How to: Routine How to's

Stop your antenna going up and down all time

It's a bit of a pain but is easily fixed. All you need is a switch, I got one from Dick Smith, and then you put it inline between your head unit and the motorized antenna wire. I drilled holes in the back of the factory coin pocket to mount the switch, I also have a switch there for my radar detector. I found that I can still get radio reception with it down when in Christchurch and I only put it up when I drive in the country.

Removing Door Panels

This is pretty straightforward, there are screws in the end of the door, the lever handle, the plastic handle, near the front and on the vinyl-covered handle. Remove the screws then the plastic parts on the two handles. Now using you fingers or a flathead screwdriver with a rag over it, pry the bottom of the panel away from the door starting at the front near the air vent and working back along the bottom and up to the window.

The panel should now swing out at the bottom, to unhook it at the top you need to lift it straight up and it will pop off. Don't let go or pull it away yet, the wiring loom is still connected  (You don't want to break this, a new power window switch will cost $260 new from Honda or $130 from Strong Bros) Disconnect the loom first and you're done.

Leaky Boot

I spent ages trying to find the source of this leak but I could only narrow it down to one of a few places, there's a bung in the bottom of the boot, to the side of the spare tire, you can pull that to let any water out.

I eventually stopped the leak by running a bead of silicone sealant around the entire hatch and sealing any suspect looking places, take some time and you'll find it.

Replacing Headlight Bulb  

I had two of these blow within a short space of time, luckily not during the same night or I'd be stuck between Ashburton and Christchurch. You can get replacements from Repco for about $45, they gave me the wrong one to start with so it would be a good plan to check before pulling your headlight apart.

One thing to remember is not to touch the glass of the bulb with your fingers, this can weaken it. Depending if it's on the left or right you may need to take your battery out to get at it. There's a rubber seal on the back you need to pull off, then there's a wire clip holding the bulb in, just unhook one side and yank the old bulb out. Once out, unplug the wiring plug and throw the bulb away.

You have to be careful putting the new one in, don't touch the glass, just plug the wires in and hold it by that. Ease it into place lining up the three slots, replace the clip and rubber seal and you're done.

Replacing Fuel Filter

First thing would be to disconnect the negative battery cable, you don't want sparks when you're working with the fuel system. Now remove the fuel cap. Put a rag around the old filter in case it sprays everywhere, slowly undo the bolt on the right hand side until it relieves the fuel pressure. Undo this bolt completely and then the other one, undo the bolt holding the filter in as well and remove the filter.

Put the new filter in place, noting the arrows, the 'in' arrow should be connected to the line coming from the right, the left line will go to the fuel rail.
Replace the two bolts and fuel lines, it doesn't matter if the hole in the bolt doesn't line up. Replace the fuel cap and battery terminal. Start the car and check for leaks.

Cutting Valve Cover

To be able to dyno tune your adjustable cam gears without having to take the valve cover off after each run, you have to cut the side of the valve cover off.
If you have a dremel tool then it's pretty easy, you just use the tool to cut any shape you want and clean it up a bit afterward.

I wasn't blessed with such a tool so I took a hacksaw blade, wrapped a rag around it and started sawing. I found the best plan was to cut in a straight line and when it came to turning corners, take a drill with a bit that is slightly larger than the hacksaw blade. The drilling of holes will mean that you won't have to cut as much so I ended up drilling a lot of holes around the outside. Once you have the main part cut out, tidy it up with a file and wet&dry paper. If you want details on removing/replacing the valve cover, then Email me.

 

 

This website has been gradually growing since I started it in early 2002. Originally I was simply documenting modifications and repairs to my car but I decided to publish it when I began to discover others were interested in the information. If you need help or have a how-to relating to Honda B series VTEC engines, or DA or DC2R Integras you can
email me.

While all care is taken to provide correct information, mistakes are occasionally made and I cannot be responsible for any damage that occurs to readers vehicles.