1987 Honda CRX Repair Manual

The 1987 Honda CRX is a compact sports coupe featuring front-wheel drive, available with 1.3L or 1.5L 4-cylinder engines, 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmission, independent front suspension with MacPherson struts, and semi-independent rear suspension. This manual covers maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair procedures for engine, transmission, brakes, electrical, and chassis systems. Below are key sections for specifications, maintenance schedules, repair procedures, and troubleshooting.

1. Vehicle Specifications 2. Maintenance Schedule 3. Engine Repair 4. Transmission Service 5. Brake System 6. Electrical System 7. Suspension & Steering 8. Cooling System 9. Fuel System 10. Exhaust System 11. Troubleshooting

Vehicle Specifications

Key technical data for 1987 Honda CRX models.

Specification	Description
Engine Options	1.3L EW1 (76hp), 1.5L EW3/D15A3 (91hp)
Transmission	5-speed manual, 3-speed automatic
Drivetrain	Front-wheel drive
Fuel System	Dual Point Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI)
Brakes Front	Disc brakes
Brakes Rear	Drum brakes
Suspension Front	MacPherson strut with stabilizer bar
Suspension Rear	Semi-independent trailing arm with torsion beam
Fuel Capacity	11.9 gallons (45 liters)
Curb Weight	1,800-1,900 lbs (816-862 kg)

Maintenance Schedule

Recommended service intervals for optimal performance.

Oil Change: Every 7,500 miles or 12 months
Oil Filter: Replace with every oil change
Air Filter: Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed
Spark Plugs: Replace every 30,000 miles
Timing Belt: Replace every 60,000 miles
Coolant Flush: Every 30,000 miles or 24 months
Brake Fluid: Replace every 2 years
Transmission Fluid: Manual - 30,000 miles; Auto - 15,000 miles

WARNING! Always use Honda-approved fluids and follow torque specifications.

Engine Repair

Common engine service procedures and specifications.

Valve Adjustment: Cold engine - Intake 0.15-0.19mm, Exhaust 0.17-0.21mm
Compression Test: Standard 178 psi, Minimum 142 psi, Max variation 28 psi
Timing Belt Replacement: Align marks at TDC, tension properly
Oil Pressure: 11 psi at idle, 50-65 psi at 3,000 rpm
Ignition Timing: 16° BTDC at idle with vacuum advance disconnected

CAUTION! Disconnect battery before electrical work. Allow engine to cool before servicing.

Transmission Service

Manual Transmission: Honda MTF, capacity 1.9L
Automatic Transmission: Honda ATF-Z1, capacity 5.3L
Clutch: Hydraulic system, pedal free play 0.4-0.8 inches
Shift Linkage: Adjust for proper gear engagement
Differential: Integrated with transmission

Brake System

Brake service procedures and specifications.

Front Disc Brakes: Rotor thickness 0.87 inch min, Pad thickness 0.12 inch min

Rear Drum Brakes: Drum diameter 7.87 inch max, Shoe thickness 0.04 inch min

Bleeding Sequence: Right rear, left rear, right front, left front. Master Cylinder: Tandem type, reservoir check monthly.

Electrical System

Battery: 12V 45Ah, negative ground. Alternator: 55A output. Fuses: Located under dashboard.

Battery Testing: Specific gravity 1.265-1.299
Charging System: 13.5-14.5V at 2,000 rpm
Starter Draw: 130-180A max
Spark Plug Gap: 0.039-0.043 inch

Tip: Disconnect battery before electrical repairs to prevent shorts.

Suspension & Steering

Front suspension uses MacPherson struts, rear uses torsion beam.

Strut Replacement: Support vehicle, remove wheel, disconnect stabilizer link
Ball Joint Inspection: Check for play with pry bar
Wheel Alignment: Toe-in 0 ± 2mm, Camber -0°30' ± 45'
Steering Gear: Rack and pinion, lock-to-lock 3.2 turns
Tire Pressure: 28-32 psi (check when cold)

WARNING! Use jack stands when working under vehicle. Never rely on jack alone.

Cooling System

Radiator capacity: 5.3L. Thermostat opens: 180°F (82°C).

Fuel System

Fuel pressure: 33-40 psi. Fuel filter replacement: 30,000 miles. Injector resistance: 1.5-2.5 ohms.

CAUTION! Relieve fuel pressure before servicing. No smoking or open flames.

Exhaust System

Manifold torque: 23 ft-lbs. Catalytic converter: Check for restrictions. Exhaust pipe diameter: 1.75 inches.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine won't start	Fuel, spark, or compression issue	Check fuel pressure, spark plugs, compression test
Poor acceleration	Clogged filter, timing, fuel pressure	Replace air/fuel filter, check timing, test fuel pressure
Brake vibration	Warped rotors, worn pads	Resurface or replace rotors, install new pads
Electrical issues	Battery, alternator, grounds	Test battery/alternator, clean ground connections
Overheating	Coolant leak, thermostat, water pump	Pressure test system, replace thermostat/pump

Reset: Disconnect battery for 10 minutes to reset ECU.

Service: Consult Honda dealership for complex electrical diagnostics