting on LPG, CVT judder when pulling away, A/C compressor clutch failure. The symptoms and fix for each are explained on this page.

Other Honda models

Civic 1.6 i-VTEC

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