Honda Natural Gas Vehicles - American Honda Motor Company

Emergency Response GuideHonda Natural Gas VehiclesThis publilcation covers theseCivic Natural Gas Models: 1998-2000 2001-2005 2006-2011 2012Prepared for Fire Service, Law Enforcement, Emergency Medical, and Professional TowingPersonnel by American Honda Motor Co., Inc.ACI47993

IntroductionThis 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, the2006-2011 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.

ContentsPart 1: Information for all Honda Natural Gas VehiclesVehicle DescriptionType, Size, and AppearanceFuel TankHigh-pressure CNG LineEngineBattery23333Built-In Safety FeaturesOccupant Protection FeaturesCNG Safety FeaturesCNG Manual Shutoff Valve445Potential HazardsCompressed Natural Gas6Emergency ProceduresIncidents Involving FireDamaged VehicleBest Method for Stopping Fuel Flow and Turning Off the EngineSecond-Best Method for Stopping Fuel Flow and Turning Offthe EngineLeast-Desirable Method for Stopping Fuel Flow and Turning Offthe EngineExtricating Occupants7781011Towing128Part 2: Model Specific Information1998-2000 Civic CNG2001-2005 Civic CNG2006-2011 Civic CNG2012 Civic CNG13151719

Vehicle DescriptionPart 1Type, 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 appearanceto 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.CNG Label1998-2011 ModelsAlong with the distinctive diamond CNGlabel, 1998-2011 Civic GX vehicles have a NGV(Natural Gas Vehicle) label on the lower leftand right rear doors.NGV Label2012 ModelThe 2012 model has an emblem on the rightrear of the vehicle, just above the diamondCNG label.CNG Label2

Vehicle DescriptionPart 1Fuel 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 flameresistant materials and certified to havepassed rigid dropping, bullet-impact, andcrash tests.Fuel TankRemovableDividerThe 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.High-pressure CNG LineEngineIn the engine compartment, CNG pressure isreduced to about 40 psi. At this pressure,the CNG flows into the engine through thefour fuel injectors.Battery3A 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).

Built-In Safety FeaturesPart 1Occupant 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.OFF2001-2005 ModelCNG 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.CNG ManualShutoff ValvePressureRelief OutletThe 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.4

Built-In Safety FeaturesPart 12001-2005 ModelCNG 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, turnthe handle one-quarter turn clockwise.CNG ManualShutoff Valve2006-2011 ModelCNG ManualShutoff Valve5The 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.

Potential HazardsFlammability in Air(Volume %)Explosivity in Air(Volume %)50403020105.3 to 15%6.3 to 13.5%Part 1Compressed 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.1 to 7.6%1.1 to 3.3%0GasolineCompressedNatural GasTo 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.6

Part 1Emergency ProceduresBased 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.7

Emergency ProceduresPart 1Best Method for Stopping CNG Flowand Turning Off the EngineTurn off the ignition switch, and removethe key.OFFTurning 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 theEngineRemove the main fuse, and disconnector cut the battery negative cable.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.8

Emergency ProceduresPart 1Under-HoodFuse Box2012 ModelTo use this method, do this:1. Open the hood and locate the underhood fuse box and the battery.Battery2012 Model2. Remove the fuse box cover, and locatethe main fuse.3. Remove the screws from the main fusewith a Phillips screwdriver, then removethe main fuse.Main Fuse2012 Model4. Disconnect or cut the negative batterycable.9NegativeTerminal

Emergency Procedures2001-2005 ModelPart 1Least-Desirable Method for StoppingCNG Flow and Turning Off theEngineTurn 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.CNG Manual Shutoff ValveTurning 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 Valvein Off Position10

Part 1Emergency ProceduresExtricating OccupantsExample: Cut ZoneIf 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.11

TowingPart 1The 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.12

1998-2000 Civic CNGPart 2Identifying the Civic CNG1998-2000 Civic CNG models are 4-door, 4passenger 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,identifies it as being passed by CNG.Key ComponentsUnder-HoodFuse BoxBatteryFuel TankCNG ManualShutoff ValveHigh-PresssureCNG LineBrake LinesCNGEngineComponents13Engine

1998-2000 Civic CNGPart 2Flammable FluidsAirbagsCNG: 100 liters (8 gas gallons equalivent)Front Airbags: Driver and Front PassengerEngine Oil: 3.8 quarts (3.6 liters)Transmission Fluid: 6.2 quarts (5.9 liters)Underhood ComponentsFuse BoxMain Fuse LocationMain Fuse Screws12V BatteryCut ZoneCut ZoneFuel TankHigh-pressureCNG Line14