A13-022

Service Bulletin
Applies To:
13-022
1998–2003 Civic GX – ALL with SCI CNG Fuel Tank Assembly
2004–2011 Civic GX – ALL
2012–2015 Civic Natural Gas – ALL
March 5, 2020
CNG Fuel Tank Solenoid Valve Replacement Process
Supersedes 13-022, dated February 10, 2017, See REVISION SUMMARY
REVISION SUMMARY
This bulletin has been extensively revised. American
Honda recommends reviewing the entire bulletin.
BACKGROUND
For vehicles with SCI compressed natural gas
(CNG) fuel tanks, Honda is no longer replacing the
fuel tank and solenoid valve altogether. If you
replace the fuel tank solenoid valve, you must now
install the original fuel tank.
All SCI aluminum fuel tanks are eligible for fuel
tank solenoid replacement.
This service bulletin does not apply to Lincoln
Composite fuel tanks, which must still be
replaced as a remanufactured assembly. (Refer
to service bulletin 01-005, CNG Fuel Tank
Assembly Exchange Program.) Check the fuel
tank label to confirm that the tank is from SCI.
REPAIR POLICY
Repairs on CNG fuel tank assemblies may require
the installation of a new CNG fuel tank solenoid
valve assembly.
PARTS INFORMATION
NOTE: To help clarify where new parts are used in
the REPAIR PROCEDURE, the new part is listed in
the applicable repair step with a > symbol.
Front Upper Turn Clip (2 required):
P/N 91561-SJD-003
Fuel Line Connector O-Ring (1/4 in. Port Side)
(2 required):
P/N 91066-S1G-A01
Fuel Line Connector O-Ring (3/8 in. Port Side):
P/N 91066-S1G-B01
Fuel Line Connector O-Ring (1/4 in.)(5 required):
P/N 91067-S1G-A01
Fuel Line Connector O-Ring (3/8 in.)(2 required):
P/N 91067-S1G-B01
Fuel Tank Solenoid Valve O-Ring:
P/N 17574-PDN-A01
NOTE: The fuel tank solenoid valve should be
replaced by a Honda-certified natural gas
dealer.
REQUIRED MATERIALS
Contact / Brake Cleaner: P/N 08700-9201
Nitrogen Bottle 240 cu ft (filled to 1,500 psi):
(commercially available)
PAG Oil: P/N 38897-P13-A01AH
Plastic Wire Tie: (commercially available)
Snoop Liquid Leak Detector:
(order from swagelok.com)
ª2020 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. – All Rights Reserved
14159 Version 5
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CUSTOMER INFORMATION: The information in this bulletin is intended for use only by skilled technicians who have the proper tools,
equipment, and training to correctly and safely maintain your vehicle. These procedures should not be attempted by “do-it-yourselfers,”
and you should not assume this bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle has the condition described. To determine whether this
information applies, contact an authorized Honda automobile dealer.
TOOL INFORMATION
CNG Tank Valve Replacement Kit: T/N
HONCNGKIT Kit contains these items:
Knurled Threaded Handle
Mini Gator Clamp
Molykote 55 grease
Negative/Positive Gator Clamp
Pin Spanner
Receptacle Gauge
Steel Braided Line
Yellow Paint Marker
Ground Wire
Manual Override Vent Tool
Vent Tube
REPAIR PROCEDURE
Compressed natural gas is flammable and highly
explosive. You could be killed or seriously injured if
leaking natural gas is ignited.
Stop the engine, and keep heat, sparks and flames
away.
Safety glasses need to be worn during these
operations.
When venting fuel, follow local regulations concerning
venting natural gas. Consult your local fire and
environmental authorities for specific regu- lations.
This procedure should be done outside, in a well
ventilated area, or in a properly equipped NGV shop.
Check for a gas leak if there is an odor coming from
the vehicle. Compressed natural gas can only be
smelled, not seen.
Available for loan from the Honda Tool and
Equipment Program at 888-424-6857.
Vernier Caliper: (commercially available)
WARRANTY CLAIM INFORMATION
The normal warranty applies.
OP#
Description
3101S4
Remove and install the CNG fuel
tank.
A Replace CNG fuel tank solenoid valve.
FRT
5.6
1.0
The following service information procedures
have been used in full or in part within this
service bulletin. For more detail on these
procedures, and torque specifications for some
components, refer to the applicable service
information.
• Fuel Pressure Relieving
• Fuel Tank Removal and Installation
Failed Part:
16750-RNE-A01
Defect Code:
03217
• Rear Floor Undercover Removal and Installation
Symptom Code:
09001
Skill Level:
Repair Technician
(Honda NGV
Certified)
• Rear Floor Upper Crossmember Gusset
Removal and Installation
• C-Pillar Trim Removal and Installation
DIAGNOSIS
NOTE: You must be a Honda NGV-Certified
Technician to do the fuel tank solenoid valve
inspection or replacement work.
Follow the normal troubleshooting procedures
found in the service information. If your
troubleshooting leads you to suspect the
solenoid valve assembly is faulty, go to REPAIR
PROCEDURE.
• Fuel Joint Block Removal and Installation
• Rear Seat Belt Removal and Installation
• Rear Seat-back Removal and Installation
• Rear Floor Undercover Removal and Installation
Relieve the Fuel Tank Pressure
Vent the fuel pressure from the fuel tank with the
CNG Vent Tool set. Refer to the Fuel Pressure
Relieving procedure in the service information.
NOTE:
• Using the tank venting tool to relieve tank
pressure makes the solenoid valve unusable,
and it must be replaced with a new valve.
• Do not use the fuel stem to relieve pressure
on the fuel receptacle line. If the fuel stem is
removed, it must be replaced with a new
one.
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Remove the Fuel Tank Assembly from the
Vehicle
1. Remove the fuel tank assembly from the
vehicle as described in the applicable service
information.
Remove the Tank Solenoid Valve
1. Loosen the large seal boot clamp. Pull the
clamp and the vent boot aside far enough
to be able to disconnect the 2-pin connector
from the tank solenoid valve pigtail harness.
SUBHARNESS
CONNECTOR
2. Position the four rubber blocks from the CNG
tank valve replacement kit under the fuel tank
frame and side rail. The joint block should be
suspended above the ground.
SEAL BOOT
CLAMP
JOINT
BLOCK
BLOCKS
FUEL TANK
FRAME
3. Use the large plastic wire tie to support the fuel
joint block lines up to the frame. Make sure the
joint block bracket is attached. Leave the wire
tie in place until the lines are attached to the
new solenoid valve.
NOTE: Do not overtighten the wire tie. This will
cause pressure on the fuel lines and may
cause problems aligning them to the new fuel
tank valve.
SUBHARNESS
CLIP
LARGE
SEAL BOOT
JOINT
BLOCK
BRACKET
JOINT
BLOCK
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WIRE
TIE
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2. Fold back the seal boot to access the fuel
lines.
NOTE: Use an elastic cord to hold the seal
boot out of the way.
3. Loosen and remove the three fuel line nuts
from the connector fittings. Remove the Orings. Support the line connector on the valve
with a wrench while loosening the line nut.
NOTE: Always use two wrenches when
removing or installing the fuel line nuts.
FUEL LINE
6. Note the position of the line connectors.
Remove the three fuel line connectors.
NOTE: There are two smaller fittings. The one
with the shorter threads goes into the middle
position of the solenoid valve for the pressure
relief valve.
7. Coil the pigtail harness on the end of the
solenoid valve, then position the 2.5-inch
socket over it, making sure the pigtail fits
inside the socket.
SOLENOID
VALVE
PIGTAIL
HARNESS
O-RING
(Replace.)
COILED
PIGTAIL
HARNESS
2.5-INCH
SOCKET
FUEL LINES
4. Disconnect the solenoid valve pigtail harness
from the backing plate clip.
5. Gently pull the fuel lines back slightly, so you
can remove the fuel line connectors.
NOTE: Be careful not to bend the fuel lines
because they will not align properly if bent.
O-RINGS
FUEL LINE
CONNECTORS
(Replace.)
(Retain.)
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8. Use the breaker bar supplied in the kit to
loosen the solenoid valve.
If the valve does not turn easily, the
tank has pressure in it. Stop and do the
tank venting procedure again. Do not
proceed until there is no pressure in the
tank and the valve turns easily.
BREAKER BAR
10. Install the fuel tank stand support tool and the
threaded tipping handle from the kit. With the
help of an assistant, stand the tank on its end
and allow it to drain for 20 minutes. Place a
clean and empty drain pan underneath the
tank to catch any liquid as proof of
contaminated CNG.
NOTE: If any liquid is found in the tank, replace
both filters. Any water in the fuel tank indicates
fuel contamination, and warranty consideration
would not apply. Discuss your findings with
your DPSM or Tech Line.
NUT
FUEL TANK
STAND
TIP TOOL
TIPPING
HANDLE
9. Remove the solenoid valve by hand, and
remove the O-ring.
O-RING
(Replace.)
SOLENOID VALVE
MOISTURE
FROM TANK
11. Return the tank to the horizontal position.
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Evaluate the New Replacement Solenoid
Valve Condition Before Installing
1. Visually inspect the fuel tank solenoid valve
for damage to the threaded area, the O-ring
seat area, the wiring, and the connector.
> Fuel Tank Solenoid Valve
4. Momentarily connect the test harness to an
automobile battery or booster pack, and
electrically activate the solenoid valve.
• If the solenoid valve works properly and you
can see the solenoid plunger operate, go to
step 5.
• If the solenoid valve does not work
properly, obtain a new solenoid valve
and retest again.
After confirming proper operation, the valve is ready for
installation.
Inspect wiring.
Inspect connector.
TEST HARNESS
Inspect threads.
Inspect O-ring seat.
Inspect wiring.
2. Connect the solenoid valve test harness
from the kit to the solenoid valve 2-pin
connector.
SOLENOID
PLUNGER
INSPECTION
HOLE
3. Using a DVOM, test the resistance of the
new solenoid valve. It should be 18 to 21
ohms.
• If the solenoid valve is within specification,
go to step 4.
• If the solenoid valve is not within
specification, obtain a new solenoid valve
and test again.
BATTERY
TEST HARNESS
DVOM
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Install the Solenoid Valve
1. Use contact brake cleaner to clean the
solenoid valve sealing surfaces on the valve
and the tank.
NOTE: Make sure there are no rag or paper
towel fibers left on any sealing surfaces.
2. Lubricate the new O-ring using only
Molykote 55 grease included with the CNG
valve replacement kit, and install the O-ring
on the replacement solenoid valve.
5. Set the torque wrench from the kit to 339
N•m (250 lb-ft), and torque the solenoid valve
while an assistant holds down the side of the
tank frame.
NOTE: Be careful not to bend the fuel lines.
Torque
solenoid
valve to
339 N.m
(250 lb-ft)
NOTE: Use only Molykote 55 grease for this
process. Do not use any other type of
grease or lubricant.
> Fuel Tank Solenoid Valve O-Ring
NEW O-RING
(Lubricate.)
3. Hand-thread the solenoid valve into the
tank, making sure the O-ring seats
properly in its groove.
Check the Solenoid Valve Assembly for Leaks
NOTE: This leak check is a very important
process done with nitrogen, a non-flammable
gas. This eliminates the possibility of any fire
danger from a leak between the tank and the
new solenoid valve.
1. Install the blue leak check adapter fitting from
the kit in the solenoid valve’s receptacle port,
and make sure the O-ring is installed. Torque
the leak check adapter to 8 N·m (20 in-lb).
LEAK
CHECK
ADAPTER
8 N.m
(20 in-lb)
Make sure the O-ring
is properly seated.
4. Coil the pigtail harness on the end of the
solenoid valve, then position the 2.5-inch
socket over it, making sure the pigtail fits
inside the socket.
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2. Install the nitrogen gas regulator supplied in
the kit to the gas cylinder, and make sure the
regulator key is unscrewed most of the way
without removing it.
NOTE: Always wear safety glasses when
working with pressure.
4. Open the main nitrogen cylinder valve number 1 as
follows:
• Turn the regulator key number 2 clockwise
to set the regulator to 400 PSI.
• When the hissing stops, the tank is
fully pressurized.
Open the main
NITROGEN GAS
REGULATOR
GAS
CYLINDER
REGULATOR KEY
3. Connect the high pressure hose from the kit
to the solenoid valve adapter and the gas
regulator. Make sure the nitrogen tank is
safely supported.
HIGH
PRESSURE
HOSE
nitrogen cylinder
valve.
1
2
Turn the regulator key until
the gauge reads 400 psi.
SOLENOID
VALVE
ADAPTER
NITROGEN TANK
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5. To check the solenoid valve O-ring for leaks,
apply Snoop Liquid Leak Detector at the base
of the solenoid valve. Check for bubbles
around the O-ring seal. Use only Snoop Liquid
Leak Detector because the nitrogen will not be
detected by an electronic detector.
• If there are no bubbles, go to step 7.
• If there are bubbles, go to step 6.
SNOOP LIQUID
LEAK DETECTOR
8. Install new O-rings on the three connectors.
First apply tape over the connector threads to
keep from scratching the O-rings while
installing them. After installation, remove the
tape, and lubricate the O-rings with PAG oil.
> Fuel Line Connector O-Ring (1/4 in. Port Side) (2)
> Fuel Line Connector O-Ring (3/8 in. Port
Side)
NEW O-RING
6. Call Tech Line for a procedure to release the
nitrogen from the fuel tank without damaging
it, then remove the solenoid valve. Check the
sealing surfaces for debris, clean as needed,
then do the following:
• Check the sealing surface of the valve. If
it is damaged, replace the valve and the
O-ring.
• Replace the O-ring with a new one.
• Install the solenoid valve, then repeat
steps 3 thru 5 to check for leaks.
7. If no leaks are found, close the nitrogen
cylinder valve, loosen the regulator key, and
slowly loosen the hose fitting at the fuel tank
adapter to bleed off pressure in the hose.
Only a small amount of gas should be
released when breaking the seal on the hose.
• If gas continues to vent, the solenoid check
valve is defective. Remove and replace the
solenoid valve and O-ring with a new one,
then repeat the leak check procedure.
• If nitrogen pressure does not leak
continuously when the line is cracked
open, remove the high pressure hose and
the adapter fitting from the solenoid valve.
NOTE: The nitrogen will remain in the tank.
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9. Install the three different connectors fingertight in the correct port.
NOTE: Each connector is different. Make
sure the correct connector is installed in the
proper port.
• The large fuel line connector is installed in
the large port.
• The pressure relief device is the same
diameter as the small fuel line connector,
but it is shorter. Make sure this connector
is installed in the port shown.
• The small fuel line connector is the same
diameter but longer than the pressure
relief device. Make sure this connector is
installed in the port shown.
10. Install the three main fuel line connectors
by making sure the tank is on its side, then,
using a 5/8 inch crowfoot wrench on the
smaller fittings and a deep socket on the large
fitting, torque the fittings to these specifications:
• Small connectors: 20 N•m (15 lb-ft)
• Large connector: 34 N•m (25 lb-ft)
NOTE: Do not place O-rings on the outside of
the connectors yet.
FUEL LINE
CONNECTOR
34 N.m (25 lb-ft)
PRESSURE RELIEF
DEVICE (PRD)
20 N.m (15 lb-ft)
FUEL LINE
CONNECTOR
PRESSURE
RELIEF
DEVICE (PRD)
FUEL LINE
CONNECTOR
FUEL LINE
CONNECTOR
20 N.m (15 lb-ft)
Shorter Longer
PRESSURE
RELIEF
DEVICE (PRD)
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FUEL LINE CONNECTORS
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Align and Connect the Fuel Lines
NOTE: Alignment of the fuel lines is important.
When installing a new fuel tank solenoid valve,
the alignment will change.
1. Place a piece of masking tape on both tank
bands near the spring retaining bolt
assemblies.
NOTE: Installation of the new solenoid valve
will change the alignment of the lines to the
tank valve. Alignment of the lines to the valve
is a critical step.
4. With the help of another assistant, carefully
rotate the tank assembly as needed until the
three fuel line flanges align flush with the line
connector position (hold the nut back to see).
NOTE: The fuel tank may be stuck to the
rubber cushions on the tension bands. Rock or
lift the tank slightly to free it if needed.
Fuel line flanges
misaligned.
Rotate the tank.
SPRING RETAINING
BOLT ASSEMBLY
VERNIER CALIPERS
TANK BAND
SPRING
TAPE
Record the spring
measurements here.
2. Measure both of the tank band spring lengths
using a Vernier caliper. Record the
measurement on the piece of tape that was
placed on the tank band. You will need this
later for assembly.
3. Loosen and remove the tank band spring
retaining bolts.
Rotate the tank
while watching fuel
line flange
alignment.
Fuel line
flanges are
aligned.
TANK BAND SPRING
RETAINING BOLT
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5. Lubricate the three O-rings with PAG oil, then
install them on the connectors.
> Fuel Line Connector O-Ring (1/4 in.)(2)
> Fuel Line Connector O-Ring (3/8 in.)
6. While holding the fuel line tight against the
fitting, first, hand-tighten the nut, then torque
the line nuts to make sure the O-ring does not
get misaligned and damaged. Torque to these
specifications:
• Small connectors: 27 N•m (20 lb-ft)
9. Make sure the vertical lines on the tank align
with the tank bands.
NOTE: After the new solenoid valve is
installed, if the marks are rotated to the rear,
align them with the tank bands in the rear,
then make new marks on the side of the tank
that will face the trunk opening.
VERTICAL LINES
TANK
• Large connector: 47 N•m (35 lb-ft)
7. Use a backup wrench on the connector
fitting when tightening.
LARGE CONNECTOR
LINE NUT
47 N.m (35 lb-ft)
TANK BANDS
10. Install and torque the spring retaining bolt lock
nuts to 38 N•m (28 lb-ft).
LOCK NUT
38 N.m
(28 lb-ft)
SMALL CONNECTOR
LINE NUTS
27 N.m (20 lb-ft)
8. Make sure the tank does not shift when
installing the tank band spring retaining bolt
assemblies. Tighten them until the spring
length is the same as previously recorded.
NOTE: Make sure the new alignment is
correct before tightening the tank bands.
PREVIOUSLY RECORDED
SPRING LENGTH
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11. Remove the old horizontal paint markings
from the tank only, (not from the tank bands)
using contact brake cleaner.
NOTE: Use the cleaner sparingly to
avoid damaging the fuel tank paint.
HORIZONTAL LINES
Note how they shifted when the
tank bands were retightened.
Assemble the Seal Boot and Backing Plate
1. Using the spanner from the kit, loosen the seal
boot backing plate collar, and rotate the
backing plate to its original position.
NOTE: Use the solenoid valve wire harness
clip as a guide to positioning the backing
plate. Rotate the plate until the harness clip
lines up with the tab.
BACKING PLATE TAB
(Rotate to line up with
the subharness clip.)
SEAL BOOT
BACKING PLATE
SEAL BOOT BACKING
PLATE COLLAR
77 N.m (57 lb-ft)
Remove the horizontal
marks from the tank only.
12. Mark the fuel tank horizontal lines using the
yellow paint marker supplied in the kit. Trace
over the original lines that remain on the tank
bands, and paint the lines about 1.5 to 2
inches long on the tank. It is important to
mark accurate lines, as these new lines will be
used to evaluate proper tank positioning. The
lines you paint may go over the label, but this
is not a concern.
NOTE: If the paint marks are on the outside
edge of the band (not shown, this may be seen
on late model tanks) continue to mark the new
position on the outside of the band.
View them from the trunk opening side.
SUBHARNESS
CLIP
2. Tighten the seal boot backing plate collar,
using the spanner from the kit, to 77 N•m (57
lb-ft).
NOTE: Make sure the backing plate stays in
position. It will tend to move as you torque the
collar.
Remark the horizontal lines.
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3. Connect the wire harness to the backing plate
tab.
SUBHARNESS
CONNECTOR
3. Connect the fuel tank wire harness to the
body harness.
FUEL SUBHARNESS
6P CONNECTOR
BACKING
PLATE TAB
SEAL BOOT
CLAMP
4. Raise the vehicle. Install the two bottom bolts
to the joint block, plate and tighten them.
Make sure to tighten the two top bolts when
you return to the interior.
SUBHARNESS
CLIP
LARGE
SEAL BOOT
4. Connect the 2-pin solenoid subharness
connector to the wire harness on the tab.
Fuel Tank Assembly Installation
NOTE: The fuel tank will have a final leak check
when fully filled with CNG before the complete
assembly.
1. With the help of an assistant, install the fuel
tank assembly in the vehicle, and torque the
fuel tank frame bolts to 38 N•m (28 lb-ft).
FUEL JOINT BLOCK
MOUNTING BOLTS
9.8 N.m (7.2 lb-ft)
2. Loosely install the two top bolts to the joint
block plate.
JOINT BLOCK PLATE
TOP BOLTS
(Install loosely.)
JOINT BLOCK PLATE
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5. Lubricate the new O-rings with PAG oil,
install them, then connect the fuel lines to
the joint block under the vehicle. Follow the
service information procedure for torquing
the lines.
> Fuel Line Connector O-Ring (1/4 in.)(2)
> Fuel Line Connector O-Ring (3/8 in.)
FUEL JOINT BLOCK
O-RINGS
(Replace.
)
O-RING
(Replace.
)
9. Run the engine. Using the service
information procedure and only Snoop
Liquid Leak Detector, check for leaks at the
tank solenoid O-ring, lines, joint block
fittings, and all fittings and connectors
removed during the repair process. Repair
any leaks found.
10. Completely assemble the seal boot, and
tighten the large seal boot clamp.
11. Install all of the remaining parts according to
the applicable service information.
12. Enter the audio unit presets, and set the clock.
13. Test-drive the vehicle.
FUEL PIPES
47 N.m (35 lb-ft)
6. Install a new O-ring to the fuel connection at
the fuel filter that was removed when the
CNG fuel tank was vented. Torque the fuel
connection to 31 N•m (23 lb-ft).
> Fuel Line Connector O-Ring (1/4 in.)
NEW O-RING
FUEL FILTER
7. Close the manual valve. Transport the vehicle to
a fast-fill fueling station, and fill the tank
completely to 3,600 PSI.
NOTE: Leave the manual valve closed during the
filling procedure and when transporting the
vehicle.
8. Open the manual valve.
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