My First Civic

jackdog1

New Member
2015-12-07 10.42.47.jpg
I recently bought my first car, a '97 Civic EX Coupe, from my neighbor. I has few quirks, but runs great. As far as I can tell, the car is mostly stock with the exception of the tailights, stereo, and hubcaps.

I had a couple questions about some small glitches with the car that I would appreciate any help with or advice on.
  • The sunroof only open 1/3rd of the way, but lifts and slides backward and forward smoothly. I get the impression that something is blocking it from going back all the way. Is it easy to service?
  • There is an intermittent noise issue that I posted about in a separate recent thread.
  • The previous owner said the e-brake is very hard to take off. It seems to work okay when pulled up several clicks, but I haven't yet tried it all the way. Does this sound like an issue with the e-brake adjustment, brake line, or maybe just a faulty lever?
  • It was sitting in a garage/driveway for a long time, it's been inspected (battery and exhaust replaced) and I've checked belts and fluid levels, but is there anything else I should check?
 
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BrayanGonza

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jackdog1 said:
View attachment 26739
I recently bought my first car, a '97 Civic DX Coupe, from my neighbor. I has few quirks, but runs great. As far as I can tell, the car is mostly stock with the exception of the tailights, stereo, and hubcaps.

I had a couple questions about some small glitches with the car that I would appreciate any help with or advice on.
  • The sunroof only open 1/3rd of the way, but lifts and slides backward and forward smoothly. I get the impression that something is blocking it from going back all the way. Is it easy to service?
  • There is an intermittent noise issue that I posted about in a separate recent thread.
  • The previous owner said the e-brake is very hard to take off. It seems to work okay when pulled up several clicks, but I haven't yet tried it all the way. Does this sound like an issue with the e-brake adjustment, brake line, or maybe just a faulty lever?
  • It was sitting in a garage/driveway for a long time, it's been inspected (battery and exhaust replaced) and I've checked belts and fluid levels, but is there anything else I should check?
Click to expand...
I just picked up a 97 DX as well but mines a hatchback. Check for any oil leaks usually around the valve cover. Mine looks like it needs a new valve cover gasket.
 


HeX

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Welcome aboard!

Your e-brake should not need to be pulled up all the way to fully engage. If it does then either the rear drums need replacement, or theyre long overdue for readjustment, or the e-brake handle itself needs readjusting.
 


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jackdog1

New Member
HeX said:
Welcome aboard!

Your e-brake should not need to be pulled up all the way to fully engage. If it does then either the rear drums need replacement, or theyre long overdue for readjustment, or the e-brake handle itself needs readjusting.
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The brakes passed inspection this time, but they will need to be replaced before the next one, so that could be part of it. How far should I need to pull it?

I am wondering about if the handle needs to be adjusted, I'll ask my neighbour this weekend what exactly he means by "the brakes lock up when it's pulled." If he means that the handle won't go back down easily, then that's probably the issue.

Until then, I'll still avoid parking on hills.
 

HeX

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It should fully engage in 3-5 clicks but no more than 8. My rule is if it reaches 6-8 then it needs readjustment. Some will say it doesnt matter, but Ive experienced when an ebrake goes way too high it seems the cable tension at that angle is what makes it difficult to release.
 

jackdog1

New Member
HeX said:
It should fully engage in 3-5 clicks but no more than 8. My rule is if it reaches 6-8 then it needs readjustment. Some will say it doesnt matter, but Ive experienced when an ebrake goes way too high it seems the cable tension at that angle is what makes it difficult to release.
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I'll try re-adjusting it then and see if that fixes it. Thanks for the help!

Any ideas about how I could fix the sunroof issue?
 

HeX

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Im not experienced with sunroof issues. It could be a relay or mechanical issue, possibly even a bushing. Google it 'cause its definitely been covered.
 

jackdog1

New Member
Got it, I will. The weird thing is that it works perfectly aside from not sliding back all the ear, so it's not a relay problem, but I'm wondering if something got stuck in there.

UPDATE
Googled it, all it should take is a bit of silicon grease. I wish all car problems were that easy to fix.
 
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HeX

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When in doubt, Google it or use our search function. You own a car that nearly every issues has been covered and documented online, so take advantage of the vast resources.
 

jackdog1

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HeX said:
When in doubt, Google it or use our search function. You own a car that nearly every issues has been covered and documented online, so take advantage of the vast resources.
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Thanks again for your help. Yeah, that's a nice thing about owning an older car, all the common problems are well documented.

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jackdog1

New Member
HeX said:
When in doubt, Google it or use our search function. You own a car that nearly every issues has been covered and documented online, so take advantage of the vast resources.
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How far should it open normally?

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jackdog1

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Mr.Baker said:
Being that it's not a factory unit, it's hard to tell.
Everyone of them is different, as is the quality of the unit and the quality of the install.
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What do you mean by "factory unit?" The sunroof is original to the car.

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Mr.Baker

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jackdog1 said:
What do you mean by "factory unit?" The sunroof is original to the car.
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Factory unit - meaning car was designed for install of factory sunroof/moonroof unit.

It is NOT original to the car, Dx models did not come with factory moonroof, that was exclusive to the Ex and Si models.
Also, if your roof pops up and back over the top of the roof of the car, it is not a factory unit.
Factory models only pop up, but to open up fully, will drop down and slide back in between the headliner and roof.
 

jackdog1

New Member
Mr.Baker said:
Factory unit - meaning car was designed for install of factory sunroof/moonroof unit.

It is NOT original to the car, Dx models did not come with factory moonroof, that was exclusive to the Ex and Si models.
Also, if your roof pops up and back over the top of the roof of the car, it is not a factory unit.
Factory models only pop up, but to open up fully, will drop down and slide back in between the headliner and roof.
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Actually it is original. According to my VIN, my car is in fact an EX.

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jackdog1

New Member
Mr.Baker said:
That's fine, it is factory then.
But, to continue with your attitude....
Actually, I'm going by the info that YOU originally posted, which was wrong.
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I know, I have to go back and change that. My title said DX, but according to the VIN and the fact that it has a sunroof, it's really an EX.

Back to my question, I'm assuming it should open more than 3-4in?

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