Fuel System - CNG Fuel Tank/Line Inspection
06-015May 6, 2009
Applies To:
1998-09 Civic GX - ALL
Natural Gas Fuel Tank and Fuel Line Inspection
(Supersedes 06-015, Natural Gas Fuel Tank Inspection, dated March 31, 2006, to revise the information marked by the asterisks)
*REVISION SUMMARY
^ In Applies To, vehicles up to the 2009 model were added.
^ Under BACKGROUND, fuel line inspection and a reference to the 2006-09 service manual supplement was added.
^ Under REPAIR PROCEDURE, this information was
added:
- In step 4, a tank label check
- In step 5, an iN search path for information on how to inspect tanks and what to do if a tank is expired or damaged beyond repair
- A new step 6 with fuel line inspection information
- New steps 8, 9, and 10, describing a new inspection form for the fuel tank and the fuel lines*
BACKGROUND
The fuel tank in all Honda natural gas vehicles must be inspected for deterioration or damage every 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. This is a requirement of Honda and of the federal government. In addition, the fuel lines and related parts should be inspected to make sure they are OK.
NOTE:
This service bulletin supersedes the natural gas fuel tank inspection procedure in the Civic GX service manual supplements. On the following service manual supplement pages, make a note to refer to this service bulletin for the fuel tank inspection procedure:
^ Page 11-138 in the 1998-2000 Civic GX Service Manual Supplement
^ Page 11-121 in the 2001-2005 Civic GX Service Manual Supplement
*^ Page 11-147 in the 2008-2009 Civic GX Service Manual Supplement*
INSPECTION PROCEDURE
NOTE:
^ You must be a Honda NGV-certified technician to inspect or replace the fuel tank or the fuel lines.
^ To become Honda NGV-certified, complete the Honda technical training modules for natural gas vehicles (modules GXC12 and GXS12). For more information, refer to the Online University on the iN.
^ Fuel tank inspection does not require tank removal from the vehicle.
^ Wear gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges or carbon fibers.
1. Remove the rear seat. If needed, refer to the Body section of the appropriate Civic GX service manual supplement.
2. Remove the trunk floor lid and the trunk partition. If needed, refer to the Body section of the appropriate Civic GX service manual supplement.
3. Check the fuel tank's expiration date. If the tank is expired, let the customer know that the tank should be replaced to keep the vehicle compliant with federal safety standards.
4. Using a flashlight and an inspection mirror, thoroughly check the fuel tank assembly for any of these problems:
* ^ Missing labels on the tank*
^ Excessive rust on the tank bands or its mounting frame
^ Loose tank frame bolts, band bolts, or nuts
^ Improper alignment of the tank and its bands
NOTE: The horizontal alignment marks should be close, but they do not have to be perfect. Expansion of the fuel tank can cause the marks to move slightly.
^ Dents, cuts, or abrasions on the tank cylinder or either of the tank domes
^ Tank expansion or deformation Evidence of tank overheating
5. If you found any problems in step 4, repair them as needed. For problems with the tank cylinder or the tank domes (dents, cuts, abrasions, expansion, deformation, or evidence of overheating), refer to the appropriate tank (Type 3 or Type 4) inspection information on the iN:
^ From the iN main menu, select SERVICE.
^ From the SERVICE drop-down menu, select ISIS (Service Publications).
^ From the ISIS menu, select SEARCH BY PUBLICATION.
^ From the SEARCH BY PUBLICATION menu, select Job Aids.
^ From the list of Job Aids, select the appropriate fuel tank inspection information: Civic GX Type 3 NGV Fuel Tank Inspection, or HONDA Civic GX Type 4 NGV Fuel Tank Inspection.
NOTE:
^ Because the fuel tank inspection documents are generic (not Honda-specific), some of the information does not apply to Civic GX fuel tanks.
^ If the fuel tank is damaged beyond repair or past its expiration date, you must condemn it. For tank disposal guidelines, refer to the appropriate tank inspection document (Type 3 or Type 4).
^ If a customer declines the repair of a damaged fuel tank or the replacement of an expired fuel tank, clearly note the tank problems on the repair order. Let the customer know that their signature on the repair order indicates that they were advised of the problem.
6. Check the fuel lines and related parts for any of the following problems, and repair or replace them as needed:
^ Improperly routed or loose vent hoses inside the trunk.
^ Looseness (broken line retainers), damage, or leaks in the fuel feed lines on the bottom of the vehicle.
^ Damage or leaks at the fuel joint block.
^ Damage in the fuel tank relief valve (PRD) line, or a missing end cap on the line.
^ Leaks in the fuel line fittings or the fuel receptacle.
^ Excessive wear on the fuel receptacle (see Service Bulletin 08-085, Civic GX Fuel Receptacle Check).
^ Damage to the fuel receptacle 0-ring or the fuel receptacle end cap.
7. Mark the label on the tank with your Honda NGV-certified inspector stamp, and use a permanent marker to write the date below your stamp.
8. Print a copy of the Civic GX Fuel Tank/Fuel System Inspection Report from the iN:
NOTE:
This inspection report supersedes the NGV container inspection record forms in the Honda Civic GX Type 3 and Type 4 inspection information.
^ Using the iN search information in step 5, go to the list of Job Aids.
^ From the list of Job Aids, select Civic GX Fuel Tank/Fuel System Inspection Report.
9. Fill out the inspection report completely, including both the fuel tank and the fuel line inspection items.
10. Make a photocopy of the completed inspection report; put one copy in the glove box, and place the other in the customer's file.
11. Reinstall the trunk partition, the trunk floor lid, and the rear seat.
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