Honda Natural Gas Vehicles

Emergency Response Guide

Prepared for Fire Service, Law Enforcement, Emergency Medical, and Professional TowingPersonnel by American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

Honda Natural Gas Vehicles

This publilcation covers theseCivic Natural Gas Models:

• 1998-2000• 2001-2005• 2006-2011• 2012

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This booklet has been prepared to help emergency response professionals identify HondaCNG (compressed natural gas) vehicles and respond safely to incidents involving thesevehicles.

Part 1 presents general information and recommendations that apply to all Honda CNGvehicles produced through the 2012 model year. Part 2 contains model-specific informationfor each of the four models: the 1998-2000 Civic CNG, the 2001-2005 Civic CNG, the 2006-2011 Civic CNG, and the 2012 Civic CNG. This guide will be updated or replaced asHonda continues to introduce new CNG vehicles.

We hope this publication provides the kind of information you need. This booklet is availablefor reference or downloading at https://techninfo.honda.com. If you have any questions orwish to order additional printed copies please contact your local Honda dealer or HondaAutomobile Customer Service at 1-800-999-1009.

American Honda wants to thank you for your concern and efforts in protecting Hondacustomers and the general public.

Introduction

Contents

Part 1: Information for all Honda Natural Gas Vehicles

Vehicle Description

Type, Size, and Appearance 2Fuel Tank 3High-pressure CNG Line 3Engine 3Battery 3

Built-In Safety Features

Occupant Protection Features 4CNG Safety Features 4CNG Manual Shutoff Valve 5

Potential Hazards

Compressed Natural Gas 6

Emergency Procedures

Incidents Involving Fire 7Damaged Vehicle 7Best Method for Stopping Fuel Flow and Turning Off the Engine 8Second-Best Method for Stopping Fuel Flow and Turning Off

the Engine 8Least-Desirable Method for Stopping Fuel Flow and Turning Off

the Engine 10Extricating Occupants 11

Towing 12

Part 2: Model Specific Information

1998-2000 Civic CNG 132001-2005 Civic CNG 152006-2011 Civic CNG 172012 Civic CNG 19

Vehicle Description

2

Type, Size, and AppearanceThe Civic GX (Natural Gas) is a four-door,four-passenger car with a conventionalinternal combustion engine fueled bycompressed natural gas (CNG). All fourmodels are nearly identical in appearance to their gasoline-powered counterpartsexcept for labels indentifying them aspowered by CNG.

All 1998-2012 Civic CNG vehicles have adiamond label on the right rear of thevehicle that identifies it as being powered bycompressed natural gas.

Along with the distinctive diamond CNGlabel, 1998-2011 Civic GX vehicles have a NGV(Natural Gas Vehicle) label on the lower leftand right rear doors.

The 2012 model has an emblem on the rightrear of the vehicle, just above the diamondCNG label.

CNG Label

NGV Label

Part 1

1998-2011 Models

2012 Model

CNG Label

RemovableDivider

Fuel Tank

3

Fuel TankThe fuel tank is in the trunk, behind aremovable divider that separates it from thecargo area. The 36.6-inch-long (927 mm) and18-inch-diameter (460 mm) tank is securelymounted between two frames attached tothe trunk floor. The tank is made of flame-resistant materials and certified to havepassed rigid dropping, bullet-impact, andcrash tests.

The natural gas in the tank is compressed upto 3,600 psi. Fuel capacity is equivalent to8 gallons of gasoline.

High-pressure CNG LineCompressed natural gas (CNG) flows fromthe fuel tank to the engine through astainless-steel, high-pressure CNG line that isvisible under the driver’s side of the car. Thehigh-pressure CNG line is certified to aninternal pressure of 10,000 psi.

EngineIn the engine compartment, CNG pressure isreduced to about 40 psi. At this pressure,the CNG flows into the engine through thefour fuel injectors.

BatteryA conventional 12-volt battery is locatedunder the hood. This battery powers thelights, audio system, airbags, seat-belttensioners, and other standard electronics. Italso powers a solenoid valve inside the fueltank (see page 4).

High-pressure CNG Line

Part 1 Vehicle Description

4

Occupant Protection FeaturesAll Civic GX's have lap/shoulder belts anddual front airbags. The 2001 and latermodels add pyrotechnic seat belt tensionersand side airbags for the driver and frontpassenger. The 2006 and later models addside-curtain airbags. To disable the airbagsand tensioners, the ignition switch must bein the LOCK (0) position for at least 3minutes, or the engine must be stopped andthe 12 volt battery must be disconnected forat least 3 minutes.

CNG Safety FeaturesThe fuel tank has an internal solenoid valvethat automatically shuts off the flow of CNGwhenever the ignition switch is in the LOCK(0) or ACCESSORY (I) position, or when oneof several sensors in the fuel system detectsa significant fuel leak.

The fuel tank also has an internal pressurerelief device to release all CNG if thetemperature in the tank exceeds 216ºF(102ºC). When this device is activated, theCNG is routed out of the car through apressure relief outlet under the left rearcorner of the vehicle.

CNG ManualShutoff Valve

PressureRelief Outlet

2001-2005 Model

Part 1 Built-In Safety Features

OFF

5

CNG Manual Shutoff ValveThe Civic GX has a CNG manual shutoff valveto stop the flow of CNG from the fuel tank.The red handle of the valve is located nearthe left rear tire and the splash guard on1998-2005 models and in front of the leftrear tire on 2006 and later models.

To access the handle, reach around the frontor rear of the left rear wheel, depending onthe model. To stop the flow of CNG, turn



2001-2005 Model

2006-2011 Model

Part 1 Built-In Safety Features

the handle one-quarter turn clockwise.

The Civic GX (Natural Gas) does not presentany greater hazards than a conventionalgasoline powered vehicle. Each of the fourmodels have performed very well in crashtests performed according to the NationalHighway Traffic Safety Administrationstandards. As a fuel, CNG also has a longrecord of safe use in private, corporate, andgovernment vehicles.

6

Compressed Natural GasThe CNG used in the Civic GX is a nontoxicgas that cannot spill and cannotcontaminate the ground water.

Like other fuels, however, CNG is bothflammable and explosive. As illustrated inthe graph, when mixed with air, CNG hasmuch higher flammability and explosivitylimits than gasoline. Its ignition temperatureis also very high (1,200ºF), twice as high asgasoline.

To reduce the chance of CNG leakage, theCivic GX has many built-in safety features tohelp contain the fuel, detect a leak, andautomatically shut off fuel flow if a leak isdetected (see pages 4-5). As with the naturalgas used in homes and industry, an odor isadded to the CNG that helps you detect aleak before it can become a problem.

Since CNG is much lighter than air, a leakoccurring in an open area would quickly riseand dissipate into the atmosphere. In anenclosed space, CNG would collect in theuppermost areas.

50

40

30

20

10

0

Gasoline

Flammability in Air(Volume %)

Explosivity in Air(Volume %)

5.3 to 15%

1.1 to 3.3%

CompressedNatural Gas

6.3 to 13.5%

1 to 7.6%

Potential Hazards Part 1

7

Based on discussions with rescueprofessionals, we recommend thatemergency response personnel followstandard procedures developed by their ownorganization for assessing situations anddealing with potential hazards. Given ourknowledge of the Civic GX, we alsorecommend the procedures outlined in thissection.

Incidents Involving FireIf a Civic GX is involved in a fire, followstandard fire-fighting procedures, but keepaway from the rear of the car until the fireis completely out. Remember that hightemperatures can cause all CNG in the fueltank to be released through the pressurerelief outlet at the left rear of the car (seepage 4).

Damaged VehicleBefore attempting to rescue occupants froma damaged Civic GX, or before moving it,you must stop the flow of CNG and turn offthe engine.

You have three ways to do this, rangingfrom the best method to the least desirablewhich are detailed on the following pages.

Part 1 Emergency Procedures

8

Best Method for Stopping CNG Flowand Turning Off the Engine

Turn off the ignition switch, and removethe key.

Turning off the ignition switch automaticallyshuts off the flow of CNG from the fueltank. It also turns off power to the airbagsand the seat belt tensioners within 3minutes.

To use this method, turn the ignition switchto the LOCK (0) position, and remove thekey. (Removing the key prevents the vehiclefrom being inadvertently restarted.)

Second-Best Method for StoppingCNG Flow and Turning Off theEngine

Remove the main fuse, and disconnect

This method should be used if the ignitionswitch is in the ON (II) position, and youcannot reach the key, but you can reachunder the hood.

Removing the main fuse shuts off the flowof CNG from the fuel tank and turns off theengine. Disconnecting the battery negativecable cuts power to the airbags and the seatbelt tensioners within 3 minutes. It alsoprevents the engine from being restarted.

Emergency Procedures Part 1

OFF

or cut the battery negative cable.

9

To use this method, do this:

1. Open the hood and locate the under-hood fuse box and the battery.

2. Remove the fuse box cover, and locatethe main fuse.

3. Remove the screws from the main fusewith a Phillips screwdriver, then removethe main fuse.

4. Disconnect or cut the negative batterycable.

Battery

Under-HoodFuse Box

Main Fuse

NegativeTerminal

2012 Model

2012 Model

2012 Model


10

Least-Desirable Method for StoppingCNG Flow and Turning Off theEngine

Turn off the CNG manual shutoff valve.

This method does not disable the airbags orthe seat belt tensioners. It should be usedonly if the engine is running, you cannotreach the key, and you cannot reach underthe hood.

Turning off the CNG manual shutoff valveimmediately stops the flow of CNG from thefuel tank. The engine will stop within 1minute of turning off the valve.

To use this method, do this:

1. Locate the red handle of the CNGmanual shutoff valve. Depending on themodel, it is either in front of or behindthe left rear tire. See page 5.

2. Turn the handle one-quarter turnclockwise to stop the flow of CNG.

CNG Manual Shutoff Valve

CNG Manual Shutoff Valvein Off Position

2001-2005 Model

Emergency Procedures Part 1

11


Extricating OccupantsIf you need to break windows, cut into thebody, or use “Jaws of Life”-type equipmentto remove occupants from a damaged car,be sure to stay within the cut zone asindicated in Part 2.

If you need to move the Civic GX only ashort distance, such as to the side of theroad, and it can still roll on the ground, theeasiest way is to shift the transmission toneutral, then push the car manually.

Example: Cut Zone

12

The preferred method for transporting theCivic GX away from an emergency location ison a flatbed truck.

If a flatbed is not available, wheel-liftequipment may be used, preferably with thefront wheels lifted. If the rear wheels mustbe raised, set the parking brake, and shiftthe transmission to neutral before towing.

Towing Part 1

13

Part 2 1998-2000 Civic CNG

Identifying the Civic CNG

1998-2000 Civic CNG models are 4-door, 4-passenger cars that appear the same as thegasoline powered models except for thedistinctive NGV labels on the rear doors.

A blue, diamond-shaped label on the rightrear of the 1998-2000 Civic CNG vehicles. Also,

Under-HoodFuse Box

Battery Fuel Tank

Engine

CNGEngine

Components

Brake Lines

High-PresssureCNG Line


Key Components

identifies it as being passed by CNG.

1998-2000 Civic CNG Part 2

14

Flammable Fluids

CNG: 100 liters (8 gas gallons equalivent)

Engine Oil: 3.8 quarts (3.6 liters)

Transmission Fluid: 6.2 quarts (5.9 liters)

Airbags

Front Airbags: Driver and Front Passenger

Underhood Components Main Fuse Location

Fuse Box 12V BatteryMain Fuse Screws

Cut Zone

Cut Zone

High-pressureCNG Line

Fuel Tank

15



2001-2005 Civic CNG models are 4-door, 4-passenger cars that appear the same as thegasoline powered models except for thedistinctive NGV labels on the rear doors.

A blue, diamond-shaped label on the rightrear of the 2001-2005 Civic CNG vehicle alsoidentifies it as being powered by CNG.

Under-HoodFuse Box

Battery

Fuel Tank

Engine

CNGEngine

Components

Brake Lines



Key Components

16


Flammable Fluids




Airbags


Tensioners: Driver and Front Passenger

Side Airbags: Driver and Front Passenger


Fuse Box 12V Battery Main Fuse Screws

Cut Zone

Cut Zone


Fuel Tank

17



2006-2011 Civic CNG models are 4-door, 5-passenger cars that appear the same asthe gasoline powered models except for thedistinctive NGV labels on ther rear doors.

A blue, diamond-shaped label on the rightrear of the 2006-2011 Civic CNG vehicle alsoidentifies it as being powered by CNG.

Under-HoodFuse Box

Battery

Fuel Tank

Engine

CNGEngine

Components



Key Components

18


Flammable Fluids




Airbags




Side Curtain Airbags: Driver, Front Passenger,Outer Rear Passengers


Fuse Box12V BatteryMain Fuse Screws

Cut Zone

Cut Zone


Fuel Tank

Side CurtainAirbag Inflator

19

Part 2 2012 Civic CNG


2012 Civic CNG models are 4-door, 5-passenger cars that appear the same asthe gasoline powered models.

A blue, diamond-shaped label on the rightrear of the 2012 Civic CNG vehicles, and thewords “Natural Gas” identify them as beingpowered by CNG.

Under-HoodFuse Box

Battery

Fuel Tank

Engine

CNGEngine

Components



Key Components

20

2012 Civic CNG Part 2

Flammable Fluids




Airbags




Side Curtain Airbags: Driver, Front Passenger,Outer Rear Passengers


Fuse Box12V BatteryMain Fuse

Cut Zone

Cut Zone


Fuel Tank

Side CurtainAirbag Inflator

Honda Natural Gas Vehicles

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